I have tried a slightly different format than my usual album review posts. Letme know if you like it.
In June 2025, ONEUS made their comeback with their 11th mini-album, 5x, led by the title track X. One year and 5 months later, I am finally getting around to reviewing it. In case you are wondering what the title of the mini-album is about, ONEUS has explained that the ‘5’ in the album’s name represents the five-member lineup of ONEUS (SEOHO, LEEDO, KEONHEE, HWANWOONG, and XION), while the ‘x’ serves as the multiplication sign, representing the group’s infinite potential.
Interestingly, while the mini-album focuses on ONEUS as a 5-member group, SEOHO isn’t featured on the title track or any promotional material for this comeback due to his military enlistment. But SEOHO does appear on the mini-album through the side tracks (sans the final track, which was also released after he enlisted in the military).
Overall thoughts
I found this mini-album to be a great release from ONEUS. There is no bad song on the album, though I do have my personal favourites – continue reading to find out which songs those were. But other than that, I definitely recommend you check it out.
2. LOVE ME or LOSER – Next up is LOVE ME or LOSER, a dreamy synth pop track. It also feels well-suited for a club environment, especially when the beat comes in and during the EDM twist toward the end. The vocals and rapping throughout LOVE ME or LOSER were compelling, and the melodies were airy or punchy when they needed to be. Together, everything makes LOVE ME or LOSER feel breezy and refreshing. (10/10)
3. RELOAD – We remain in the dreamy synth pop realm with RELOAD. The main differences between this song and the previous one are the thumping bass, the dreamy melodies (especially in the choruses), and the raspier vocals. RELOAD was good, but it wasn’t my personal favourite from the album. (8/10)
4. BAD – BAD is another strong song from ONEUS. It has more dreaminess, but this time the vector is retro pop. I really enjoyed the vocals for this one, with BAD giving us some fantastic melodies and hooks to enjoy alongside the members’ vocals. I highly recommend this one – every time BAD comes on, I get so lost in it; I will always try to repeat it as many times as I can before I need to move on. (10/10)
5. TIME MACHINE (Korean Version) – For those who may have missed it, ONEUS released the Japanese version of TIME MACHINE a couple of months before 5x. This mini album features the Korean version of the song, but both versions are good. The retro pop comes through stronger in TIME MACHINE, but it has a more mid-tempo feel. The instrumental feels well suited for summer, and the melodies are very smooth. TIME MACHINE doesn’t have much impact, but it is still a pleasant listen. (8/10)
Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10
ONEUS’ teaser image for 5x
Other ONEUS releases
Previous release: Dear.M (1st Special Album), led by IKUK (at the time, a newly arranged version of their Road to Kingdom: Ace to Ace track, I KNOW YOU KNOW).
Future release: 原 (2nd Single Album), featuring the title track of the same name.
fromis_9 made their comeback in June 2025 with their 6th mini-album, From Our 20’s. It was their first release under a new label and also their first as a five-member lineup (following their departure from Pledis Entertainment). The mini-album features 6 tracks, one of which is the title track LIKE YOU BETTER, which has become one of my favourite fromis_9 tracks of all time. The rest of the mini-album is a strong showing from the group, especially as they enter unfamiliar territory as a 5-member group. Continue reading to find out what I thought about each track on the mini-album.
Since From Our 20’s, fromis_9 has been busy with their 1st world tour, Now Tomorrow. They also released a remake of Kim Min Jong’s Christmas single, White Memories, and most recently returned to the KPOP scene with their second studio album, Glow ME, led by the title track Vitamin ME.
2. REBELUTIONAL – One thing I really liked about REBELUTIONAL is its refreshing and breezy pop-rock sound, which makes it perfect for the summery season and a follow-up track to the title track. The chorus was a fun blast, and fromis_9’s bright vocals throughout were well executed. HAYOUNG’s ad-libs at the end were amazingly good, as well. I would have liked REBELUTIONAL more had it had punchier hooks. (9/10)
3. Love=Disaster – fromis_9 takes on the punk rock sound in Love=Disaster. While I am excited for the punk rock direction (Love=Disaster started off well), I wish the song, especially the chorus, had been more up-tempo and had more punkish energy as it progressed. The pre-choruses hinted at that energy, but what we got in the end wasn’t that. Also, the choruses felt like they ended each time prematurely. The vocals were great, and I liked that little glitchy effect on the “Disaster” bit of the chorus. Love=Disaster was a great idea, but it could have been executed better. (8/10)
4. Strawberry Mimosa – Strawberry Mimosa was a very pleasant pop track, with a slight groovy underlay. The vocals were very cute and never failed to bring a smile to my face when this track appeared in my queue. (8/10)
5. Twisted Love – Twisted Love is my pick for this mini-album’s hidden gem. The opening thumping percussion and guitar work grab my attention from the get-go, and everything else settles into place. From Twisted Love’s guitar work to the effortless flow between parts to the bright, airy, superb vocals, there was so much to enjoy. It was a hard track to put down. (10/10)
6. Merry Go Round – Merry Go Round opens with a child-like playground chant and some strong bass. Both set the tone for the rest of the song, with the chant as a nice inspirational anchor for the cute, fan-dedicated lyrics, and the bass as a strong constant throughout that gives Merry Go Round a grand feel. I could have done with less vocal layering in the post-choruses. But it was still an enjoyable song overall. (8/10)
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.
