Wow wow wow! Ateez is back with another album! This is one of the earliest posts I’ve done. Are we proud of me?

I am here still not done with the past 2 I promised. I’m sorry. They are almost done. I just take a long time reviewing the albums since there’s a lot to unpack. Firstly, I have to mention the visuals. Impressive. A vibe.

Now let’s focus on the most important thing. The track list preview. This makes me so excited. Anyways. I’ll listen, and tell you what I’m most excited for. We can look back on this later and see what we initially thought when the album comes out on the 31st.

I will also include some fun facts like I do with album reviews. As we learn new things this post will be updated. I also would like to thank fellow ATINY who translate all the lives. Your work does not go unnoticed. And we really appreciate what you do for the fandom. I’m not too good with Korean yet, so this also helps me practice. Thank you so much for your help!

Disclaimer: I did listen to this on my tv beforehand, but I forgot most of them, so this is like a first listen. Especially with my headphones.

I’ll listen a few times and add to it. Once all together and then I’ll spend time with each song.

THE TRACKLIST: the album consist of 6 tracks and we get the preview in this order: Golden Hour, Blind, Work, Empty Box, Shaboom, and Siren.

Thoughts on the tracks:

1. Golden Hour

It feels gospel. Vocal stacking is good. I watched the visual for it and man…it already felt kind of sad yet bright. I really feel like this is going to be a sad reflection song. The gospel vibes I’m getting feels like it will. And the piano. Like gratefulness has happy, positive vibes, but also sad vibes. I think I will be sharing some tears. I know the vocals are going to be eating.

2. Blind

This one has a party vibe. The bass is strong. I’m looking forward to the Dolby Atmos on this song. I know the layers are going crazy. I love it. This needs a music video with everyone partying. The way the beat is playing in my headphones, they are ready to move. I cannot wait.

Hongjoong mentioned how he was very surprised when listening to it. And wondered how he would write the lyrics. Now I’m thinking about all the possibilities these lyrics might bring.

3. WORK

The one I’m used to I’m ready to blast this on a loudspeaker. I need this. This one is bumping so hard. I can’t wait for it to be in my car. I’m ready to flaunt my fur coat. Let’s get it. I’m ready for my new luxury persona lol. This one is very hip hop with the sound. I can’t wait. This is so interesting. And the song is lingering in my head even after listening. My goodness. Also did Mito trick us? It sounds like a flute, but for some reason, I’m still believing all of the instruments are in there. But I don’t know for sure. Ateez and team, you guys got us. You got us good.

Hongjoong won’t give ATINY any spoilers on this so we will have to wait. I think we have been pretty spoiled though with the amount of content surrounding the song. Mingi hinted at a diss being included. Sir. Who or what are we dissing? I need the tea. NOWWWWWW! I’m greedy and can’t wait to hear more.

4. Empty Box

This one feels sad. I’ll be reflecting on this one.

The box isn’t empty though on the illustration lol. I’m wondering if it means you’re searching for a new start. It’s interesting. I feel like this is one I will sit with and rethink my life. I love to calm vocals already. I feel like the rap will be mellow as well. And I’m looking forward to the theme of the lyrics. What painting will it paint today? I’m very curious.

Hongjoong also says this was his first pick in a live. So I will be looking forward to it.

5. Shaboom

This one about to be a hype song. Adlibs going crazy. I know this one is about to get a crowd going. I can hear this in many situations and events. I love the visuals too. I’m ready to attend this vehicle lol. This is so hype. I also want to hear the Atmos Stems for this one. This had to be fun to record. I wonder if everyone will get fast-paced verses or will there be a changeup. I’m wondering what to expect. 

Hongjoong mentioned how it was a “wow!” feeling when listening to this song as well. He had similar feelings as he did with ‘Blind’. Small spoiler alert: These two were also tied for a second in my ratings so I totally understand. The sound is very different from most on this album and even in the past album’s I’ve been reviewing. So I totally get that.

6. Siren

This one feels like Ima go to a club. This one feels like it will be in an action movie. I gotta go into the colors. There’s a lot of yellow, orange, and golds. I think I know what I’m going with for the concert. I think. This one better get visuals and a music video. It’s addicting. It has current and 2000’s vibes to it. There’s a lot to unpack in just the beat. I can’t wrap my head around it completely. 

I think all of these things mean something with the visuals, but I’m not sure. Is it apart of the theme of the songs? Is it a spoiler? Is it apart of the lore? Or is it just for this? It’s telling some sort of story. I’m just confused on what I should look at for surface level and what I should look deeper into. Like the ending is that the theme of the album or each song is a part of the Golden Hour. I’m very intrigued. And there’s so much I want to know.

One word from Hongjoong: “Ooh”. If that’s the expression, I cannot wait.

Hongjoong and Mingi also mentioned ‘Siren’ was a competitor for ‘Crazy Form’. ‘Crazy Form’ was the title track last year’s album (the one that lives rent free in my head 24/7). I still need to finish that post. Sorry. (Future me update: It’s out)

Siren was put into this album instead. But I find that very cool as now both albums have a great variety of sounds. That’s one thing I look forward to. Also, it shows the amount of time put into organizing the album and concepts. Very impressive and admirable in my book, and I cannot wait for more. 🙂 But yeah…onto the ratings!

PREVIEW REVIEW RATINGS:

It’s always harder with these shorter albums because I keep listening more and more and I can’t decide. Especially with a sample of each song. I won’t be able to fully tell since I want to dissect it all. I hate that so much about me. But I switched a couple of times and I have an answer finally. 

1. Siren 
2. WORK
3. Shaboom
4. Empty Box
5. Blind 
6. Golden Hour

As a whole: This is a good variety for a mini album. I’m thinking this is worth the purchase. They have the albums for pre-order as well. The photos turned out great as well. They are very bright. Remember to pre-save the album as well. And stream, stream, stream! And send the boys some support. They have been at WORK (ha) for a long, long time. And will also be doing a tour. I’m sending them tons of energy and I am excited to hear the album. KQ, we would love to interview the boys as well as the team behind this album. Don’t hesitate to hit us up!

So everyone, what are your thoughts on the album so far? And predictions? What do you think it will add to the mysterious lore of ATEEZ? What are your hopes? Do you think all of the songs will be added to the concert lineup? What songs are you looking forward to? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments below. And as always, take care of yourself. Get some rest. And stay entertained!

Written by: A.P.