“Last night, made a list of my TOP 5,” and it was impossible. There are seven tracks on ZEROBASEONE’s Ascend-, so how could we narrow it down to a ‘TOP 5?!’
Ascend-
Look, we’ll be honest with you – ZEROSE to ZEROSE – and admit there were some funky feelings going into this comeback. One thing that we never, ever doubted, though, is that ZEROBASEONE always deliver top-tier music. Whether there are five members or nine, they’re among the most talented groups out there. With Ascend-, ZEROBASEONE proves that once again!
‘Intro.’
Given that Ascend- and ‘TOP 5’ serve as something of a rebrand for ZEROBASEONE, the decision to begin with an intro instrumental was a smart one. ‘Intro.’ initially builds to a refreshing, bright, fast-paced track, before turning rock and eventually crashing into a hip-hop beat. This sonic transformation allows us, as listeners, to walk across the bridge between ZB1’s previous chapter and the next, and we’re so grateful for that!
Also, maybe we’re looking too deeply, but the drum smashes immediately reminded us of the music that would play in between each announcement in Boys Planet‘s elimination episodes! Anyone else?
‘TOP 5’
‘TOP 5’ is the perfect, perfect, perfect title track. We could literally leave it at that, but we’re incapable of shutting up about these guys, so you’re gonna find out why it’s so perfect, too!
When we, like many ZEROSE, first found out the song would be called ‘TOP 5,’ we froze. We obviously didn’t expect anything bad, but the name certainly gave us pause, given it’s their first release as five members. However, we learned we should never doubt ZB1 (not that we really did anyway); it was the perfect bluff! The title track with such a provocative, timely name turned out to be chic, sexy, refined, and all about “you.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the choreography and music video are beautiful, too.
‘V for Vision’
‘V for Vision’ is the perfect counterpart to ‘TOP 5.’ Both are so 2000s R&B-coded, but where ‘TOP 5’ is suave and intense, ‘V for Vision’ is cool and nonchalant. Admittedly, on first listen to the album, we were surprised that ZB1 picked this as the promotional b-side, but it’s the performance that really makes this song come alive. Not to mention, it has one of the best fanchants ever, and even when we’re listening alone, we can’t help but sing “Kim Jiwoooooooong…”
Similar to ‘TOP 5,’ ‘V For Vision’ is another incredible outward statement for this juncture in ZEROBASEONE’s career. We hope that the declaration that the members are confidently moving forward and can see their path, even if others can’t, feels as good for them to sing as it does for us to hear. Plus, this song has maybe our favorite lyric in all of Ascend-, Gunwook’s “Visions vicious, call me ambitious […] Matter of fact, I’m a man of my word.“
‘Customize’
Speaking of Gunwook… everybody cheer for our producer maknae! ‘Customize’ was the first song we got to hear from Ascend- thanks to ZB1’s KCON Japan performance, and since then, we’ve known the album would be a hit. Written and produced by their youngest member, Gunwook, this pop-rock anthem is to die for. And, not only is the song amazing, but the way that the members speak about it says a lot about their group dynamic, too.
Gunwook (who, as fans know, is always making songs in his own studio set-up) wrote ‘Customize’ and then pitched it to ZEROBASEONE and their team, who accepted it as a track for Ascend-! He’s even credited with vocal direction in the studio, which again speaks volumes about their respect for one another (and each other’s skills!). It sounds like he put them through it, especially Taerae with those adlibs! Although that’s what he gets for ghosting Gunwook when he asked him to record the guide demo. (In Taerae’s defence, he didn’t know it was a song for ZB1 at the time).
‘Exotic’
If you’re on ZEROSE Twitter, you probably already know that ‘Exotic’ is a fan-favorite. As it should be! ‘Exotic’ is the ultimate euphoric dance-pop track, and it’s been years since a song made us want to go to the club this badly. We’re praying that we get some ‘Exotic’ stages soon, because can’t you just feel how epic the choreography would be? We’re talking vogueing, waacking, tutting. And yes, we’re side-eyeing Hanbin until he makes this happen.
‘Changes’
After the intensity of tracks one to five, ZB1 get all sweet on us in ‘Changes.’ The second that the piano starts playing, you can feel you’re in for a rich, decadent treat, and Jiwoong’s vocals kicking in only proves that. Throughout Ascend-, the ZEROBASEONE members’ vocal textures are really beautifully showcased, and that’s never clearer than it is in ‘Changes,’ a beautiful R&B ballad. Something about Ascend- feels like the songs are catering to the members’ singing styles, rather than them singing to fit the songs. That’s how accomplished it is!
‘Zero to Hundred’
‘Zero to Hundred’ is without a doubt the most familiar iteration of ZEROBASEONE on Ascend-, which makes it the perfect album closer! It’s heavy on the synth-pop, which we’re always on board with. Matthew and Gunwook’s low rap tones against the bright melodies make for a beautiful combination! As ever, Taerae’s hootering and hollering adlibs are always heavenly, but this is some of his best yet. The beat drops and fast-paced gang vocals were built for ZB1 and ZEROSE to enjoy IRL, and we’re praying that this becomes an encore song at a hypothetical future tour (please!).
Between ‘Intro.’ and ‘Zero to Hundred,’ ZEROBASEONE begin and end the album with odes to their past, while the middle focuses on who they are now. It levels up Ascend- from a really great album to a beautiful piece of storytelling during this important moment in their journey. We couldn’t be prouder!
Are you as obsessed with Ascend- as we are? What are your thoughts on ZEROBASEONE’s ‘TOP 5’ stages? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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