Golden Hour: Part. 3 Album CoverGolden Hour: Part. 3 (In Your Fantasy edition) Album Cover
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 DropSEONGHWA’s teaser image for Lemon DropYUNHO’s teaser image for Lemon DropYEOSANG’s teaser image for Lemon DropSAN’s teaser image for Lemon DropMINGI’s teaser image for Lemon DropWOOYOUNG’s teaser image for Lemon DropJONGHO’s teaser image for Lemon Drop
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)
15. In Your Fantasy (Korean version) – See above for my review of In Your Fantasy.
Golden Hour: Part 3 (In Your Fantasy Edition) Rating: 8.7/10
Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10
JONGHO’s teaser image for In Your FantasyWOOYOUNG’s teaser image for In Your FantasyMINGI’s teaser image for In Your FantasySAN’s teaser image for In Your FantasyYEOSANG’s teaser image for In Your FantasyYUNHO’s teaser image for In Your FantasySEONGHWA’s teaser image for In Your FantasyHONGJOONG’s teaser image for In Your Fantasy
One of DOYOUNG’s last activities prior to enlisting in the military was releasing his second studio album, SOAR. Released in June 2025, it follows on from his first studio album, YOUTH, released in 2024. That album already set a high bar (in my opinion, one of the best of 2024), and SOAR has a tough job ahead indeed. But trust DOYOUNG and this 10-track album (led by the strong 10/10 title track, Memory). The album has plenty of hidden gems, and SOAR has already been recognised as one of the best albums of 2025, with my nomination for it in the Best Album category of the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.
Following SOAR and a day after his military enlistment. DOYOUNG also released the single Promise.
SOAR album cover
1. Wake From The Dark (깊은잠) – DOYOUNG starts off the album with such a formidable track. Wake From The Dark showcases DOYOUNG’s powerhouse vocals over a powerful band instrumental. Fitting for an album titled SOAR, DOYOUNG himself does just that with his vocals, and I really enjoyed how the instrumental developed and built itself up. A definite strong start for the album. (10/10)
3. Be My Light (쏟아져오는바람처럼눈부시게너란빛이비추더라) – Following the title track is the upbeat and bright Be My Light. It has a very addictive, feel-good vibe and bounce that made it a standout single. I actually find it hard to move on Be My Light when it does come on. What I particularly love is the orchestral-pop-rock blend and DOYOUNG’s energy and tone. (10/10)
4. First Step (자전거) – Bossa nova takes the reins in First Step. This made the instrumental feel fun and relatively energetic, especially as it builds. I also liked how light DOYOUNG’s vocals were in the track. The verses were a little forgettable; thus, it didn’t have the same captivating power as the 3 tracks before it. But First Step still holds its ground well. (8.5/10)
5. Just Friends (편한사람) – Just Friends takes us back into ballad territory. The simple combination of DOYOUNG’s rich vocals and acoustic guitar instrumentation was so stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed the melodies in the track, especially the choruses. I highly recommend putting this track on, sitting back, and closing your eyes to listen. It’s easy to get lost in it. (9/10)
6. Luminous (동경) – In another ballad that I found so easy to get lost to, Luminous shows us what DOYOUNG does best. And while he is effortlessly captivating in Luminous through his vocals, DOYOUNG is only one reason the song earned a 10/10. The primary reason is the heavenly string sequence midway into the song. I tend to do small tasks while I listen to a song to gather my thoughts for these album reviews. Very little usually makes me stop mid-task, but that string section took my breath away and made me tune back into Luminous to fully appreciate it. (10/10)
7. Still (고요) – Continuing the emotional ballad run on this album is Still. This one features beautiful melodies, and I like DOYOUNG’s airy elongations at the end of the chorus lines. Meanwhile, the instrumental is a beautiful mix of orchestral and band instrumentation. Together, they make a spectacular showing from DOYOUNG, especially as everything soars and then comes back down to earth at the end. (9/10)
8. Sonnet (소네트) – DOYOUNG changes gears with a dynamic pop rock instrumental, yet retains the emotional touch with really light and soft vocals. This one is straightforward, but I liked how DOYOUNG and the pop-rock instrumental worked together. I love the peak, with the consecutive drumming and DOYOUNG’s high note. (9/10)
9. Sand Box – Sand Box is produced by Kim Dong Wan, who hails from NELL (a South Korean alternative rock band). If you are familiar with their work, you can definitely feel his and NELL’s influence on the track, from the light, bubbly, atmospheric synths to the alternative rock. I particularly commend the hollow drumming that appears here and there, and the electric guitar in the bridge. They served as punchy moments in the song that I really enjoyed. DOYOUNG did a stunning, captivating job in Sand Box as well. (10/10)
10. Eternity (미래에서기다릴게) – DOYOUNG ends the album with the rock number, Eternity. It’s a strong track to end the album on, and it is pulled off really well. DOYOUNG sounds so good on the track, and the rock instrumental’s energy is phenomenal. I loved how DOYOUNG channelled this energy into his delivery, giving us a stunning, vibrant performance throughout the track. Towards the end of the track (after the choral bridge), his vocals soar, and his control is impeccable throughout. (10/10)
Next up for an album review is ILLIT’s bomb, their 3rd mini-album, which dropped in June last year. It features 5 songs, including the title track Do The Dance and the follow-up single Jellyous. This mini-album follows on from their 2nd mini-album, I’LL LIKE YOU, which was released in October 2024 and precedes the release of their successful NOT CUTE ANYMORE single in November 2025.
