[Album Review] HOT (5th Mini Album) – LE SSERAFIM

Next album up for review is LE SSERAFIM’s HOT, which was released in March 2025. The group’s 5th mini-album features 5 songs: HOT (the title track), Come Over (the follow-up single), an intro track, and 2 additional songs. Overall, HOT is a good album, thanks to its side tracks. Like the last album I reviewed, I preferred the side tracks the most and enjoyed the title track the least. However, I did like the consistent, cohesive storytelling that is woven throughout each song on the album.

HOT, as well as their last couple of mini-albums, namely EASY and CRAZY, ended up being associated with their 2025-26 ongoing tour – Easy Crazy Hot. More recently, the group also released a Japanese single, Different, and returned to Korea with Spaghetti (featuring labelmate j-hope from BTS).

1. Born Fire – All of LE SSERAFIM’s albums begin with an intro track featuring the members narrating in Korean, Japanese and English, and this mini-album is no different. Born Fire “tells the story of a fire burning, dying, turning to ashes, and being rekindled by someone’s breath”. The narration is set to a more laid-back instrumental that evokes a catwalk/runway vibe. To keep it interesting, however, there is also a mysterious vibe to the short track.

2. HOT (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of HOT. (6/10)

3. Come Over – Click here for my full review of Come Over. (9/10)

4. Ash – Ash is definitely the standout track on this mini-album. I remember being floored by this song when I checked out the album upon its release. Ash is an atmospheric yet moody pop song, with a stunning chorus that adds a bit of disco flair and leaves quite an impression. The synth work throughout Ash is very alluring, while the vocal work in this track is superbly dreamy. The electric guitar you hear in the background during the instrumental break just heightens Ash‘s moodiness. The lyrics talk about accepting pain and growing from it, likening the process to being a phoenix. (10/10)

5. So Cynical (Badum) – The final song on the mini-album is So Cynical (Badum), a jersey club and house combination that sees the members express a message to boldly go after your love. I liked the track’s laid-back nature and rhythmic beat. The latter makes it difficult to sit still in my seat and not get a boogie on. The members sound very mature, especially during the chorus. The “Ba-Ba…-Ba-Dum” was quite catchy, and some of the melodies in the song are quite refreshing. (9/10)