On November 6, the monster rookie group ZEROBASEONE released their second EP ‘Melting Point’ with the title track “CRUSH.” This song has been receiving mixed opinions from fans and netizens due to its vastly different composition from their debut album. However, have the thoughts negatively affected their latest comeback? Let’s explore by reviewing the fans and netizens’ views.
Why are netizens criticizing ZEROBASEONE’s CRUSH?
The project group ZB1 debuted in July, consisting of winners of the popular survival show ‘Boys Planet.’ Their debut EP ‘Youth In The Shade’ made record-breaking sales with over 2 million units sold. Fans expected to see a similar success for the group with their second EP, but the reactions were bittersweet.
“CRUSH” has taken a different route than their debut title, “In Bloom,” by adding more speedy BPM and upbeat sounds rather than a single musical flow. This style of music is particularly famous among the 4th generation boy group listeners. However, it is generally painted as ‘noise music’ although not always befitting the genre.
Due to this, netizens have expressed divided opinions about the group’s change in image from bright and youthful music. They believe that ZB1 should have stuck to its original debut and refrained from experimenting with new styles. Read some of their reactions below-
who asked ZEROBASEONE to make noise music… i thought we were safe pic.twitter.com/5VihaJvhqa
— nugu demoter in the park (@dalsoburger) November 5, 2023
even zerobaseone will release noise music on their title track but idc at least their bside tracks are promising, i’m still eating good
pic.twitter.com/hK0eK8vg8b— ٰ (@lockeyshit) November 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/artbyshb/status/1719379101167845729?t=_sLsdt2iKthMB4WQhleZNA&s=19
Did ZB1 Crush Their Second EP with Noise Music?
Although many netizens believe that the famous group shouldn’t have experimented with the concept of their second EP, their album has received much love from new-gen fans. Secondly, it makes more sense for them to attempt new styles of music, including noise music kpop, and showcase their talents rather than sticking to a particular concept at the beginning of their career.
i said this before and i will say it again, noise music/elements are good if you know how to do it. and for that, you need good producers and GREAT vocalists. that’s crush by zerobaseone for you.
— jiwoong’s girl becca ✰ (@princejiwoongg) November 6, 2023
Thirdly, albeit receiving mixed opinions about the concept change, the group is continuing to receive praise for their performance from the audiences. Many people have shared that it is a song that requires a few listens before it starts to grow on you.
K-pop is a genre that continues to grow through experimentation and mixing of various genres. One can not say that ZEROBASEONE‘s decision to try the musical trends of their contemporary generation is disadvantageous for them.
So happy that ZB1 will finally have a fierce concept!!!! Long life to noise music🔥🔥🔥#ZEROBASEONE https://t.co/sbST4TfJr8
— 🎃💎✨DiamondAce✨♦️👻 (@DawnHannie) November 4, 2023
IM A NOISE MUSIC IGNORER FOR LIFE BUT CRUSH WAS AMAZING
ZB1 CRUSHES 1ST COMEBACK#ReachingMELTINGPOINT#CRUSH #ZEROBASEONE pic.twitter.com/ycEbEOkQ3I
— mari 🫧 (@xotthew) November 6, 2023
For an argument, one can say that recently, fans have preferred soft and melodious concepts more than powerful, upbeat songs. This is also one of the major factors that is giving an upper hand to 4th generation girl groups on music charts. Despite this, powerful songs or ‘noise music’ have done well, and “CRUSH” will seemingly join them.
We can only conclude that it will be interesting to see how ZEROBASEONE progresses. Whether they decide to return to their debut concept, continue with the powerful performances, or try something completely different ahead?
