We are so back! Yes, yes. Two consecutive releases in one summer. Summer definitely has gotten hotter with Ateez! With the tour being titled the same name of this album, you can only imagine how the vibes are going to be. And from my listening experience, I can confidently say…I will not be the same person. Anyways, let’s get to the disclaimer so we can get to it.

Disclaimer:

This is nowhere near the full article. Just a few thoughts for now. After we get the press release, album release, and some behind the scenes (and tmi!) from the POP lives. As well as translations, studio mixes, and remixes. Of course, we won’t be able to get every little detail, but we try our best to bring you quality.

I am a music enthusiast and ATINY, so I write from both perspectives. I do not know much music terminology, so excuse some of the review where I try to figure things out.

Also, if you have anything to share, drop it in the comments, I’ll love to read it. Okay let’s get to the actual review!

The first five tracks I will not go over again as they were in my previous Ateez album review. If you want to hear my thoughts and a little bit about those tracks, it will be in that review.

Track 1- Lemon Drop

‘Lemon Drop’ has a Hiphop and R&B sound. Along with house elements. Full thoughts in the previous review!

Track 2- Masterpiece

‘Masterpiece’ has a sensual R&B sound to it. Full thoughts in the previous review!

Track 3- Now this house ain’t a home

‘Now this house ain’t a home’ has a synth and soft rock sound. Full thoughts in the previous review!

Track 4- Castle

‘Castle’ has a soft alt rock and synth sound to it. Full thoughts in the previous review!

Track 5- Bridge : Edge of Reality 

‘Bridge: Edge of Reality’ has a lot of special effects added into it to tell a story with a special twist towards the end. Full thoughts in the previous review!

Track 6- ‘In Your Fantasy’

This is the title track of this edition of Golden Hour Part. 3. The previous song works so well as it really teases this song! Ahhh! 

This track has a dance pop genre sound. It also has a club feel to it.

I do think this is getting into the darker concepts for sure. 

It made me think “What the Helly?!” from the first part. The theme being black and red…come on this concept was committed.

I love the electronic sound this song has. It has a versatile sound. You can have a nice strut to it, played in the club, and just played like at the concert! Everyone shines in this song.

I do think some pauses were throwing it off for me initially. However, the hook is very addicting which I’m sure it is for many people. It’s Hella addicting on purpose. 

The remix is showing exactly what the song is giving…”FANTASY” (IYKYK lol!). I think this is one of the best remixes so far. I love it. It gave a different vibe from the normal song but still kept the vibe. I think I will play this one every now and then. But I think I enjoy the original song. This one feels like it can play before the concert, while getting ready as well. It’s one of my favorite remixes not only in their discography, but in general.

Track 7- NO1

This is Hongjoong’s solo song. It has a electric dance pop feel to it. It’s very energetic in sound and vibe.

Fun fact, that soundbite in the front is actually from a sendoff during last year’s TOWARDS THE LIGHT tour. And the Atiny said it without thinking Hongjoong was going to turn around and well…the rest is history. Now an inside joke is: “How was the show?” KQ reached out and asked if it can be used and now, we can reflect on this moment in history! So yes you guys. ATEEZ and KQ is always watching. So be careful!

This song makes you feel very hyped. I can hear this also in a club, a rave, or a nice drive with your friends on a night out. I love Hongjoong’s confidence. There is truly no one like him. 

This is lyircally strong with letting you know. I am number one. Perioud. There’s a lot of fakes and copies. There’s a lot of others. I am number one and the way I move is original and iconic. I love verse two took a different perspective as the fans will be shining dancing to this beat. Like we was throwing int back. Now we about “shake that”.

Hongjoong and team: We are hooked and want to know more about this song. Please give us one look and hit us up. 😉

Track 8- Skin

This is Seonghwa’s solo song. It has a midtempo pop sound to it. There is also this mysterious vibe to it.

When talking with Hongjoong about what he wanted for the song, Seonghwa said he wanted the mood to be similar to a snake. Then in about 10 seconds of thought, Hongjoong came up with ‘Skin’ as the title of the song. Then Seonghwa sent him some references for the concept, and they came up with this masterpiece.

I love the use of the surround sound on this. Also, the layering and ad-libs. Seonghwa showed so much range within the first minute of the song. I think this one really fits on the fantasy theme as well. I love it so much. I want to see a MV to this song. 

