We Need To Talk About ATEEZ’s B-sides

Photo: KQ Entertainment

If you’re new to my writing, I love diving into the production, arrangement, and lyrics of K-Pop and Korean music in general, and that’s exactly what this article is about. ATEEZ is a group that never fails to amaze me with every element that makes their music so great. Seriously, they’re just built different. The way they put together every song, especially their B-sides, is unreal, and the sounds they create take you to a whole new world. So with that being said, here are my top five ATEEZ B-sides.

“Selfish Waltz”

"Selfish Waltz" is a synth-heavy, genre-mashing track that really shows how ATEEZ blends moody, melodic hooks with these punchy electronic beats. It’s got this cool two-part structure where the first half builds with energetic falsetto verses and a slick pre-chorus, and then it shifts into a keyboard-heavy outro with some trap beats that are just right. It’s not just layered sonically though….

Lyrically, it’s all about the messiness of a toxic, on-again-off-again relationship. Both people know they’re part of the problem, but can’t help coming back. The lyrics bounce between blaming each other and owning up to their faults, which totally matches the back-and-forth energy of the music. It manages to feel both sensual and restrained, nostalgic but fresh. "Selfish Waltz" lives up to its name, moving between heartbreak and confidence in a way that feels cinematic, raw, and unmistakably ATEEZ.

“Blind”

"Blind" just screams stadium anthem. It’s a high-energy, dance-heavy track that brings in some Latin vibes, all while masterfully keeping that signature ATEEZ sound. The phrase “El amor es ciego” (a.k.a. "Love is blind") keeps popping up, and it’s addictively catchy. The song nails that feeling of rushing through intense moments, like the highs of love and youth, with this urgent rhythm and choruses that make you want to throw the song on repeat. 

Each verse feels like a confession of longing, and when the chorus hits, it just cranks up the intensity. The mix of different cultural vibes really shows how ATEEZ brings global influences into their music, blending English, Spanish, and Korean in a way that feels effortless and super well-done. This track is a straight-up anthem and just another reason ATEEZ stands out.

“The Ring”

ATEEZ’s “The Ring” is a masterclass in controlled chaos. From the jump, the track throws you into something that feels cinematic and urgent, but it’s the production that really sets it apart. It sounds like they constructed the song piece by piece, then took it apart just to see how far they could push the arrangement. The result is this unpredictable, high-stakes soundscape that feels experimental but never messy.

What makes this track stellar is how the distortion and irregular structure amplifies the message. The lyrics dive into themes of rising darkness, obsession with power, and the strength of moving as one. There’s a weight to every line, and the rap line delivers with sharp, commanding energy that cuts through the noise. Even with all the movement and abrupt shifts, the melody is still there, just lurking beneath the surface in a way that keeps you locked in. It’s not straightforward, but that’s what makes it so compelling. The production mirrors the tension in the story, always pushing forward, always shifting, like a battle that never lets up.

“WE KNOW”

"WE KNOW" really sets the tone for THE WORLD: EP. FIN that dropped at the end of 2023. It’s huge, almost like the final scene in an action movie where everything’s coming together for this powerful moment. The production is next level with ethereal synths and heavy drums that give it a cinematic feel, and the vocals add this deep emotional weight to it.

Lyrically, this track is a game-changer for ATEEZ. It’s like a statement of all the struggles they’ve been through in their career, especially as a group from a smaller company like KQ Entertainment. It’s got that signature ATEEZ energy, like they’re saying, “We made it, and we’re just getting started.” If you had to pick one ATEEZ B-side to show someone what they’re all about, "WE KNOW" is it. It’s got the fire, the emotion, and the boldness that ATEEZ is known for.

“Precious”

"Precious" is the kind of track that really makes you think. It blends the excitement of chasing your dreams with the anxiety that comes with actually reaching them. At first, you might think it’s a love song, but once you dig deeper, it’s actually about ambition, fear, and self-doubt as ATEEZ reflect on their journey toward their own version of treasure. It captures that moment when you’ve made it so far but start wondering if it was all worth it, or if the obsession to get there has taken its toll.

The emotional bridge and outro hit hard, especially with that Jersey club vibe that’s so infectious, you can’t help but move. The production perfectly blends EDM, pulling you in with every drop and synth build. After listening to this song, you’re definitely gonna want to queue up "Treasure" next. And shoutout to "Precious (Overture)” as it lets you really focus on that beat, and the harmonies at the end are so smooth, they’ll legit make you feel like you’re floating.

To wrap things up, ATEEZ’s B-sides are truly something special. They aren’t just tracks you skip over; they’re an essential part of what makes the group stand out. From the bold, cinematic builds to the genre-blending production, each song shows a different side of ATEEZ’s artistry. Whether it’s the intricate beats, emotional lyrics, or unique arrangements, these tracks prove that ATEEZ isn’t just about the title tracks. They’re making waves with every song they put out. So if you haven’t already, dive into their B-sides and discover more of what makes ATEEZ such an unforgettable group.

Edited by Cara Musashi