[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] iKON - I'm Ok (2019)

iKON is coming back! On Monday, January 7^th 2019, iKON releases New Kids Repackage album, which is the compilation of their singles and mini album in the past two years. This album only has one new single, I’m Ok that also serves as the title track.

The release of I’m Ok raises my anticipation since iKON creates a remarkable achievement last year. One of their singles, Love Scenario, grabs Song of the Year title in Melon Music Awards 2018 and Golden Disk Awards 2019. It becomes a viral sensation in South Korea where different age group of people knows and memorizes the song lyrics. Aside from Love Scenario, iKON also releases solid mini and full album throughout the year. Their Return album is actually my pick of the best album last year!

With I’m Ok, it would be interesting to see whether iKON could continue last year’s success. Does this single live up expectation? Check out my review of iKON newest single, I’m Ok below…………….

I’m Ok continues to showcase a darker side of iKON after Killing Me and Goodbye Road. This is a medium tempo song that combines strong synthesizer sound, piano melody, and a strong beat. The song dynamic is quite interesting because it emphasizes more on pre-chorus rather than the following part. It has the high notes and beat change while the refrain sounds calmer with its catchy hook.

iKON decision to focus on pre-chorus makes I’m Ok stands out. It works well with the lyrical theme, which talks about how iKON pretends to be fine after breaking up. The calmer refrain successfully represents the boys’ suppressing feeling. It also manages to showcase iKON’s signature laid-back style. I like that they stick to this type of sound post Love Scenario success last year. It differentiates their sound with other groups.

Although it offers something new in terms of song dynamic, I’m Ok still have a major issue, which is repetitiveness. There is not much going on in terms of music and vocal that makes the song seems never-ending. iKON also needs to be careful not to trap in same song formula. If you notice, there is a similar arrangement between I’m Ok and most of their last year’s singles. The boys should explore more.

As for I’m Ok music video, it translates the darker music and lyrical theme. It shows iKON goes in different place alone. The usage of various setting makes the music video becomes more appealing while also giving each iKON member time to shine. From Bobby’s television scene, Yunhyeong’s chair scene to B.I. car accident’s scene, each has a distinct vibe.

Despite having different settings, I’m Ok music video does not look messy. This is because red and black tone dominates the whole music video, which creates a cohesive theme. The contrasting effect and unusual cinematography also become an interesting aspect of the whole music video. Plus, iKON styling is sharp too!

I’m Ok is a solid release for iKON to open 2019. This song offers different dynamic compared to their previous releases while still sticks to iKON’s signature laid-back sound. The music video showcases a darker tone of iKON, which fits the song lyrics about pretending to be fine after breaking up.

With I’m Ok, iKON off to a good start in continuing last year’s success. The boys become more comfortable with laid-back musical direction, which is also their strongest point. But at the same time, don’t let them become too comfortable. iKON still has many potentials that could be explored more. Tons of luck this year, iKON!

Rating:                        3.5/5

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[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

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] iKON - Killing Me (2018)

iKON is coming to town again this year! After the success of Love Scenario in January, iKON released a new album on Thursday, August 2^nd 2018. It is called Continue with Killing Me as the lead single.

Killing Me is a brave attempt from iKON. They decide not to follow lighthearted and fun pattern of Love Scenario. Instead they showcase dark as well as angsty side of them.

How does the result? Does iKON still nail different concept? Or should they just stick with similar track like Love Scenario? Check out my review of Killing Me below……….

Killing Me does not offer minimalistic sound like Love Scenario. It tackles electronic dance genre with underlining dark tone. This tone sets by unique keyboard sound. The melody stays throughout the song, which makes Killing Me sounds cohesive.

The cohesiveness is important since Killing Me has different arrangement in each part. Its verses tackle hip-hop genre with strong beat. While the bridge and refrain part dominates by electronic dance genre. Killing Me also has breakdown part, which represents different tone from other K-Pop songs. It sounds haunting due to the addition of B.I. vocal in the middle.

Unfortunately, Killing Me dynamic fails to play more with its different arrangement. It becomes repetitive. There is also not much going on in terms of vocal. The song twist comes too late when iKON sings a chant towards the end.

Killing Me lyrics talk about breaking up. The boys find difficulties to let go of their lovers and move on. Its sad lyrics capture well on the music video. We see iKON goes around alone with regretful expression.

iKON also emphasized Killing Me melancholy theme through cinematography. The camera work looks stylish. Then the contrasting effect between dark lighting and solid colors like red or blue makes the music video bolder. Still, iKON should play more with setting so it does not look limited.

Killing Me represents iKON versatility. It is nice to see them mix different type of genre into one song. But at the same time, the song still belongs to iKON because they do not forget their signature style. 

Killing Me is a solid effort from iKON. It sounds catchy enough although its potential could be explored more. The music video helps to complement the song dark tone. Good job and cannot wait to see what the boys bring next!

Rating:                        3.5/5 

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[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] iKON - Return (2018)

iKON is ready to rise in 2018! On Thursday 25^th January 2018, they released a new album called Return. It consists of 12 songs, which eight of them were new and the rest were old songs.

