A.C.E are the latest boy group to make a long-awaited, post-enlistment return. We haven’t heard from them since 2021’s Changer, but now they’ve teased the release of a new album in the coming weeks. Before that, we have special pre-release single Effortless — an English-language track that’s very in line with current trends.
For me, A.C.E are at their best when they get ambitious and go big. Songs like Under Cover and Favorite Boys are excellent examples of this, but even their debut-era hardstyle tracks pushed against the grain to deliver something fresh. Effortless is a perfectly solid song, but I feel like I’ve heard it a thousand times over the past few years. The sheer glut of slinky basslines in pop music has caused the sound to lose much of its appeal. A.C.E sound great on Effortless, and the track builds toward a decent chorus. The problem is, this could have been delivered by anyone.
I’m eager to see what else they have up their sleeves. Their track record promises excellent music in the future.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It was lovely. And that’s not nothing. I’m seeing this year that in lieu of K-pop being scarce on my beloved unhinged but well-made records this year, I’m spending my time with veterans breathing life into slightly above average songs – Ren, Minhyuk, Shinhwa WDJ, Baekho,Pentagon, hell even EXO and SHINee to a lesser extent. It’s definitely nice and comforting and a lot of these records will definitely have a place in my playlist in the future, but the tracks like Circle, Guilty, Pado (NCT version), Misty, even Sugar Rush Ride and Tricky House are rare this year, even among the fringes.
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Oh how I’ve missed them, they are such a talented group and no one overshadows the other. This was pleasant and a very easy listen, I always love their vocals. I’m excited to see where their music goes from here.
A.C.E, VAV, and ONF have proven (in my opinion) that enlisting together or close together is beneficial as a group. We only had to wait 1.5 years for all groups to return. I know Chan is still enlisted and Ayno may or may not enlist but I wish more groups would do this.
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I could listen to ACE sing a microwave user manual and be happy so I’m just happy to have them back!
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Thank you for your review. Yes I agree with you A.C.E is best when they give them “strong” songs like undercover even tho this songs is also good.
Seriously they have the best member. Everyone can dance well, their voices are amazing, rapper also have a golden voices. No one overshadowed
It’s really sad they are one of the underated group somehow.
I hope someday their effort can be recognized by more people..
(Me writing this with watery eyes)
– fr Indonesian Choice –
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