GD&TOP Review
12/31/2010 02:56:00 PM LaurenLCD
LaurenLCD
Labels: Music Reviewsunsuccessful T_T contest. Happy New Years to everybody [9 hours and 45 minutes to go at the time I type this].
Artist: G Dragon (Kwon Jiyong) & TOP (Choi Seunghyun) of Big Bang
Language: Korean
Year: 2010
Genre: Rap
Tracklist:
1 Intro. 9 Of All Days
2 High High 10 What Do You Want?
3 Oh Yeah (feat. Park Bom) 11 Turn It Up
4 Jibe Gajima (Don't Go Home)
5 Baby Good Night
6 Bbukigayo (Knock Out)
7 Oh Mom
8 Nightmare/Obsession
This isn't an easy album to review. Not because it's bad or anything, but because it's rap. I'm not Korean, nor am I fluent in the language, and since rap relies on lyrical prowess and flow, I have to rely on lyrics that may or may not be accurate in translation. I'm not a rap expert/snob since I don't listen to it on a regular basis cause mainstream American rappers suck and I'm too apathetic now to search for anything underground so if my assessments are inaccurate, please forgive me, and educate me on something I may or may not know. All music from Youtube is slowed in tempo to prevent deletion. To hear the tracks in their original tempos, you may download the full album here and follow along with the review. Note: All lyrics unless stated specifically are provided by Whimsical Being. I chose to wait until all songs were translated.
Intro.
The music starts off purely hip hop, and laid back with a random black/deep voiced Asian chanting 'Brothers and sisters!' before GD comes in with the first verse.
GD
Yo, When I'm loving I immerse my girl
I'm sizzling, so that your mouth makes a "huk" sound (onomatopoeia for a gasp)
I know how to play, player don't be funny with my money
When earning money earn it convincingly so it makes an "uk" sound (Uk means hundred millions)
Hater's nights are long, Good night
My only equal is "Man in the Mirror"'s two men
Born on 88/08/18
Just looking at that I have more luck/fortune than you (An 8 is pronounced as "pal" and luck/fortune is pronounced "palja" but "palja" also means number of 8s, and you can't have more 8s in your birthday than GD, so he's saying no matter how hard you try you can't match his fortune)
My height is small, but my girl is tall (Tall is pronounced "Kiko" so he's probably making fun of his scandal with Mizuhara Kiko)
My voice is thin, but my pants zipper won't stay up
Trust me and do what you want, I'm your G-spot
I got the dragon ball, that's the tip of the iceberg
(Who's next?) T.O.P start
If you didn't know, Now you know
TOP
My playground called Seoul
I shout at the centre of the youths
The city that wants and goes crazy for me
You don't know me, I'm not your little idol star
I pity those who want to get close to me
I don't exist in your reality
I'm only a bumblebee you can meat through your speakers or earphones
I'm a young'un that lives a different life on the screen
Yes yes-ya, My name is TOP
I'm special, An eccentric artist
Yes yes-ya, Are you listening?
My rap is literature, a new culture
Oh sometimes a rock star like Rolling Stones
A fearless new experiment started
I don't know fear, I don't know
If you didn't know, Now you know
If you didn't know, Now you know
Lalala Make some noise, "Oh Yeah", You're already a slave for me
Lalalala "Don't Go Home", Soon you'll be "Knocked Out"
Lalala "Of All Days" It feels like I'm having a "Nightmare", "Turn It Up" now
Lalalala "Baby Good Night", ("Oh Mom"), In a dream "High High"
Right away we get a taste of GD and TOP's lyrical skills. GD utilizes a lot of wordplay and culture reference such as "Man In The Mirror" (and even adds Hee-hee! in the background) by Michael Jackson, whom he was a fan of. Onomatopoeia is used to rhyme 'gasp' and '100 million' (Note: Uk may not mean this literally. One can this of this as similar to our cha-ching! onomatopoeia.) He uses wordplay for his birthday 88/8/18 in combination with the Korean word for luck Palja and with kiko since the latest scandal he was in involved Mizuhara Kiko. TOP's lyrics are more direct and to the point, however, he still utilizes some wordplay and metaphors. Like GD, he references an American artist: the band Rolling Stones, furthering making it known that they do draw influence from other countries which is a trait YG Entertainment is known for as a primarily hip hop label (It should also be noted that YG himself drew influences from the rock and rap genre thanks to Seo Taiji whom he was a backup dancer and rapper for during ST's early career). The Intro ends with GD singing all the track names and ending with the very next song that will be played: "High High."