bomb is a consistent album, with all the songs on par with one another. One thing I really appreciated about bomb is that it goes full circle. The first and last songs on the mini-album felt similar, while the middle three had an energetic vibe. Read on to learn more about the individual songs below.
bomb album cover
1. Little Monster – bomb begins strongly with a light synth-pop trackl that feels appropriately ILLIT. This light synth-pop backing creates a soft, dreamy atmosphere that also eases us into the mini-album. The vocals in Little Monster were stunning. The English lines in the verse were delivered crisply, while the airy, higher-pitched delivery of the “I don’t want to know” hook complements the light instrumentation and is so catchy. (9/10)
2. Do The Dance (Title Track) – Since reviewing the track, Do The Dance has grown immensely on me, thanks to it being so catchy. I think my original song rating was a little harsh, so I bumped Do The Dance to 9/10, but my thoughts in the original review still stand. Click here for my review of Do The Dance. (9/10)
3. Jellyous – The follow-up promotional single for bomb was Jellyous, receiving a music video and promoted on the weekly music shows.Jellyous is a cute number, featuring a bouncy beat and synths that are reminiscent of retro 8-bit games. The members sound great as they sing through the track, but Iroha’s rap-speak line in the second verse comes in at the right time to stand out and leave an impression on me. (8/10)
4. Oops – ILLIT enters groovier disco-like territory with Oops. It’s super fun and energetic. I like the earwormy, flute-like sound that follows the choruses, and the downward-spiral synth motif in the bridge was unexpected but so playful. Playful is also how I would best describe ILLIT in Oops. (8/10)
5.밤소풍 – Bamsopoong (or Night Picnic; literal English translation) returns us to where bomb started. The album’s final song features retro lo-fi instrumental that creates a dreamy atmosphere similar to the first song. The vintage tinge to their vocals was a nice touch. It was a lovely way to end the mini-album. (8/10)
ITZY’s Girls Will Be Girls is next up for an album review. Released in June 2025, the mini-album is a short one, with just 5 tracks (spanning less than 15 minutes), one of which is the title track of the same name. Personally, I found the mini-album consistent and ranked in the mid-range of albums I have reviewed over time. It wasn’t ITZY’s best work, but it wasn’t boring or bad enough to skip. My thoughts on each song are below, and per usual, let me know what you think of ITZY’s Girls Will Be Girls.
But before we get to the actual review bits, here is a recap of everything that happened around Girls Will Be Girls (because I am so behind schedule). Before this mini-album, ITZY released their 9th mini-album GOLD (featuring the title track of the same name andthe single Imaginary Friend). After Girls Will Be Girls, the group renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment, embarked on their 3rd world tour, and released their second Japanese studio album (Collector) and their 11th mini-album, TUNNEL VISION (also with a title track of the same name).
2. Kiss & Tell – Kiss & Tell features a really cool, clubbing electronic instrumental. Its relentless pace made the track very appealing. I also liked how the vocals blended cohesively into the song with some autotune. However, my biggest issue is that the song feels compressed. While I found the fast tempo an asset, it was also a double-edged sword, as it prevented a strong hook from developing or settling in. (8/10)
3. Locked N Loaded – ITZY fuses some rock into the background of Locked N Loaded, which is a neat mix with the synths. I liked the guitars toward the end of the track, which give Locked N Loaded some subtle oomph. Both LIA and YUNA’s rapping in the second verse were also good. But aside from those aspects, I didn’t find much of a hook, no matter how many times I repeat the song. (7/10)
4. Promise – Promise is a mid-tempo pop song dedicated to fans, with a pleasant melody line, beautiful piano in the background and soft, airy vocals that create an inviting and warm atmosphere. As a sucker for ballad-leaning tracks, I enjoyed this track and ITZY’s execution of Promise, even if it doesn’t stand out as much as their earlier tracks. (8/10)
5. Walk – ITZY ends the mini-album with the attitude- and confidence-loaded Walk. The EDM in this track is super cool and sleek, and the members’ rap-speak delivery is, too. The part of Walk that I am least sure about is the bridge. I wish the producers used the bridge to give Walk a peak of some sort, rather than dragging out some vocals. I get that its low-key nature fits the bigger picture, but Walk needed more to elevate to a higher ranking. (7/10)
It has been over a month since I last posted an album review. But with this post now published, I can confirm they are still coming, just ever so slowly and very much a year overdue. Anyhow, this blog post is about SEVENTEEN’s HAPPY BURSTDAY, released in May 2025 to commemorate their 10th anniversary. And despite some of the members having already enlisted, all members participated in the album (though for those who enlisted – JEONGHAN and WONWOO – their participation was to varying degrees). HAPPY BURSTDAY features 16 songs, including the title track THUNDER and 13 solo tracks from each member. This was one heck of a way to celebrate their 10th year together as a group!
