[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] iKON - Goodbye Road (2018)

iKON is on a roll this year! The boys just released their new album called New Kids: The Final on Monday, October 1st 2018. This is also iKON third album throughout 2018.

New Kids: The Final has Goodbye Road as its title track. This song portrays different theme compare to iKON previous singles in 2018. Goodbye Road tries to show more melancholy side of iKON. 

Are you curious to see another side of iKON on Goodbye Road? Check out my review for this single below…………….

Goodbye Road tells a story about breaking up. iKON feels devastated after separation with their girlfriend. They state their sorrow in direct way through the song lyrics. I love how straightforward iKON is, just like on their previous singles. Lyrics easily become one of Goodbye Road strongest point.

The sad theme carries on with Goodbye Road music. It has a touch of violin sound, which is effective in making the song more emotional and dramatic. This accompanied by solid vocal from the boys. It is nice to hear Jinhwan and Donghyuck singing style changes. Both sound more powerful and not too nasally since they rely on lower register. I also love how Donghyuck and Yunhyeong get spotlight by singing the refrain part.

Still, iKON does not forget their signature style. The old school hip-hop beat exists throughout the song. With violin, it creates unique combination and manages to make Goodbye Road sounds catchy as well as pleasant listening.

But in terms of arrangement, there is nothing new on Goodbye Road. It sticks to YG Entertainment ballad songs formula. The song will remind you with other groups single such as Big Bang. This makes Goodbye Road does not have distinct sound like Love Scenario or Killing Me, their previous singles in 2018.

As for the music video, Goodbye Road maintains the song melancholy aspect. We see iKON wanders around in different places such as street or bedroom while reminiscing their girlfriend. Each scene shot in unusual cinematography and blue tone, which successfully set up the emotional mood while also fit the current fall season. The only minus point would be jarring contrast between the usage of blue shade at several scenes.

Although the cinematography is beautiful, Goodbye Road shining point is actually the choreography. The dance looks sharp and able to give contrasting effect with the song melancholy theme. 

Goodbye Road is another solid single from iKON. It is an enjoyable song with beautiful music video. However, it lacks of punch in order to make it stands out on its own among Love Scenario or Killing Me. Let’s hope iKON does not burn themselves out and continue to give strong singles in the future!

Rating:            3/5

Categories: Goodbye Road, iKON, Kpop, New Kids: The Final