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.
I guess there’s an unspoken rule that ZEROBASEONE songs with the word “kidz” in them are bound to be good. New Kidz On The Block was a standout on their debut album and now Kidz Zone is my highlight from their second. Overall, not much on Melting Point caught me in the same way tracks like Back To ZEROBASE did, but with a few changes this one would’ve made a much better title track than the polarizing Crush.
If I had it my way, ZEROBASEONE would stick to this upbeat pop sound with dreamy soundscapes. Even more than the drum-and-bass production, this style fits their vocals. Kidz Zone is a slight track, but it’s elevated by the striking vocal layering during its chorus. Seriously, producers… fill every ZB1 song with that flourish. It sets them apart from everyone else and would give them license to explore other genres while maintaining their unique color.
Beyond this satisfying sound, there’s not much to Kidz Zone. This limits my overall rating, as the song almost feels like a demo in need of expansion. And at only two-and-a-half minutes, there’s plenty of space for extra segments and ideas.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I somehow had a feeling that this was the buried treasure you were gonna pick 😳 I like how this track combines both their upbeat energy and dreamier sound, like you mentioned.
90 listens to the album later and I still very much prefer MELTING POINT and Take My Hand.
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From the highlight medley I knew this was going to be my favorite song on the album. This is a weird comparison but it reminds me of the 70s song Make Me Smile by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. I’ve been watching the performances of Crush and that falling-down-the-stairs part of the chorus makes me wince every time. Literally any other song on this album would have made a better title track.
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I love Kidz Zone. It’s easily my favourite on this album. I was young in the 70s and 80s, and there’s something quite nostalgic about this song. I can’t put my finger on it, but the chorus reminds me of something from my youth.
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