RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often!
1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back // 3. Ember To Solar // 4. Fly Up // 5. Show Me Love // 6. Passage // 7. Midnight Mirage // 8. The End Of The Day // 9. Inside My Love // 10. Another Life
SHOW ME LOVE
On most albums, there are two kinds of songs. First, there’s the obvious singles or could-be-singles, most of which are ambitious either melodically or from a production standpoint. Then, there are what I call “connective tissue” songs: those that aren’t quite as ambitious but add texture and context to a project. In many ways, Show Me Love is the perfect ideal of a connective tissue song. It’s straightforward and simple but makes the most out of its sound.
Many tracks on Odyssey recall various eras of boy band hits, and Show Me Love most clearly hearkens back to the 2011-13 era where One Direction reigned supreme. The song’s driving, synth-fueled beat and full-throated melodies unfold effortlessly, crafting a softly anthemic sound that feels like summer. This is top-down, hands-out-the-sunroof road trip music, and we just don’t hear enough of that in K-pop.
This style suits RIIZE like a glove, taking advantage of the youthful tones of their voices. The melody has great range, offering moments of build and payoff that make for a very satisfying chorus. Even the requisite chant-along climax feels at home, as generic as it may be. Show Me Love reinvents no wheels whatsoever, but it’s the perfect bridge between Odyssey‘s distinct halves.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s honestly a tie between this and Inside My Love (which itself somehow makes me think of 90s boy bands like BSB) as my favorite songs on the album. There’s a joyous and ethereally “softness” to both songs that as Nick mentioned, makes me imagine blasting this on the radio with the windows open. Sohee and Wonbin’s vocals shine on this song and the melody is so anthemic and happy. An easy A for me.
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I like this a lot more than 9 Days, their other 1D-inspired song.
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This is probably my favourite song on the album, probably because I was in 1D’s target demographic age when they were at the height of their power. I agree that it’s very good ‘connective tissue’/b-side work – a strong, solid song that elevates the album as a whole but doesn’t necessarily stand out enough to be a single.
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This song sounds to me like it would perfectly fit in benjamin ingrosso’s latest album. I like it.
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I can definitely hear that! And funny enough, another famous Swedish solo artist has a co-writing credit on this track: Måns Zelmerlöw!
(I really should have mentioned that in the main review because it’s like my musical worlds colliding)
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I also really like this song…clearly I should be listening to more 1D.
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I really like One Direction’s albums… especially their first three (+ their many excellent bonus tracks). Just super strong power pop/rock with fantastic singalong hooks and tons of energy.
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Rock just fits RIIZE. This would suit a road trip so much. It carries a sense of enjoying life’s journey—this same sentiment carries across the album beautifully.
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