The next album on the reviewing block is ZEROBASEONE debut mini-album, Youth In The Shade. The mini-album dropped in July 2023 and is lead by the single In Bloom. ZEROBASEONE’s debut is one of the most successful debuts we have ever seen, with the group becoming the first debuting group to sell over 1 million albums with their debut album ever. They also broke the record for most sold debut album in first day of sales and in a week from dropping the mini-album.

On top of being insanely popular before even debuting (which was built during the unfolding Boy Planet survival competition), there is a particular reason as to why I really wanted to review this mini-album. ZEROBASEONE’s vocals was a recurring element that I consistently return to in each song on the mini-album. And for a debut mini-album to do that constantly speaks volumes as to where this debuting group is already at and where they can go. For more about those comments, continue reading my thoughts on Youth In The Shade down below.

1. Back To Zerobase – What I really liked about Back To Zerobase is how blissful the track is. The drum and bass in the instrumental felt extremely light, but the percussive background had a forward motion that propels the song towards their debut single. I also liked how the members’ vocals captures the realisation that their dreams of debuting are finally becoming true. Their tone and delivery in Back To Zerobase is just so heartening and emotional, creating a meaningful beginning to their careers. (10/10)

2. In Bloom (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for In Bloom. (8.5/10)

3. New Kidz On The Block – New Kidz On The Block is an even brighter pop take on their determination to rise to the top, which they consistently emphasise and communicate via the English parts of the song. While I did like the upbeat and bright tone of New Kidz On the Block, I did think the song could be have been more buoyant, given that everything was already heading in that direction. The song is fantastic as it is, but I think just some additional energy would have made the song even better. (9/10)

4. And I (우주먼지) – Vocals is what speaks to be instantly in And I, and I (Ha!) am enjoying it. The rapping is also quite good. I like And I’s positive energy and bright tone that both the pop arrangement and vocals exude in the track. The melodies in the choruses are lovely and sweet. The bridge takes the song in a R&B direction and that also sounds very nice. A good song overall. (8/10)

5. Our Season – Again, ZEROBASEONE showcases their vocals in Our Season. The guitar work in the background does mellow out the energy a bit, making this a more pleasant-sounding track. I really like the vocal melodies in the chorus, which instantly won me over when I first checked out the album months ago. The rap-speak in the pre-chorus bring a nice punch to the song, and I liked the heftier rock energy that comes about in the bridge. Altogether, you have another great song on the mini-album. (9/10)

6. Always – The final song on the album is sung by Zhang Hao, who placed first on Boy Planet (and hence is the centre of the group). Always starts off in R&B territory, but the chorus infuse more of a pop energy to the track. The rhythmic beat contrasts very nicely with Zhang Hao’s sleek vocals. The song does feel a bit rushed, given that it just ticks over 2-minutes and the ending does make Always feel incomplete. But overall, a nice solo track from Zhang Hao. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.8/10