Tuesday, May 23, 2017

BOY GROUP SUMMER SHOWDOWN: iKON vs Seventeen



It’s summer time again, which means another showdown! After focusing on girl groups and soloists in previous year, I decide to make a change this year. In 2017, it will be boy group showdown between iKON and Seventeen.

Both iKON and Seventeen had  comeback on the same day, May 22nd 2017. iKON released single album called NEW KIDS: BEGIN with two title tracks, Bling Bling and B-Day. Meanwhile, Seventeen launched their new mini album AI1. It has Don’t Wanna Cry as title track.

iKON and Seventeen comeback has garnered public anticipation. This is because both are young and rising boy groups in K-Pop music scene. So, how does their comeback going? Who come out on top? Check out my review below………

iKON – Bling Bling & B-Day


Bling Bling and B-Day is the usual YG Entertainment club banger. Both songs dominated by electronic music, unique hook, and loud chants. However, iKON still tries to showcase thing that make them different from other YG Entertainment groups.

In Bling Bling, iKON offers grittier sound. This song manages to put B.I. and Bobby rap upfront. Their rapping seems raw, especially after being complemented with strong horn instrumental. In fact, Bling Bling sounds more cohesive if they only keep the rap part. 

The vocal part unfortunately fails to get similar spotlight. iKON members’ soft vocal often get covered up with loud music. Even Junhoe who has deeper voice, must auto-tuned his voice in Bling Bling. The rap and vocal part does not mix well together. It disrupts the song dynamic. 

Bling Bling tells a story about how iKON brags about their skills. This lyrical theme is clearly seen on the music video. It displays various luxurious properties and setting. This then accompanied by flashy camera effect, which eventually becomes double-edged sword for Bling Bling music video. I like that it's bold and eye-catchy. But, it also looks tacky. 


While Bling Bling focus on iKON rawness, B-Day brings their youthful aspect. It talks about how the boys like to have fun. This song combined hip-hop and rock music. It's interesting to hear B.I. and Bobby rap with electronic guitar riff as its background. The vocal also sounds stronger too compared to Bling Bling. I love the song dynamic! It really pumps up our spirit.

The music video also displays iKON fun aspect. It shows how the boys roaming around in forest-like setting. Then we get a glimpse of B-Day choreography, which looks energetic. Aside from fun, B-Day music video also seems bizarre. Take a look at the scene where iKON members turn into bee. This reminds me with TWICE change into alien in Signal music video. 


Rating:            3/5


Seventeen – Don’t Wanna Cry


Seventeen tries out something new with Don't Wanna Cry. They leave their usual high energy and cheerful music and change to something more melancholic. Seventeen vocal seems softer in the verses as well as its music. It sounds lovely while also fits the song theme, which is about trying to forget your former girlfriend. Beside that, the line distribution provides nice surprise. We finally hear rappers' singing voice for title track!

Although the vibe is different from previous title tracks, Seventeen tries to bring out their signature style. Electronic music still becomes the main element of this song. I really love the dreamy synthesizer and percussion sound in Don't Wanna Cry verses. It adds more dynamic to the song.

However, Don't Wanna Cry chorus does not able to continue its lovely verses. The electronic breakdown sounds cliche and lazy. I wish they create something stronger instead of repeating the same phrase throughout the chorus. They could make the good use of Seventeen powerful vocalists. 

Meanwhile the music video itself perfectly describes sorrowful theme of Don't Wanna Cry. We see all Seventeen members wandered around in Los Angeles street. Their expression looks sad and lonely. This accompanied by beautiful cinematography and fast editing. The music video does a good job in showing members of Seventeen without looking too crowded.

It's also great to see Seventeen keep their choreography scene in Don't Wanna Cry music video. The choreography looks sleek and graceful, so it matches the song theme. I love the music video shot when Seventeen dance in the middle of desert. 


Rating:            3.75/5



iKON and Seventeen tries to prove themselves in this comeback. iKON seems eager to establish their signature music and style as a way to differentiate them from other YG Entertainment groups. As for Seventeen, they want to show something fresh and more ear-friendly to public.

It's great to see both groups explore themselves in early days of their career. However if I have to choose, Seventeen comes out on top. Their song and music video complemented well. 

Still if we look at the bigger picture, both songs are not outstanding releases from iKON and Seventeen. We know they have potential to do much better!

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