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One of the first comebacks of the year, Akdong Musician’s Winter is definitely a perfect companion to the chilly weather. Winter is a mini-album that highlights AKMU’s unique style of indie pop music as usual and contains all the songs you can possibly need to get through the cold snowy months. Expect both their trademark ballads and playful folk songs here.
Track 1 – 생방송 (Live)
Live is a mellow and slow R&B ballad with a relaxing beat and chill atmosphere. Despite the familiarity this song exudes, it’s pretty dull as it’s just another typical ballad. Akdong Musician is known for their playful and insightful take on music, but this song doesn’t showcase either of these qualities. Nonetheless, Live is able to create a wintry mood, so this is a suitable song to start the album off with.
Track 2 – 리얼리티 (Reality)
As compared to Live, Reality is more able to bring out Chanhyuk’s amazing composing and producing abilities. Reality is a fun, frisky, and funky pop song with elements of hip hop, reggae, and even country mixed in. It’s an interesting way of portraying an important thing to remember: reality may be horrible, but we should take it for what it is.
Track 3 – 오랜 날 오랜 밤 (Last Goodbye)
Creatively sampling a famous classical music piece from Canon in D, Last Goodbye is an euphonious acoustic ballad that is soft on the ears. But what makes it better than other similar songs is its dynamic use of instruments, so the composition is more varied and therefore, more interesting. Plus, AKMU’s sonorous voices truly shine here.
Track 4 – 못생긴 척 (Play Ugly)
Play Ugly is a jolly hip hop pop track with no telling what will happen next. AKMU’s blithe way of singing definitely adds to the nonchalant and kiddish vibes this song gives off as they talk about their indifference towards people who call them ugly. This is a song that you’ll want to listen to if you ever feel bad after being insulted or made fun of.
Track 5 – Chocolady
Chocolady is a soulful and classy swing number that discusses the attraction between two people, reminiscent of AKMU’s Give Love and 200% era. This is a jazzy song with style and sophistication, which sets it apart from the causal songs that make up most of the album.
Track 6 – You Know Me
Like most of the previous songs, You Know Me is an laid-back, but interesting number. What makes it so interesting is that the composition is reggae-influenced, and definitely a bit different from what AKMU usually puts out. The experimentation with such a different genre is much appreciated, since the end result is so refreshing.
Track 7 – 집에 돌아오는 길 (Way Back Home)
Way Back Home is another hip hop ballad that gives a different outlook on life. But what makes me give it a more positive review is its optimistic perspective rather than feeling too melancholic. Way Back Home is catchy and reflects YG’s house influence on AKMU. It’s the perfect song to draw strength and courage from.
Track 8 – 그때 그 아이들은 (Will Last Forever)
Ending the Winter album with a muted sound, Will Last Forever is yet another haunting and wistful R&B ballad. Despite being the emotional climax of the album, it felt somewhat mundane, since I expected it to be as experimental as You Know Me.
- 7.2KShares
- 7.2KShares