This song has a mysterious vibe to it. And you “desire” to hear more of it. That siren song at around 2:27 I would’ve wanted to hear more of that prolong a bit more. It changes a bit more towards the outro of the song. I love the energy from this song. 

I love this song’s structure. Also, the way lyrically it describes the moments between both love interest. Both craving and anticipating the next move. Like these thoughts lingers and haunts. The questions stay throughout the song. So how far are you going to take this? Let’s take this further. Since this is unanswered, it keeps him “awake”.

Seonghwa and team! It’s written on our skin that we want to hear more about the song! We’re waiting for your message. 😉

Track 9- Slide to me

This is Yunho’s solo song. It has a midtempo funk sound to it. As well as a disco vibe.

This one connects well to the previous song. I am just realizing that reading it. I love the organization of their albums. A different song, a similar vibe in this fantasy genre. You’ll hear about it more in my mini lyric analysis.

The beat kicking in and this funk beat the song has is really nice. I think you can rollerskate to this and have this play during a dance party. The bridge is really nice. I am interested to see how this is getting added in the live. Also, I like the hesitation before the beat comes back on the song. The ending was a nice end.

BTW after Yunho’s drama Ost coming out previous to this and having this…the duality is wild.

Lyrically, this takes us through the eye contact to the desire for more. This one instead of it being written on you, we are trying to communicate. Body language, that is the language we’re using. They’re both on the same wavelength. And so, the question of “shall we dance” is asked. And wanting more is expressed lyrically. Keep going, “slide to me”!

To Yunho and managers: You can slide to the dms and tell us more about the song if you want! We would love to hear from you! Shall we talk? 😉

Track 10- Legacy

This is Yeosang’s solo song. It has a Arena Rock sound to it. It has has alt rock vibes in it.

Yeosang said that it was really hard to write the lyrics to this song. Hongjoong also helped in this song. Yeosang showed him the lyrics after he wrote them. He wrote it during a couple of days they weren’t scheduled for anything.

This song immediately you feel the power of the song. I like how it’s a build as well. I kept anticipating the beat drop and it teased me. I love hearing more with Yeosang’s voice. This song paired amazing with his vocals. Again, the range in vocals! I can’t wait to see this performed as well. The music is telling a story as well. I think it all just hits. 

Essentially, it’s about taking back your power. Make your legacy. I love that this song has recurring themes. Like the wings, but them being broken. “No one knows” what’s going on. I think that the ad-libs in the pre-chorus saying: “what are you waiting for?” is the inner conscious. As it is very muted as well and echoey. Later in the chorus it’s louder. The lyrics also show the broken trying to become stronger. Now instead of using words, they are taking back their power and life. Being “loud” about it. This is your time.

Yeosang and team: Please fill us in more on the song. So, what are you waiting for?

Track 11- Creep

This is San’s solo song. The misleading intro makes it feel like you’re going to be in a horror movie. However, this is not the case. It has a pop rock sound to it. With more elements leaning towards rock.

Another song that title hits hard. You would think the intro was going to be the rest of the song. It was like a “haha gotcha moment”. FANTASY. That’s gonna be the new word for…yeah. Our “secret”. 

But hopefully the secret doesn’t echo off the walls.

I have no comments for San’s song lol. The guitar pairs well with the vibe of the lyrics and the choices in delivery of the song. I love the “I like it when you lose control” being in sync with the strings. The vocals and the guitar doing their own thing creating a nice rhythm, I love it. The bridge is intense and guitar solo. Come on. I love the high note when we go back as it felt like a proper rock note. That “creep” in the end was the perfect amount of breath as well. 

We get recurring lyrics of touch, cocktails, and telepathy. I like how each small moment like a “touch” is a “special detail”. Nice. I like how it’s just. I wonder why you feel like a creep though lol. Maybe the way the “fantasy” is described? It’s interesting, nonetheless. I love the figurative language in these lyrics.

San and team: We want to know the special details of this song! Show us better and hit us up! 😉

Track 12- ROAR

This is Mingi’s solo song. This song has a fusion of the EDM and hiphop genres. I do think it might have a bit of cloud rap elements thrown in there as well.

I had to go back. When “THE TIME IS NOW, FIX ON” at 0:13 played. Bro. And then we got lured into this world more and you already know about the barks. If you’re not an Atiny…well if you watch a few clips with Mingi live, the fans like to bark at him. He even hypes them to do it.

