While I predominantly cover singles on here, I’ve always been an avid consumer of albums. More often than not, this results in some songs that I adore but others that I detest. As a remedy to this issue, we have Beast Sides! These songs put the Beast in B-side and are either stronger than their accompanying title track or songs that are just too solid to leave out.
Ever since its release, I’ve been meaning to write a review for TXT’s brilliant mini album ‘minisode1: Blue Hour’. On repeated listens, it has managed to cement itself as my favourite TXT project yet, consisting of an all killer no filler tracklist and some real stunning hidden gems. And while I don’t think I will have the time to write a review on the entire album, there is one track that I want to highlight in particular. And that is the hazy dream pop of album opener Ghosting.
Now I know many have already said this but in my opinion, apart from the fantastic title track, ‘minisode1’ really boils down to two brilliant showstoppers. The unfiltered rock bombast of Wishlist and the aforementioned Ghosting. I adore both tracks equally but there’s just something about Ghosting that just hits me in ways that few tracks do. TXT have done this kind of dreamlike soft rock track in the past with songs like Nap of A Star, Magic Island and Maze in the Mirror but Ghosting feels like a true culmination of sorts, taking all the strongest aspects of those aforementioned songs and combining them into a true musical moment.
Much of that is due to the gorgeous melody at the tracks core, which swirls with the kind of emotional heft few modern day K-pop can muster. It’s utterly unique from both a songwriting and production standpoint, acting as the perfect vessel for the boys to channel their more mystical concept. At its best moments, Ghosting just washes over you like wave, buoyed by an instrumental that makes brilliant use of distorted guitar and is assisted by production that knows how to exercise itself perfectly, providing a final product that stands out big time.
I’ve made my qualms regarding Bighit’s heavy use of vocal processing before but there are some instances where I believe it to be an adequate artistic choice. Ghosting is one of those. The processing here actually aids the overall hazy atmosphere they were going for, giving Ghosting a more ethereal soundscape that’s only furthered by the evocative melodic choices made during both the ascending pre-chorus and sensational hook. This is the kind of track that suits TXT to a tee and I would love for them to pursue something similar for their next comeback.
Verses: 9
Chorus: 10
Production: 9
Performance: 10
Final Rating: 9.5 / 10
KBopped 
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