iKON – ‘Welcome Back’ Album Review

This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.

The most anticipated idol group debut of 2015 has to go to YG Entertainment‘s latest male group iKON. The boys recently released the full version of their well anticipated first album, Welcome Back. This album showcases the music talents of the seven member group by including self-produced tracks from their leader, B.I. Through Welcome Back, iKON proves that they’re not your average idol group by presenting works that venture outside of your typical hip hop tunes.

Track 1 – 덤앤더머 (Dumb & Dumber)

The album opener is a super high energy EDM number with bumpin’ beats and strong rhythms. The most distinctive aspect of Dumb & Dumber is the unanticipated transitions from the tough rap verses, to the smooth melody of the chorus, to the rhythmic chant during the bridge. Together, they give the song a unique twist and an unparalleled spirit.

Track 2 – 왜 또 (What’s Wrong)

What’s Wrong sounds and looks oddly familiar. From the melody to the music video, it’s like a remix version of something I’ve heard from labelmate Big Bang‘s album before. Regardless, this synth-filled uptempo dance pop track is definitely attention-grabbing and catchy. The aggressive rap and raspy vocals though, are irrefutably iKON’s traits.

Track 3 – 아니라고 (I Miss You So Bad)

I Miss You So Bad immediately jumps into the hooky melody accompanied by big band sounds like jazzy trumpets and swingy acoustic piano strings. The song is an extremely rare combination of retro broadway instrumental, hip hop rap, and bluesy ballad vocals — all working harmoniously to make one ingenious tune. Extra points in my books for this creative and special track.

Track 4 – 리듬 타 (Rhythm Ta)

Rhythm Ta is unlike any of the previous songs on the Welcome Back album thus far. The melody is actually quite repetitive but the beat sequence is very unique and the instrumental is full of urban flavor with accordion sounds and whistles thrown in. I think this song represents iKON’s signature style because of the heavy hip hop rhythms.

Track 5 – 이리오너라 (Anthem)

True to its name, Anthem starts off with chants like ones you’d hear from a sports stadium. It then transitions into extremely aggressive raps on top of pounding drum beats and distinctive Middle Eastern flavored synths. As if trying to make a bold statement about their ambitions, Anthem is full of swagger and attitude.

Track 6 – 지못미 (Apology)

Apology is an unexpected mid-tempo hip hop ballad fusion song with weighty trap beats and bluesy melody. Apology‘s mix of power raps and laid-back soulful vocals is again rather similar in style to Big Bang, and not very typical of iKON. Perhaps the boys did learn a thing or two from their megastar sunbaes as Apology is surely an emotional and addictive work of art.

Track 7 – Airplane

Orchestra instruments dispersed in the background elevates Airplane beyond just any typical hip hop song. I particularly like the back and forth alternation between their singing and rapping. It’s easy to feel the sadness of the song from the lightness of the background music to the way the lyrics are being sung and rapped. This is definitely a tune I would listen to on a rainy day.

Track 8 – 취향저격 (My Type)

My Type is actually iKON’s debut single, dropped as a warm-up track prior to their Welcome Back album. It’s a laid-back, slow tempo, hip hop track that I find myself nodding my head to while listening. I’m quite a fan of My Type‘s cute vibe, from the song itself to the music video. The lyrics describe how they like everything about the girl and that she is just their type.

Track 9 – 오늘따라 (Today)

Today is a funky swing influenced track that makes one want to, well, swing along. I find the vocals of Today interesting because it’s a bit nasally, yet it works well with the cheerful bass riffs and rhythmic drum beats. Today is the day that the boys started to see a girl in a new light — something easy for those around their age to relate to.

Track 10 – Welcome Back

Welcome Back caught me by surprise as well. It has a smooth jazzy feel with band instruments playing in the background — not what I was expecting since they’re positioned as a hip hop group. That said, I did enjoy the nice groove of Welcome Back that’s easy to move to. The vocals and raps flow seamlessly throughout as well.

Track 11 – 리듬 타 (Rhythm Ta Remix)

Not reviewed.

Bonus Track – 솔직하게 (M.U.P)

M.U.P (stands for Make You Proud) is a complete hip hop anthem with uplifting lyrics and a beat that is sure to make anyone bounce to. It has a lot of unexpected sound effects, from trumpets to clapping sounds, that embellish the vocalists. M.U.P is a great pick-me-up and a fantastic way to finish off the album.

What Do You Think?

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