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
THE END OF THE DAY
Wow… we do not hear pop ballads like this in K-pop anymore. Sometimes we’ll get one as part of an OST for a drama, but most albums steer clear of this sentimental sound in favor of vibier tracks. I’ll always be biased toward big dance songs, but if we’re talking about ballads this is the style I love.
Everything about The End Of The Day serves nostalgia, right from the opening keys and gentle vocal flourish. SM Entertainment built a large part of their sound on songs like this, which in turn hearken all the way back to western boy bands of the 90’s like Boyz II Men and Backstreet Boys. The instrumental is warm and ornate, offering great texture. But as with any ballad of this nature, the true power lies in its vocal arrangement and performance. RIIZE really showcase their skill here. It’s rare to hear a modern idol group throw so much work into their vocal recording, but The End Of The Day drips with passion. You hear it in the runs and flourishes and especially in the showstopping bridge.
This approach is what transforms a boring ballad into a stunning ballad. The song itself is nothing special within its genre, but the execution absolutely elevates it. What a refreshing sound!
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
8.5