This will take a while. The music is so exciting itself. I waited for the Dolby Atmos Stems. Because for Ateez it’s been very interesting because they use every channel and dynamically it’s very pleasing to hear something with each listen. Though I love separating the sounds in my own head, I think that stems do it a bit differently. Not only are there things I didn’t hear the times I listened, but it also creates a more interesting listen the next time I go back in to listen again (which is quite often).

Being honest, I listened to them all, but not all of them are rated. Also, this is a lot of writing just a heads up. I felt like I was doing one of my college essays, except this time I adored the subject lol! I was looking forward to the unit songs so much! And I’m excited to see all the other projects to come! 

A.P. from the future. It has been the end of “The World” era…and we are now in the Golden Hour. Um…hello? I am not fine. Sorry for taking this long to get here. Since I noticed a pattern with a good end of an album to a good beginning of an album, I had to go back and see how the previous album to this “OUTLAW” would end to start this chapter. And I have to say, I am impressed. ATEEZ…you never fail to impress me. 

To talk about my bias…I am an Atiny. However, I am also a music lover. So, my opinion is formed from both. I have to say before anyone gets on me about it, I might highlight certain parts of a song and other parts I might not. Same for members. I am OT8, don’t worry. There are just things I want to highlight. Doesn’t mean I like this or don’t like this; it’s just so much I am writing here. And you can do the same in the comment section below if you feel like there’s something I’m missing. I would love to read it. 

I’m just writing this disclaimer just in case. Some things might sound “too nice” and others a little “harsh”. If you can’t handle opinions, this serves as your warning to maybe read another article of ours. My mind also changes as I go through my listening. So, there will be inconsistency. This is not your formal album review. But a review, nonetheless. These are from different listens at different times.

Also, the listening experience is different. I listen through headphones, speakers, and just raw with my device. Sometimes from the physical album in a car, or on my television. It all depends. And through this crazy form is my review. So yeah, without further ado…THE WORLD EP.FIN by ATEEZ!

1. WE KNOW

We start off with an adventure. I love how it continues to build over and over. I have music moving around my head. The pre chorus is nice. It dances well through the lyrics and changes well. Yunho is singing this part with a more breathier delivery with nasal resonance. It felt cautious which really shaped the lines. The first half is quick, and the second part has this wave to it. Both choices that are effective and addicting. It has a very effortless sound (a good thing when it comes to delivery especially for this song). I like the blank out with the whisper, but I think once before the ending would be nice. I think multiple times lessened the intensity of it, however it works really well. Though the effect left of the power it holds, it’s okay because the rest of the song is very powerful. That “When you see my face” is HIGH. I love it. Jongho always come in clutch with these. I didn’t expect for the chorus to come twice! That was kinda fire. 

The rap didn’t move in smoothly in my opinion. It flowed well and I think it works in the song, but the transition was too sharp. I think it was just unexpected, but after many listens, I’m used to it now. I love the “Woahhhhhhhh”. It’s so addicting as well. And it was a good pair with the pre-chorus transition. The second time the pre-chorus comes in, I love how soft it is. Wooyoung’s take was a nice contrast to the rap. It felt cautious. And it was just as effortless, but also more of a muted tone with nasal resonance. But I love how sing-songy it is. With the lower background harmony as well. This is ATEEZ y’all. I love their power.  

The beginning of that bridge really gets that anxiety up for if they get ya. I love the difference between Yunho’s and San’s take of the line. I also love that the last part of the bridge is just as demanding as the pre-chorus. And it’s just powerful. I love how the note goes up. The return of the chorus was great. I didn’t expect it to end the way it did either. And the high ad-libs and the isolated “When you see my face”. The ending was an interesting way to end it. I think the word that it is radiating is powerful. I must have thought the same thing during my second listen as it says: It feels very powerful, and I like it to open this chapter. The outro is just intense. Which I think it was a good decision to organize it like this. I’m always impressed, and my standards go up higher every time. This feels like a good drive song. It should definitely be on a playlist for a long drive with your buddies. And the chorus lingers in your head rent free all day. 

Please listen to the Dolby Atmos Stems of this one. These are one of those groups that don’t disappoint. I know that you don’t need to use every channel to have a good song. I have heard many that don’t do anything special to each channel. And I have heard some that are very simple. But for someone who wants to hear some great things added, this is worth it. You get different octaves and different sounds you probably didn’t get during the 

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. Left & Right 

The beat is a bit muted. Like when your ear is waiting to pop. I love hearing here they take their breath for their verse. This one, I know it sounds crazy, but this feels like the calm version of the song. The second time the chorus is played in the first half, you hear this base that mimics a shooting star in its movement. I found that really cool. The pre-chorus is so nice. I like the way San is delivering the lines so calmly. Especially after going after Mingi who is delivering his verse with a lot of energy. And that “Woah” being belted so loud lol. I also like the way Yeosang is delivering his lines during the chorus so calmly. 

2. Center & Base

This one starts and I feel like we are waiting for something. I love the breathing. It adds texture to the sound. And I think Yunho does this well. Each person’s delivery of their lines is so cool. And some are closer to raw vocals and others have an extra dynamic with the autotune being turned up. San in the second Pre-chorus is so addicting. I love the claps towards the end from the bridge to the ending. 

3.Surrounded 

This one brings in that world. It’s cool to hear this one. I think that this one adds all the stuff that stays in my head with this song. And man, those background vocals are so strong. And the instruments are going in so many directions. 

Ratings:

1. Surrounded
2. –
3. –

2. Emergency

It was a pretty good transition. I feel like I’m in an action movie. A lot of ATEEZ music feels like a movie. I love it. The lyrics set it all up then we get to the call to action and questioning. We got to the chorus. One thing I like is that the instruments seem to be the star this time. The song is demanding, but I love to scream it, it’s a whole vibe. Not good for the vocals, but really fun. It’s very repetitive and will get stuck in your head. It makes you really wonder who got your back after so many times hearing it. And belting it in an empty room… Anyways the “party never ends”!

