[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] BIGBANG - MADE Full Album (2016)

Bigbang finally put an end to their MADE project in the last month of 2016. This project has been going on for about one year. It started on May 2015 where Bigbang released single album, M. Then on the next three months, Bigbang consistently put other single albums called A, D, and E. Each album consisted of two new songs. If you combined all of the album title, it shaped word ‘MADE’.

Aside from the single album, Bigbang promised to release MADE full album on December 12^th, 2016. This full album consisted of previous songs that Bigbang gave last year and three new songs. The MADE project was such a long process, but it never dampened public anticipation. They still excited to listen Bigbang new songs especially because all of their singles last year became hits. They also curious to see T.O.P last comeback with Bigbang before enlist next year.

So are you ready to see say goodbye to MADE project? Check out my review of Bigbang three new songs below……….

(See my review for Bigbang last year single album here).

Fxxk It was Bigbang nod to early days of their career.  When you listen to this song, you would remember Bigbang music before rocking into stardom with Lies. Fxxk It was an old school hip-hop song with iconic 90s bass and synthesizer sound. It has a chill vibe, which resembled the type of song that you can listen on daily basis and easily sing along to.

Fxxk It was a fun song, but it lacked of punch. It was not a type of song that you sing as climax of an album. The refrain part seemed bland because Bigbang only sang few words repeatedly.

Fxxk It came with music video that represented the fun and original aspect of the song. I love that Bigbang tried to forget their tendency to follow Western culture (aside from Taeyang’s hair) and went back to Korean culture. They chose simple location in South Korea such as small alley and traditional market while played around there. Bigbang seemed to have a good time on the music video, which made us felt enjoyable watching it.

The fun aspect could also be seen on Fxxk It music video tone and styling. They used bright yellow tone along with colorful coats and hair. It was really bizarre, but somehow Daesung and T.O.P managed to look good on it.

Rating:            3.5/5

Last Dance was a complete opposite of Fxxk It. It was a ballad song with pop-rock touch. Last Dance dominated by piano, drum, and electric guitar sound. This song has simple structure, which made it became catchy and easy to remember. Bigbang also showed good vocal here where Daesung, Taeyang, and Seungri took an emotional lead.

Aside from the good song production, Last Dance offered sentimental aspect on its lyrics. It was about how Bigbang looked back on their 10 years career in music industry. They admitted that people come and go throughout those years. But they would continue to sing and dance for them.

Last Dance sentimental lyrics represented well on the music video. It showed how Bigbang members wander around alone among many people. They appeared in different scene where each of their scenes has its own color scheme. My favorite scene would be when Taeyang sang about their happiness in early days of their career. Then the scene showed five boys ran around, just like the young representation of Bigbang.

Another poignant scene was the last part. It showed T.O.P sat alone in front of television. He rapped about remembering glory days as singer. His eyes were full of tears while his expression seemed like he was wandering around. The scene became more emotional with the addition of fans cheer as the back sound. It was a perfect ending, which was also became T.O.P farewell message to public.

Rating:            4/5

Fxxk It and Last Dance were solid tracks. Unfortunately, Girlfriend didn’t follow the same path. Bigbang became lazy in this song where they basically borrowed last year hit, Loser melody to back up this song. Girlfriend piano and guitar sound along with strong beat really resembled Loser.

The lyrics of Girlfriend could not help to improve this song too. I didn’t really mind the simple lyrics about how meaningful Bigbang girlfriend to them. However, the usage of English lyrics seemed out of place this time, especially G-Dragon rap in the refrain part. In short, Girlfriend felt like the last minute song that Bigbang put in sake of completing MADE full album.

Rating:            2/5

Three new songs from Bigbang were overall good. However, it lacked of punch if you considered it as MADE full album climax. As a whole, MADE was a solid album from Bigbang. Most tracks could stand on their own. Beside that, it showed Bigbang strength to tackle any type of songs.

Still, MADE eas not a perfect album. It seemed that the songs quality regressed each release. Bigbang also needed to pay a lot of attention of their vocal distribution. Daesung and Seungri were two of their best vocalists, but they were underutilized in MADE.

