RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often!
1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back // 3. Ember To Solar // 4. Fly Up // 5. Show Me Love // 6. Passage // 7. Midnight Mirage // 8. The End Of The Day // 9. Inside My Love // 10. Another Life
ODYSSEY
This is the shortest non-interlude track on the album and, as such, feels almost like an extended introduction. As a gateway into the album’s worldview, its ethereal sound immediately envelops listeners. The production borrows elements from UK garage, making it arguably the trendiest track here. However, I’m more interested in the celestial synths that pepper the chorus. A number of SM boy groups have utilized this soundscape before (SHINee’s Password comes immediately to mind) and it always hits.
Odyssey also does a great job establishing the album’s greatest asset: layered vocal production. This has been a hallmark of SM Entertainment since the 90’s and I’m so happy to hear it so fully-realized across these songs. I’ll be touching on this a lot in later write-ups. Odyssey‘s vocals are softer than many of the tracks that follow, but their gorgeous texture draws attention and elevates the song’s simple melodies. I would have loved to hear another minute where Odyssey could have transformed and expanded even further, but that kind of bombast will be coming later on the album. As an extended teaser, this works brilliantly. As a song on its own, it’s still very successful.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.5