The rap went in nicely as well. There’s a lot going on in the instrumental. The pre-chorus is addicting. I love the 808’s that lead us into the chorus. Everyone’s delivery of the same words is different. It’s something very interesting. Like it’s obvious because we’re different people, but hearing it really is cool. The ad-libs are nice and the layering of simple harmonies. The bridge is fire. I couldn’t even have my earphones up as loud as I usually do because the music is intense. I sacrificed for the ending of each one. You’re welcome.

I do wonder…what is in the drinks or is it just masking the pain? Like I am confused about that, but it reminds me of another song on this album that ask that question. Of how many drinks.

Going into the bridge is so cool and I bet it’s hard to belt that “whole world”. I love the background vocals as well. But also lowkey, the instrumental of this part could have been a song on its own. Like a summer mellow song. Lowkey. Or the beginning of the performance during the comeback stages. I’m ready to shout though. 

Then by the time we get back to the chorus that extra guitar and bass sound is fire. Especially in earphones. Second listen I feel turnt after the chorus hits instantly. And it feels fun to sing. You think the beat will hit twice and it doesn’t only once and the beat goes fully on. 

There’s a lot of layers to the beat as well. Everything is giving like…a warehouse fight. I love  belting this song. And I really enjoy the adventure it puts you in. And the beat and vocals are doing their own thing in a good way. 

The extra bass in the “Who has got my back?” Is amazing. Can we take the time to think about that line? Yeah heavy. But know I care about you all and I got you! 

Also the lyrics are just fire.

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. –

2. –

3. –

3. Crazy Form

Another song that is hard to return to without doing the dances and singing.

This was a different sound and the transition didn’t and did work for this one. The melody instantly was nice and lively before we even got to the second part of the first verse. I love it. “I’m a Warning sign”. I love it. I think this is Afrobeat inspired right? Update: Yes! According to the RCA website it’s dancehall and afrobeat inspired.  I love the different sounds ATEEZ has. We get dubstep, hip hop, ballads, we got it all. And future me (spoiler): we got even more!

You are changing the game ATEEZ. Yes, you are. This song is very catchy. And the aggression is nice. I love it. It gives the power that I seek in the music. I love the contrast they have too as you will see throughout this album. I watched the MV. The quality. Beautiful and cinematic. We also got some memes. That song’s ending is so strong. Second listen: It’s very catchy. It makes you move right away. I can see this bumping in a club. I also see it in a movie. I love the ending of this song too. I love the big group sound. Later: After listening for a long time. I can tell you that I recite the chorus at any given moment now.  

I love how the “get up” works live and on here. And it doesn’t prepare you for the strong beat you’re going to get by the 9024. I swear that beat is just amazing. Very addicting especially after hearing it teased in Bouncy. All I can think of now.

I love how it gives you the permission to move however you would like because that’s exactly what I do haha. I learned a simplified version of the dance and went with it. I can’t move like them yet, but I will keep trying in my own way lol.

I also love the play on words?! Ego and “이거”. That’s really cool. I think Wooyoung really brought my attention to it the third time it plays the full phrase (around 2:06). Reading the lyrics I was able to get the flow. And the way it’s like Wow man…this is some crazy form right here. I love that. It’s fun, you know? And now that’s one of my favorite parts even more than it already was. How did I not, not know this? 

Like I mentioned in a previous song, they all said the phrases so differently. So naturally I had to go to see all of them. San kind of connects the words together. Seonghwa also kind of connects them so it transforms the word more. Wooyoung made it more obvious because he enunciated it more. It was the most different of the three. It kind of felt like more of a “U” pattern…if that makes sense. Like he dipped into the next word giving them their own time to shine. All three have their differences which makes the form (ha) of this song even more addicting. Yeosang delivering the “ego” part is just so iconic. The bridge really builds you up for that ending.

That ending is always going to be strong. I love it so much. I think the outro of a song can go so many ways and this way made the song so much more special. And being performed live gave a strong impression for me. It has a lot of demanding parts (the song and choreo). Also standing there for that 8 count can’t be easy. The pulse usually catches up and it’s harder to move after that. So yeah…that’s hard. The beat is so good too. I can hear it in a club you are walking past. I like the hype as it ascends.

Also, the live version with all the adlibs at the ending is always in my head. I’m always ready to be like “okay!” “OOh. Oooh. HOoh”. I also love how they all have their own take of the dance that stays in unison, but with their own charms. I really enjoy that. 

Also, I’m sorry. Ego, 이거, We go. It’s so cool. Was it on purpose? Who knows? Let me know.

I think I have listened to this song in almost any way you can, though I know there are so many more ways. I listened to the instrumental, the in-ear version, live versions, sped up, pitched, slowed down, and most importantly (for my reviews) the stems.

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. Surrounded- It was cool to hear the extras. Really cool. This is another one, I’m telling you I would not know what to do if this was what I received at the studio. Creative team here. I had to turn this down a bit. 
2. Left & Right-The beat goes hard at the end
3. Center (you can hear more ad-libs here, it’s still very interesting, but some of the dynamic up loud hurts your ears, but for you guys I left it loud)

4. ARRIBA

This one was a pretty good transition as well. I got some vibes from a different artist. But like always I don’t add that into these reviews. It does change though after the first part. It was a difference from the verses, pre chorus, and chorus. I like it, but I’m also confused. The SKRRR SKR SKR was a bit much and the ARRIBA was too. A bit repetitive. Which is that part that made me actually revisit this and retry after the review. And now I’m back to stay. I like Mingi’s narration. That moved through the earphones. You better have fun. I am very confused with this song. I think it was the fact that there’s so much going on. And the transitions are nice, but kinda fast paced too. The ad libs are also there and adding to the confusion. I think I hear a lot going on. That flute solo was nice. I think I hear a guitar too. Second listen: I still can’t over the “hey”, it’s unexpected. The “aye” after was great. It still feels like 3 songs in one. Mingi’s rap on the second verse was different, but I didn’t like it. It was cool he changed his tone, but I didn’t like it. Okay guys…. The skrr skrr skrr is more addicting now. I like it a lot more now.