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[MUSIC REVIEW] Big Bang - MADE Series (2015)

Hello everyone!

Time flies so fast and I can’t believe we already at the last month of 2015. Many things happen this year. One of them is I finally graduated from my university as a best student in my major. I am so happy and touched that’s why I decide to share this news with all of you guys J But at the same time, I feel sad to leave my school days behind and start to get anxious about getting a job. Well, I think it’s a common thing that happens to every graduated student. I will just let it flow while try to figure out what I’m going to do next!

That’s a bit of my personal story. Now, we’re back with K-Pop music industry. 2015 is such a diverse year of K-Pop. We see many rookies debut and immediately catch people’s attention. Big names have their comeback after scandal or before preparing for their military service. Also, it’s interesting to see that the chart doesn’t only dominated by idols nowadays.

One of the highlights of 2015 would be Big Bang, who has a comeback after three-year hiatus. They released their latest album, MADE that topped various charts and won many awards. The release of their latest album was quite unique. Starting from May, they released a single album with two tracks (all of them are title tracks) for four consecutive months. It’s based on the album letter, M, A, D, E, and all of the song will be compiled into full album, MADE.

Since the beginning of MADE series, I was planning to make a review after the full album release. But it seems that the full album will be released next year. I’m afraid that the hype of previous tracks will be down that’s why I decide to write the review now. I know it’s kind of late, but hey, I think this also a great reminder about what sum up K-Pop music scene in 2015! So, here it is my review for MADE series………………………….

M

Loser

Loser is quite a surprise as the first track of MADE series. Most of us are more familiar with electronic/hip hop song from Big Bang for these past several years. With Loser, Big Bang bring us back to Lies and Haru Haru era, the start of their rising popularity. It’s a medium tempo type of song with strong old school hip-hop beat and angst theme. This added by gorgeous piano melody and dramatic drum sound. Although it sounds like their old releases, I love that they still give a continuation to their newer sound through the beat that reminded me with Bad Boy.

Related with the angst theme, every member gets to shine through music video storyline. I wish I could say the same with vocal distribution since there is not enough Seungri on this song. For the storyline, G-Dragon is a wealthy man who actually lonely once he rest. Taeyang starts to lose his faith while TOP doesn’t know what he’s looking for in his relationship by continuing one night stand cycle. Then, we have Seungri who gets jealous by his ex-girlfriend and begins to destroy things. Daesung would be my favorite because it reminds me with his own story; people hit him and he tries to be tough, but he actually couldn’t do that. Each scene represents the song lyrics about how you feel like you’re a loser. It’s a type of lyrics where many people can relate to it while at the same time, it shows how more human side of Big Bang. The usage of common setting and outfit also make the song seems more relatable to us. Meanwhile, the gloomy atmosphere and dark tone emphasize the sadness and depression of Loser.

Loser is a classic Big Bang song that reminds us again why we fall in love with them in the first place.

Rating: 4.5/5

Bae Bae

Bae Bae is plain bizarre from the song to the music video. It still has Big Bang signature hip-hop sound, but there is a bit of Latin music influence through guitar melody at the beginning of each verse. It’s quite unique and rare for K-Pop group. One thing I love the most from this song is how each member part stands out between each other. It’s really catchy and it’s hard for you to forget each of their part from G-Dragon and TOP’s quirky rap, Taeyang and Daesung melodious chorus, and Seungri delicate bridge. The differences between each member’s part also gives an interesting dynamic to the song although the transition is a bit disjointed at some parts.

The music video is also interesting. Despite the straightforward lyrics, the music video is actually full of symbolism. Bae Bae is basically about men thoughts; how they love this woman and wish their beautiful appearance will stay the same until forever. There are many sexual references in the lyrics that showed by the music video through symbols such as flower, water spray, and rice cake. Bae Bae music video also sticks to the quirky concept with the usage of unique setting such as garden, beach, horse yard, even moon and neon colors through their outfits. It feels like we are going inside their mind and dream.