HAPPY BURSTDAY has a lot of really good songs, but the two standouts are ballads to me. If you are a long-time reader of my blog, you probably know I am a sucker for them!). And if ballads are not your thing, I am sure one of the other 14 songs will be your jam. Keep reading to hear my thoughts on each one, and let me know what you think of the album or certain songs (there is a lot of ground to cover).
HAPPY BURSTDAY Album Cover
1. HBD – Kicking off the album is HBD, an appropriately titled track to open up the album, celebrating their 10th year as a group. HBD is an energetic rock dance track that also features EDM elements. It is a thrilling mix that easily hypes me up for the title track and the rest of the album. Of all the members who feature in the song (JEONGHAN doesn’t have a part due to his military enlistment), WONWOO’s rap sequence in the second verse was the best part of the song. (9/10)
2. THUNDER (Title Track) – Upon reconsideration and the fact that the song has grown on me, I am bumping my original rating of THUNDER by half a point to 9/10. My review of the title track still stands, however. Click here for my full review of THUNDER. (9/10)
4. Skyfall (THE8 Solo) – Kicking off the solo tracks on the album is THE8 with Skyfall. It is a dreamy, artistic EDM track, with hefty beats and synths coming into play down the line. But what stands out to me is that synth that sounds like something dropping. It works wonders and is such a bold statement piece in Skyfall. THE8 has some really strong vocal moments in the song, too. A very strong start for the solo tracks on HAPPY BURSTDAY.(10/10)
5. Fortunate Change (JOSHUA Solo) – I enjoyed how blissful and calming Fortunate Change sounded. JOSHUA tends to have this effect on you, and Fortunate Change encapsulated this well. The tropical sound at the start adds to the song’s warmth, and I liked how it maintains a summery vibe throughout the track. The brass was a nice touch, and the guitar work really grounds the track. (8/10)
6. 99.9% (WONWOO Solo) – This one was quite unexpected. Who would have thought WONWOO’s solo track would be so bright, upbeat, and peppy? The brass elements in this track were so fun and good, while the piano just gives it that peppy vibe. I also enjoyed how vocal-forward 99.9% was. I just wish there was more of that electric guitar detailing in the background, like in the second verse. (9/10)
7. Raindrops (SEUNGKWAN Solo) – Raindrops is an exceptionally beautiful rock ballad that brings the best out of SEUNGKWAN’s vocals. The slight raspiness in his vocals, the swaying effect I love when it comes to ballads, a soothing melody and an instrumental that develops and builds alongside SEUNGKWAN, Raindrops had it all. It was so easy to get lost in the song, and it’s one I return to often. (10/10)
8. DAMAGE (HOSHI ft. Timbaland) – Seeing a collab between a SEVENTEEN member (in this case HOSHI) and Timbaland on the tracklist is quite exciting and sets high expectations. DAMAGE lives up to that expectation. It’s funky in a smooth, understated way, with fresh vocals from HOSHI and clear Timbaland influence on the production. The catchy chorus makes it a strong, enjoyable track. (8.5/10)
9. Shake It Off (MINGYU Solo) –MINGYU’s Shake It Off has been one of the most memorable for me. And it shouldn’t take you much to realise why. Shake It Off is pretty super cool, like the trendy club/house beats, the raspy/deep rap tone, the pre-chorus keyboard and the well-placed censorship beeps. Even the squeaky, higher-pitched vocals add nice contrast. While slightly repetitive, all of the above, plus its catchiness, make it a highly effective track. (9/10)
10. Happy Virus (DK Solo) – DK goes for a bright pop ballad for Happy Virus, which features a slight country twang in my mind. I enjoyed this one too – the melodies and lyrics are such an easy listen. And like what the title suggests, Happy Virus brings a smile to my face. A major driver here is DK’s effortless vocals. (9/10)
11. Destiny (운명) (WOOZI Solo) – WOOZI’s Destiny is a beautiful ballad that highlights his vocals over grand band instrumentation. It is the longest song on the album, but it honestly never feels long because it is so immersive. His airy, light vocals contrast well with the rich instrumentals, and the guitar solo at the end is a standout moment. For me, this is another 10/10 track, for me. (10/10)
12. Shining Star (VERNON solo) – Shining Star has a very refreshing and energetic pop-punk influence in its instrumental, while VERNON’s autotuned vocals brought a really nice crisp texture to the song. The combination made for a captivating track that was hard to skip when it appeared on my queues. I just wish the song had more of a peak. (8/10)
