Review

GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – Compass

Being the current bias group of The Bias List has its advantages, and just like their big brother group Infinite, Golden Child are going to get the full-album review treatment. (Plus, back in the summer when it seemed like Golcha was never going to come back, I promised on twitter to run this feature!)

So for the next few days, I’ll be offering my thoughts (and ratings) on every one of Re-boot’s tracks.


1. Re-boot // 2. Wannabe // 3. Lately // 4. Compass // 5. No Matter What // 6. A Song For Me // 7. Spring Again // 8. She’s My Girl // 9. Our Heaven // 10. Fantasia // 11. Don’t Run Away // 12. Go Together


COMPASS

If I were comparing the songs on Re-boot to past Golden Child material, Compass (나침반) would be the album’s Lady. Of course, it doesn’t have the magic touch of Sweetune, whose absence is definitely felt, but up-and-coming producers TENTEN have shown themselves to be of the same general aesthetic. Compass is the kind of synth-drenched mid-tempo that Golden Child pull off so well. It’s an immensely pleasurable pop song, comforting and richly melodic. The chorus represents the kind of full-throated, fleshed out composition I always look for, pounding forward with a satisfying stomp and gorgeous, shimmering synths.

One of the (many) reasons I love Golden Child is Joochan’s vocals. He’s got a very clean, pure tone that’s just so pleasant to listen to. For me, he steals the show during Compass’s beautifully constructed verses. He also gets a chance to close the track with a strong power note, adding to the anthem-like quality of the melody. I could see this song being a huge grower in the weeks to come (not that I don’t like it already!).

 Hooks 9
 Production 8
 Longevity 9
 Bias 9
 RATING 8.75

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14 thoughts on “GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – Compass

  1. Pingback: GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – Lately | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

  2. You know how some beers are “drinkable”, and some food is “comfort food”. This song is exactly that. A warm pair of slippers on a cold night.
    It is the kind when you stan a group, you always have on the playlist and never skip. Not quite single worthy, but a very nice song.

    I have a feeling you are going to love “Song For Me”. Joochan did a good job on King of Masked Singer too, as “Mondrian”. He had a tough 1st round match-up – another week he might have gone through. It was the week Ryan Reynolds showed up as rainbow sparkle unicorn and sang “Tomorrow” from Annie. And they all lost to the East Invincibility anyway.

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    • I actually reviewed A Song For Me when it was first released in February, so I won’t be revisiting it here. I did like it, though. Probably even more as time has gone on!

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    • It’s just a matter of taste, I think. Y is a very talented vocalist as well. His tone is a bit brassier, for lack of a better word, whereas Joochan’s has a more pure quality. They compliment each other well, just like Sungkyu and Woohyun did in Infinite. I love them both … just happen to prefer Joochan’s voice. It feels quite versatile, especially on this album.

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  3. Pingback: GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – No Matter What (Jangjun & Tag ft. Joochan) | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

  4. Pingback: GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – She’s My Girl | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

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  7. Pingback: GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – Don’t Run Away | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

  8. Pingback: GOLDEN CHILD RE-BOOT: In-Depth Album Review – Go Together (Jaehyun, Jibeom & Bomin) | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

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