Iz*One - Color*Iz

Release Date: October 29, 2018
Genre: kpop

Although this is their debut EP, my first exposure to the group was through Bloom*Iz, and then I went backwards to Heart*Iz.  Then further back to Color*Iz. I didn't like much of it, but after watching all of Produce 48, learning all the members' names, positions, and distinct colors, this EP grew on me.

Review: Opening with "Colors," it's a gentle song that isn't catchy nor offensive, while the second track, "O' My" is a bit quirky with a lot of cute bouncy vocals. It's like it belongs on a children's show.  I've learned to enjoy them and it's fun to see them perform these songs whenever I'm YouTube surfing. But the title track, what a hard hitting statement. While watching Produce 48, even thought I already knew who were the final members, it was great to see each members have their memorable moments and I felt that "La Vie en Rose" utilized all the girls to their best abilities.  Like showcasing Wonyoung as their center, slotting Eunbi as their leader.  I love Yena's raspy rap voice. I love Hyewon's short bursts. To me, this title track feels so thunderous. Then, with "Memory," it's a ballad song that is kind of standard, but whenever I see clips of them performing it, it's so emotional.

I consider the rest of the album to be padded on as extras. On their own, they are fine, but they are more part of Produce 48's than Iz*One's. So to me, those songs feel like anyone can be plugged in and out. However, track 7, aka "as we dream," that song still hurts me whenever I hear it. Whether its OT20 or OT12, it's so messed up that these girls have to sing a song that foreshadows that "this" is temporary and they hope to still see each other after their "final" farewell. That can apply to anything and so, it's become one of their signature songs.

Tracklist/Scorecard:
1. Colors 7/10
2. O' My! 6/10
3. La Vie en Rose 10/10
4. Memory 9/10
5. We Together (IZ*ONE version) 6/10
6. Suki ni Nacchau Darō? (Iz*One version) 6/10
7. Yume wo Miteiru Aida (Iz*One version) 10/10
8. Pick Me (Iz*One version) 6/10

Summary: I gave this a listen after becoming a fan of the group after hearing Bloom*Iz and Heart*Iz. The title track is a must listen, but the rest could be considered to be your standard kpop offering. I like it, but only because I watched the reality show from which they formed and I know how hard they all worked to get here.

Key Tracks: La Vie en Rose, Yume wo Miteiru Aida
Rating: 7/10