A little more background on this track. Mingi also teased us that live “if” there was performed live “if” then there’s instructions on how it’s going to be done (and how it shouldn’t) Like an unofficial fanchant, he showed it on his TOKTOK live. It was pretty funny though because he was not playing games he made sure to teach as many Atiny as he could in different languages. Like this is not a game. And there will be no excuses. Y’all better be hyped if you go. 

Going back…I swear Mingi always knows how to get you overhyped. It feels like a villain theme, a racing game or a fighting song. 

No cap, I really wanted a track like this from him for a long time. I don’t know how I feel about 1:53 on down I was expecting a strong beat drop like in hardcore dubstep. I do like it, but it definitely wasn’t the expectation. It felt like a remix towards the end. The isolated vocals were wild lmao. On a good speaker it’s even better. I felt so hyped. When I say I blasted it. This is not safe for driving lol. But a racing game is cool.

Lyrically, this song was not expected, but lowkey it is. Don’t let Mingi fool you. He is a strong lyricist, not only that his stage presence holds the same weight. I do need him to talk a bit more on it, but I mean, it’s a diss. It’s also showing Ateez is no joke. Stop plagiarizing in pathetic attempts to be “viral” for a few weeks. Stop stealing concepts. Give credit where it’s due. And that’s a message for anyone. Don’t throw around the “Ateez name” when it’s convenient. I’m sure many fans have seen the change of treatment towards this group. Of course, it’s nice to see people paying attention to them and loving them and giving them platforms, however we all know how media treats smaller companies (and their talents). But this track just like many others in their discography is calling that out. ‘ROAR’ is calling that out as loud as it can lol. In pure Fix On style. You better “Fix ON” to these lyrics.

I love the beginning says, “the time is now” and then the tag comes in “fix on” like: “you’re going to listen to these lyrics”. And then later in the song it’s like “So, what you waiting for?” (we hear this in a previous song as well, but the question is for a different reason). We also hear about secrets in a different one too. But I am still confused about this line, but enjoy the deliever of it with “brrr” wrapping it all together.

Basically: If the time is now, what are you waiting for? I don’t really get why that’s there are it’s calling out everyone. Is it to taunt them. Like: look for goofy you look? Or what are you going to do about me spitting facts? Or is it like “I’m going to live the way I do regardless because I am iconic. And all you’re going to do is watch and copy and paste a pathetic delivery of my style? I wanna know so bad.

I read some more on the Genius website and there’s more than what I interpreted. He talks about the way we put certain things on a pedestal and look down upon other things. Such as idols are expected to behave a certain way. They are attached with certain expectations. But in the end, they are look at as a joke or someone who isn’t taken seriously.

You see this a lot when they enter competitions or when getting mentioned with other talents. This happens a lot with rappers as well. “Idol” is placed in front as if it limits the abilities they have. Think of it like with colleges. Are you a community or university? Even then…which one? No matter you’re a student, but you get treated differently. Same with majors and other categorical positions in life.

In the end, we are all human with unique talents and characteristics that make us who we are. But most people can’t see past that. But he’s calling that out. He’s also calling out whether you are successful based on the amounts of things you have. For example: filled seats and views. These are the only things that determine if you are popular and deserve better treatment no matter how you work. And I won’t comment too much on that as this is an album review. So yeah…but maybe in a Uncomfy Cushion. So, I learned a lot more about the song. I love that everyone gets called out.

Mingi and team: We would love to hear more about ROAR, so what you waiting for?

Track 13- Sagittarius

This is Wooyoung’s solo song. It has a EDM and R&B sound to it. It also has a bit of an electronic vibe that feels magical and, in a fairytale (fantasy) mood.

Now we heard this as it was released 4 months ago. I was supposed to write the review of this song. However, I didn’t get to it yet. I will still write one about the music video itself. It is really beautiful though and I enjoy this song so much. And the choreo of this song was so cool.

This song can be in a movie (at any point depending on the movie) and it can be played while hanging out with your friends. I also see this playing at a fair as well. You know those happy moments while you’re waiting for the ride to start or you’re already on it. Those are the times. This song has a happy vibe. Also, it does sound like the stars. In a way if that makes sense. Like a galaxy. 

I think this is the first time we saw Wooyoung’s new tattoo. And it was such an amazing debit for it. Since I am watching the mv, I will say I noticed something. It also has the ending credits on it that reminds me of the title track’s ending. I’ll elaborate on it more later. But this is interesting. The ending as well during the credits has the beat. I love it so much. It gives me so much happiness.

Lyrically, this shows struggles and hope that shines through.

