A new era begins today as ZEROBASEONE make their first comeback as a newly-reconfigured five-member group. We’ve seen this approach before with Kep1er, but this situation has an extra layer of interest because the remainder of the (former) group will be re-debuting as AND2BLE in a week’s time, setting up showdown of sorts. With this in mind, I wonder if the title “Top 5” was intentional on the agency’s part. I doubt the guys are interested in anything beyond friendly competition, but even though the song’s lyrical content references an object of their affection, the title itself is eyebrow-raising to say the least.
I can’t help but think this song would feel much more impressive if it had been released three or four years ago. Its early-2000s Neptunes-esque hip-hop beat has been leveraged by so many acts over the past few years that it’s become a familiar trope of this era. Top 5 does a fine job with the groove, though struggles to find the undeniable earworm that would set it over the edge. Instead, the track hinges on a spoken-word list that forms its introduction and goes on to repeat in various ways. This hook isn’t much to hang your hat on, but it’s trussed up by some melodic riffing that matches the swagger of the beat.
In my “top 5” list of desired qualities, I must include song lengths over two-and-a-half minutes. Top 5 has a fair amount of ideas, but no time to explore them. The energy is brisk but the structure never really goes anywhere. We’re left with a groove underpinning scraps of a song. It’s all quite enjoyable, yet leaves you feeling unfulfilled when it’s finished. On the plus side, this general vibe is well-suited to summer and would make great connective tissue on any upbeat playlist. It’s just not a highlight in its own right, and that’s a shame for a song meant to reintroduce this iteration of the group.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I was so scared but I got to admit, this works very well for them. Of course I would have loved if this song was over 2:40 mark and if it explored its sound more but overall very happy 😍
Also rip bright concept zb1💔🥀
8.25/10😻
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This is okay but kind of boring…it doesn’t seem like the kind of song that would attract new fans or retain old ones. I feel like they kept the less interesting members and I’m more curious, especially vocally, what AND2BLE will sound like. Of course it’s not either/or, but I feel like they wasted this opportunity to come out of the gate swinging.
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I didn’t think anything of the title, but that is a funny way of looking at it. Very enjoyable song, easy to sing along with definitely could gone farther with it. Zerobaseone have a lot of standout bridges to the point it’s sort of something im always anticipating. Also thought they would’ve let the vocal fireworks off at the end. Not a top 5 zb1 song, but I know I’m gonna stream the yell out of it because I’m partial to them
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This wasn’t meant as a reply, I’m sorry. I don’t know how I keep doing this
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It’s interesting! I really like the concept of repeating similar phrases/lyrics in different iterations, it reminds me of MJ’s Smooth Criminal (the chorus repeats a lot of the same lyrics from the main hook but changes up the order and delivery). The difference here is the production and songwriting just aren’t as appealing (to me lol). Still a solid song, just not groundbreaking by any means.
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brought back 2nd gen vibes with this song, loved it a lot really wish the lyrics was better and the song itself is longer
don’t really know this trend of knowing the songs can sound more cohesive and better when its longer but they cut it short
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I wish they said “what you make me feel like” I don’t know the “how” takes me out every time. D:
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Hello, I go by Sai! I’m excited to share my very first song and album review on this blog. I decided to review ZEROBASEONE’s new project since they are my “ults,” and I was incredibly excited to see what this comeback would sound like after the mediocrity and rushed nature of the ReFlow special album.
1. Intro
Prediction: 9/10
Final Rating: Low 9
Analysis: I have always been a fan of intros and outros, and this one definitely did not disappoint. I love how it blended multiple distinct musical ideas; it honestly felt like I was speeding down a highway in a futuristic movie. I was kind of hoping the other tracks would share this same futuristic feel. What a total treat this was!
2. TOP 5
Prediction: 8.25–8.75
Final Ranking: Low 8
Analysis: A quick heads-up before I say my piece: ZEROBASEONE (and AHOF) really helped me transition back into K-pop. I had actually stopped listening to K-pop for about a year after Taeil’s whole scandal, as I’m a huge NCTzen. I walked into this track expecting high quality from my ults, but I also tried to listen just as a regular consumer who had never heard of ZEROBASEONE before. While I am sad that OT9 had to part ways, I’m happy that the name of ZEROBASEONE lives on. Anyway, let’s get into the review!
