Review

Song Review: 2Z – Great Force / Something Special

2Z debuted in 2020 but still remain relatively unknown to most K-pop fans. However, I always check out their latest comebacks because the music tends to be consistently good. For me, the band peaked with 2021’s Stupid, which married a great melody to upbeat, synth-kissed production. Now, 2Z is back with two title tracks for their latest mini album. The funky Something Special comes closest to replicating Stupid’s sound while the ferocious Great Force lets everything loose.

I don’t usually combine more than one song into a single review, but both of these title tracks are super solid and deserve a mention. More than any of their past work, Great Force reminds me or peak-era FTIsland. The energy smashes throughout, egged on by boisterous guitar and pummeling drums. The track vacillates between heavy riffs and quieter moments, giving it a dynamic sound that’s further heightened by a dramatic vocal performance. The ascending melodies in the chorus are especially effective, offering exciting tension.

Hooks 9
 Production 8
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.5

Grade: B

Meanwhile, Something Special opens with gurgling synth — instantly giving it a lighter, more dance-oriented sound. Rather than growing into a total banger, the song holds back. However, this sense of tightly-wound energy delivers its own kind of tension. Even during its more subdued moments, the track is incredibly groovy. I appreciate how it makes room for a developed bridge, momentarily switching momentum that opens the scope of Something Special‘s structure.

Hooks 8
 Production 8
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.25

Grade: B

5 thoughts on “Song Review: 2Z – Great Force / Something Special

  1. Although I’m not as interested in this group as when they first came out, I occasionally check back to see what they’re up to and they always seem to be releasing something (I think this is their 8th EP in 5 years). I haven’t really connected with anything they’ve put out in awhile, but these two songs seem more in line with their earlier material. They’ve toured in Latin America and are doing a U.S. tour this year, so I guess they’ve found an audience.

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  2. I think its great and refreshing to hear. Authentic, or at least it sounds and seems that way. Rock on Tuzi!

    Sharing a recent krock find here too – if you like this song, you might like this song. Touched “Play On”. Live live version, singing her heart out. All the band here went to the Seoul Arts University.

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  3. I don’t know how I missed your reviews of this group especially in 2020/2021, I wasn’t even busy! The lead singer definitely reminds me of hongi from ft island ( in voice) , I loved ft years ago so it’s great to have that itch scratched

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  4. I haven’t heard anything by 2Z since “Doctor,” which I liked. I like “Great Force” a little more (I don’t remember their vocals being this impressive before), but they’re both very solid songs. For me, they would be in the A-/B+ range.

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