This live was amazingggggggggg. I haven’t seen it in person yet (yet :)). I saw it on Coachella live stream both nights and also on a tour video. This one grew on me so much. A lot of the lyrics have common themes from other songs. That’s pretty cool. It shows a pattern that weaves the concept together. Still confused on it though. Also, the instrumental has its own thing going on. I hear a lot of sounds and a lot of instruments ready to be dissected. I hear a nice piano loop that is very addicting. I think there’s also like steel drums or something, please fill me in on the exact sound I’m hearing. 808’s. I hear that one bed creaking sound that confused me everytime, but it’s addicting? 

Let’s be honest. San started that up strong with that “Ayeeeee”. And let’s also be real honest. ATEEZ is very versatile. Literally. Like the different tones they use to fit the songs. But yeah, San and Seonghwa give us that powerful feel of the song. Then Wooyoung calms it down and Yeosang continues that pattern. I like how they split that verse because it gave a more feeling that way. Then Jongho breaks it with pretending to be mellow and then belting our ears off. Also the adlib in there was cool (the oooh). 

The lyrics, I believe, are convincing you to really follow their lead into this dirty night. Which I’m taking the dirty night as us dancing and partying and since it’s not allowed in this world it’s looked at as dirty. That’s how I will take it. But if ATEEZ would love to explain it, I won’t complain. Please do. But yeah, we’re escaping into this night that is full of fun. That isn’t allowed I think, correct?

By the rap, like before it does come in unexpected. Since I love this song now, it’s something I look forward to. Especially after Mingi tells us with that friendly warning through your ears. I like the path it takes which is different. It was from the top of my head to my left ear. Which is very different from what I am used to be honest. Even in my own music I go from ear to ear usually. So that path was cool. I think everything deserves its own explanation of why it was organized the way it was. I have many questions because it’s so cool. Why is your nose getting longer? What did you lie about? Are you deceiving us? What is going on? Is this a part of the lore? Mr. FIXON. What is going on. Mingi’s rap goes pretty different as the song chances a lot and gives that uncertain feeling. Why would I listen to him on this dirty night? If I saw him, I would probably run haha. Especially if I saw him in the outfits that we see on stage. Imagine that. But you saw Coachella’s version Fix On (Or Mingi Wonka!) was a runaway instantly haha. 

Anyways back to the rap. Mingi’s rap is very playful. And I learned to adjust to it. I love how he played with the words and his rhythm was different from the beat. There’s no exact pattern I can identify right away. Well, there is one, but he changes it up a bit each time. It’s just so fun. It’s nice to hear them differently. I know that was fun for him. Moving on to Hongjoong’s rap, it’s addicting. The beat comes back, and his delivery is like a dance. He’s one with the beat. It’s like leading a slow dance that is constantly dipping. It’s like that U pattern I was talking about early, but a slight dipping. But the lyrics are different. It’s confusing though. Why wake up…but also go in a trance? It’s confusing. Going back to the pattern I can’t count as the tempo is a bit hard to count. GOT IT! It’s a pattern maybe on every odd count. And it’s nice. It’s like a dance. Music is universal for a reason. But yeah, his is in unison with the beat so it’s like a couple dance that made the verse. Both are still on tempo with the rest of the song, but the way they arrange it is so different that it feels like it shifts.

I know this isn’t a story, but I have to explain. Then we get the pre chorus with Yeosang calming the mood and Jongho starts again. Still can’t get over the scenes from the live version. The chorus is just mysteriously powerful. Then we got the bridge which has nice melodies and an octave low melody. And it adds with harmonies by the second part. And the belting and high notes. And the wind instruments going wild. It works well with the lyrics of “Let’s sing”. I love how powerful they are. I don’t think we want my body to follow the rhythm, especially in front of them I would be embarrassed by the dancing I do. 

That ending is nice as well. So much to unpack, but I wrote a lot already. Simple as this: I love it. 

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. –

2. –

3. –

5. Silver Light

The transition was nice. I felt like I was in a movie again for the first 12 seconds. I need them to just come out with a full-on audio version of this adventure then a movie (I’m a writer just saying :)). The singing was nice. These vocals are so demanding. But they paid off so well. And it shows again how versatile they are. I love that Mingi got to sing some. I mentioned this before, but I love when rappers sing and typically singers, rap. For example, we got Seonghwa in BOUNCY rapping and I loved it (plus spoiler: In this album). If they have the ability to, I love it. I love the second verse it had the intense music underneath, but not super apparent. It let the lyrics shine. The bridge. JONGHO had that note, but the rest of the high notes were a lot. The sky was enough, and then they made a tempo change for a second by having the note on a certain beat.

Second listen: The intro is so nice still. And I feel like I’m on a mission. This song feels like on a long day’s adventure like to an amusement park on the way home you listen to it on the night freeway. I love it. It’s a good driving song and the hook feels like a club. 

This song is just addicting. Like the whole album pretty much. I love the calm vocals at the beginning and the background (bg) vocals. It builds more and more as we go throughout the lyrics. Wooyoung starts calm, then Yeosang motivates you, now Jongho is switching the perspective with it being 1st person. We get more of the story. And sensory details of sight like the silver light as Yunho is telling us.

