Author: Abby Graham
On November 15th, 2024, ATEEZ released Golden Hour Part 2, featuring six bewitching tracks: “DEEP DIVE,” “Scene 1: Value,” “Ice On My Teeth,” “Man on Fire,” “Selfish Waltz,” and “Enough.” This album stands out from previous EPs, and while I always say that with every release, this time ATEEZ has truly redefined their songwriting approach. Members HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA, YUNHO, YEOSANG, SAN, MINGI, WOOYOUNG, and JONGHO delivered a diverse mix of violins, fight songs, and yet another 2 songs that will spark lively debates on TikTok about which track is the best. Notably, this is the first single in a while that doesn’t feature JONGHO hitting a high note paired with an intense dance break, and I’m all for this change. I listened to the album the moment it dropped at 9 PM and found myself confused yet intrigued by the lyrics of “Ice On My Teeth.” One line, “It’s like chocolate, hit that booty. Shake it,” left me speechless. Like.. girl..what??? Errmm… Well, yes!
The opening track, “DEEP DIVE,” presents an upbeat tempo layered with profound themes. The lyrics touch on unease, anxiety, and insomnia, culminating in HONGJOONG expressing a struggle with unresolved emotions, searching for relief yet unable to surface. The song concludes abruptly, a contrast to the typical fade-out, which might symbolize a sudden closure or mirror the lingering tension of anxiety—signifying that closure is not always achievable. Next up, “Man on Fire” captures the essence of romantic yearning. YEOSANG and JONGHO chant “Need you so bad,” while the other members sing about the lengths they would go to for their love interest, claiming they would become “a man on fire” for them. This track shares a similar vibe with ATEEZ’s “DJANGO,” showcasing the powerful and sometimes dangerous nature of relationships.
“Selfish Waltz” was a surprise on this EP. The beat feels the same as how a velocity edit looks. This song explores the complex cycles of relationships filled with cracks, tension, regret, and apologies. It also features a waltz-like quality, complemented by the unique addition of a melodica in the mix. JONGHO’s autotuned high note at the end reminds me a lot of the “Cher effect” where one auto tunes and distorts their vocals which works well with the song alongside making me laugh out loud. “Enough” is basically just ATEEZ’s version of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, and I love it. Rachel Platten and OneRepublic have nothing on ATEEZ with this empowering track. It conveys a strong message: despite life’s challenges, you’re doing great, and as long as you stay true to your beliefs, you’ll succeed. YEOSANG shines in this song, showcasing his vocal strength more prominently than in other tracks.
Lastly, “Ice On My Teeth” is just.. wow. This track defines self-worth, capability, and the importance of standing out, all delivered with an electrifying beat featuring violins. What sets it apart is that it breaks the mold of ATEEZ’s usual singles, forgoing an intense dance break, a high note from JONGHO, or a rap at the end. The accompanying music video (credited down below) boasts Victorian-era aesthetics and powerful performances. SAN’s display of his back muscles, for what felt like 8 hours adds to the alluring vibe, emphasizing their confidence and charisma. However, HONGJOONG’s hairstyle gave me Boss Baby vibes with the one curly strand, but, I quickly grew to like it during my second time watching the music video. This track is my favorite single from ATEEZ because it proves that if you’re sexy, you don’t only have to only be humble. If you got it, flaunt it. And ATEEZ did.
If you enjoy the sounds of Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, or any K-pop group, this EP is perfect for you. While I may be biased as a huge ATEEZ fan, I genuinely believe this album shines among recent K-pop releases with its infectious beats, unique conclusions, and incredible vocals and rap lines. You can find these songs on any streaming platform or purchase the physical EP from retailers like Target, Kpop Nara, or Amazon. Or, if you stand near my apartment, you’ll likely hear it blasting in the hallway. Take your pick.
Abby Graham I KXSU Music & Arts Reporter