ZEROBASEONE Seizes the Summer With Energetic New Mini-Album
Launching from the success of MNET’s survival series Boys Planet, ZEROBASEONE, colloquially known as ZB1, is back with their third mini-album, You had me at HELLO. The group has consistently pushed for an expansion of a bright and bubbly sound to the realm of fifth-generation boy group music, beginning with their debut EP, YOUTH IN THE SHADE. This style has quickly taken the K-pop world by storm, encouraging other rookie boy groups, such as HYBE’s TWS, to follow in their footsteps and offer listeners cute yet casual songs.
ZB1 has decided to initiate the summer comeback season with what fans have described as a “glitter-pop” genre that oozes summer energy. You had me at HELLO includes a total of six new additions to the group’s discography: “Solar POWER,” “Dear ECLIPSE,” “SWEAT,” “Sunday RIDE,” “HELLO,” and their promotional title track “Feel the POP.”
ZB1, housed under WAKEONE Entertainment, consists of members Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, and Han Yujin. These top nine finalists have begun to reshape what it means to be a boy group within the K-pop sphere.
In typical K-pop fashion, ZB1 has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, not only through their innovative releases but also through their unique personalities. Jiwoong stated, “…we are a very funny group… it shines through the content that we share with our fans and the general public,” after speaking with the Grammys. ZB1’s image, consisting of both their musical career as well as the content they produce, has propelled them to stardom, simultaneously bringing forth a breath of fresh air to the K-pop continuum.
You had me at HELLO marks the group’s second summer-themed drop. Unlike their debut title track, “In Bloom,” “Feel the POP” flourishes a concept that aligns with a newfound snappy sound rather than their previously enjoyed fresh image. In a crossover event of country club tennis, the Wild West, and office siren, this comeback’s title marketed itself as fast-paced with a punch of sparkle synth. They delivered with fun aesthetics, offering a catchy beat; however, its addictive elements felt somewhat hollow.
feel the pop is truly for the silly people. the goofy. the whimsical. pic.twitter.com/Joz97NXFQh
— zb1 enjoyer (@zhnation) May 11, 2024
Despite the hooks with ear-tickling harmonizations that add to the song’s addictive quality, the chorus does not engage in a distinct sound, blending in rather than standing out from the rest of the track. Its UK garage influence, which has been making the rounds through K-pop since the summer of last year, for example, in NewJeans’ tracks “Super Shy” and “ETA,” is unique to the realm of boy group music but is not an innovation within summer comeback genres as a whole.
Despite this, You had me at HELLO is a powerful start to kick off summer-themed songs, especially its pre-release single “SWEAT” as well as “Sunday RIDE.” In late April, the group briefly promoted “SWEAT” to tease their latest EP, housing a high-energy, catchy melody that just makes you want to dance and sing along. As a result, fans fell in love with the single, building high expectations for the mini-album.
In addition, ZB1’s b-side “Sunday RIDE” delivers a similar sentiment; while not beloved for its musical complexity, it offers exactly what summer is designed to feel: pure serotonin. Once again, the chorus is catchy in its repetitive lyrics and is textually interesting in the verses. Overall, this growth in feel-good beats represents a shift in boy group music, veering off in a direction of more cute and pure themes. As evidenced in HYBE’s two most recent boy groups, BOYNEXTDOOR and TWS, the industry is seeking to expand the scope of innocent personas, which have often been relevant for girl groups.
ZB1 has only given us a taste of all the new music to anticipate this season. You had me at HELLO continues to reinforce the group’s solidified image that took the K-pop industry by storm last summer. Although it may not have the punch that is familiar to ZB1’s previous releases, they have certainly stuck to their distinct style, both musically and conceptually. “Feel the POP” simply emanates summer and is a fun addition to the group’s discography.
Fans can listen to You had me at HELLO here. You can watch the music video for “Feel the Pop” below.
Columnist | K-pop Stan | Tweet me @senaho5
