[This review reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of allkpop.]
Track List:
1. Fireworks (I'm The One)
2. The Leaders
3. Time Of Love
4. Take Me Home
5. Celebrate
6. Take Me Home - English Version
7. I'm The One - HEAT-TOPPING Version
Zero: Fever Part.2 is a trap-infused follow-up to ATEEZ's first release of the Zero: Fever series. The album showcases a tracklist that spans across many genres and a title song that demands attention.
The title song didn't lie when it said, "I'm The One." ATEEZ single, "Fireworks (I'm The One)," is a powerful and compelling track whose focal point is the insanely catchy and well-executed chorus that loudly chants "Bulnoriya." This title song is hands-down my favorite track of the album, and an additional remix entitled the HEAT-DROPPING Version offers the addition of woodwind and violins. This version of the song twists into a bit more of an electronic feel with a huge progression and drop. Both versions have their appeal.
The second track, "The Leaders," features heavily autotuned vocals on a booming trap beat. Spitfire raps are the best part of this song, and overall I can see the song really being a fun release for when the tour circuit picks back up. However, don't get too comfortable with this aggressive sound because the next song, "Time Of Love," gives a bubblegum sweet vocal and sound. It seemingly comes from left field as I didn't anticipate a classic K-Pop sound after the first two aggressive songs.
"Take Me Home" is the only song on this album to have a Korean and English version. The song is a retro and nostalgic concept laced with synthesizers and jazzy saxophone. The song itself doesn't stand out against the title but is a palatable listen despite the fact that they chose not to take a risk on this track. "Take Me Home" is not the first song the group has done in English, and I find that the English here is less impactful than "One Day At A Time" from their part 1 album.
"Celebrate" is the final addition to the album, and it is much more subdued than the title. With a gospel-inspired feel, this soft pop song is jarring to the tracklist. Rather than feeling that there is a variety, it feels jumbled and sloppy in certain places. Each song on this album is great, but as a unit is a bit off due to the inconsistency in concept and sound. These songs are better as standalone listens.
MV REVIEW
With several stunning panoramic shots and delightful coloration in its visual appeal, ATEEZ's MV for "Fireworks (I'm The One)" focuses on the group themselves and the hard work they've put into the choreography. Opting to forego a major plot for dynamic shots of their difficult performance, ATINY will be pleased to know that the group members themselves and the choreography are the major focus of this MV. The MV itself utilizes SFX that doesn't feel low-budget, and the entire MV has a sort of dystopian theme that's fairly compelling to consume. Overall, the MV was neither here nor there and didn't offend in any way.
MV SCORE:
MV Relevance…..7
MV Production…..7
MV Concept……..7
MV Score: 7.0
ALBUM SCORE:
Album Production…..8
Album Concept……...8
Tracklisting…………...8
Album Score: 8.0
Overall: 7.5
"Doesn't stand out like the title track." I will not take this disrespect for the best song on this mini-album.(This is to not say that I do not rock with the title track or some of the other songs) However, Take Me Home is most definitely "That Bitch" among all of these songs and I dare anyone to say differently.