Return is a test for iKON. People are curious to see if iKON manages to get up and cover last year’s underwhelming results. Both of their songs, Bling Bling and B’Day failed to crack top charts in 2017. This is a huge blow since iKON has impressive debut two years before.

So how is Return result? Will iKON back on top again? Check out my review for Return here………….

PS: I will only review the eight new songs. I already quite familiar with the rest and I am afraid it will affect my judgment on the review.

No more party anthem like last year’s release, iKON brings us back straight to their debut era. Love Scenario is another medium tempo hip-hop song from iKON. It has memorable bass line accompanied by vocal and rap exchange. It sounds laid back, which suits iKON carefree and youthful image. This is a fresh start for them although there is repetitiveness because of constant beat.

The youthful theme also represents on Love Scenario music video. iKON deals with young adult problem. They try to move on after breaking up. We see the boys wander around in loneliness then remember sweet moments with their girlfriend. It looks relatable through the usage of simple setting such as street or apartment. The boys styling also looks more casual compared to their previous single.

Although it has simple theme, Love Scenario music video does not become monotone. It plays out with solid color tone such as red and green through styling and properties. The cinematography is unique too.

The second track, Beautiful describes different theme from Love Scenario. This time, iKON expresses how much they fall in love with a girl. They keep complimenting her.

The music itself sounds far from Love Scenario. Beautiful has more upbeat tempo and does not stick to one type of music. It starts with funk genre through the usage of piano and bass at verses. Then tropical house beat comes during refrain part. The combination does not sound jarring. In fact, it provides great dynamic to Beautiful. One of the standout tracks on Return!

As the main producer of Return and leader of iKON, it’s quite fitting to see B.I. got a solo track called One and Only. This is a hip-hop song with old school touch. It has strong beat and addition of synthesizer. There is not much going on in terms of music, which allows B.I. to express himself more in rapping.

One and Only does not full of bragging. Instead it describes B.I. journey as a musician. He starts the song humbly about how he does not sure could become success. But then he achieves it and his confidence goes up. That is the time where the lyrics talk about showing off.   

Jerk shows emotional side of iKON. It tells their regretful feeling after breaking up. They wish not taking their girlfriend for granted. Now, the girl is leaving them.

Jerk accompanied by sleek production. The flow is enjoyable while the dynamic between vocal and rap part is solid. It also has old school vibe just like previous tracks. Those strong beat, electric guitar riff, and beautiful harmonization emphasize that.

Best Friend lifts up our mood again after the melancholy Jerk. This is a cheerful hip-hop/R&B track. Although it is light, Best Friend never sounds too cute. The arrangement is strong with unique beat and chanting like bridge. It also has synthesizer and electric guitar addition to spice up the dynamic.

Behind those cheerful tones, Best Friend apparently has sad lyrics. iKON seems frustrated since they are being friend zoned. The girl does not realize the boys’ feeling. But at the same time, iKON is afraid to show it. iKON desperation represents through their singing and rapping. It’s tragic yet funny at the same time because many people experienced it too.

The moment Everything starts, it is easy to recognize this as PSY’s song. The melancholy piano melody often appears on his songs. It also represents Beautiful theme where iKON want to talk with their past lover again, but does not have courage to do that.

The melancholy piano followed by percussion. This combination is effective to give more punch for Everything. Unfortunately, the refrain part could not keep the build up. The electronic dance music breakdown sounds outdated and dull.

Aside from PSY, Tablo also helps composing the song in Return. He writes lyrics for Hug Me, which shows complicated friendship. iKON falls in love with their friend, but she already have a boyfriend. It has similar theme with Best Friend. However, the approach is quite different. Hug Me tells about longing feeling.

Since longing becomes main focus, the music seems more emotional. It mixes hip-hop sound with rock. The combination comes from strong beat and electric guitar riff. Hug Me emotional theme emphasizes through its vocal part. Junhoe and Donghyuck shine the most in the song because of their falsettos.

iKON closes Return album with another ballad called Don’t Forget. We finally hear the boys’ vocal (minus Bobby) while they sing about not forgetting them after separating. Each member vocal suits his part well. If I have to choose, it’s Junhoe and Donghyuck’s vocal again who stands out along with Jinhwan.

Similar with other ballad songs, Don’t Forget only use minimal instrumental in order to emphasizes the boys’ vocal. Piano and guitar sound take a front part throughout the song. However, iKON put a little twist in order to make Don’t Forget does not become boring and more dramatic. They add drum sound starting from the second verse.

With Return, iKON is back stronger than ever. This is a solid album that has cohesive tracks (including the old one). I love how iKON takes different approach compare to last year’s releases. They definitely fit chill hip-hop track and youthful image instead of the flashy one. This tone also sets them apart from their peer groups.

The lyrics are another interesting point since it is simple and straightforward. It really describes young adults feeling about love. Still, Return is not a perfect album. iKON needs to work on more their line distribution. Glad to see Donghyuck shine, but Yunhyeong and Chanwoo kind of being left out here.

Rating:            4/5

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