WINNER is ready to bounce back again this year! On Tuesday April 4th 2017, WINNER released their new album called Fate Number For. Just like other idol groups album from YG Entertainment in the past several years, Fate Number For is a single album. It only consisted of two songs called Really Really and Fool.
Releasing Fate Number For is a huge testament for WINNER. This group went through a lot of things in 2016. Their second mini album, EXIT: E did not able to reach same success like their debut although it sold decently. Then their youngest member, lead vocalist as well as composer Taehyun departed from the group because of mental issue.
All of these make it challenging for WINNER to back on top of the game. With Fate Number For, could they capture public attention again? I’m still not sure, but first let’s check my review of this album below…………………
WINNER tries to keep up with trend through Really Really. The boys ditch their usual ballad style and move into the current tropical house genre. This song is full of synthesizer sound and electronic beat. It also has memorable lyrics about falling in love. These components make Really Really become easy to listen and to dance to.
However, Really Really is not the common song in similar genre. If other tropical house songs more hard-hitting, Really Really does the other way. The music arrangements sound simpler and softer. The same goes for vocal treatment where Jinwoo gets to shine with his delicate voice. This combination makes Really Really sounds more laid back than other similar type of songs.
Still, Really Really is not a perfect song. The simple music arrangement eventually became double edge sword because some song parts sound empty. Beside that, this song lacks WINNER signature hip-hop or pop-rock sound. I like they try something different, but remember to keep your identity. Otherwise your song could easily sing by other groups.
Really Really may sound more fun from usual WINNER songs. But, the music video itself brought back the group classy and elegant image. It uses black and white color tone as well as minimalistic setting. The boys styling fits this theme too where they wear suits for most part of music video. The only minus point of the music video would be the jarring editing. It looks a bit confusing and I wish they could focus on the dance at some parts.
Fool showcases WINNER sound that public are familiar with. It’s a heart wrenching ballad song with touch of pop-rock genre. Fool dominated by strong piano and guitar melody. The combination of these two instrumentals worked well in creating dramatic effect throughout the song.
This then added with unique synthesizer sound, which give build up in several parts of the song. I personally love the bridge part because of sudden key change brings little surprise to Fool. As for WINNER members’ vocal, it sounds more prominent here. Jinwoo gets decent part, Mino and Seunghoon manage to showcase their vocal ability while Seungyoon roars with his powerful vocal.
Fool lyrics are story about WINNER remorse after losing their girlfriend. This theme successfully captured by the music video. It has clear storyline about how regretful and miserable WINNER life is when remembering their girlfriend. They still not forget about what they did to her.
Their actions are horrible. The music video portrays them as killer of their girlfriend. But, it shows in a subtle way such as the hand foreshadowing in Seungyoon’s girlfriend neck. WINNER then feel guilty of what they do although they realize it’s already too late. We see them ask for mercy with white clothes in front of religious statue at most part of music video. All of these symbolisms make Fool music video stand out. This element also accompanied by beautiful cinematography and setting.
Fate Number For is a gentle reminder of WINNER existence. Both songs are catchy on their own way while able to showcase the group ability to sing different genre. This added by the beautiful music video. However, WINNER potential still not fully utilized here. We know the boys capable of more great things in terms of music.
I also feel that Taehyun absence left big hole to WINNER. The vocal seems lack of punch in both Fool and Really Really. The same goes for musical direction where they still not find comfortable zone yet after Taehyun departure. Hopefully, WINNER could manage this issue and develop their music again on the next release this year.
WINNER plans to release singles throughout the year without full album. All the best for them and….welcome back!
Rating: 3/5
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