The intro was decent and worked well for a genre like this. However, Verse 1 felt too short and transitioned weirdly into the chorus, and the “oh oh oh oh” part was a bit strange.
While the first part of the chorus felt a little lazy with the sing-talk (especially given ZB1’s vocal talent), Taerae completely turned it around. He added the necessary weightlessness that this type of track needs. He really surprised me—I’m not even Taerae-biased, but he showed up and stood out the most to me this comeback, so kudos to him! On the downside, I didn’t like the weird voice after the chorus (like, come on now!!). Gunwook’s verse also didn’t sit well with me because the flow was a bit strange and the whisper-like tone felt odd; I was surprised they didn’t add more to it and just transitioned straight back into the chorus.
As for the other members, Jiwoong’s chorus part felt a little more emotional than Matthew’s because it offered a bit more variety. Hanbin sounded awesome during the second part of the chorus, though I wanted a little more harmonizing. Finally, why was the high note so short, and why did the production toward the end feel like a rip-off of Dem Jointz?
Overall Thoughts: Overall, the song had a good core idea but undercooked execution. It left me wanting more; it would have really shined if it had an instrumental break featuring guitars and funk-style elements. I also wanted to hear more of the boys’ vocals, because that is what usually makes their tracks stand out.
The song reminded me a lot of “Blink” by Tzuyu and Corbyn Besson, but even that track was short. It also heavily gave off Pharrell Williams vibes. Some of the production choices didn’t sit right with me and felt a little too slow for this style. That said, I’m glad this song doesn’t follow the annoying EDM trend that has been going on lately, giving the boys more variety in their sound. While it is still pretty solid and probably my favorite release of May so far, it ends up feeling a little underwhelming simply because of how short it was!
3. V for Vision
Prediction: 7.75–8.5
Final Rating: Low 8
Analysis: This track features great layering and is more low-key than some of the other songs on the album. While nothing really stuck out to me, ZB1’s vocals are always a treat. I was also surprised by how short it was. Like, come on now—would it kill them to add a bridge and let the song develop and breathe?!
4. Customize
Final Ranking: High 8
Analysis: THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE TITLE TRACK! It showcases their skills so much better. Matthew’s vocals sounded awesome, and every member shined in their own way. It feels like a more sophisticated and refined version of “Cruel.”
The only part I found a little annoying was Gunwook’s rap; his flow just isn’t my favorite. However, the production and overall quality were awesome. The best part is that Gunwook actually wrote, composed, and produced it! I’m so proud of him and hope to see more self-produced work from him and the other members in the future.
5. Exotic
Prediction: Mid 7
Final Ranking: High 7
Analysis: Listening to this made me feel like I was a runaway. I love how upbeat yet controlled this song feels. The production was interesting and felt polished; however, the mixing and mastering could have been better. I really dislike the weird sound effects they kept using throughout the album.
6. Changes
Prediction: 8.5–9
Final Ranking: High 8
Analysis: From the moment I heard this in the highlight medley, I knew I would like it—and boy, was I right! It is probably the slowest song on the record, but it didn’t feel like a drag the way some ballads do. It gives off nice “walking through winter” vibes. It sounds like a Jaehyun song (and I am a huge fan of his voice) with a distinctly jazzy feel to it.
The members’ voices felt like a warm hug, making it seem like a song you would hear in a cozy cafe. I usually love tracks like this, so I wasn’t disappointed. The mixing and mastering really elevated the track, making that “hug” feel even more calm and loving. It didn’t feel too long or too short. Good job, boys!
7. Zero to Hundred
Prediction: 7.75–8.25
Final Rating: Low 8
Analysis: This is the final song to close out the album. It brought back the futuristic feel of the intro, but the energy during the track lacked that same driving pace, so the futuristic vibe felt a bit “nerfed” in a way. Still, it was a decent way to end the album.
