South Korean boy band Riize is showing a new side of their music with their latest album, Fame, released this week. The album has a darker and more emotional tone compared with the bright and energetic style of their first album.
Band member Anton said the new album shows “a different side of ourselves that we haven’t shown before.” Member Sohee added that the song “Something’s in the Water” reveals their hidden emotions and feelings in a way fans have not heard before.
The album has three songs, each with a different style. “Something’s in the Water” is R&B-pop, “Sticky Like” is upbeat, and the title track “Fame” has a rage-style hip-hop sound. This is a change from Riize’s usual emotional pop style. The group said they wanted to show a more mature and deeper side of their music.
Riize debuted in 2023. Their name comes from the words “rise” and “realize,” showing their goals and dreams. Their first full album, Odyssey, was released in May 2025 with the lead song “Fly Up”. With Fame, the group is exploring new styles and ideas in their music.
The album comes after Riize finished their U.S. tour in November, performing in Los Angeles where they first introduced themselves to American fans. The group will continue touring in early 2026, with concerts planned in Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Macau.
With Fame, Riize is inviting fans to see a fresh side of the group. The band is showing that they are willing to try new things and grow as artists while keeping their unique style.
