There are a number of K-pop groups from the class of 2018-19 that I've fallen out with musically. ATEEZ and Stray kids immediately come to mind, with ITZY and TXT also losing some luster from their peak. Taking a look at my year-end countdown from 2019 depicts an alternate universe where these groups' music ruled my playlists. Some of this shift stems from a personal character flaw: I tend to lose interest in acts once they become monstrously popular. But beyond that, I'd argue most of their music just... hasn't been as good lately?
No group represents this transition better than ATEEZ. I promise I don't come to their new music with a vendetta or seek to hold them back from changing and growing. After all, re-creating Wonderland or Wave over and over would eventually grow stale. I just wish their music had grown into something more interesting than Work.
At its core, Work is a fun mid-tempo hip-hop track. The production is crisp and groovy and sounds unlike most of ATEEZ's title tracks. The rhythmic switch-ups work well and I appreciate less reliance on the jarring vocal effects KQ Entertainment seems to love so much. The group is a bit more reserved here and it's not a bad look for them.
However, when I zoom out and compare Work to the larger sphere of global music, it's hard to see what it delivers that's different from so many other tracks. The hook is catchy given its sheer repetition, but lacks surprise and idiosyncrasy. Similarly, the verses never find killing moments that would help Work stand out. So, we're left with a decent beat and a solid performance. That's enough to make the song a worthy addition to ATEEZ's discography, but not dramatic enough to turn this ship around -- at least for me.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C+
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