High High
High High is the standard Teddy produced track that seems to be obligatory for any YG act, complete with blippity-bloppity electro pop that most fans either love or hate. And naturally, since it's produced by Teddy, it's the title track and the first single. GD and TOP rap in their natural voices up until the chorus which is completely autotuned to death. GD starts each verse and TOP bounces off of him. This song's MV was made during the launch party in the foreigner's district so naturally it's about having the time of your life being a party animal. Plain and simple.
A star has entered treat him well
TOP class and Mr.G in the the club in ma b-boys's dance
Two people who really know how to party our relationship is better than ever
everybody makin' move makin' move pull hard
Countdown freedom I’ve been waiting for over the limit
Only strong fox wresting 1 minute 1 second is
I promise you forever hey come on and make some noise
I’m tonight president my girl yo fly!
*chorus*
High high I'm so high
High high up in the sky
High high I'm so high
Fly fly touch the sky
Ha ha ha ha ha
Say la la la la la
Ha ha ha ha ha (ah~)
Ok hum, sing
Humming I have a butterfly high. Like lightning jump up high like ninja
Our opinions aren’t the same but in the end our plans are the same
Follow me, go crazy everyone to the sky and fall
People who look like they enjoy everything like they understand
In some ways it doesn’t mean a lot
They’re pretending they’re not, pretending to be innocent
Catch me and play with me if you don’t want to run away
I ask who is the center of this city whoever it is
*chorus*
Baby wait a second stop now there’s no time
You can only live life once not listening to anyone for no reason
Baby wait a second stop now there’s no time
You can only live life once not listening to anyone for no reason
G.H.E.T.T.O E.L.E.C.T.R.O
Might go crazy don’t try to stop me here we go
G.H.E.T.T.O E.L.E.C.T.R.O
Might get exhausted don’t stop here we go
go go go go go go)
*chorus*
I can only guess "Ghetto Electro" is what they're calling this genre since the instrumental is electro and they're rapping over it. Since rapping is associated with 'the hood' and being ghetto... yeah.
Oh Yeah
Just like any YG artist needs a Teddy track, any Big Bang member needs to collaborate with 2ne1 in some way, shape, or form. This time with their favorite belter Bom. The song has an 80's feel with it's upbeat instumental complete with synths and nice drums. It's about the awesome feeling of falling in love for the first time. It's cute. It's fun. It makes you want to get up and dance or at least get hyped up on sugar.
[TOP] Oh Yeah Oh Oh Yeah T.O.P
[GD] Oh Yeah Oh Oh Yeah G.D
[TOP] Oh Yeah Oh Oh Yeah
[GD] Oh Yeah Oh Oh Yeah
[GD]
Love is falling, if I say one word, you're drawn into me
Like I've seen a ghost, when I see you I'm drawn into you
I hate to hint at it but already, you rock my world
You've hit the bulls-eye of my heart, the answer is always oh yes girl
[TOP]
That word that I've been holding back till now, our skin's almost touching
I'll never disappoint you girl I promise
You and I are alike, we have a different soul than others
Let's carry this boring world on our backs and let's rock and roll
[BOM] *prechorus*
Mm On the nights when those stars are shining like tonight
Lady luck is calling us
Shout for me in a beautiful voice like this
(like) this (like) this
*chorus*
Oh yeah ([GD/TOP] Oh yeah now I'm feelin like) oh oh oh
Oh yeah ([GD/TOP] Oh yeah please don't stop me) oh yeah
Oh oh oh na na na oh yeah ([GD/TOP] Oh yea) oh yeah ([GD/TOP] Yeah yeah yeah)
[TOP]
From your style to your smile, every part of you is good
We're slowly falling for each other
My emptied out cup, with your scent, fill it up
[GD]
Your and my flaming kitchen, feels just like I'm being set on fire
Like bubble gum, my heart's swelling up I'm just celebrating
I-I-I-I-I-I like it babe
You you you you come be my lady
*prechorus (Bom)
*chorus
[TOP]
Put your hands in the air
Put your hands in the air say yeah
Put your hands in the air
Put your hands in the air say yeah
*prechorus (GD & TOP)
*chorus*
[GD/TOP/BOM]
Yeah Yeah Yeah
You make me wanna say Oh
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Alll day everyday
Oh Oh Yeah
Oh Yeah Oh Yeah Oh Yeah
Jibe Gajima/Don't Go Home
This song is sneaky! Without the English translations, it sounds so innocent and cute, but that cuteness is just facade! GD and TOP, you naughty minded boys, you! GD actually sings during the chorus in this track and gets close to using that infamous falsetto of his, but decided not to kill his fangirls just yet.