Final Album Ranking and Thoughts
Conclusion: Congratulations to ZEROBASEONE for successfully coming back as five members. I know it must have been hard for them, and I applaud their bravery and trust in Zeroses.
On the critique side, Gunwook’s raps felt a bit out of place and distracted me from the songs. Perhaps he needs to work on his flow, but that’s just my take. Overall, this wasn’t a bad mini-album, but it felt a little lacking. The album is titled Ascend, but none of the songs really gave me that “ascending” feeling. Most of the tracks were too short and needed more room to breathe.
As ZEROBASEONE continues to have comebacks, I hope they keep exploring their new style and always, always, always prioritize vocals throughout their tracks, because that is their secret weapon. I will always be rooting for the boys, and my thanks go out to them for helping me rediscover my love for K-pop!Final Album Ranking: Low 8(A “Low 8” is still pretty good, given the low quality the industry has been giving us lately. Let’s see how AND2BLE holds up!)
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I agree with your review! I love the overall focus on vocals and melodies in this album, which has always been a great thing about ZB1 among a current trend of bgs who would rather posture and sing-talk or rap (or for some, might not even sing well). I also think Gunwook’s raps disrupt the general flow of the songs, but it might be more of the structure of the songs than his tone or skills. Though maybe a more capable rapper would fit better?
Overall, the production on this album is actually immaculate. I have gripes with some of the melodies and vocal direction, especially the weird low notes in Top 5 and Customize which takes me out of the listening experience. I would like Customize so much better if they didn’t repeat the camera and Apple sound effects. Those are so annoying! The guitar sounds amazing in it.
I always thought ZB1 had the biggest potential in going down the EXO route musically so it amuses me that this album has very huge EXO vibes. V for Vision feels like a Baekhyun song (and thus an EXO-adjacent song) or even a WayV song. Customize is a DO-ish song but I can also hear the group sing this. Exotic is a fun dance song in the realm of Lucky One and Artificial Love. Changes is a lovely ballad that I can hear EXO vocal line sing. Zero to Hundred has a really nice euphoric Carly Rae Jepsen vibe actually, I love the explosive upbeatness.
In terms of production, 10/10 the vision is great. As an album, probably a high 7.5/10, not sure how much I’ll replay this just yet, but it’s already significantly better than their last 2 albums (Reflow, Never Say Never).
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Squandered opportunities everywhere for the songwriting team. The title and groove have an easy set-up to a proper List song, and not even restricted to the object of their affection – they could have segued with an easy “and you know what else I like” and started listing off ice cream flavors or the best things ever or world wide tourist attractions or or or.
Also, KEY CHANGE. The construction just begs for a sudden key change up a step between two sections, followed by another surprising one two sections or two lines later, and while they are at it how about more? Think Beyonce “Love on Top”. This song starts low enough in the range that multiple key changes up and up again are easily singable.
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It’s kinda funny that every time a male idol/group wants a concept or image change, they go into this Justin Timberlake mode and release a song like this. I don’t mind it – it’s helping me steadily build a playlist specifically with this sound. I like the repetitive phrase and it adds a bit of a sultry flirty vibe like yes, keep repeating what you like about your lover!! Matthew sounds amazing on a song like this. There’s def parts that are a bit strange which are the oh oh ohs and the very short outro – it just needed 30 more seconds to fully cook. I generally don’t like Taerae’s voice tone and it doesn’t suit a song like this either unfortunately.
Overall, not bad! I already see non-fans flocking to this song so it is attracting new fans. It is very different from their usual sound, but I think it fits them now since they’re much older now (21-28).
As for the album, they basically brought 4 new styles and 2 that fit right into the classic ZB1 sound. This album imo feels a lot better than the last 2 releases (REFLOW and Never Say Never).
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i like it (and the rest of the album is nice too) but i LOVED their bright concept — gsb, blue & iconik are some of my favourite titles of all time — so i will definitely miss that :’) tho i expected it with the concept pics. the new style suits these 5 tho and i guess with losing 3/4 of the youngest members it was inevitable
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I’m late to this one, just want to say close enough welcome back Senorita by Justin Timberlake!
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