Big Bang is back with something special!

Apr 7, 2011 by zerohundred    3 Comments    Posted under: Korea, music, opinion, review

Aww, have you missed me? I promise I’m not gone for good. It’s just been a busy semester. I’m back for Big Bang being back with their special edition whatchamacallit. What is it? It’s a weird compilation of their last mini-album, some of their solo songs, and a few new things. I’m only going to talk about the new songs because I have already talked about the rest.

I am a little disappointed in YG for recycling so heavily, but I also feel like it’s lame to complain when we’re getting new music somewhat regularly after a ridiculously long dry spell. I’ve definitely been digging the teasers so I hope the real songs will live up to the hype. I wrote this about the “Stupid Liar” teaser (back on April 1):

K, hi, I love this. Love. I can’t wait. At first I was a little skeptical and I’ll admit that I didn’t realize GD was saying “stupid” until a few seconds in but OHHHH. Yes. I think this will be a good one. Big Bang needs some stronger tracks to pull me in and this might be one of them. Crossing my fingers.

The “Love Song” teasers have had me think I’m going to like, not love, the song. We’ll see what happens though. (Lol you’re probably wondering why I’m not getting on with this review already but I haven’t updated in so long I can’t help but being descriptive and long-winded. PLUS, this is Big Bang. What did you expect?)

Let’s get on with the review! (They’re not in order because I unintentionally listened to them shuffled.)

• Love Song: I love TOP’s singing in the beginning. OMG. So gorgeousss. Can he get any better? I’m not loving the vague Phil Collins vibe I’m getting from it but it is something new and different from Big Bang. It actually reminds me of their Japanese music a little. It’s a fun, smooth song. I’m still pretty sure I’m going to like “Stupid Liar” better but I can’t say this is a bad track. I guess I think it lacks a little “oomph”; I think that’s what Big Bang’s recent music has needed. Their past stuff is so good… IDK though. I feel like this would fit perfectly in a full album, but I suppose their recent releases have seemed kind of fragmented. It’s been WAY too long since they’ve released something brand new (without repeats/recycles). I really like the bridge though! Nice. I’m just going to have to wait for this one to grow on me. It definitely has a different flavor compared to their past music.

• Baby Don’t Cry (Daesung solo): This still seems so far from their usual stuff. I don’t think that’s bad, it’s just weird. I can see now why they would have released these separate from the other music. Buuuut I am just realizing this is Daesung’s solo. I love that it’s Daesung. And holy smokes, the chorus is ridiculously amazing. Actually, thinking more about the fact that it’s Daesung’s solo it makes so much SENSE that this isn’t like regular Big Bang music. That’s a good/great thing. It’s so much better than what they’ve given him in the past. He has so much potential for amazing music and here it is! I still think they could even do better with what they give him but this song is better than the trot stuff he’s done in the past. He has a great voice. And I really really really like the chorus. (Lol though that both of his serious solo songs have to do with crying and smiling.) I can’t wait for the day he gets his own solo album! His English has improved a lot too.
• Stupid Liar: I think this song is pretty fun with the it’s energy level. It kind of reminds me of some of the music I listened to when I was in my early teens. I was into punk and pop-punk and this has that vibe (has anyone else heard MxPx? It really reminds me of their later music). The pre-chorus is a little Queen-ish too. I like it a lot! I still can’t believe this is Big Bang though. This special edition music definitely a departure from their typical style. Anyway, this song is probably my favorite from the new stuff but we’ll see how it will be with more listens. I love Taeyang’s solo in the song, and GD’s “I’m so stupid” line. I think this would be a fun live performance.

Oh man, I’ve been waiting for this for what feels like ages and now it’s over? Aw. I’m kind of weirded out to be perfectly honest. Big Bang, is that you? If this was anyone else I’d be giving it a great review because it’s good music, but with Big Bang it’s hard not to attach huge expectations. It’s so unusual for their typical sound that I’m not sure what I think at this point. I like it but don’t love it. I’m definitely going to give it time to change my mind and I know I’ll enjoy listening to it no matter what, but there are no instant favorites on it. I will say, however, that there are no duds. Unlike the “Tonight” mini-album (I’m so confused about what to call that) with “What Is Right” which still hasn’t grown on me (along with “Somebody to Love” which is just eh), I would put these in a couple notches above. They remind me more of their Japanese music and I wouldn’t be surprised if they came out with one of these in Japanese. Do you wonder if they planned on it? I don’t know.

As a side note, more listens to Daesung’s song has me really loving it (REALLY loving it). It works so well for him and his voice. I think out of all the solo’s I definitely connected to Taeyang’s music most as my personal style, but I think each member of Big Bang has a great sound when they’re on their own. I love how they are all so unique and when they come together they still sound great. It’s kind of funny that I’ve actually liked their individual solo efforts more than their group music. I’ve said it before, but it’s almost like Big Bang is too small for them now. I never thought I’d say this, but I’d be relatively okay if they kept up the pattern of solo releases with occasional group albums. I’m sure they’re planning on that, haha. It’s just fun to have so many talented guys to enjoy that have different things to offer.

What do you think of this new music? What’s your favorite?