I will keep looking for the silver light. I love this song so much. And though this might be that world they are describing (world z), I think it can really go for us as well. So, keep staying motivated. And I hope you have a silver light to look to. It’s there, it’s just hard sometimes to see on gloomy days, but you got this. Stay strong! You know? Their tour makes so much sense now. And the poster is a nice take on it. Towards the Light! This silver light. This says beyond it, but the name of the tour is towards it. It will make more sense later. I will have to listen and watch closely. If anyone has the first day tickets for LA, please lol I need them.

The rap portion is creepy when Hongjoong starts. The beat is descending. Mingi’s portion is ascending. I think, it’s hard to tell…I think they means to keep going. This is your life and your life only. And keep fighting. This is your chance. But since this is a theme for World Z the stakes are high (yes, I’m also a writer if you can’t tell so I use these terms). Since the stakes are high, this is a possibility this is their last chance to break through to the silver light. What is there? Who knows, but they are there to see.

I love how the chorus works and how on the “jeo” it’s a shared phrase. The bridge has a lot of harmony. I love the calm vocals San had. Are they sharing the salvation and encouraging others? Because the lyrics sound like it, but I’m not sure. I didn’t think so, but the narration voice seems different. But they usually encourage others to revolt from the world’s rules, right? World Z to be clear. Since it’s taking away creativity and happiness. So, is that light shared? Is that the answer? And since it’s saying “We go” I’m thinking so. My earphones died so I have to do the rest without…ugh. But aye at least we’re almost done. I was going to break anyways after this song and pick back up later.

I have to mention Jongho’s high note. It was the perfect amount, and it was broken up into 2. I wasn’t really predicting it as sometimes it’s higher when it does that staircase set up so that was refreshing to hear. It’s not overwhelming and it complimented the song well. Came back again a couple of days later so I can hear the ending with headphones. I love the bridge harmonies and the hyping. The high note is a perfect volume, and it blends well with the song. There is a lot of lower in volume ad-libs that are sort of hidden. As well as harmonies. It’s fun to discover.

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. –

2. –

3. –

6. Crescent Part.2

So, the keys playing at the same time clashing was really nice. It made me feel some kind of way. I think it was a good transition as well. The nature sounds, the person, the strings, it all felt overwhelming. I felt like I was in a new world. It felt happy. This is very cinematic. The waves, the boat, the birds (and the sea gull at the end) and silence. I thought it should be instrumental and it was. This is very interesting, and I love it. It was a good transition. The silence…chills. I closed my eyes after listening again and wow. The amount of emotion it puts you through. I wonder what the intention was. It made me feel at peace. Like a ship has sailed. New opportunities. It made me feel a lot. I like the contrast of everything. I feel emotional hearing it.

Second time I listened to this well day, and I turned it up full volume…rip to my ears. Don’t do it. I don’t recommend. Ever. Don’t do it. It was magical though, for the seconds I had it. I turned it down immediately and kept it high, but not full volume. The imagery running through my mind though. I felt like I was running through the forest to a hidden ocean…y’all I swear if I could print some of my thoughts or project it to you I would. 

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. –

2. –

3. –

I wonder if this is where the sliver light goes to. It felt like a utopia. There’s a lot of dimensions within this piece. I think it might be all the bass adding more texture to the sound. I like how it starts off with a piano and then strings you get an orchestra as well as many nature sounds. I feel like going to a jungle/forest and seeing a sandy beach. Where the boat of opportunity is there. Only something you can dream of. Which leads to:

7. Dreamy Day

I think this was the same sound as Cresent Part 2, right? But with staccato strings. And faster. That’s really interesting. I love it. And the sound is different from the previous. It still feels very bright. And the “We’ll make it alright” made it happier. The rapping was nice, but I don’t know if it was necessary. 

I want to hear it at the concert.

Jongho…these notes are higher than I think I can even try. Yo. They are complimenting the song so well though. 

This song, the second time. It makes you so happy. After listening to the other one it really feels like we slowly got to more brighter sounds. I think especially the last two albums I listened to; the organization of their albums are great. It went from extreme sounds to brighter. I think that’s for Ateez in general. I heard they look intimidating to some people when just viewing them, but they are actually really sweet and opposite of their appearance that they give on stage. Their presence is very strong. But then the songs really match too. I want this on a beach trip or a ride down the coast. It feels summery (not a word, but a word!) which is pretty much many days in LA lol. I love it. 

And I end up singing this out of nowhere as well. I think I began to like it more because of the 360 thing they did a while back. It was so nice and as an Atiny it was a beautiful experience to watch on my screen. I wish I was there. They interact well with their fans and the ambiance was very intimate and just yeah. Up close and personal with high energy from the members. It’s nice to see, but it makes you envious filled with FOMO lol. I resolved a tiny bit of FOMO, but this song makes me so happy thinking about the memories. I also get emotional, but happy when I hear it. This and the previous song are a good pair.

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. –

2. –

3. –

I can’t get over how the transition works. It’s so nice. This time I read all the lyrics first. I just love how poetic they are (I am a poet :)) But yeah, I just love how the feeling of something being so unreal that it feels like a dream. That’s beautiful. But it’s a slight moment though. Perfect for the tour. I love how everyone used a calmer tone for this song’s sound. Again, Ateez changes their tone so much throughout the songs. Their colors feel endless. 

One thing that isn’t their fault, but I have to mention. The part distribution. I think it could have been broken up more. And realistically it would be more convenient for the singers. I also just want to see more of everyone’s colors. Not just in birthday projects or when they want to gift us something. I think that it would be a gift for them to have their own songs. Spoiler alert, this album has a sample of that. They went to WORK (pun for future album) with these songs. And you can see they worked really hard. I just wish I saw different organizations of certain songs. Again, not their fault, but I just want to see it. And I think they obviously shine as OT8 and in units, but I want more solos too. They can do it all and when they take a break I want to hear more of it. But for now, definitely more even line distribution. At least for one song please.

