[Album Review] ODYSSEY (1st Studio Album) – RIIZE

Next album up for a review is RIIZE’s ODYSSEY, their 1st studio album since their debut in 2023. The 10-track album dropped in May last year and features the pre-release single Bag Bad Back and title track Fly Up. This album sees RIIZE put a strong foot forward, venturing down some really cool and dynamic sounds in the first half, and some nostalgic and heartfelt ones in the second half. If I took anything away from ODYSSEY, it is that they are the act to lead the next SM generation and that they are an act you should not underestimate.

Since ODYSSEY, RIIZE released the single album titled FAME in November last year, led by the title track of the same name, and returned last month with their second mini-album, II, and the title track Do Your Dance.

Within the album review are the music videos, track videos and visualizers that SM Entertainment released for each track. However, some of these videos don’t contain the full song. So, I have provided the audio below in case you want to listen to the album as you make your way through my thoughts on each song from ODYSSEY. Let me know your thoughts on the album in the comments below, as well!

1. Odyssey – Opening the album is Odyssey, which is a neat track to ease us into RIIZE’s studio album. The synth work delves into the UK garage style and I enjoyed how light their vocal work was. This gives off the impression of an ethereal feeling, which works well with Odyssey’s lyrics, which is about going on a journey together to fulfil their dreams. The layering of vocals and those added dramatic percussion adds so much depth to the song, which leads neatly into the heavier pre-release that follows. (8.5/10)

2. Bag Bad Back (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for my full review for Bag Bad Back. (8/10)

3. Ember to Solar (잉걸) – What I liked about Ember to Solar is that it is a track that doesn’t let up. From start to the end, the instrumental and members are consistently driving the song forward in a dynamic fashion. The fast-paced and intense rhythmic percussion and brass get me hyped up each time I listen to, while the members showcase some strong vocal performances in Ember to Solar. While Fly Up was a fun title track, I think Ember to Solar could have been a very cool title track for the album. (10/10)

4. Fly Up (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Fly Up. (9/10)

5. Show Me Love – Pop rock makes an appearance on Odyssey through Show Me Love. The simplicity and straightforwardness of Show Me Love is just ideal after 3 intense tracks that already vary in style. Show Me Love is easy on the ears, with the members sounding very pleasant throughout the track. There is also a nostalgic factor to the song that makes the track even more enjoyed. I also liked how WONBIN and SOHEE repeated the “Show Me Love” title in the chorus to build up their vocals. It isn’t my go to track on the album, but it is definitely a good one nonetheless. (8/10)

6. Passage – Passage is a short instrumental interlude, with an atmospheric energy to it. But the string brings in a dramatic flair that makes me want to know what is coming up next on the album. As it is only an instrumental interlude lasting 40 seconds, I have not provided a rating for it and it is not considered in the album’s final rating.

7. Midnight Mirage – While I do usually like vocally-focused tracks like Midnight Mirage, I personally felt the loudness of the vocals was a bit too piercing for the track. I wished it was toned down to allow more of the mid-tempo instrumental to peek through and to restore some balance to the song. Don’t get me wrong, RIIZE sounds nice throughout Midnight Mirage, especially when they harmonise together. But it shouldn’t make me reach for the volume to avoid having my ears overpowered by them. (7/10)

8. The End of the Day (모든 하루의 끝) –A big difference between this track and the previous is that the instrumental is more prevalent alongside the members’ vocal work. RIIZE goes for an early 00s pop ballad sound in The End of the Day. I enjoyed the nostalgia this track brings and I loved how dreamy the instrumental was. The members sound stunning throughout track, especially the chorus, where the members sing the opening line together. There are a few other elements that I am sucker for in this style of ballads that RIIZE nail, including the ad-libs and the way a pair of members share the “I’m always here” line within the chorus. Vocals alone make this track a ten for me. (10/10)

9. Inside My Love – RIIZE continues to delivery early 00s nostalgia through another soft pop track. Because of how hefty the beats/percussion are, I don’t consider Inside My Love to be another pop ballad, but it is almost in that territory. Once again, RIIZE doesn’t miss with their vocals and this elevates the track into stunning territory. One thing about songs from this era is that they are most heartfelt, which makes them so good to get lost into. RIIZE manages to encapsulate and replicate this emotion so well, hence the nostalgia. The downside to Inside My Love, it feels short. (9/10)

10. Another Life – With the second half of the album focusing more on emotions and vocals, I remember lowkey thinking Another Life would be another ballad. And while it does start off in that softer manner, Another Life ends up being quite a bold track by delving into rock elements that keep makes the track feel bold and intense. The gradual build-up within the song and the vocal ad-libs we get towards the end allows the track to really soar and blow me away. Where the song ends up and my affinity for these type of songs that just keep you on the edge of your seat, I can’t help but only score it this way. (10/10)