X1 Mini Album Vol. 1 - Bisang : Quantum Leap (Random Version)

Intro track Stand Up (Track 1) simply expresses the group's aspiration and concept in a rhythmical brass and riff-based melody – "Stand up, stand up. Fly high, fly high! Spread your wings! Don't forget today's flight, and don't forget yesterday's dream."

Were you stunned by X1's powerful and dazzling stage performance of their title single Flash (Track 2)? Produced by 13's Score (Block B's Yesterday), Flash mixes EDM with strong house and future trap beats, plus lyrics that are in line with the group and the album's "fly high" concept – "I can take you higher, it's the time now. I will bring you to that higher place, oh baby… At that higher place, we are shining brightly. You make me shine and I shine on you. You light up my life. Flash." With such a catchy, grand and addictive melody, Flash deserves to be one of the biggest debut smash hits of recent years.

Funky synth-pop dance song "Like Always" (Track 3) delivers bright energy and unveils the adorable side of the members. Composed by Jung Ho Hyun (Wanna One's "Day by Day"), the lighthearted healing tune follows a person who can do everything for his loved one's smile: "You can take a break sometimes, and forget everything when you're tired. You don't have to say anything. No matter what happens, I will always wait for you, not far away… You look the best when you smile."

Due to the controversies surrounding them, X1's popularity did not come smoothly before their official debut. The ballad tune "I'm Here For You" (Track 4) can perhaps comfort fans' hearts, and theirs as well. Main vocalists Seung Woo, Seung Youn and Woo Seok surely stand out with their dulcet voices and vocal techniques, but the best thing about the song is that I get to hear every member's voice and tone clearly. The clean piano and strings background instrumental gives off a very pleasant feeling. It's simple and beautiful.

Similar to previous Produce project groups, X1 also presents their renditions of two original songs from the program – U Got It (Track 5) and Move (Track 6). Known for its sexy vibe, future EDM U Got It was one of the most popular tracks from the show, and I'm happy that X1 can pull off such a style despite some members being still quite young.

Penned by Zico, mainstream pop number Move shows the dynamic and hip-hop side of X1. Seung Youn and Han Gyul, who were originally in the Move group on the show, also get to sing different lines and parts in the new version! Do Hyon's tone fits really well with the rapping part as well. It's a pity they didn't choose the cutesy "Pretty Girl" that most fans hoped for, but I'm still satisfied with the two remakes. Of course, they also sang the program's theme song X1-MA (Track 7), which brings back so many memories of the previous months.

Bisang: Quantum Leap surprises with its diverse genres of music that exhibit the various styles and possibilities of X1. They didn't let us down and even debuted with a title track that is beyond my expectation. The boys have made a great start to this new chapter of their lives, and hopefully they can keep up the good work and enjoy five fruitful years as a team. Fly high, X1!