Most of the time, a k-pop group’s title track is the best song on their album. But, 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.
Some songs improve greatly within the context of a solid album. A couple of days ago, I wasn’t fully convinced by GHOST9’s Think Of Dawn, but I’m growing to appreciate it more and more. Alongside the other tracks on the album, its energy and sound feel more unique and intentional. In fact, this first mini album is giving me many of the same feelings ATEEZ’s debut mini did back in 2018. I love how it spans genres, but is all composed by a tight unit of up-and-coming producers. My hope is that GHOST9 will continue to work with this team and craft an idiosyncratic discography in the same way ATEEZ did.
I love Reborn, which immediately follows Think Of Dawn on the album. It’s just so scuzzy and gritty, and really seems to encapsulate the group’s charms. But me being me, I’m going to feature the album’s upbeat party track as a buried treasure. It’s Gonna Be Hot is a total treat, the kind of rollicking good time that feels unrehearsed even as it’s tightly choreographed.
The track forgoes the more lumbering elements that characterize Think Of Dawn, replacing them with a bright guitar line and bouncy pop beat. It’s the kind of song we might have heard from Block B years ago, or maybe a rookie YG group in their more unguarded moments. I love the energy, but the shout-along chorus is Hot’s most memorable moment. GHOST9 seem to have a strong vocal line and I’m excited to hear more from them in this style. A post-chorus trap breakdown feels ripped from another song entirely and unnecessarily shifts the momentum, but other than that It’s Gonna Be Hot lives up to its title.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Interesting. The approach sounds like it is following right in the path being blazed by Ateez and Stray Kids, but adding a touch of lightness to make it sound not quite like those two, most noticeably in the brighter vocals. There is no dark baritones or mush mouth singing trying to sound serious. I don’t hear Block B so much as its like Stray Kids covering Seventeen, especially with the brighter, clearer vocals here.
I can see why this one appeals to you, Nick, as it is upbeat without the barest touch of being cloying. No sailor suits and bright pastels would grace this video (if they ever make one). But also, no back flags waving or strange leather bondage wear either. More like a street scene rather than empty parking garage.
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I am so pumped! I want to witness another ATEEZ first year again!
And if Ghost9 will follow that I will certainly be happy
And it seems like Ghost9 do have a strong vocal line , I just wish there was a Jongho in the group but that doesn’t matter.
but I desperately want ATeez to take their fever series to something interesting I have been stressing about it for 3 months. What will be the next track’s genre? I’m desperately hoping for Rock, they fit that Punk Style so much.
Ghost9 , on the other hand, I think this song is awesome! but it doesn’t showcase a full potential we might see from them.
I am wanting their Signature sound to be a sky high chorus, Incorporating guitar in most of their songs, Electronic club instrumental and energy and their style is 2012-2013 kpop sci fi era.
That sounds so cool on top off my head honestly I really hope that happens they have potential
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During , 2019 I thought of this group named CLRS , I made CLRS up.
Thing is Ghost9 Reminds me of CLRS so much!
This whole mini album reminds so much of them.
Their cinematic work also. I used to be in concepts of kpop so I was in love with cinematic works.
It had something to do with a Time machine and they also work with Sci Fi.
The energy they radiate is so much like how I imagined CLRS.
I think Ghost9 has potential , the most potential out of all these 2020 rookie groups!
Take that Sci Fi Sound and turn it up into something special Ghost9!
Your in my radar!
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ATEEZ’ debut was impeccable and I’ll take your word for it that this mini is great, I like this song so far.
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deer loves you and deer loves this song
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The chant chorus immediately struck me as Block B, but more lighthearted somehow. There’s things in here that remind me of different songs/groups that I love, but the melody stands on it own just enough. What can I say, I love it.
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