Rating: 4/5

A

Bang Bang Bang

If you’re looking for Big Bang signature club banger, this is your song. Bang Bang Bang begins with a strong build up. It opens with synthesizer, clapping hands, and people’s chant before followed by Taeyang verse, TOP rap, and Seungri’s bridge. The synthesizer and bass that stay throughout the song help to lift up the song. Everything is perfect…until the beat drop in the chorus. It couldn’t keep up the song momentum because the song tempo gets slower in the chorus.

However, Bang Bang Bang is such a grower. It gets better the more you listen to it, especially if you watch the performance because this song is for performance. The “Bbangya Bbangya” part is really catchy and already infected many people. Bang Bang Bang is well produced too where the music and vocal could complement each other. As for the music video, it gives similar vibe with Fantastic Baby through the unique costumes, colorful hairstyles, and rebellion theme. I like the usage of red tone to show bravery and confidence just like the lyrics, which is about how Big Bang is coming and ready to destroy others.

Rating: 3.5/5

We Like 2 Party

We Like 2 Party shows us how Big Bang able to manage different kind of genre. This is an old school pop rock song, which dominated by acoustic guitar. Just like the title, this song is all about having fun and Big Bang does that the best. It’s a feel good type of song that you will blast in your car and sing together with your friends.

The music video is the gem of this MADE series. Forget about Big Bang cool appearance because now we will see their daily life. The music video was shot like a reality show where the boys went on a trip to Jeju Island. We see them going to the airport by subway, driving around Jeju Island, swimming together, and the best part of it, getting drunk. It’s hilarious and adorable at the same time. It’s nice to see them take a break and have fun amidst their busy schedule. It also shows us a different side of Big Bang.

Rating: 3.5/5

D

If You

If You is the only ballad and the only song that doesn’t have music video in this MADE series. This song only has acoustic guitar sound as most of the background. Because of this, they need to play out with their vocal to make this song interesting. Unfortunately, they don’t play this well. G-Dragon and Taeyang sing most of the parts, but their nasally voices is quite off putting in this type of song. As for Daesung, he changed his technique and it doesn’t sound pleasing to ear. Hopefully, his throat will get better soon. Still, we have Seungri and TOP that sounds lovely. Their harmonization sounds beautiful between TOP’s deep voice and Seungri’s soft voice.

Although there are problems with the vocal, Big Bang make it up through their emotions. They conveyed the song message well about how they couldn’t forget their ex-girlfriend and still miss them. We can feel their sadness and pain when we hear them sing, especially G-Dragon.

Rating: 3/5

Sober

Sober represents Big Bang (and G-Dragon) recent releases such as Stupid Liar, Love Dust or Crooked. It’s an electronic punk rock inspired song. It mixed synthesizer sound with strong drum melody. Sober is a fun and catchy song. The flow is nice because of the simple song structure (verse-chorus-bridge), which is quite rare for an experimental group like Big Bang. Daesung and G-Dragon has their time to shine in this song. Loving the differences between their voices in the chorus. G-Dragon voice fit this type of song while Daesung raspy voice adds unique element to Sober. Daesung also gets another time to shine through his drum solo.

The music video gives off a hint of 70s aesthetic with their hippie theme and patterned outfits. It gives off dreamy vibe with the fog effects and pastel tone. It feels like you’re not sober when watching the music video. The storyline implies that too with the boys start to act crazy and stay in mental institution. This also explains the weird properties and setting such as bed on the garden, goat in the garden, or glass box in a forest. It relates with the song lyrics about how they need their lover to keep them stay sober. I also feel like this song represents how they feel about entertainment world. How hard it is to stay sane amidst the crazy schedule and they hope that they could find someone to rely on.

Rating: 3.5/5

E

Let’s Not Fall In Love

Just like Sober, Let’s Not Fall In Love also resembled Big Bang recent releases with the domination of electronic music. However, it has slower tempo and gives out chill vibe compared to others. This also could be seen through their vocal where each of them sings in softer voice.

The music video is another surprise from Big Bang. Here, we see them had a date with their girlfriend. They go out to see a movie, eat together, go to supermarket, and even dance under the rain. Big Bang is one of the few groups where each member doesn’t look awkward in front of the camera, so it’s nice to see them have natural chemistry with the actress. The storyline is actually cliché, but it’s rare for us to see Big Bang dress up casually and act like an ordinary guy.

