ATEEZ have had a busy few weeks. Fresh off their latest comeback, the group has embarked on another big world tour and re-signed with their agency for an unprecedented seven (!) more years. Now, they’ve released a special edition of their latest album with new English-language track In Your Fantasy and a solo song from each member. To say fans have been feasting feels like an understatement.
Best of all, this new music is pretty great. Lemon Drop enjoyed a longer stay on my playlist than any ATEEZ single since 2022’s Guerilla and In Your Fantasy builds upon that quality. With this song, the guys get funkier than they’ve been in a long time (maybe ever?). The production has a mid-career Timbaland crunch. Think Sexyback but make it K-pop. Its robotic groove and jagged synths are both nostalgic and trendy and I love how the rhythm maintains its drive all the way through. A few bonus elements would have added greater melodic flourish, but beggars can’t be choosers.
While we’re on the topic of my favorite subject (melody), I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the sky-high choruses of ATEEZ’s best work. In Your Fantasy is an icier beast, thriving on staccato delivery and truncated hooks that play into its rhythm, but a killer bridge or post-chorus could have added the missing element to make this an undeniable triumph. Instead, In Your Fantasy works as a strong — somewhat sonically uncharacteristic — extension of ATEEZ’s very solid 2025.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