13. Gemini (쌍둥이자리) (JUN solo) – I loved how atmospheric and dreamy Gemini’s electro-pop instrumentation sounded. This, along with JUN’s delicate vocals, made for an alluring, captivating dance track. So much so, you knew I had to check out the fancams for his performance of the song at SEVENTEEN’s world tour. And I loved how his performance emphasised all the descriptor words I mentioned for Gemini. (9/10)
14. Trigger (DINO Solo) – Both DINO and Trigger bring me back to early 2000s pop R&B. I quite liked the dramatic beats in the background; the nostalgic R&B and DINO sound so good and clear throughout Trigger. While his solo work in the first half of 2026 has been fun and upbeat, DINO also suits this style, and I hope to hear more of the genre from him in the future. (8/10)
15. Coincidence (우연) (JEONGHAN solo) – While not part of the promotional material for HAPPY BURSTDAY, it is definitely nice to have a JEONGHAN solo track on the album as well. JEONGHAN follows the standard route of having a ballad for his solo track (given he is part of SEVENTEEN’s vocal unit), and it sounds nice. The instrumental had a warm feel, and I liked how soft his vocals and tone stayed throughout Coincidence. (8/10)
16. Jungle (S.COUPS solo) – S.COUPS is left, and presents us with JUNGLE. You can definitely feel the tension behind the hard-hitting instrumental, which felt immersed in the wild. The beat was definitely foot-tapping inducing. While S.COUPS sounds good throughout Jungle, I found his rapping more on the lighter, subtler side. I wish there was a moment for S.COUPS to become explosive in the track. This would have made Jungle more memorable and impactful for me. (7/10)
Next up for an album review is BAEKHYUN, who released Essence of Reverie (his 5th solo mini album) in May last year. The mini-album features 7 tracks in total, including the pre-release Chocolate, the title track Elevator and the follow-up promotional single Lemonade. The entire mini-album continues to explore the R&B genre that BAEKHYUN is most known for in his solo work, and you know that this is going to be another good mini-album from the soloist as a result.
Essence of Reverie Album Cover
1. Chocolate (Pre-Release Track) – Chocolate is a straightforward R&B pop number, with some nice guitar rhythms, groovy keyboard and lyrics that liken a lover to sweet chocolate. BAEKHYUN himself sounds good, as usual. I wish there were more to the track; it comes off as rather plain. (7.5/10)
3. Lemonade – Lemonade features a more mid-tempo approach to R&B, with the strings and synths in the background giving the track a good form of interesting texture. There is also a slow sway to the track that I find quite alluring. BAEKHYUN sounds superb on this track and reminds us why he is known for R&B. (8/10)
4. Love Comes Back – BAEKHYUN blends a jazzy city pop vibe into the mini-album with the single Love Comes Back. I enjoyed the vintage, retro feel this track exudes, as well as the moment when the electric guitar emerges in the background towards the end of the song. BAEKHYUN himself sounds so dreamy throughout Love Comes Back. (9/10)
5. No Problem – BAEKHYUN brings back R&B pop, with a more urban take on the former’s side of the track. It has light instrumentation, and I like the string synth in the background. I also quite liked BAEKHYUN’s vocals in this one. His ad-libs and the vocal layering make this a strong track, overall. (9/10)
6. Black Dreams – This whole mini-album has been curated to showcase BAEKHYUN’s vocals, and Black Dreams continues just doing this. He doesn’t do anything mind-blowing in Black Dreams, but he captivates so well with his straightforward vocals. I enjoyed the upbeat, bubbly instrumental, which makes this track a danceable one – it reminds me of GOT7’s NANANA. (8/10)
7. Late Night Calls – An all-English ballad ends Essence of Reverie. Late Night Calls features an acoustic guitar and soft piano, while BAEKHYUN sings in a heartfelt, delicate manner that makes the ballad rich and soothing to listen to. (9/10)
Of the 2025 albums remaining to review, I am really excited to review ENHYPEN’s DESIRE: UNLEASH. There are so many good tracks on the album that if you haven’t checked out yet, you must do so now. The group’s 6th mini-album dropped back in June last year, led by the title track Bad Desire (With or Without You). Promoted alongside the title track is Outside (which I got some flack last year for rating it so low). In addition to the 2 songs already named, the mini-album also features an English version of the title track, and their earlier 2025 release of Loose (their first all-English track), as well as a Korean version of the same song.
Prior to DESIRE: UNLEASH, ENHYPEN had released Romance: Untold -Daydream- and No Doubt at the end of 2024 and, most recently, the group returned with The Sin: Vanish and Knife (which is also their last with HEESEUNG, who later re-debuted under the stage name EVAN).
