2026 has been very light on notable debuts, which is one of the reasons the year has felt a bit underwhelming to me. Even my favorite debut artists haven’t promoted frequently. MODYSSEY are one of those favorites, though it’s difficult to tell since they only had a grand total of two songs to their name before today. Thankfully, both of those songs were very good and new title track Ridin’ (Can You Hear That) (타!) mostly keeps up the pace.
The song’s opening shout-chant doesn’t exactly bode well for its future, but Ridin’ quickly settles into a more engaging verse. Its electronic backdrop works very well, carrying a classic K-pop sound without tipping over into the chintzy oontz oontz club sound so popular these days. The verses are the track’s strongest moment, promising an utra-dramatic chorus that never quite materializes. I like the first part of each chorus, with its crunchy synth and catchy hook. It actually reminds me a bit of NouerA — another rookie I’ve had my eyes on.
The song’s shout-chant intro makes its return for Ridin‘s post-chorus. I’m not a huge fan of this moment. It offers a jolt of energy right where the track needs it, but there are far more interesting ways to do this rather than simply shouting. However, Ridin’ leverages this approach to build toward an impressive finale that brings all elements together. I have a feeling repeated listens will smooth out any gripes I had initially. MODYSSEY are clearly headed in the right direction. They just need more music to solidify their sound.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
I’m definitely rooting for them. Super solid stuff so far. I agree the chorus could use a bit more creativity. 8
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ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT 2 THE OCEAN
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The song got too much rap parts for my taste, but it got its high moment well thanks to the engaging verses and powerful EDM beat. Yeah the chorus was a bit weak, but the outro was definitely a masterpiece, what a way to end the song in a high note.
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I was road-tripping this weekend with sonny boy, and I was wondering who are the new debuts this year that I actually downloaded to my ipod.
As for this, it’s fine, the songcraft is trying a bit too hard at times but it does get them out there.
row your boat to the ocean!
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After Hook which was one of the few debut tracks I loved this year, this ain’t too bad of a follow up. 8/10. It’s just too generic at times and a tad bit rushed, but the song’s foundation is there and its solid.
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The finale is great, time will tell if the rest of the song has enough merit on its own to listen to while getting there.
*Row row fight tha powah
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The row row row the boat lyrics would make sense when you realize the group is supposed to have an odyssey concept
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I like this song a lot, the production is propulsive and cool. I do have to say I wish the MV didn’t try so hard to give me a migraine. Turn down the lights man
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