A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
I guess there’s an unspoken rule that ZEROBASEONE songs with the word “kidz” in them are bound to be good. New Kidz On The Block was a standout on their debut album and now Kidz Zone is my highlight from their second. Overall, not much on Melting Point caught me in the same way tracks like Back To ZEROBASE did, but with a few changes this one would’ve made a much better title track than the polarizing Crush.
If I had it my way, ZEROBASEONE would stick to this upbeat pop sound with dreamy soundscapes. Even more than the drum-and-bass production, this style fits their vocals. Kidz Zone is a slight track, but it’s elevated by the striking vocal layering during its chorus. Seriously, producers… fill every ZB1 song with that flourish. It sets them apart from everyone else and would give them license to explore other genres while maintaining their unique color.
Beyond this satisfying sound, there’s not much to Kidz Zone. This limits my overall rating, as the song almost feels like a demo in need of expansion. And at only two-and-a-half minutes, there’s plenty of space for extra segments and ideas.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.5