Anyways back to the song. I swear everything just works so well. It all blends together. It feels like a dream, right? It’s very nice. I am in love with it. And this song tends to linger in my head a lot. And it’s not just one part. Each section sometimes stays in my head. It’s so addicting. 

8. MATZ (HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA)

Yo before the beat dropped, we got the raw rap. I love it. That was nice. Like getting ready to completely annihilate the beat and make it yours. It’s hype and I like those ad-libs…umm. Seonghwa…those layering was really, really nice. I love it. The pre-chorus initially kept throwing me off, but then the chorus jumped in so nicely. I think because the tempo changes from that one mood to the next. Like from jumping around to being extra confident. That closing with the vocals stacked at the end is nice and the ending was really really good. The new and then the change of the song was really really nice. I love it. These concepts are fire (no pun intended) I love it. The closing was great. It’s easy to vibe to. I really love it, if you can’t tell after so many times of me saying it. 

Second listen: I swear that’s a way to enter a song. Powerful. I hope they release a MV or visualizer for each unit song. The pre-chorus I’m still confused about. It is good, but I don’t know if it fits, I’m sure it’ll grow on me. The hook is fireeeeee. It’s lit. Okay I’m being funny with a pun but come on it’s fitting for the song. The hook jumps in so sudden that it makes you hype. I like the closing. It’s so cool. And that clipping…yo the new and then it turns away. It felt like 5 songs in one. I hope they expand them at least the one right before the news. Seonghwa and Hongjoong doing different octaves of the chorus was so cool. The “drop it” is so lit. I love it. 

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. Left & Right (It’s a solid song with just it being by itself like this. Now adding more and adding their flavor and flare decorated the cake) 
2. Surrounded (really cool to listen to. This is the decorations. This one utilizes the surroundedness (new word). Great job! I really love the guitar at the end, and you can hear it clearly here.)
3. Center (You really get to hear the flow here, I love it… The rapping was music in itself.) 

Transition wise this was an intense one. Wayyyy different sound. I love the lower octave with the base melody. Everything about this song is intense. It’s hard to dissect it. I have to keep pausing and going back. I recreated the beat from the outro on my piano. It’s not exactly the same, but it feels so empowering to be a part of the song lol. Call me delulu if you have to, but I’m a part of it now lol. I just love that chance from the beginning to breath before the storm of beast comes and devours you, targeting your ears and then controlling your whole body. It’s really a beast of a song. I still didn’t watch the making of this song. I am a little bit late. I’m sorry. It’s hard to get to everything on time…but I saw clips.

I just love how excited they are about it. There’s a lot going on in this song it’s hard to process. Especially while trying to extend my streak on Duolingo lol. 

The lyrics are all over the place in good ways. I love the tone difference in how they chose to deliver their verse. Seonghwa has a throatier approach in comparison to Hongjoong that uses a more nasal tone. It’s a nice mix. I also love how much power and confidence this song radiates.  So many different beats you’re getting in this song. It’s really impressive. There can be so many songs. There’s a lot of noise too that adds texture. Narration, a lot of machine sounds, and talking every now and then.

And the ending, come on. After the news narration, that goes hard yo! It’s intense. I just love how no part stays too long and it’s too short either. It has its moments. And if you miss it, I guess you have to start it over which you get to relive it again. The outro specifically is very intense because of that, because we go from chorus, to bridge, to outro. Plus, again, their resonance contrast in delivery coming together is a nice blend. And it’s a nice sound and transition. Then they separate to deliver their line. I love it. And the ending makes you want to replay again. 

Also, warning don’t pause full volume, your eyes won’t adjust, and the song will attack you, I learned…I think I did. The confidence radiated in this song is unexplainable. I also love the whispering on that last part. When is MATz coming back??? Hello? I’m scared, but so ready.

9. IT’s You (YEOSANG, SAN, WOOYOUNG)

The beat already, I’m readyyyyyy. The rap-singing with this nice sensual beat. I love it. I love how they change their tone to fit the song. It’s honestly just the best. It’s so nice. The high notes too. Woah. The chorus…I’m speechless. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. I don’t even know what to say. I love it. I love how this song is sexy and still fits in the concept of this album. It’s like RnB experimental. The ranges from high to low notes. And the high note not being overwhelming was nice for this song. 

Second listen: I need this one to be on SNS glow up trend or an ootd. It feels like a nice night out. I’m locking eyes with y/n…idk yo. I swear this is very sexy though. It’s giving red or purple lights. No other. It’s giving those vibes. I love the whispering. And I like how the end it could’ve been a predictable 3-part high note, but it was 2 parts and was split up into two recordings. That was an interesting choice. It could work all 3 ways. But this was interesting, so I had to note it. I wanted to hear the atmos so much, but I had to wait. I listened to all the units together.

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. Surrounded (This is magical. I love the hidden vocals. Somehow, I missed these. Easily #1 The “tonight” in the hook was beautiful. If you saw my reactions. Listen to this you’ll be impressed. The stacked harmonies are nice.)
2. Left & Right (This is the song again with the flavor, but not completely decorated. It’s a solid song though if they just released this it would still be fire)
3. Center (It was really nice to just hear the voices and hear where the beats get added and that guitar I swear. I heard so much more that I didn’t hear before, that was cool.)

This song is just so good and addicting. It feels like an elixir that replenishes after each line. It feels like a misty spell that lingers. But on the other hand, it feels like a meme because I hear it on memes that…umm…well I’m sure you have seen the memes. Anyways on with the add-on portion of this review where I revisit haha. The beat is intense. And I just love the choreo. The lyrics are as sus as the memes. But it might just be me, right? I doubt it, but if there’s an explanation let me know.

Sorry I have to rant though. How y’all going to try to add lore into a song like this? And act like I will see it. Actually, all the MVs are distracting you. But this one was another level of distraction. I love how they serve more than one purpose though. 