DESIRE: UNLEASH album cover
1. Flashover – Kicking off the mini-album, Flashover sees ENHYPEN adopt a falsetto delivery to really grab our attention from the get-go. Alongside the future bass EDM that they had going in the background, Flashover has a very pronounced refreshing tone to it, which makes the song extra appealing to enjoy. For me, the biggest downside is how short it is. It felt as if it finished as soon as it started, which is never a great feeling. (9/10)
2. Bad Desire (With or Without You) (Title Track) – Considering how catchy Bad Desire was, which lead to the song growing on me a fair bit since I reviewed it, I have bumped up its rating by 1.5 points. Click here for my full review of Bad Desire (With or Without You). (8.5/10)
4. Loose (Korean Version) – As Loose was originally released in English before the Korean version, I have reserved my review for the English version. See track 8 for my thoughts on Loose below.
5. Helium – Of all the tracks on this mini-album, Helium is what I look forward to the most. It is such a hidden gem on the album and I had constantly blasted the track when the album first dropped. The europop-rock instrumental had me head banging along and both the rhythmic and bass guitar was such soooo rich. Vocal-wise, HEESEUNG/EVAN’s high note towards the end tickles my brain all the right ways, and the slightly shouty delivery of the bridge hits hard each time. (10/10)
6. Too Close – If you want a song that showcases the best of what ENHYPEN has to offer vocally, Too Close definite comes to mind. This sweet pop song also has a really nice vintage feel that sounds almost playful and lighthearted. The message of having their desire awaken because the person is physical close to them is also portrayed in such a lovely manner through this song. (9/10)
7. Bad Desire (With or Without You) (English Version) – See my thoughts on Bad Desire (With or Without You) above.
8. Loose – Released back in April 2025, Loose is ENHYPEN’s first all-English song (as mentioned in my intro). I remember having this song on repeat and also reaching for it when it was first released. It has such an earwormy melody that makes it so desirable. The instrumental has this funky undertone and the drag brings on this subtle sensual tension that also enhances the appeal of the track. Vocally, Loose is also a strong track, with all members delivering the entire track in falsetto once again. (10/10)
Timing just works out that I am up to reviewing Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI’s 2025 TILT mini album and that a full group comeback is just around the corner (literally in 2 days’ time). TILT was released in May last year (yes, I am very behind), featuring the title track of the same name and 5 side tracks. It also serves as the unit’s first comeback since their debut back in 2020 with Monster (the name of both the title track and their 1st mini album).
TILT is a solid mini album, with most tracks rated at the same level for me. There is one hidden gem amongst the side tracks, so continue reading to find out which song that is! And don’t forget to mention in the comments what you thought of TILT as well.
2. What’s Your Problem? (featuring JULIE of KISS OF LIFE) – Described as a modern take on 90s R&B/hip-hop, What’s Your Problem features some groovy undertones. The song has the squeaky synth and brass elements to thank for that. In addition to those, the catchy ‘Eh-oh-eh-oh-eh’ and some of their delivery, including JULIE’s featuring rap, are good callbacks to that 90s era of the genre. However, the instrumental and the rest of the pair’s vocals do get a little repetitive by the end, which does hold back What’s Your Problem. (8/10)
3. Irresistible – IRENE and SEULGI go for some jazzy and funky low-key R&B track. There is a very classy and elegant vibe to Irresistible. The guitar work was particularly rich and luxurious, while the pair sounded very alluring with their lower register and delivery. I feel like the song lacks depth, which could have made it even better. (8/10)
4. Girl Next Door – Of the songs on the album, Girl Next Door hits. The pop dance track has some serious bass and funkiness that sounds so good. The upbeatness, percussion and rhythm are so cool. The vocals throughout the track were equally as cool, and I love how reaching the chorus is. The chorus also manages to showcase some cool power vocals that also help put Girl Next Door in the limelight for me. (10/10)
5. Trampoline – The duo revisits R&B again, this time around mixing it with pop. The vocals were super sleek in this one, and the piano-and-synth hybrid instrumental develops into something quite cool. The beginning could have been cleaner, but once the background/song gets into gear, Trampoline sounds quite alluring. (8/10)
6. Heaven – Extending R&B into the mini-album’s final song, Heaven is actually quite a dreamy number. The simplicity of the drum beats, along with the synths in this song, made the track feel dreamy and straightforward. The same dreamy descriptor can also be said about IRENE and SEULGI’s vocals. I also liked how Heaven eases out of the mini-album, which makes it a nice ender. (8.5/10)
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!
ODYSSEY Album Cover
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)
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)
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 (모든하루의끝) –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)
It was previously alluded to be posted by the end of June, but the album review for BOYNEXTDOOR’s No Genre has finally arrived just a few days after the end of June. No Genre is their 4th mini-album, released in May 2025, and features 7 songs. This includes the title track I Feel Good, the English version of the title track, and their earlier 2025 hit, IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU. No Genre was a particularly strong showing from the group, demonstrating their ability to handle a variety of styles and sounds compellingly.
ICYMI – BOYNEXTDOOR returned recently with their 1st studio album titled HOME and the title track VIRAL.
