Image via SM Entertainment

Odyssey wasn’t just an ordinary comeback for RIIZE—it was a powerful statement of strength, perseverance, and self-discovery. It marked their determination to chart their own path, shedding past struggles like thorns and lighting the way forward. The album embodies the realisation of their true potential, the power of their music, and rising to the occasion, rising like a phoenix.

Despite being SM Entertainment’s nearly two-year-old boy group, RIIZE has faced significant challenges: the heartbreaking departure of a member, relentless bullying and toxicity, and being dismissed as mere extensions of their more established predecessors. Yet, they rose to meet every challenge head-on.

Alongside the album, RIIZE released a 42-minute short film titled Odyssey, narrating their coming-of-age journey—a story rich with dreams, ambitions, and music. From boyhood to K-pop superstardom, they embrace their past while confidently looking toward the future.

“We’ll be back,” and how. On May 19, RIIZE dropped a grand, no-skips ten-track album, Odyssey, a musical journey across genres and beats, chronicling their own story in a way that hits close to home.

The album opens with "Odyssey," a track that showcases the members’ soothing vocals as they sing about dreams, the thrill of pursuing their goals, and the beauty of embracing life as it unfolds. The title, "Odyssey," meaning a long and eventful journey, is especially fitting for RIIZE, who have navigated a turbulent year marked by the departure of a former member and its aftermath. The song serves as a clear turning point, a declaration that the group is ready to move forward, leaving the past behind and welcoming whatever comes next. The fusion of UK garage and K-pop creates a refreshing sound that captures this sense of renewal. As they sing, “This is our Odyssey,” it feels both personal and powerful.

The second track, "Bag Bad Back," is a playful alliteration and tongue-twister wrapped in a K-pop hip-hop package. Like many rap tracks, it delivers a bold statement: RIIZE is here to stay, no matter what. Lines like “Beep Beep Dream Team that dreams” and “We’re protecting our sincerity, yeah” serve as a message to fans, reassuring them that, despite past setbacks, the group remains focused and resilient. With its confident energy and lyrical grit, the track carries a strong NCT-esque vibe, especially in lines like “Never give up, RIIZE will continue to realise.”

"Ember to Solar," the third track on the album, stands out as perhaps my favourite B-side on Odyssey. It's more than just a song; it's an experience, showcasing immaculate vocal production—a signature strength of SM Entertainment. The rich background score evokes the sounds of iconic SM groups like TVXQ and SHINee, not as a mere imitation, but as a heartfelt tribute to SM’s enduring musical legacy. It's a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh, highlighting RIIZE's place within that lineage while carving out their own identity.

The title track, "Fly Up," lands in the fourth spot and bursts with joy, vibrancy, and effervescence. It feels like a delightful blend of old-school Disney charm and K-pop flair, think High School Musical meets Grease, reimagined through a modern lens. The song serves its purpose well as a boyhood anthem, full of spirited energy and youthful bounce, somewhat reminiscent of Girls’ Generation’s Peace & Love. However, a lighter touch on the choir-backed vocals might have allowed the members’ individual tones to shine through more clearly.

Midway through the album comes "Show Me Love," an easy-listening track marked by a chant-like chorus and introspective lyrics that offer gentle wisdom. With a sound reminiscent of modern-era boy bands like One Direction, the song carries a familiar, comforting vibe. Lines such as “We’re not perfect, it’s okay to be wrong. If you fall, just get up again, yeah yeah,” lend a reflective tone that feels both reassuring and sincere. While it may not emerge as RIIZE’s most impactful track, it creates a moment of quiet contemplation, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and breathe.

"Passage," the sixth track on Odyssey, serves as the perfect interlude, a seamless bridge between the album's first and second halves. Clocking in at just 39 seconds, this instrumental piece is brief yet impactful, crafted under the expert direction of Yoon Sang, a celebrated singer and music producer in Korea. Its atmospheric sound offers a moment of pause and transition, subtly guiding the listener into the second half of Odyssey.

The seventh track on Odyssey, "Midnight Mirage," lives up to its romantic, cinematic title with a lush blend of heavy bass and ethereal synthesisers. The chorus is instantly catchy, and the members’ scintillating vocals conjure a dreamlike atmosphere, evoking twilight moments filled with fleeting thoughts, aspirations, and the quiet stillness between night and morning. Much like a mirage, the song hints at something just out of reach, an illusion that feels real, yet always slightly beyond grasp.

The next track, "The End of the Day," is a quietly sombre, melancholic ballad that gently drifts into themes of nostalgia and longing. It’s a classic SM Entertainment offering, anchored by brilliant vocal performances and superb vocal production. The instrumental arrangement is particularly commendable: the tenderness of the electric guitar, the warmth of the acoustic guitar, and the intimate sweep of the orchestral elements come together to create a soulful, coming-of-age feel. It’s a beautifully crafted piece and definitely ranks as my second favourite B-side on the album.

The penultimate track, "Inside My Love," feels so much like an extension of "The End of the Day" that I had to double-check if it was a pop-ballad version of the same song. Still, it stands on its own with a distinct 1990s throwback charm, one that’s sure to warm the heart of any millennial. The members’ vocals blend in seamless harmony: warm, rich, and ornate, wrapping around the listener like a comforting embrace.

The final track on the album, "Another Life," feels like a goodbye I’m not quite ready to say. It’s a fitting and beautiful conclusion to this rollercoaster odyssey of boyhood, dreams, and youth. A robust pop song, it’s defined by a sentimental piano melody, dynamic drums, and electric guitar. I can vividly imagine the members holding hands on stage, singing together as fans cheer and the fanchants rise in unison. The track is theatrical yet deeply emotional, grounded by the heartfelt vocals that truly bring the song to life.

“Life is a daring adventure or nothing,” said Helen Keller. With Odyssey, RIIZE comes full circle - from their debut days to now stepping into the next era with their first full-length album. This marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, where boyhood gives way to adolescence, dreams evolve into reality, and ambition is sharpened by growth.

Odyssey is a poignant, timely musical portrait of modern boyhood - a coming-of-age story that feels both personal and necessary. RIIZE may not have all the answers just yet, but they’re ready to “Fly Up” through the “Passage” of this “Odyssey”, charting their journey one fearless step at a time.

Odyssey by RIIZE is out now via SM Entertainment.