The beat creates a very mysterious sexy mood. The unique colors of their voices were so impressive for this song. And I think I was able to identify the singers after a while. I love how they have their own delivery of the song. I read the lyrics a lot from the music video, but they confuse me. I love the narration of the “Time, it never waits…” I’m wondering if the silver light is made through rebelling (singing, dancing, etc.). Just creativity. Is that where the light comes? And I love the tone it’s in. I wonder if it’s a purpose behind why they chose that octave. Or was it something that just sounded the best. 

I think that the hesitative breathiness in that second verse was perfect if we are making a world this way. It doesn’t sound right; I don’t know how to explain it. Wooyoung’s verse is addicting with his vibrato. I love how fast paced it is with the nasal sound. And I like the reference to Neverland. Because that is definitely dream material. Then it makes you think about Captain Hook…hmmm…anyways I think that it wasn’t a dream though right? Which makes this even more confusing. However, this neverland was prepared and made so it’s fake (or fantasy as was translated)? I don’t know. But yeah, anyways I love the dream tying in again. Just a moment of a dream. I think the beat mimicking a heartbeat in that second part of the pre chorus where they are saying they can feel it in this moment. I love that. It’s so good. After 4 heart beats it goes rapidly (4 times). I think it mimics us Atiny’s heart well.

I have to say. That chorus is sooooo nice. Especially the hidden vocals. So pleasant. And the other ad-libs. I love the bridge as well. I like the harmonies together with the parts Yeosang is singing. I love his heavier whisper voice. It’s very warm and it blends well with the lines. The claps and 808’s are just so good too. 

And the 808’s were just such a good choice for this song. It’s also nice to hear all the parts at the end. It works so well. So many ad-libs as well as the original chorus as well, but in a way that makes you replay it over and over. Then after that you get greedier and want to replay the whole song. And I am guilty of this haha. The high note is so nice as well. And this song feels at the end more complainly/whiny, and it makes it more powerful. It’s like…not wanting to stop. And I can’t, this song will keep being replayed. And is that what I meant? Sure (just as much as the song meant it, I do too. :)). That’s it. Thank you for coming to my stan rant. 

10. Youth (YUNHO, MINGI)

I heard a lot of theories of this song. I can’t wait to hear. I love the piano playing at the beginning. And I like the happy retro feel to the song. It made me really happy. I like hearing the singing from Mingi. The chorus was really nice. It’s easy to vibe to. And the rapping and singing went well together. I love the drums leading us into the chorus again. Again, Mingi singing wow. I adore Yunho’s singing too, the chorus was very addicting, and his tone is really nice. That bridge was confusing in a good way. The instrumental was doing its own thing while the lyrics was doing its own thing. It worked so well. And going into the chorus in a calm way with just the piano and then the harmonies and then drums. And then a full chorus. It felt very complete. That was nice. And the ending was addicting. It was one that makes you want to keep restarting the song. I love it. 

Second listen: This is another bright, yet sad because of nostalgia purposes. I think those are some feelings I get from it. I was stuck on this chorus last night. I swear. I love these songs. That bridge again…wow. The way it’s doing its own thing is so interesting. And it works so well. I feel like I am walking through the town I grew up in and having fun looking back on memories (without knowing the lyrics). 

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. Center (I was wondering if this was the same song. That was very impressive. I think all of these are worth the listen. There’s a lot hidden in the center. Honestly, I expected this one to have a lot of dynamic in it, so I wasn’t let down at all. It’s still very impressive how good Mingi sounds singing.)
2. Left & Right (I love this version, it’s very chill and I really love it. I want a remix to this song like a chilled version and a rock version. The real version has a bit of both in my opinion.)
3. Surrounded (This one had the same guitar I didn’t notice. This one is also feeling like another version of the song. This is really impressive. It feels like the jazz remix during the bridge that was very interesting. To hear so many instruments and the harmonies. And the ending as well.)

This song makes me smile every time I hear it coming on. You know when you’re so happy you try to fight it. This song makes me happy every time. And it’s opposite to the lyrics in it. Some days I feel sad singing it. And I feel the feeling of lonely and pressure. And if you can relate to the lyrics, I hope you get better soon. You will get over it, though it is hard. I promise it gets easier.

I think that seeing how heavy the lyrics are and how Mingi expresses these often shows how strong of a lyricist he is. Not only that, but I hope he gets better too. I like how this one on the tour does go into how Yunho and Mingi were when they were younger. I do like that, but I hope that they can become stronger. I hope all of ATEEZ can look back on the trying times with new wings to soar higher. More resistant to the treatment they had before. That inspired me to want to write something again, but I have this. I really hope they can see more happier days. Now. Back to the music! Resetting. 

I have to say the beat is impressive. It feels weird because when you separate it you hear more different approaches to the song depending on how it is dissected. I like it so much. You get like 3 different remixes haha. But only one is the most prominent in the full version. I am a sucker for Mingi’s deep voice. We already know this. And his voice is just so good here. It’s huskier and grittier. I think it holds an indescribable force. I think it’s just how much bass is in it. So, it works well with the drums. It has a heavy approach to the style he is singing.  It’s so nice to the ear. And it’s the fact you don’t expect all of it from the sound of the intro. I prefer the higher one here, but that lower octave fits so well. I’m glad both are there. I think for the second part of the intro chorus, he could have cut the lower octave off for Yunho to go. I think that would have been more pleasing sound wise. But it’s nice this way too, but I think it would sound nice that way too. The chorus is just so nice, and I think it was an effective way to start the song. The ad-libs complement well. I think their voices are similar to the instruments used. The “yeah” feels like it ascends like the trumpets. And The vocals are hitting every beat. I also love how there’s different types of instruments in the same category in there. Like percussion, you hear a lot of different ones in there. I think they might be presets, but the effort put into the instrumental is not a joke. That had to be said.