No Genre Album Cover
1. 123-78 – Starting off the mini-album is the vintage pop number, 123-78. Despite being about a breakup, with the song depicting the members as just dumped, 123-78 is somewhat comforting and upbeat. I really liked the brass elements and the golden, retro vibes that song exudes. The vocals and tinge of rapping in 123-78 fit the vintage pop/retro era really well, showcasing the members’ versatility with music styles and tones. (10/10)
3. Step by Step – What a pleasant number. While Step by Step didn’t instantly grab my attention like other songs on the mini-album, I still enjoyed it. The song’s groovy, funky city-pop underlay was really nice, and I liked how smooth and stunning their vocals made Step by Step sound and feel. The ending, however, was too abrupt for my liking, and that thought still stands even after a year. (8/10)
4. Is That True? (장난쳐?) – Is That True? is an easy-going, carefree pop track, with its lyrics wishing the best to a former partner who has moved on with someone else. The members’ vocals were quite nice, and I do feel like they were genuine with their message behind the lyrics. Otherwise, that easy-going and carefree tone would not have made much sense. I also really liked the beat and the bounce of the song. It was hard not to do a little dance to the song because of it. (9/10)
5. Next Mistake – Next up is Next Mistake, an R&B track with a glitchy and techno instrumentation. This is honestly quite a cool and unique combination. I liked how BOYNEXTDOOR and their producers for this track didn’t shy away from either side of the song. Again, Next Mistake features some really nice vocals and rapping from the members, especially the falsettos in the choruses. (8.5/10)
JIN’s 2nd mini-album, ECHO, is next up for an album review. Released in May 2025, ECHO features 7 songs, including the title track Don’t Say You Love Me. This particular mini-album comes 6 months after JIN released his first mini-album, HAPPY, which featured the title track Running Wild.
ECHO is quite adventurous, exploring multiple genres. Each song on this 7-track mini-album was different to each other. Thus, making JIN’s release exciting to listen to. There are a few 10/10 songs on here, and the rest of the mini-album was also of a similar quality. Another ‘no skippable’ mini-album. Continue reading to find out what I thought about each song.
2. Nothing Without Your Love – JIN pours his heart out in Nothing Without Your Love as he sings fondly about the missing piece in his life. The track takes on Brit-pop, which has a spacious yet atmospheric flair to it. Throw in JIN’s vocals (that just goes hand-in-hand with the genre) and that already mentioned outpour, and you have a stunning track that is hard to pass up on. (9/10)
3. Loser(ft. YENA) – JIN changes gears through Loser with a fun pop-punk track, featuring the always bubbly YENA. Both work well with this style and each other to create this awesome track that ended up being one of my favourite side tracks of 2025. Their chemistry is one of the things I remember the most about the track. I particularly liked it when they were echoing on another or alternating between each other (depending on which part of the song you were at). Loser’s energy was fabulous and super addictive, and I really liked how catchy the track was. (10/10)
4. Rope It – JIN delves into the country genre with Rope It. This was another fun song and a definite blast to listen to, especially since it wasn’t expected of JIN. I liked how infectious the energy is, which always makes me want to boogie when the song appears on my playlist. (8/10)
5. With The Clouds(구름과 떠나는 여행) – With The Clouds sounds like 2 songs stitched into one. The first is a vibrant up-tempo rock track that has a crisp, refreshing tone. The second is another rock track of a slower melody, which brings out an emotive tone from JIN. I like the way the song melds into one, but it did require a bit of getting used to to really appreciate the track. It is different and unique (though not unheard of), so props to JIN and the producers for experimenting within With The Clouds. (8/10)
6. Background – JIN’s emotions pour out in this pop ballad. I really liked the rock/band elements in Background, which adds so much and appreciated oomph to elevate JIN’s vocals. I remember finding it easy to get lost in the melodies, emotive vocals and instrumental when it was first released. Over a year on, it still has that pull and appeal. (10/10)
7. To Me, Today – I really enjoyed the momentum that the chorus builds into alt-rock To Me, Today. It takes the song into soft head-banging, foot-tapping territory and feel-good vibes that just work really nicely with JIN’s vocals. I also liked the punchy “The One” in the background of the chorus. It adds a playfulness to the song that works nicely with where the alt-rock lands in the track. (9/10)
The next album up for review is P1Harmony’s 8th mini-album, DUH!, released in May 2025. It features 6 tracks, including the title track that shares the same title as the mini-album. To me, this is a no-skip album release. Every song on the mini-album was, and still is, satisfying to listen to and enjoy (even over a year since its release). A definite recommendation from me. Continue reading to find out what I thought about each song.
ICYMI – P1Harmony recently made their comeback with the title track UNIQUE and their 9th mini-album of the same name.