It has a lot of darkness. Like hiding the “truth” in the long nights. Night being dark as well. Struggles as well. But there is light as well. Like there wasn’t light until you and it’s changing the perspective. You give energy.

Like the fans give energy, reason, drive for artist. Lovers give the same to lovers. There’s always someone or something to give you another reason. I do hope that you know you are amazing on your own. You are perfect and beautiful the way you are. Okay let’s get back to the analysis.

Like the “fallen heart” was broken at first, but then this light came in and healed it. And as you are there for him, he is there for you as well. In a way showing you the gratitude. And by Verse 2, it shows that he is there for you no matter what and wants to be the light of your life too. Like he mentions: “I just want to light your life”. And by the bridge, he’s saying no matter what there is no end. He will be there. I don’t know about so much of the dedication where we are intwined, but lyrically this is powerful. Showing how far this love goes. That is very beautiful.

Wooyoung and team: Can you complete our view and tell us more about the song? Hit us up- that would really light our life! 😉

Track 14- 우리의 마음이 닿는 곳이라면 (To be your light)

This is Jongho’s solo song. This song is a ballad. I think it has rock elements incorporated in there. It really gives the vibes of a proper OST. Everything about it.

It was interesting that the previous song said there wasn’t light. Then there became a light eventually. In this story there is a light and a you already. But this one has one. We’ll look more into it in the mini lyric analysis.

This immediately feels like a drama. One that as soon as you start it, you know it’s going to be good. Even before he started singing. I love all the instruments. And Jongho’s (vocals) being the strongest instrument. This song is demanding in speed and the agility of the vocals. I love the flow of the song as well. 

I like the switch to lighter vocals around 2:35 then he comes back in with stronger vocals after. This song needs a drama written on it 

I was waiting for the last note. I knew it would be there, and I enjoyed the placement. in the song. The vibrato was beautiful. The ending is absolutely perfect.

Lyrically, it’s giving the perfect Ost. I think it’s personifying the light in some places. Light being another recurring theme. But the light is blinding and is essentially the unknown. Like dreams are not certain (realistically speaking), however we run towards them. It also has things like noticing the little moments and trying to take the next steps. It’s giving by verse two that they are looking back on those moments. I really love how he sings that second time around the chorus btw. Delivery wise, it was stronger and more passionate even before the high note (like repeating he was more confident in his promise). And I think they are retracing these steps again for another try.

Jongho and team: Let’s take this a step forward! Please hit us up we would love to learn more about the song. It would make our dreams come true. 😉

Track 15- In Your Fantasy (Korean Ver.)

This is the Korean version of the song. I was quite surprised when I realized the English one was the title track that was put out first. That was interesting to me.

Some parts hit, but I do prefer the English one this time.

Lyrically, it’s still pretty…fantasy coded. I thought it was going to be more innocent. The song is giving vampire.

RATINGS:

I know you are waiting for my ratings. Ya’ll this one is hard. Like I mentioned in a different one when the members had solos and units…it’s hard to pick between them. And being solos this time it’s harder. So I’ll do categories for you instead this time. Later on, I will add a rating, but please don’t take them as me rating members. I am only rating the songs.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This album has a lot to offer. I mean in terms of music variety; it has a lot. I mean the previous album had the most versatility in sound and I think this one had things that can stitch it all together. I always enjoy seeing the members do solo music as well. For people who might twist my words: of course, I enjoy the group-obvi, but I love to see them showcase the things they want to show and the colors they want to put on this canvas called an album. And I know they enjoy it as well.

I hope as time goes on I will

PREDICTIONS: I think that they will be doing more mvs. Like we saw the ending credits looked similar on ‘In your fantasy’ to the credits to ‘Sagittarius’ So I am very excited actually to see the other releases. I do wonder if the release times were supposed to be the way they are scheduled. I know previously with the releases of the other music videos from The World EP. Fin: Will all got released at different times. I am excited, nonetheless.

SPOILER: Theywillbeperformingthesongsattheconcerts!YESIKNOWIKNOW. So be prepared!

I cannot wait for all the next things. I also heard there might be another tour next year???

Ya’ll go to bed! We are well fed. And for you all, there’s a lot on this site to be read!

Poetic. 🙂 Please check it out! And thank you so much for reading and dealing with all my antics. LOL! For now, I am going to leave. I’ll be back soon with more updates and content to cover. Make sure to do something that makes you happy today and enjoy yourself!

Written & illustrated by: A.P.