As the chorus continues, we get Yunho and I love his tone here. I love how he comes in first of all. He delivers in a bright nasally tone that works so well. And it works better because he is delivering the lines in this way with purpose. As the lines bring up the moon crying, he has a whinier tone. Which captures the expression so well. I’ll go more into this later with the bridge. I love the background vocals as well. It’s adding more dimension though that top part is already so powerful. 

Mingi’s rap is so addicting as it is sing-songy. And works well with this style. Listening in on the beat more. It feels so bright for such sad lyrics. Then that last bit with the drums. I love it so much. And the nonononono going into the chorus is so nice. Reminds me of the noes in a future album :). I wonder if this song works for both A and Z worlds. Now going into bridge. I sing this so much. Yunho did this one. This delivery changes throughout the lines. I swear I just have to say it again. Yunhoooooooo this is so good! It lingers in my head a lot. Sometimes I end up singing the whole song acapella because that’s how much it got me. It’s giving “hear my call”. Like it’s asking you to hear his voice. The beat works so well here too. And his volume is consistent. He’s dancing through this bridge.

I love how it’s organized as well. It feels like Mingi is going through these thoughts alone and Yunho jumps in like “you are not alone”. They are both sharing these thoughts. I also really enjoy the high notes and how muted they are. The whole vibe of the song feels this way. So much to uncover. I love it.

11. Everything (JONGHO)

I love the transition to more emotional piano. I was waiting for something like this. I love ballads. I love the sound and the piano. I’m a sucker for piano. The vocals and the melody is insane. I need to learn this one. I’m a sucker for ballads. And the powerful vocals wow. And the chord changes. And the key raise. OMGGGGGGGG. The faces I’m making. I can’t wait for the covers. I want to audition with this and be embarrassed. AND OMG THE HIGH NOTES. The persistence with the power was nice too. A lot of vocalists don’t have that kind of control or even that kind of ability to choose what’s suitable.

Second listen: I actually sang some of it today. It’s not easy y’all. It’s not easy at all. I love it through and I’m determined lol. Determined to say the least. I love a good ballad. It makes me so happy. I love how the piano is there to accompany them. I’m so proud. I had to start it over a couple of times to really analyze it. For these things it’s more about skill since the piano is only there to help. I love the background vocals; they are very beautiful. And the guitar and drums. It’s like a soft rock ballad. The second time around with the You’re my everything is so powerful and that change of the chord. Wow. His voice is great. I had to turn down my volume. Lol The octave change wasn’t predictable at the moment that it happened. I thought it would’ve happened during the hook. But it didn’t. It changed at the bridge. And in a way I couldn’t predict. I think that this song showed power. 

I was hoping for a trot or ballad song from Jongho soon, especially after his birthday cover. I’m happy that this came out. I don’t watch lyric videos or any other videos that aren’t officially the artist until after 24 hours…sometimes more. The first month is crucial for the artist so I wait. I think it’s better to wait, but that’s my opinion. Now translations on the web I’ll look at, but nothing that’s a video unless there isn’t any other translation. It might be the fact that he did everything needed for the song that the chord change was just an extra flex. I swear he was flexing so hard in this song. It felt like the cherry on top. The ending though just felt too much like a flex, so it threw it off a bit only because of it. I think that it didn’t need it all, but it was nice to hear. And I’m sure a lot of people will be hesitant to cover it. Especially without the studio to start over or get the parts right. It takes a lot of skill. Especially with the power it holds. It can be scary. I sure will be lol (I hit the notes though- not close to as good though). But it’s nice and I want to see it live. Just some stylistic notes. The last bit before the bridge, I think it would’ve been nice to make the note a bit longer. Because it felt rushed. But it’s okay without too. I wanted the note to be clearer, it was a lot of rasps, but I just think it’s healthier without. I think it would be better without. I think the guitar should not have hit the note on its riff a second before Jongho gets to because it threw it off.

I love rock ballads that add little by little. Honestly it goes for any song imo (in my opinion), but for sure songs that are more technical. It’s very emotional. And wow…speechless.

Acapella: Those chords are…dem vocal chords…they are something. He does a lot of purposeful vocal cries inn this song. I like it, but I wonder why? This would honestly do good as an acapella song too. The bridge is so addicting. And then going into the next part (basically the chorus on down) It was so powerful. His registers are developed so well, and he transitions pretty flawlessly. 

Dolby Atmos Stems

I predict this won’t have much except for the second half to the ending. Because it’s a ballad and it was solid alone. I am looking forward to it though.

1. Left & Right (There’s a heartbeat in the second verse I believe. That is impressive. Those drums are really good. The pacing is very calculated. And the guitar is nice as well.)
2. Center (This is similar to the acapella I listen to. I love hearing the breathing, so you know where they take a breath. It can improve your delivery for the song. You hear the strings more here They start small and then get louder. The strums are gorgeous. You hear a bit of bass. Here the strings sound like they are competing with the vocals)
3. Surrounded (It sounds like an echo of the piano and everything, listening might be a bit difficult until the added parts get well added. The instruments are more alive here. I’m sure all live instruments were in the studio with the sound quality. But I’m not completely sure. The background vocals are great. And right before the second round of the hook the way the stack is so beautiful. I love the harmonies and during the bridge they take advantage of the surroundings.)

This piano as soon as I hear it, I’m ready. I don’t care if I am across a field somewhere. If I hear it, I’m teleporting back to the city to get my back. He really showcases a lot of his range here. One thing I noticed is how Jongho approaches the notes based on the notes is they have the same tone, but there’s a slight difference. His lower notes are close, and his high notes are more open. At Least in sound. I love it so much.

