The moment everyone has been waiting for is here! ZEROBASEONE, the group created from MNET survival show Boys Planet, has released their debut album ‘Youth In The Shade,’ a fun and refreshing start to the fifth generation of K-Pop.
The album starts off with “Back to ZEROBASEONE,” a hopeful and determined intro showing the group’s ambition as rookies. “Is it a new start, or the end?” is what the group questions in the opening line. The lyrics and buildup get more intense as the song progresses. ZB1 says this is their “time to make it real,” which fans can infer as a start to the group working towards their goals as ZEROBASEONE.
The title song “In Bloom” defines the identity of the group’s debut album. Through the fun and youthful music video, each member shines and displays their talent as all-rounders, releasing a seemingly perfect debut for their concept. “In Bloom” is a song that showcases the beauty of uncertainty and immaturity in youth, which progresses into something that “blooms” beautifully.
“New Kidz on the Block” is a lively and upbeat B-side that contrasts wonderfully with the dramatic and emotional songs on the rest of the album. This song acts as a call to their future in the K-pop industry; they vow to go “straight to the top” as ZEROBASEONE. While giving fans a nostalgic vibe with this song, they add their own flavor with unique vocals from all the members.
ZB1 introduces the next song, “And I,” with a retro, 90s vibe. Notable lyric: “All my friends are surprised. MBTI changed completely cause of you.” The song is an upbeat and catchy love song with lyrics sure to make any ZEROSE fall in love.
“Our Season” is the perfect song to show anyone who ZEROBASEONE is. With its heavenly vocals and encouraging lyrics, “Our Season” has all the members passionately singing about growing as a group and working together.
Number one pick from Boys Planet and center of the group Zhang Hao closes off the album with his R&B solo song “Always.” Zhang Hao expresses the strength of never giving up through beautiful vocals and loving lyrics, pledging to always be there for ZEROSE.
The album had proven to be a favorite by many K-pop fans worldwide, already breaking numerous records like best-selling debut album with over 1,000,000 physical albums sold when the previous record was held with a little over 500,000. Although this group came from a survival show, ‘YOUTH IN THE SHADE’ is full of love and passion for developing their career with each other and ZEROSE.
WATCH THE “In Bloom” MUSIC VIDEO HERE!
What is your favorite track off of ‘YOUTH IN THE SHADE?’ Comment down below! See more from ZEROBASEONE on their Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube!