Trials and tribulations are simply byproducts of the human experience, and our empathy towards those who face such challenges often influences our own growth. Few understand this better than individuals in their early twenties navigating adulthood, and members of the K-Pop boy group RIIZE are currently experiencing this journey under public scrutiny. Their debut studio album ‘ODYSSEY’ explores their collective identity and provides reflections on their experiences thus far.
An odyssey refers to an extensive and eventful journey, typically marked by numerous highs and lows. The album opens with its title track, a light, synth-driven two-step song that serves as an introduction. Its dreamlike quality, highlighted by the proclamation “This is our Odyssey,” captures the thrill and anticipation that comes with embarking on a new endeavor.
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Undoubtedly, the standout track of the album is its second offering, ‘Bag Bad Back.’ The transition into this song feels like a quick shift from dream to reality, immediately immersing listeners in its distorted, rhythmic bassline. It serves as a bold announcement—the group has tasted success, and nothing can hinder their pursuit of that feeling. In the chorus, they declare, “I’ve been in my Bag / Please don’t touch my Bag,” proudly showcasing their achievements thus far. With an alluring layered piano offering a touch of R&B, the bridge evokes a trance-like state, buoyed by the song’s synth elements and trap beat leading into an electrifying final chorus.
This momentum continues seamlessly into the next track—‘Ember to Solar’ stands as an anthem for new beginnings. The title symbolizes rising from the ashes and unmistakably conveys the significance of resilience. It's an energetic piece, propelled by a vibrant drum’n’bass rhythm and bold brass, reflecting the unwavering—and at times innocent—confidence of young adults eager to seize the world and all its opportunities.
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The title track ‘Fly Up’ feels reminiscent of a Broadway show—this guitar-driven piece echoes the essence of 1950s rock and roll while embodying RIIZE’s distinctive sound: its catchy guitar melody makes it irresistibly groovy as the members sing:
“Everybody, feel this rhythm (Fly up)/Enough to shake the ground (Fly up)/Let’s rise high and break down the walls, we gon’ be one.”
Clad in schoolboy outfits and joined by a group of dancers (including a cameo by the group's regular choreographer Josh Price), the members energetically move around a school environment, gathering more participants for their cause—the stunningly choreographed dance number, of course. Coupled with a harmonious chorus, the song concludes with a grand ensemble performance featuring acrobatics, synchronized formations, and impressive vocal runs.
‘Show Me Love’ truly captures the essence of young adult freedom, and as RIIZE serenades listeners, the warmth of a summer sunset feels tangible. This track transports listeners back to the 2010s, spotlighting a steady, mellow melody.
The group has termed their sound as “emotional pop,” fully embracing this concept in the latter section of the album. After the interlude ‘Passage,’ the tracks ‘Midnight Mirage’ and ‘The End of the Day’ set the stage for a gentler conclusion to ‘ODYSSEY.’ While the former shares musical elements with ‘Show Me Love,’ ‘The End of the Day’ represents a distinct turning point—it’s tender and embodies a classic R&B feel, allowing listeners to breathe deeply as the group contemplates their past, giving themselves a moment of respite from life’s challenges.
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‘Inside My Love’ serves as a bridge to the closing track ‘Another Life,’ with both songs dedicated to their fans. The latter offers a vibrant conclusion to the album, melding funk, contemporary R&B, and soul into an engaging mix. As the members sing, “Not every moment may be perfect, but I’ll make sure there’s no regret,” they express their aspirations for the future as a group, while also pondering where they might be had they chosen a different path.
A studio album represents a significant milestone for any group, and with ‘ODYSSEY,’ RIIZE has validated their capacity to resonate with young audiences, drawing from their experiences to create something genuine and heartfelt for fans. The album’s sound is perfectly suited for the summer season, celebrating the struggles of young adulthood while embracing it as a complex journey of freedom, growth, and introspection—a message that RIIZE beautifully conveys throughout the ten-track release.
8/10
Words: Natalia Kabenge
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Trials and tribulations are simply byproducts of the human experience, and our character is often influenced by our ability to empathize with those who face them. No one