Solo debuts from male idols can go a few different ways. On the one hand, the streamlined nature of these songs can make for very propulsive material, freed from the need to accommodate multiple voices and styles. But more often, agencies seem to follow the same template (**cough**Justin Timberlake Justified**cough**) and end up with diminished returns. Ever since he competed on Boys Planet, I sensed an extra ambition in Sung Hanbin that made me wonder if he’d be able to sidestep these tropes on his eventual solo work. Today, Undead answers this question in stunning fashion.
Yes, Hanbin, bring the drama! When I talk about missing K-pop’s 2nd and 3rd generation, Undead‘s style of bombastic, theatrical production is one of the key elements I’m referencing. Screw subdued, mid-tempo slop. Give me a song that sounds like a soundtrack to the end of the world — the audio equivalent of pyrotechnics. Hanbin seems to agree, as he stuffs Undead with so many musical goodies. From hints of a choir to a thundering footfall of percussion to a sing-to-the-rafters chorus, the track doesn’t skimp on the goodies. Tie it all together with some fun Halloween-friendly theming and you’ve got an instant, easy October highlight.
Better yet, Undead never relinquishes its power. The song starts at an “11” and refuses to dip below that line. There is no room here for boring parts, which makes the track great fun to listen to. Hanbin doesn’t have the most striking voice within the idol world (it becomes a bit thin on high notes), but he holds his own against the bluster of Undead‘s instrumental and — more importantly — feels invested in the energy. If this is any indication, he’s an ambitious soloist that could have an incredible career both with and within ZEROBASEONE.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9.25 |
Grade: A
This is absolutely great! A banger rock production that never lets down paired with an actual chorus. It sounds a bit like Miyavi to me and it’s a massive compliment!
Rating’s the same
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Wow, big day for k-pop! This sounds a bit fake or maybe strained to me at parts, but overall I really like it. 8.25
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1. UNDEAD
Analysis: Hanbin did it—this is truly one of my favorite songs of the year! It is just so good! The production layering throughout the chorus is executed with such incredible detail and harmony. A total blessing to listen to!
2. Insidious
Analysis: Another standout track packed with fantastic drive, energy, and personality. I could easily picture this fitting right in on a The Weeknd album.
3. 3AM
Analysis: Sinister yet delightfully groovy, this track beautifully showcases Hanbin’s duality as an artist. His falsetto pairs wonderfully with the nimble guitar riffs, while the vocoder adding to the arrangement creates such a compelling sense of drama.
4. Bloody Gravity
Analysis: Slower in pace compared to the first three tracks, but handled with so much skill. It allows the EP to gracefully shift down a couple of tempos while keeping Hanbin’s impressive vocal ability front and center.
5. Other Side
Analysis: Another track carrying that sleek, Weeknd-esque atmosphere, complete with stellar vocal delivery from start to finish.
6. 섬광 (Our Light)
Analysis: This feels much closer to Hanbin’s signature style. It remains delightfully simple, warm, and uplifting throughout!
7. Steal the Thunder
Analysis: This would have fit the summer season so wonderfully! It feels so expansive, open, and genuinely inspiring—like a breath of fresh air.
Final Thoughts
This was a thoroughly enjoyable project from start to finish. It stands as my favorite EP of the year so far, and it gave us one of my absolute favorite individual songs of the year as well. Huge thanks to Hanbin for his incredible work and dedication, and for sharing such a powerful, refreshing rock sound with us all. May he continue to be blessed in his artistic journey!
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he’s such a superstar and this only solidified it further. AMAZING debut album, especially the first half, and the prominent use of electric guitar throughout the songs (except for one track) satisfies me deeply.
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A while back, I thought to myself: since 2020 was a very weak year that ended on a high with six of the top 10 being released. I figured we might follow that same trend this year. Looks like my intuition is somewhat correct thus far.
Anyhow, this is absolutely fantastic and the chorus is 🔥. SOTY? It just might!
Same as Nick for now.
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this sounds like something Key would release but in the best way possible
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Had the exact same thought!
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Though I do not know much about ZB1 member individually before, Sung Hanbin just managed to sear his name.through my ears with this gem of music. The track contained so many good elements from 2nd gen era paired with solid rock propulsion and energy. There is no time to take a break when listening to the song (and frankly I don’t want to miss the song moment either). While his vocal might need some work, its undeniably a good throwback piece to the past KPOP golden era. Gonna check the rest of the album too.
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Hmmm the harmony in the chorus and pre-chorus is so sweet.
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Yeah, it’s a banger.
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