This has been a long time coming. With their last comeback, Under Cover: The Mad Squad, happening almost a year ago, A.C.E are finally back! With the members saying they really took time to perfect their craft, they came out swinging with this EP. It's truly seeing A.C.E at their best.
The 5 track EP opens strongly with Golden Goose and title track, Goblin (Favorite Boys). Both these songs are chantey and as dancey as they can get. Goblin especially is full of raps and a sick beat that just moves you. The track literally opens with member Byeongkwan saying "your favorite boys are back." and he's right, especially after this EP. But while this track is a hard hitter we also have emotional vocals delivered along with those killer raps and instrumental and I think that truly shows their versatility.
The emotional vocals carry the last three tracks of this EP. Stand By You particularly stands out as a very sweet soft-rock track. This showcases all of the members at their best vocally. The tunes that they can carry and harmonies are AMAZING. I don't think I've heard as good a vocal track as that. Then there's the closer, Clover, which was co-written by 2 of the members. It's a sweet love letter to the fans and much like the track before it, the vocals are top tier.
A.C.E taking their time to perfect their craft was the best thing they could've done. Because this EP, while short, is nothing short of amazing. Unlike a lot of albums in K-pop, this one really took time, was crafted carefully, and it paid off. They're at their best vocally and their connection as a group really shines through this as well. I have no complaints at all and don't be surprised to see this on a year end list in a few months. Now stop sleeping on this incredible group and listen to this record.
Favorite Track(s): Literally all of them
I sat here debating for a while, going back and forth trying to pick my favorite track, but it's honestly impossible. Every track has a special quality that attracts me. The openers have these hard hitting beats and catchy choruses but the vocal tracks all hit me too. Baby Tonight has a smooth instrumental that intoxicates me. Stand By You has the best vocals I've heard and Clover is a sweet song that makes me feel warm. This EP is perfect so picking a particular stand out track is an impossible task.
Check out the video for the title track, Goblin (Favorite Boys), below and HJZM : The Butterfly Phantasy is now available on your preferred streaming service! (Seriously check it out)
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