With their first release of 2024, 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1,' and an accompanying music video for the title track, "WORK," ATEEZ has made a comeback after six months. The eight-member boy group, signed under KQ Entertainment, debuted in October 2018 and has since released numerous albums and singles. 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1' debuted at No. 2 and remained in the top 10 for two weeks. This album marks the beginning of a new series that ATEEZ will explore through their storyline and upcoming releases.
ATEEZ continues to showcase their artistic vision and musical prowess in their latest release. The group's members, Hongjoong and Mingi, collaborated on the rap lyrics, while working closely with producers EDEN and Maddox to create an immersive sonic experience. Consistent with their previous albums, ATEEZ presents a cohesive narrative that explores two alternate universes, drawing the listener into their distinct world. The album opener, "Golden Hour," features a narration by Maddox, which sets the stage for the rest of the record and encourages contemplation of life's experiences.
The first track, "Blind,” contains heavy Latin inspired beats and vibes, similar to sounds used in their previous album, 'THE WORLD EP. FIN: WILL.' The track is very upbeat and will make you want to dance, which is exactly what the lyrics state. “Dance tonight, in this burning night,” and “matching steps under the moonlight,” are fun lines that relate to dancing. The theme of the track is never ending love and how love can be a blind thing. “WORK,” the title track and second on the album, is full of hip-hop and Latin beats. While the Lastin-inspired beats make this track similar to previous ones, it also carries a different sound as the two beats combined is something different for the group. The chorus,
“gotta work, gotta make that money make purse,”
is very addictive and easy to sing along to, making it a fun track.
The next track, “Empty Box,” is at the halfway point of the album and is the perfect slower tempo track. There are hints of hip-hop inspired beats mixed along with slower beats. This track doesn't skip the opportunity to showcase the group's vocal abilities, which gives the listeners a break from fast-paced songs. Unlike the other few tracks, this one is a bit on the sad side, with lyrics such as “I’ll never miss you,” and “I gotta move on.” The track follows the sadness regarding heartbreak. “Shaboom” is another mid-tempo track with African beats, which is different from previous sounds that the group has explored. It starts off a bit slow before gaining momentum during the chorus and adding in typical ATEEZ hip-hop beats. The lyrics are just as fun as the beats, and make for the perfect party song.
The last track on the album, “Siren,” is another upbeat and fun hip-hop song that serves as a great closing for the album. It is very upbeat and exudes confidence from the group, with lyrics such as “those critics are not fine” and “born with natural talent.” It has heavy rap verses from both Mingi and Hongjoong that flows perfectly with the theme of the song along with the beats.
Don't forget to get your playlist ready! ATEEZ is coming to North America this summer, and you don't want to miss out on the chance to sing along and make unforgettable memories.
this album has been on repeat!!!!!