A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
It’s been a long time since I enjoyed an album from The Boyz all the way through — probably since 2020’s Chase. But the first part of their Phantasy album is the strongest collection of songs they’ve released in years. It’s sonically and thematically cohesive, tackling upbeat summertime pop. As with any strong album, there are multiple tracks I could have chosen to write about as Buried Treasure. Fantasize and Passion Fruit both stick out in particular.
Fire Eyes moves the group into retro synth territory, offering the kind of propulsive beat that made tracks like Snuper’s Platonic Love such awesome pastiches. The track is taut and single-minded in its execution, tailoring its melodies to the insistent production. Like most of the album, it sounds like summer by the beach — albeit through a very 80’s prism. And just when you think it’s revealed all its tricks, a sweeping wave of synth makes for a rousing finale.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This album is genuinely so good. I enjoyed every single song on the album. It’s been so long since they’ve released an album with all songs being great.
I think my favourite is ‘Fantasize’ at 9/10
The whole vibe of the album is great and definitely a 9-10/10 album
I’d give ‘Fire Eyes’ an 8.5/10
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knew you were going to pick this! the production is very Diamonds and Dancefloors. it’s a 9 for me, tied with Fantasize, while Passion Fruit is an 8.75. I’m really hoping the remaining parts are just as good or even better.
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I would probably put Fire Eyes third after Passion Fruit and Fantasize, but the quality of all three songs is a testament to how strong this album is. Lip Gloss is also really growing on me. I don’t think I’ve liked The Boyz so much since before Hwall left.
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Speaking of Snuper, I’m surprised you didn’t review n.SSign’s Melody. It does sound like a Sweetune b-side, but it’s a good one at that. I sequence it after Nonstop, Icarus, and NINE.I’s Turn It Off, and it sounds like the best Infinite EP they never made.
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Didn’t new about this track, thanks for sharing ! It definitely has a “sweetune Magic” ! Gonna listen to it over and over again beside “turn it off”.
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I just checked who made this, it’s actually made by sweetune.
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Yes, that’s why I’m surprised Nick didn’t review it. He must not care for it 😭
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No, I like it! Just not enough to warrant a “buried treasure” feature. To me, it’s middle-of-the-road Sweetune b-side material, which I will gladly take 🙂
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I’m surprised no one spoke of how strained their vocals sounded in the chorus? It’s the only thing keeping me from enjoying the song to be fair.
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