Despite the cute scenes, Let’s Not Fall In Love is actually a sad song. It tells a story about the boy who wishes the girl not to love them because she will get heartbroken at the end. We see TOP starts to hesitate at the end of the music video while G-Dragon hugs the girl really tight. It’s kind of bittersweet because it’s a contrast between the light tone of the music video and the sad lyrics.

Rating: 3/5

Zutter

Zutter is special because we finally see the comeback of Big Bang sub unit, G-Dragon and TOP.  Zutter is closer to Knock Out than High High. It’s an old school hip-hop song with strong beat that keeps playing throughout the song. They also give a glimpse of Middle Eastern music through the bass and synthesizer sound. Because of the simple music, it makes the rap able to stand out. As expected, G-Dragon and TOP don’t disappoint. I always love how each of their rap complement each other from G-Dragon witty pun and nasally voice to TOP quirky lyrics and deep voice.

The music video looks like a movie with the cinematography and storyline. It tells a story where both boys captured by a villain. Then, they try to boast who are they with scenes that resemble the song lyrics such as G-Dragon poops when he raps about pooping money. These two makes a fun pairing with their questionable antics throughout the music video such as pee contest hahaha. Oh…we also get to see TOP dancing in the music video too!

Rating: 3/5

So far, Big Bang release solid songs through their MADE series. Each song is different from one another while still keep Big Bang signature hip-hop sound. I also like how they use more band instrumental compared to their previous albums. This is beneficial for them because they tour with a live band.

My biggest concern of this album is their vocal technique and line distribution. I wish we could hear more of Seungri because now, he is the best vocalist in Big Bang. He keeps improving and his live is stable. Meanwhile, Taeyang, G-Dragon, and Daesung need to work more on their vocal. This is also a wake up call for YG Entertainment to take vocal lessons seriously because most of their vocalists voice started to get worse for these past several years.

Hopefully, the rest of the album will be released soon! But in the mean time, let’s listen all of these songs again since MADE is one of the highlights of 2015. And yes, what would be a perfect way to celebrate 2015 other than listening to Big Bang J

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Road To MAMA 2014: Throwback - My Favorite Performances in MAMA (2009 - 2013)

Hello everyoneeeee!!!

It’s been a long time since I post on this blog. Well, I’m really sorry that I abandoned this blog again. I’m quite busy with all the college stuffs while also went around exploring Seoul (I’m currently an exchange student for one semester in Seoul by the way :D).

Anyway, the end of the year is coming, which means that it’s time for various Korean music awards and festivals. Among all of the awards and festivals, one of the most anticipated would be Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). For three times in a row, this year MAMA would be hold on Hong Kong on December 3^rd, 2014, which means one week later.

Why MAMA is one of the most anticipated one? It’s because they always hold in on a big scale from its place, stage, audiences, to performances. Beside that, the fact that it holds overseas also rise up the pride for this award. Despite many criticisms for this awards such as major biased to Korean music and “popularity” contest through voting, many people still like to watch this awards and many artists still put huge of effort for their performances in this awards. Beside that, MAMA is always holding a special place in me because this is the first award that I watched when I first discovered K-Pop.

Now, while waiting for MAMA 2014 next week, I will have a throwback edition in this post. It’s about my most favorites performances from MAMA 2009 until 2013. Why from 2009? Because that was the first year where this award changed their name from MKMF (Mnet Korean Music Festival) to MAMA. Their changing name means to cater more into Asian music although at the end, Korean music still got the most focus.

So, let’s start from 2009….

2009

Honorable Mentions: G Dragon & Taeyang– Heartbreaker, Where U At, Wedding Dress, Korean Dream and T, Baby J, Hyuna, Jiyoon, Miryo – Lip Gloss, Pay Day

2PM – Heartbeat, Again & Again

This performance is one of the best and the most heartbreaking performance from 2PM. 2PM has just lost their leader, Park Jaebum (Jay Park), who left the group at the peak of their popularity. Jay Park left the group due to his My Space controversy, which insulted Korean people, while 2PM continued to release their first full album, 01:59 PM with Heartbeat as the lead single. It’s basically a messy situation at that time with lots of drama.

