ZB1’s New Album Delivers Refreshing Vibes with Standout B-Sides
by Abhilasha Bhattarai | February 27th, 2025
ZB1’s latest album, Blue Paradise, is here, and it’s drenched in a cool and refreshing energy that fits them like a glove. From the first notes, it feels like diving headfirst into a crystal-clear pool—an opening that immediately draws you in. The intro, Blue, sets the tone for an exciting and immersive listening experience. While some of the mixing choices throughout the album feel a bit questionable—making it difficult at times to distinguish individual voices—there’s still a lot to enjoy. The overall sound is polished and cohesive, delivering a well-rounded project that fans will love.
One of the biggest standout tracks for me is “Devil Game.” This song is a knockout, perfectly balancing the sleek production and a compelling execution. The energy, the melody, the way it builds—it’s all well done. If this song ends up being a promoted B-side, it might become my favorite from the album. I also crave Korean tracks that channel the same energy as “Now or Never” and “Yura Yura.” These kinds of songs suit ZB1 incredibly well, and it’s exciting to hear them dive into sounds that bring out their strengths.
Another highlight track is “Doctor! Doctor!” This song is already great, but it could be even stronger with just a bit more length. If there had been one more verse, bringing it closer to the three-minute mark, it could have easily been a top-tier track. Something about the way the song plays makes you want more, and an extended version would have allowed it to hit even harder.
The unit songs bring a lot of variety and texture to the album. While I love the full OT9 sound, each subunit delivers something unique and enjoyable. “Out of Love” leans into a rock/band-inspired sound, which ZB1 consistently pulls off well. The combination of Hao, Gyuvin, and Jiwoong’s vocals adds a distinct charm and their delivery makes the song stand out in the best way possible.
Then there’s “Step Back”—an absolute showstopper. Ricky, Yujin, and Gunwook OWN this track, with Ricky’s vocal color being a particular standout. I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I do, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite. There’s something about how they execute this song that feels effortless yet powerful, making it one of the most replayable tracks on the album.
“Cruel” is very interesting, and its production feels the most unexpected of the unit songs. However, the more I listen, the more I enjoy it. One of the most intriguing elements is how Matthew leans into more rap-heavy sections—a direction I hope he continues exploring in future releases. His delivery adds an exciting layer to the track, and the chorus, with its infectious “I’m so cruelllll” hook, is nothing short of addictive. It’s a song that gets better with every play, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up being a fan favorite.
When comparing this album to Cinema Paradise, it’s clear that this time around, ZB1 has taken a slightly safer approach. The songs feel less experimental, sticking to a more consistent sound throughout. But in many ways, that works in the album’s favor. The cohesion is undeniable—every track fits within the overall vibe, and there’s no moment where a song feels out of place or overly divisive. This makes for a smoother, more immersive listening experience, even if it doesn’t push boundaries in the same way as Cinema Paradise.
That said, if I had one wish, it would be for the album to be longer. Adding another full OT9 track and extending “Doctor! Doctor!” by another 30 seconds would have made a noticeable difference. It’s the kind of album that leaves you wanting just a little bit more, which speaks to how engaging and enjoyable it is.
Overall, ZB1 has delivered an album that should be well-received by fans. It captures their signature energy, highlights their strengths, and includes some standout moments that will likely remain in my rotation for a long time. While it may not be the most experimental project they’ve released, its cohesion and strong execution make it a worthy addition to their discography. I’m enjoying every moment of it—and I feel many others will, too.
