Ateez Zero: Fever, Pt.2 Album Review

My favorite boys have made their highly anticipated comeback with the title track “Fireworks (I’m The One)” along with their mini album Ateez Zero: Fever, Pt.2.

Sadly though, Mingi couldn’t participate in the comeback but he did participate in the album, which is great cause I really miss him so I am glad we hear him in the album.

So now let’s go through this fiery mini album and explore all the tracks.

Track 1: Fireworks (I’m The One)”

Ok, at first listen I thought it was an ok song, but during the second listen I have evolved and I love this song. It’s probably one of my favorite title tracks by Ateez. I love how they play around with autotune, and the autotune works really well with this song. The rap portions by Hongjoong and Mingi are really powerful, I mean of course it is they are amazing rappers, and I love how it’s a two part chorus. The first part of the chorus being more stripped back and focused on the vocals, then the second part comes in swinging with an exploding instrumental chorus, and they balance off of each other so well. I als love seonghwa in the chorus, his voice is perfect for it. This is a really fun and playful song, yet is quite fierce and fiery. I really love this song, and it it’s amazing overall.

10/10

Track 2: The Leaders

One word: Banger. I love this intense and heavily rap-focused song. It kind of reminds me of a blend between Hala Hala and Desire for some reason, which is great since those are my two favorite tracks on the Treasure Ep. 2 Zero to One. So I love that it shared those similar elements between those songs. Again, Ateez plays around with a false drop like in Desire, and incorporates a lot of playful autotune, which works great with this song. This song is full of confidence and it is a banger. It also fits well in this album, because the rest of the b-sides are more sweet and lighthearted, so it’s nice to have an intense song like The Leaders in this album.

9/10

Track 3: Time Of Love

This song is just so freaking cute. It just makes me feel so bubbly and it’s just pure serotonin. The vocals in this song are amazing, and Jongho proves once again he is one of the best vocalists in the kpop industry. In my opinion, he is the best male vocalist among 4th gen idols and his vocals in this song highlights that. This song is so refreshing, light-hearted, and sweet. I also like the transition into Hongjoong rap part because it sounds like beep boops of video games, which is a really cute touch. Overall I love this song.

9/10

Track 4: Take Me Home

This song feels very bittersweet to me. It makes me feel a bit sad, but is also very hopeful. The bittersweetness is also showcased in the instrumental. Take Me Home feels very 80s and retro-inspired, and kind of reminds me of the Weeknd for some reason. Like I can envision The Weeknd singing this song. Also if this song had a music video, it would definitely take place in a neon city at midnight. I love Yunho’s part where he sings, “Why always me? What I did wrong?” That part just instantly caught my ear. I’m also obsessed with the bridge and saxophone. It just impeccable. With Hongjoong shouting “Take me please out of the dark”, Jongho’s vocals, and use of saxophone makes the bridge and whole last minute of the song ethereal. This is definitely my favorite on this mini-album, and I’m just obsessed with it.

10/10

Track 5: Celebrate

This song is also impeccable. It is so cheery and light, and I love that in the instrumental there is a sound like a gospel in the background to make the song feel even more hopeful and exciting. This song just lifts your spirits up, and I can’t help but smile when I listen to this song. The main thing I love about this song is the vocals. I love San’s voice in this song, especially during the bridge where he goes a bit deep. Then Jongho showcases again he is one of the best vocalists in kpop. He hits the highnotes so effortlessly and this song fits Jongho so well. It’s soulful and cheery, and it’s an amazing song.

9/10

Track 6: Take Me Home (English Version)

Take Me Home is even better in the English version, even though it’s not completely English since the rap portions are still in Korean, but I’m glad they kept it Korean. A lot of times when Korean rap parts are turned into English, it is not as impactful and sometimes is very cringy. So I am glad they kept the rap portion Korean. Other than that, I just have to reiterate everything I said about the Korean version of Take Me Home. It’s a beautiful retro-inspired song that is just so ethereal, and I love this song so much.

10/10

Track 7: I’m The One (Heat-Topping Version)

An amazing album with a disastrous ending song. There are just too many elements they are trying in this remix that just doesn’t work. Although it’s called the heat-topping version, it’s not really hot and is more lukewarm. There’s no explosion, all the parts feel disheveled, and the chorus is so broken. I really like the slowdown portion of the first chorus, but other than that I can’t stand this song. All the parts are nice separately, but all together it feels very sloppy. This remix was not needed at all and should have been scrapped.

4/10

Although we had a pretty lackluster ending, the rest of the album is beautiful. This is one of Ateez’s best mini albums. It’s so amazing, and this min album just furthered my love for Ateez and their discography.

Ateez Zero: Fever, Pt.2 Album - 9/10

Song Ranking:

1 - Take Me Home (English Version)

2- Take Me Home

3 - Fireworks (I’m The One)

4 - The Leaders

5 - Celebrate

6 - Time Of Love

7 - I’m The One (Heat-Topping Version)