ZEROBASEONE, K-pop’s fifth-generation leaders, has just released their much-awaited fifth mini-album, ‘BLUE PARADISE,’ marking their return after nearly six months since their previous release, ‘CINEMA PARADISE.’ This mini-album is the second part of ZB1’s “PARADISE” series and reflects the group’s creative exploration of their sound and identity.
The six-track album introduces many genres, combining alternative pop, R&B, punk rock, and more to create a pleasant and cohesive listening experience. The album perfectly represents the message that “paradise is within all of us,” as shown in the phrase, which has expanded their artistic horizons to the limits and has been their most put-together and creative album, “Blue is a Piece of Life.” ZEROBASEONE’s musical maturity with this album has explicitly expanded their artistic horizons to the limits and has been their most put-together and creative album so far in their careers.
“BLUE”
ZB1 once again worked with producer KENZIE, known for their K-pop hits like “GOOD SO BAD,” for their title track, “BLUE.” The track embodies nostalgia, and paired with the music video, it is emotional and uplifting to anyone following the group since their debut. This track is particularly significant, representing the group’s refreshing sound and matching ZEROBASEONE’s fandom color. “BLUE” combines cooler melodies with heartfelt, sentimental vocals, creating a new take within the fifth generation of the alternative pop genre.
For the first time, ZEROBASEONE has included unit tracks, allowing the individual talents of ZB1’s members to shine.
“OUT OF LOVE”
“Out of Love” brings together Zhang Hao, Kim Jiwoong, and Kim Gyuvin in a bright, J-POP-like breakup track. Every part is upbeat and engaging. Although a bittersweet love song, the cheery and confident melody encourages focus on the positives of relationships, not the negatives. What stands out most is how perfectly the song suits these three members. It showcases their distinct vocal tones, making the most of their unique qualities by pairing them with a rock-pop style that elevates the track.
“STEP BACK”
“Step Back” shows the more complex and sophisticated thoughts of Ricky, Han Yujin, and Park Gunwook. Taking the opportunity to deliver a sultry and more refined track, this trio doesn’t ask the person of their desires to stay but urges them to run away. While they may never truly let go, being with them will bring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, some that the person would probably be better off without. The track is a more mature side of ZB1 that no one was expecting, yet it comes as a pleasant surprise.
“CRUEL”
“Cruel” spotlights Sung Hanbin, Seok Matthew, and Kim Taerae. This trio has presented a bubbly, uplifting track combining thrilling and climactic verses that complement each member’s personality. Kim Taerae’s strong and secure voice, Seok Matthew’s passionate rap skills, and Sung Hanbin’s reliable, steady vocals created the perfect debut of a unit song for the group.
“DOCTOR! DOCTOR!”
“Doctor! Doctor!” is a song we all know and love. It offers a reinvented take on what R&B could sound like in a K-pop setting. The vocals are strong yet ethereal, the perfect balance to the smooth and sultry instrumental. Most notable are the rap sections performed by Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook, offering a revitalizing twist midway through the song.
“DEVIL GAME”
The album includes a high-energy dance pop track, “Devil Game,” 180 from the title track, adding a dynamic touch to the overall sound showcased in this release. This particular track is nostalgic in a way different from the title track, comparable to the structure and sounds from many 2nd generation K-pop boy groups, yet reinvented to a more modern presentation, complimenting the group’s style.
Overall, this album offers a sense of familiarity while simultaneously being something ZEROBASEONE fans are experiencing for the first time. The group has taken elements of nostalgia and presented them in a way that is fresh and wholeheartedly their own. This album sets the tone for the rest of the group’s discography, allowing them to experiment with sounds and genres.
In addition to the album release, ZEROBASEONE continues to make waves on the global stage. Their first U.S. physical album, “BLUE PARADISE,” will be released on Apr. 4.
Meanwhile, fans worldwide anxiously await the upcoming screening of their world tour “TIMELESS WORLD” in CGV theaters worldwide starting Mar. 12 in Seoul. The 4-month-long 2024 tour attracted over 140,000 fans across eight regions, including Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Macau, and Japan’s Aichi and Kanagawa, establishing ZB1 as a true “Fifth-Generation K-pop Icon.”
Fans can look forward to more exciting moments as the group continues to dominate the global stage. More details about the “TIMELESS WORLD IN CINEMAS” film can be found here.
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You can listen to ‘BLUE PARADISE’ here.
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Featured Image Credit: WAKEONE ENTERTAINMENT
