SM Entertainment
RIIZE just dropped that kind of debut album that makes you stop and say, “Wait—who is this?” – ODYSSEY – The 1st Album, is more than just a compilation of songs. The album is a statement of the groups identity aspirations and development. Their debut album documents the groups ‘Real-Time Odyssey’, blending genre-bending innovation with deeply personal storytelling.
The album begins with ‘Odyssey’, which combines UK garage rhythms with dreamy synths to create the wide-eyed anticipation of an adventure just getting started, it showcases RIIZE’s versatile sound and that they can pull every concept. The momentum carries over into ‘Bag Bad Back’, which is co-produced by British musician Jacob Aaron. ‘Bag Bad Rack’ is a hip-hop-infused song, which reaffirms RIIZEs creative authority and cohesiveness as a group.
One particularly highlighted song is ‘Ember to Solar’, which is an anthemic pop song bursting with brass instrumentation and a unique metaphor. The idea of RIIZE rising from the ashes with ever-increasing brilliance has been also involved in it. The groups determentation and unbounded potential are embodied by this intimate yet amazing concept. Following up, is ‘Show Me Love’, which includes a steady pop hook, and is definitely an appeal to the mainstream listener. The reflective ‘Passage’, an instrumental interlude, serves as a sonic breather—quietly powerful in its restraint.
The albums standout single is ‘Fly Up’, which was co-produced by the British musician Jacob Aaron. Full of theatrical flair and rebellious energy, the song is a daring blend of 1950s rock ‘n roll and blended choir vocals. The music video that goes with it demonstrates RIIZE’s dedication to pushing boundaries both musically and ideologically further solidifying this dream.
The ethereal ‘Midnight Mirage’ brings listeners back into RIIZE’s dream, with layered synths and deep bass, painting vivid emotional landscapes. The final third of the album leans into heartfelt sincerity with ‘The End of the Day’ and ‘Inside My Love’—two ballads that allow RIIZE’s vocals to shine with a nostalgia-tinged warmth resembleding of ‘90s boybands. They close the album with ‘Another Life’, a fitting finale that reflects on their transformation from hopeful trainees to accomplished artists.
The last part is certainty what RIIZE showcases, they are accomplished artists and are ready to take over the world of K-pop even more. With ODYSSEY, RIIZE pulls off something new: delivering a debut that feels both crafted in a unique way and deeply authentic. The album strikes a delicate balance—between confidence and vulnerability, nostalgia and innovation, individuality and universality. Every track builds on their evolving narrative, offering fans not only new sounds, but a clearer sense of who RIIZE is and where they’re heading.
RIIZE will be performing at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in London on June 28. If you want to see them shine with their own ODYSSEY, then you can still get your tickets right here. For now, we will obviously live in RIIZE their ‘ODYSSEY’.