I love how the ad-libs come in later. They are more airy than the vocals Jongho is providing, giving us a bit of variety of sound. I have to keep resetting this because there’s so much to write. I read the lyrics so much to this on the music video too. I love how emotional they are. I think the music video feels less sad to me then when I listen to it alone because I’m not seeing visuals. I really want to sing this song one time. Jongho already knows he did good on this, but still. I have to say it again. You did this. ‘Everything’ is literally everything.

I just love how the lyrics really explore all the emotions of a breakup. All the reflecting, all the regret, everything (ha). I love how he’s admitting his wrongs as well. How many times do we see that? But king. She already ran away, you gotta get over it. Empty the box (ha) of memories and regrets. Time to just know how to do better next time. No more words, but the song is a nice gesture. Why was the song the only way the words became unstuck? I ain’t gon lie. I’d fold and run right back to that court, run to the park, run to the door and come back just to hear these words delivered in such a way. IRL, I’m a sucker for letters, but a song is so beautiful. I write lyrics and well come on, there’s nothing like a song. Ever. Sorry for the rant. 

Especially for the Bridge. Even more emotional lyrics were there. More emotion was expressed even when you thought that would’ve been enough. This is my standard apology now. Accepting nothing less. 

Another thought though. You “borrowed” the song to express the emotions you are telling me now. Then you give me it. That’s beautiful. I love that so much. Like the whole reason for the song is me. But also, I’m not you only reason. Because you knew a life without me. So that’s not convincing, but another case of what is good in a song, but not in dialogue lol! This bridge is just intense. And the live version with the pause really gets you to sit in silence. Marinating in sadness. Also he’s on a staircase…another hint?! Looks similar to the spiral staircase we get on TOWARDS THE LIGHT. Just saying. 

This song is so demanding. I’m sorry I’m talking so much. But the lyrics have to be dissected. The delivery matters too. The instruments and bgv (background vocals) are so good too. It captures the intensity well. I love how by the time we get to the second round of the chorus, it works so well in converting the lyrics to connect with the bridge. It leaves it there and really gets you to wait for him to finish. It’s hearing him out literally. I love the outro too. Too flawless with the transitions. It shows everything was planned. And man…I love how it went from “you’re my everything” to “were my everything”. He accepted it, but there’s a bit of hope and longing to reconnect. It’s a sad ballad. It makes you want more to this story. I think this can be a mini album. Creative team let me on this please. I would love to work with the boys. I would legit do it for free. You know my contacts. If not, just message me here please. Thank you. But yeah…this song makes you wonder and crave more. 

12. FIN: WILL

FIN., I hate to say it, but yeah…we’re at the last song. The transition was interesting. I love the voice over. It was amazing. It was a little cliche, but in a good way (it’s hard to explain). And the voices. And it all getting added together. This is emotion to me. This. I love the positivity and the sea. The questions were interesting. I do admire the thinking process. The vocals took me out. The power they had and the harmonies. It was a good ending for the album. I can see why people can become so emotional. It felt like an ending of a chapter. It’s fitting. My heartbeat. I wish I could put it into a song. Wow…we’re done. I’ll get to the closing thoughts in a bit. Now it’s time for the ratings. Which is very difficult this time. Wow…

Is the will us being 

The substance in music makes it hard to rate, but it’s my job so I’ll do it. 

Second listen: It feels inspiring. Those drums before the woahs are amazing. It’s strong and through the earphones you can feel the intensity. The guitar is clashing again though…However it works. It felt like an ad for emotions. One at 3am. It makes you happy and emotional. So plan worked. 

Dolby Atmos Stems

1. –

2. –

3. –

This one makes me smile too and sad because it’s the end. But now that I’m in the future, I have more music. I hope the boys break soon. After tour and the festivals. I really hope they can really rest. They deserve it. 

I closed my eyes to this one too. Warning, don’t have a computer screen on haha. Mine dimmed and I freaked out. But anyways this one is so beautiful. I still feel the same way about the line placement, but I get the vibe. I love how this gets you to think. Spoiler: The next album does the same. And this ends in question, I love it. You really think about it. I think that they expressed emotion well in this album and they are turning to us and asking us. Asking everyone from the worlds, from this universe, from everywhere. Getting us to think. I love the beat getting stronger by “falling in love”. Giving the drive for the drums after all the thoughts of what emotion can mean for us. I just love things like this. Not much to say. It makes me feel whole. So proud. The vocals are powerful, the music is optimistic, and I’m getting sappy, so before I do, time to move on. 

RATINGS:

I feel like this is unfair to rate this album. Especially since the sounds are different. And the unit songs are there…But I have to..

1. CRAZY FORM
2. EMERGENCY
3. Crescent Part.2
4. EVERYTHING
5. IT’s You
6. WE KNOW
7. MATZ
8. Youth
9. Silver Light
10. FIN: WILL
11. Dreamy Day
12. ARRIBA

Closing Thoughts:

It’s been a ride. I am still pretty new to ATEEZ, but I have been impressed over the years. And I am grateful to say that I am an ATINY. And I’m grateful to see their developments. I’m grateful to be a part of the journey. I’m happy to see them where they are. I know it’s different from my view as a newer fan to many who seen them since pre-debut, for those who are in their personal lives and watched them grow as performers and as people, even baby Atiny who are pretty much at every comeback, every concert, every stage since they stanned them. And I will get into fandom culture in a Uncomfy Cushion, but I am here to say I am a new Atiny and it was a great decision. 

As an artist, their quality of music is exciting. It’s new, it’s nice. And as a person as they wait for members to come back to put out certain songs. I love it all. I think the team is amazing. 

I like the organization of this album. The unit songs are all in one section and they worked the way they flowed. I love it. Whoever organizes the songs, they do a great job. It’s enjoyable for the listener.

So, what are your thoughts on the album? Favorite song? I believe this one is worth the try and buy! Make sure to send Ateez a bunch of love. And check out the other albums in ‘The World’ series! For now, enjoy some great music and have a great day!

Written and illustrated by: A.P.