B.A.P – ‘Noir’ Album Review

This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.

B.A.P made a fabulous return with their second full-length album, Noir, in November. With unprecedented maturity in these 13 tracks, the sextet is making a splash once again in the Kpop scene. B.A.P taps into new genres in Noir while remaining true to their hip hop roots. This album goes beyond typical idol music and proves that B.A.P is a real powerhouse.

Track 1 – Le Noir

B.A.P starts Noir off with a slow jazz number titled Le Noir. The group handles English lyrics with sweet and charming vocals. Le Noir is immediately attention grabbing as it’s unexpected from a hip hop based idol group. However, there isn’t much groundbreaking substance to the track for it to have a higher rating.

Track 2 – Skydive

On the other hand, title track Skydive is very much a track you would expect from B.A.P. It’s an auditorily strong track that showcases the group’s vocalists and rappers alike. Skydive has an electronic backtrack with hints of trap elements to keep the flavor going. This baritone ranged track is an area that the boys truly excel in.

Track 3 – Ribbon In the Sky

Ribbon In the Sky has everything you would want in a song — it has deep meanings, it’s addictive, and it displays musicality. This is a trap inspired track with dark reflecting strings that aid the members’ vocals and rapping. B.A.P touch on the corruption in social systems in this catchy track.

Track 4 – Killer

The next track is a simple retro song with crazy, colorful synths. Killer has a unique rhythmic guitar throughout that allows the boys to highlight their singing abilities and musicality. Not only is the beat intriguing, the track is also memorable with an easy to follow chorus.

Track 5 – Fermata

Fermata is an acoustic R&B track focusing on the vocalists as the rap line sits this number out. The instrumental is uncomplicated but is still unique with a high-pitched, yet faint, singing that add to the smoothness of the song. The way that Fermata is stripped down allows for the execution of the lyrics to be much more emotional.

Track 6 – 주소서 (Pray)

Opening with a spiritual like chanting, the listener can immediately tell that Pray is going to have a darker theme. Featuring the rap line, this number has deep lyrical content discussing loneliness and suicide. The overall ebb and flow of the song suits Yongguk and Zelo’s tones very well.

Track 7 – I Guess I Need U

B.A.P slows things down a bit using a sexy, mid-tempo R&B tune highlighted by an addictive beat. With the assistance of light synths and a little keytar, B.A.P is able to show a side that they don’t often bring out in I Guess I Need U. Having a nice balance between rapping and singing, I Guess I Need U is full of mature lyrical content for the group’s older audience.

Track 8 – Chiquita

Chiquita is a fun pop number with a funky old school vibe. The guitar and drums enhance the song’s catchiness and color. Although the drum beats are heavy in this track, the vocals are still very prominent. Chiquita is a feel good song that is bound to get anyone up and moving.

Track 9 – 걸어가 (Walk)

Walk is a tranquil track with a nice beat and melody. It’s got a pleasant guitar and drum rhythm throughout as well as a memorable and simple chorus. Walk is a wholesome number with excellent vocals, but overall it sounds like your typical mid-tempo idol ballad with no distinguishing factors.

Track 10 – 지금 (Now)

Now is a self-composed solo track from member Jong Up. With a groovy guitar, his sweet and light vocals shine in this R&B number. The flow of Now is very pleasing which makes it an easy but impactful track to listen to.

Track 11 – Kingdom (Kor Ver.)

Originally released as the title track on their first full-length Japanese album, B.A.P finally made a Korean version of Kingdom. Kingdom is a very powerful song that is full of lively strings, mighty guitar riffs, and steady drums. This is your typical B.A.P styled song that showcases their vocal and rapping abilities nicely.

Track 12 – Skydive (Inst.)

Not reviewed.

Track 13 – Fermata (Inst.)

Not reviewed.

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