2. Pretty Boy – Opening with Latin-influenced beats and some cool bass, Pretty Boy follows on nicely from the title track. This combination in the instrumental made for a very fun and exciting piece, with a catchy chorus to really make it appealing. I also enjoyed the band flair that comes in during the bridge. I also liked how P1Harmony’s style is infused into the track. Their vocals and rapping throughout Pretty Boy felt very crisp and fresh. (9/10)
3. Murmur – Bass is retained with Murmur delving into more of a funky old-school hip-hop motif. The beat in this one was cool and a total vibe. I really liked the rapping in this one. The rappers are in their element in Murmur. The same can be said about the vocalists. (8/10)
4. Flashy – P1Harmony takes into upbeat rock territory for Flashy. The rock elements make this a very electrifying song, while the ‘I’m feeling flashy, flashy, flashy” line in the chorus was very addictive. I also enjoyed the rapping and vocal lines that follow that hook in the chorus. It packs some grit in the centrepiece, which helps make the entire chorus memorable. (9/10)
5. Over and Over – The brass in Over and Over makes this hip-hop track fun and exciting. To me, Over and Over is the quintessential P1Harmony. All the members sound natural throughout Over and Over, and this song really reminds me of their best past title tracks. While the chorus is chanty of the shouty variety, it actually has a neat ring to it, to the point that the chant keeps playing in my head ‘over and over’ again. That pun was fully intended. (10/10)
6. Work – Everywhere I turn for this album, everyone is raving about Work. And I can see why. The instrumental for this track is super interesting and fun, leaning into groovy club territory, house beats and intriguing synths. There is also an experimental edge to Work that keeps us on our toes. The vocal and rapping delivery was super unique in this track, with the autotune and slightness working in the song’s favour. It was a wild ride, and I am on board with everyone else about this song. (10/10)
Before I get to reviewing their latest title track this week, let’s have a closer look at MEOVV’s 1st mini album since their debut – MY EYES OPEN VVIDE. Released in May 2025, the mini-album is led by the title track, DROP TOP. In addition to the title track, the 6-track mini-album features the pre-release single HANDS UP, as well as past tracks such as their debut single MEOW and later comeback tracks TOXIC and BODY. All music videos and links to their pre-existing reviews are down below.
ICYMI: MEOVV most recently returned with their 2nd mini-album, BITE NOW, and the title track, DDI RO RI. It will be up for review sometime this week (as mentioned earlier).
4. BODY– Released alongside the single TOXIC in November 2024, BODY is an energetic hip-hop track that expresses the message of confidence. It features a catchy chorus and cool percussive elements in the instrumental, making the track quite attractive. I did like some of the vocal moments in the second verse, but I remember the chanty delivery elsewhere in the song quickly dried up its appeal. The instrumental break that closes out BODY features really cool choreography that I suggest you check out. (7.5/10)
6. LIT RIGHT NOW – The only other new song on the mini-album, other than DROP TOP, is LIT RIGHT NOW. At first, I thought the song was a bit weak, but repeated listens really warmed me up to it. LIT RIGHT NOW delves more into R&B territory, and there is an ear-worminess to that that makes it an appealing listen. It is a nice track to ease us out of the mini-album, and I enjoyed the slow groove it produced. That saxophone synth at the end was also super cool, and I liked how it reflected the song’s hooky melody, which further extends its appeal. (8/10)
Ahead of their upcoming comeback next month, it is time to review i-dle’s (formerly (G)I-DLE) 8th mini-album, We Are. This particular mini-album dropped back in May last year and was the first release since their rebrand as i-dle. It features a total of 6 tracks, including the pre-release single, Girlfriend, and the title track, Good Thing.
ICYMI: i-dle returned earlier this year with the single “Mono” (ft. skaiwater).
3. Love Tease – Love Tease is a favourite of mine from this mini-album. The retro/disco synth work was super fun and ear-catching, while the members’ delivery of the all-English song was quite sharp. Props to YUQI, one of the song’s co-composers. The ‘Love Tease’ repetition was super simple, yet also such a memorable aspect of the song. This ‘simplicity’ factor in Love Tease runs throughout the song, and I think it could have done so much more. But this doesn’t change the fact that what we got was quite addictive and a gem on the mini-album. (9/10)
4. Chain – Dark and sultry vibes come off the all-English, R&B-leaning Chain. This changes up the tone of the mini-album, which I really appreciated. I particularly enjoyed how mature the members sound and the sensual hints in the lyrics (co-written by MINNIE). Again, Chain is another song where more could have been explored to make it more interesting. (8.5/10)
5. Unstoppable – i-dle takes us deeper into R&B territory, with Unstoppable also leaning into mid-tempo pop territory. I enjoyed the warmth and cosiness this track offers. Written by MIYEON, this song really highlights her vocals. All the other members also sound amazing throughout the song, but MIYEON elevates Unstoppable in a way that feels impressive and noteworthy. Her ad-libs were also awesome. (8.5/10)
6. If You Want (그래도 돼요) – We Are ends with a beautiful and soothing ballad. If You Want has that sway that I like when it comes to ballads, and I also enjoyed the way it developed. The vocal work was really nice, and the song’s progression felt extremely gratifying. Written by SHUHUA (her first song!), If You Want was a lovely way to end the mini-album. (8/10)
