[Album Review] Golden Hour: Part.3 (12th Mini Album & In Your Fantasy edition) – ATEEZ

Cast your mind back to mid-2025 when ATEEZ made a summer comeback with Golden Hour: Part 3, led by the single Lemon Drop. This was followed shortly by a repackaged version of the mini-album, titled the ‘In Your Fantasy‘ edition, led by the single of the same name. Today, I am finally getting around to reviewing the full Golden Hour: Part 3 package, which features 15 songs. The former featured only 5 songs (group songs and a bridge, which doesn’t count toward the album’s final rating), while the latter featured 10 songs (an English and Korean version of the title track and solo tracks by each member). Overall, it was a strong effort from ATEEZ, with the album featuring some good tracks and two earning a 10/10 from me. Read on to see what else I thought about the mini-album.

1. Lemon Drop (Title Track) – I mentioned in my original review that, at the time of writing, the track was growing on me. Since that review, I can confirm that Lemon Drop did just that. So, I have decided to bump up Lemon Drop’s song rating by a half point. The opening melody of its chorus ended up being a memorable part of the track. Click here for my original review of Lemon Drop. (8/10)

2. Masterpiece – ATEEZ previously commented that Masterpiece was a contender for the title track status for Golden Hour: Part.3, and I totally can see why. Masterpiece is a sleek 90s R&B track, with a cool funky synth underlay that just makes it so appealing. I also like the fact that it is both an easy listen and an earwormy track. All members deliver solid vocals and rapping throughout Masterpiece. (9/10)

3. Now This House Ain’t a Home – Next up is a soft hip-hop number with a more reflective message about growing up and maturing. It’s worth checking out the lyrics. Now This House Ain’t a Home is meant to be more emotional, especially with those lyrics in mind, but I like how it doesn’t feel that way. Rather, the hip-hop direction they took fits in with their broader discography. Now This House Ain’t a Home is nicely executed by ATEEZ, with the chorus being the best part in my opinion. The vocals sound like something in the distance, like a childhood memory. (8/10)

4. Castle – For me, Castle was always the single that stood out to me when the original mini-album dropped. The synth work in this pop dance track had a refreshing tone that suited the summery season the mini-album was released in. The melodies were extremely pleasant, matching the instrumental’s breezy, smooth vibes. They also made Castle just a super easy listen. ATEEZ’s vocals were so well executed that I found it easy to get lost in. Though, MINGI’s push in the last moments of Castle was just icing on the cake. (10/10)

5. Bridge: The Edge of Reality – The final track on the original mini-album was this bridge. I love everything from the dramatic drumming, the mysterious whispers, and the “I’ll throw it back” vocal to the upbeat EDM and what ended up being a brief feature of In Your Fantasy. Retrospectively, this is one of the better bridges I have heard over my time reviewing KPOP albums.

HONGJOONG’s teaser image for *Lemon Drop*

Golden Hour: Part.3 Album Rating: 8.8/10

6. In Your Fantasy (Title Track) – Click here for my full review for In Your Fantasy. (9/10)

7. NO1 (HONGJOONG solo) – ATEEZ’s captain has his solo track up first. NO1 is a powerful EDM track that amps up the energy the further you get into it. The beat in this one, especially in the choruses, hits hard. Combined with the “N-O-1” was catchy. HONGJOONG sounds really good, both vocally and as a rapper, in NO1. (8/10)

8. Skin (SEONGHWA solo) – SEONGHWA is up next with Skin, a groovy yet sensual R&B number. SEONGHWA does well with solid vocals and falsettos. The track also has some breathy moments that fit the groovy, sensual vibe. While already captivating, SEONGHWA surprises us with an unexpected yet cool EDM outro, adding another dynamic layer to Skin. Also, since it is Halloween this weekend, check out SEONGHWA’s music video; it has a slight horror theme that I think you might appreciate. (8/10)

9. Slide To Me (YUNHO solo) – Slide To Me by YUNHO also leans into R&B territory, but his solo track has a classy, funky side to it. The instrumental itself is upbeat, while the synth work is sleek. I also detect a faint, sensual vibe in Slide To Me. The bass and guitar work bring out that funkiness. I am a little disappointed by the instrumental break; it feels a bit lacklustre compared with the rest of the track. YUNHO also sounds good, but it was very straightforward and felt too polished. (7/10)

10. Legacy (YEOSANG solo) – Legacy was truly a jaw-dropping masterpiece. Personally, I am not familiar with YEOSANG’s music style, but I didn’t expect something so dramatic and cinematic from him. The combination of synths and classical elements was very captivating, and I loved the effortless transition to the EDM outro. YEOSANG himself matched the epicness of Legacy’s instrumental with his delivery, and was completely enchanting to listen to and watch throughout the music video. (10/10)

11. Creep (SAN solo) – As a whole package, Creep was very impactful and intense. It leans into the rock genre, with a very sexy vibe. It was hard to pick a favourite moment in Creep, but if I had to pinpoint one, it was the epic instrumental break. SAN was alluring, but like YUNHO’s track, I would have liked more complexity from SAN in Creep. I particularly like the spoken “I like the way you lose control” that kicks off the first 2 runs of the chorus. (9/10)

12. ROAR (MINGI solo) – ROAR combines hip-hop and electronic elements to create another powerful track. As intended, the track feels animalistic and wildly rough, with the instrumental sounding like a beast’s ferocious roar. Adding to this animalistic feel is MINGI himself, who literally barks throughout ROAR. Elsewhere, his rapping is commanding, making his statement in a way that really grabs your attention and might scare you, too. (8.5/10)

13. Sagittarius (WOOYOUNG solo) – While his solo isn’t as powerful or epic as some other singles on the album, WOOYOUNG’s Sagittarius also manages to stand out in its own right. The R&B-pop and dubstep production is flawless. WOOYOUNG himself holds his ground very well. With straightforward but meaty melodies, I find myself digging the track. (9/10)

14. To Be Your Light (JONGHO solo) –JONGHO’s solo track goes down the balladry route, which is pretty much expected. Though To Be Your Light is more upbeat and lively, thanks to the band instrumentation. Unsurprisingly, JONGHO sounds stunning throughout the track, and I love how effortless his vocals sound. The band instrumentation and JONGHO work together to create a power ballad that didn’t disappoint, even if it was expected. (9.5/10)