In a music industry dominated by yet another Taylor Swift romance ballad, diss-track-inspired rap feuds and viral TikTok hits like “Espresso” clinging to the top of the charts, Ateez’s “GOLDEN HOUR: Part. 2” has cut through the musical chaos and debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
Ateez is an eight-member group in South Korea. Their group consists of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho. They debuted on October 24, 2018, under a small company, KQ ENTERTAINMENT. Known for experimenting new styles and genres, Ateez showcases versatility in their music. Ateez has recently released their eleventh extended play “GOLDEN HOUR: Part. 2” on Nov. 15.
The album begins with “Deep Dive” which I feel connected to my struggles of not finding a clear path in life. The verses, ‘Wide awake, not gettin’ any sleep, yeah, floating pieces of unease,’ and ‘Struggling with emotions, unable to resolve even one, searching for something, every day I’m left drowning again’ resonate with the emotions of keeping everything to myself in these times.
The beats in “Scene 1: Value” shifts three times, evolving in style with each change. While this song is only a minute long, they have shown how impactful something so small can be. It brought on the role as an intro for the next song and plays with the rhythmic sound and captivates the hearts of listeners.
The main song on this album is “Ice on my Teeth.” I find the meaning of this song is hard to interpret, its catchy rhythm and melody make it easy to get hooked. I love how this song ranges from rapping with smooth transitions to elegant singing. Jongho’s verse, ‘I’m like a violin, singing it from the top,’ showcases his impressive vocal range and ability to hit higher octaves.
I have a tendency of putting others before myself because I care less about myself than I do of others. This is the same vibe I get from “Man on Fire.” The verse, ‘Even if I turn to ash, I don’t care yeah, if it’s just for your love,’ reminds me of how I treat my friends; I don’t care if I get hurt as long as they are happy. I don’t know why I do this and I have noticed it is not healthy. I just simply love helping others.
Like many relationships, I have experienced arguments I wished had ended differently. In “Selfish Waltz” two people have recurring arguments comparing it to a war. Words are said, they hurt each other, and cannot be taken back. ‘The more we try to fit together, the more we fall apart, I’m going crazy too,’ this line captures my feelings about friendships that did not work out.
The last track, “Enough,” provides a sense of strength for when I am struggling by myself. ‘Just take a breath, that’s enough, sometimes you gotta move forward, just take it step by step and then you’ll notice you’ve found your place,’ is a positive perspective in a negative moment. “When you feel like you’re nowhere, let it go ‘cause I’ll be there for you.” Ateez don’t know that I exist, but they are helping me with just their music.
Overall, I really love the style and vibes that Golden Hour Part. 2 portray. “Enough” and “Ice on my Teeth” are my top two favorite songs on this album. Ateez has mastered the process of capturing all of my attention. I also find it fascinating how they used “Scene 1: Value” to guide the listener into “Ice on my Teeth.” This album has left a personal mark on me, and I hope others who are struggling might give it a listen or discover it when they are looking for something new.
