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MADE is Big Bang’s third studio album that took three years to make. Needless to say, the comeback of Big Bang is momentous for the entire kpop industry this year. YG understands this well and has been slowly teasing the release of MADE in four parts (M, A, D, E) last year, then three more songs were added this year for maximum impact. The result is a collection of total chart-toppers that extend Big Bang’s esoteric music philosophy to something even more creative, emotional, and outlandish. Most importantly, MADE is incredibly consistent in quality and a rare gem that grows increasingly addictive the more I listen to it.
Track 1 – 에라 모르겠다 (FXXK IT)
Album opener FXXK IT is one of the new songs released this year. It’s got a bouncy rhythm and playful synths that immediately set a lighthearted and fun vibe for the track. The verse has a bit of reggae flavor that quickly transitions to a classic hip hop beat during the chorus, which is a simple yet catchy chant.
Track 2 – Last Dance
Last Dance changes the tone to a winding and wistful R&B ballad, one of Big Bang’s trademarks. Taeyang’s bluesy vocals and Daesung’s powerful voice gave it the much anticipated drama. However, the real surprise and treat was T.O.P’s vocals in the second version. His deep and raspy singing really add a dose of sadness to the song, and is a perfect juxtaposition to Seungri’s airy voice right after.
Track 3 – Girlfriend
Girlfriend amps up the tempo a bit more from Last Dance as a mid-tempo R&B hip hop track. It kicks off with G-dragon’s flavorful rap against a groovy and echoey backtrack followed by melodic vocals in the pre-chorus and a 90’s hip hop like chanting chorus. Again, the melody composition is not rocket science, but this well-produced number is sure easy on the ears.
Track 4 – 우리 사랑하지 말아요 (Let’s Not Fall In Love)
Let’s Not Fall In Love brings it back to what Big Bang does best — mixing addictive electronic dance elements with catchy pop ballad tunes. There is an interesting synergy between the boys’ desolate vocals and the upbeat melody, as if trying hard to convince themselves that they should move on from this futile love to be happier.
Track 5 – Loser
Loser is an emotional mid-tempo R&B ballad track with desperation, pain, and a bit of anger. The bluesy melody via acoustic piano combined with Big Bang’s soulful vocals convey a darker, lonelier mood with a sense of self-loathing. It’s a sad number that goes straight for your heart and leaves you deep in thought.
Track 6 – Bae Bae
Bae Bae is a wonderful concoction of G-Dragon’s signature trap rhythm based raps with wistful ballad tunes during the chorus. The unique synths and beats are at odds with the mellow guitar riffs to give the whole song a bizarre yet dreamy mood, enough to make you feel dazed and lost in it.
Track 7 – 뱅뱅뱅 (Bang Bang Bang)
Compared to the melancholy expressed in M, the tracks on A are total party tunes. Bang Bang Bang begins with rhythmic chanting coupled with uptempo EDM elements to set the tone, then smoothly changes to a slower trap beat during the chorus. The sharp transition is totally unexpected and adds memorable wow-factor to the song.
Track 9 – If You
The simple and quiet acoustic guitar plucking in the background outlines a beautiful yet somber ballad, which allows Big Bang’s sorrow-filled voices to deliver the heart-wrenching feelings in full. The boys don’t usually go this plain and sentimental in their songs, so I was utterly and pleasantly surprised by the raw emotions in If You.
Track 8 – 맨정신 (Sober)
Sober is a fun, uptempo dance pop number polar opposite in mood from If You. The bright synthetic sounds, lighthearted guitar riffs, bouncy drum beats, and energetic clapping at the end all contribute to the carefree and happy spirit of Sober. In contrast, the lyrics talk about the pains of facing reality and not wanting to stay sober.
Track 10 – 쩔어 (Zutter)
Zutter is a straight up mid-tempo hip hop rap track by G-Dragon and T.O.P. The duo’s nonchalant rap is full of swagger and matches the grungy yet laid-back vibe of the song well. Their sense of humor is readily reflected in the lyrics, but the progression of Zutter is more monotonous than I would have preferred.
Track 11 – We Like 2 Party
We Like 2 Party is a hip hop rhythm based song that features a surprisingly soft acoustic guitar melody accompanied by light turntable scratch sounds. The chorus then turns into a harmonized chanting anthem expressing how much the boys love to party. Overall it’s a nice song that can start to sound repetitive over time.
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