One week and a half after the album released, 2PM performed in MAMA. Controversies and sentimental issues always gain more interests and 2PM used this well. During the performance, they paid homage to Jay by leaving an empty spotlight for him in the choreography and keeping his part on the song. Instead of the boys singing, the fans sang Jay’s part. It was really heartbreaking. I think I almost cried when watching it for the first time.

But other than the sentimental part, the boys also delivered the good performances that night. The dance and vocal were great for these songs. I like the remix too with the mix of modern electronic music and classic orchestra music. 2PM also brings out special guest on this performance by having JYP as a conductor with his memorable glasses.

That was a sweet night for 2PM because they also brought home on of the biggest award for the night, Artist of the Year.

2010

Honorable Mentions: 2NE1 – Try to Follow Me, Clap Your Hands, Can’t Nobody and miss A – Bad Girl Good Girl, Breathe

Taeyang, T.O.P, and G-Dragon - Break Down, I Need a Girl, Turn It Up, Intro, Knock Out, Hallelujah

One word for this performance is epic! I love everything from the action movie concept, the transition between songs to the songs choice. All of them added by Taeyang, T.O.P, and G-Dragon great stage presence; making this performance more entertaining to watch.

However, my most favorite part would be the surprise element on this whole performance. I was shocked to see how Taeyang kissed 2NE1 Sandara Park, more shocked to see the shooting at the end of the performance, and even most shocked to see the spoiler date for GD & TOP upcoming sub-unit album when the performance finished. I think that this performance really capture the essence of performing in awards shows because you have to give surprise for the audiences to make the performance different from the usual.

2011

Honorable Mentions: Super Junior –Superman, Mr. Simple, Sorry Sorry and miss A – Goodbye Baby

2NE1 – Lonely, I am the Best

If the most favorite performances from previous years is more about concept and gimmick, this 2NE1 performance showed that how a good song won over the audiences. 2NE1 really hit it big in 2011 with Lonely and I am the Best and it clearly shown in this performance. All of the audiences were singing along with them. My most favorite part would be when the audiences kept singing eventhough the music stopped in the middle of the song. It gave me chills.

The power of the audiences also pumped up the girls’ spirit. They owned the stage that night, especially CL with her charisma, despite going for simple concept compared to the previous years’ performance. Definitely the best 2NE1 performance for me!

2012

Honorable Mentions: PSY – Gangnam Style and SISTAR – Alone

Big Bang – Crayon, Fantastic Baby

This performance is a combination between good song, concept, and sentimental/controversies issue. This was Big Bang comeback performance in awards show after one year and after hit by several issues such as Daesung car accident and G-Dragon marijuana scandal in 2011. Many people had wait for a long time and yes, Big Bang did not disappoint. The monster concept was unique and the song was really effective in pumping up the crowd. The boys had a great stage presence too and knew how to have fun on stage. Although I still cannot forget some of the members’ hideous outfit, hairstyle, and vocal, I forgive them. And yes, T.O.P, you rock the pink suits and contact lenses!

2013

Honorable Mentions: Big Bang – Doom Dada, Ringa Linga, Let’sTalk About Love, Crooked, Fantastic Baby and Rain – How to Avoid the Sun, It’s Raining,Rainism, Hip Song

EXO – Growl, Wolf

What I love the most from this performance is how EXO brings out the classic element of K-Pop, good-looking appearance, catchy song, and well-polished choreography. It worked really well for this performance because everything was on point from the boys’ styling, the song remix to the concept that goes well with song theme. The dance break also gives the surprise element for the song and I like how they went with the actual dance break with new and sleek choreography. Also, I give a special mention for the cameraman who did a great job in the camera effect, adding the entertaining aspect for the performance. Sans the lip-synching part, this is actually the best performance from EXO up until now.

So, that’s the list of my most favorite performances in MAMA 2009 until 2013. As for this year’s performance, they still have not announced the full line-up, so it’s actually making me more anticipating the awards. Hopefully, many of the performances will slay like the previous years.

Then, what are your favorite MAMA performances? Which artists that you hope will perform this year? Which performances that you are looking forward the most this year?

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