History: Bom was originally supposed to sing the chorus but the idea got scraped in the middle of production, hence her inclusion in "Oh Yeah" instead. I don't know if she was originally going to be in "Oh Yeah," from the start, but there is footage of her singing the chorus to this song while it was still being made. The lyrics imply enough without me going into analysis, and for those of you who still can't point out the innuendo: *cough*GD+TOP want to lose their virginity to their girlfriends*cough*They just feel they can't be up front and admit it*cough*
Chorus
Don't go home baby~ I have a present here for you
Don't go home today baby ye~ To be honest I'm not used to it either
Sweetheart
TOP
A-Yo Turn It Up I hate this awkward atmosphere
Was the clock's needle always this loud?
I only hear the sound of saliva going down my throat. What should I say?
Look baby, I only want to greet the morning with you
Before this night passes, our own secret party
But you like Cinderella want to go home when the clock hits 12
Lonely nights are long, callin' up your parents
I act strong but it bothers me, S.O.S there's no progress
Oh wait a second why am I like this? Am I drunk, I'm getting dizzy, I'm falling asleep
*Chorus
GD
In the smooth sounds of music, an armful of red roses Ooh~
TOP
You're going home tomorrow anyway, It's late it might be dangerous dear
No there's no other meaning, I'm just worried about you, Yeah what if someone kidnaps you
This long long night night, a party of enchanting stars
Nothing can stop this, This feeling of becoming one, Stop right there
GD
Hey I can't let you go, I can't be separated from you, don't fight it
*Chorus
TOP
Baby take my hand, Don't be afraid me, Just stay together
GD&TOP
It's the first time since I've met you, your family is strict so I'm scared but excited
Phone on vibrate, a bad sign, Bell goes ding dong, a signal to escape bingo
I need to give her assurance, so I can convince her with a believable excuse
The prettiest fiance in the world, with you on that green field
I'm usually wild, but I'm soft. I can't say anything I can't take responsibility for
Girl you know what I mean, it's hard to explain this, but these are needless words
Dim the lights, our eyes meet
And slightly open those tightly shut buttons, mouth dries, and lock the door
*Chorus
Bridge
Ah~ ah~ in this night where everyone has fallen asleep, I hate being alone
Ah~ ooh~ ah~ hiding in that moonlight, I whisper sweet nothings
Baby Goodnight
We get some smooth R&B for this track. GD slays me with those falsettos. He has definitely grown in the vocal department from "This Love." The rapping is more relaxed and TOP blends in nicely with GD's vocals. The line 'whipping cream' can definitely make the mind go into certain territory than originally intended without translations. The song itself is really sweet in it's sentiment and this is probably my favorite track along with Obsession (because I'm admittedly GD biased), Oh Mom (because I love the rock and rap genres mixed together, which is why I'm getting into Seo Taiji), and Knock Out. Not to mention that this song highlights what I like about KRap. With the exception of some (Teddy comes to mind), Korean rappers aren't raunchy. They can be sexy without profanity or calling a woman out of her name/comparing her to an object (Lil' Wayne's Ducati; R Kelly's Jeep).
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
GD
Baby good night
Should I draw the image of her sleeping?
Don't be shy anymore, You're already my girl
Even if it's not clear it's that way to me
You're more than I deserve
You're perfect, Thank you for being by my side baby, my lady
TOP
(I'll always love you girl)
A ray of light trickles in
Through the cracks of the dim balcony
A perfect silhouette, this calming night's aroma
Is like a coconut scented oil
Just like the day I confessed to you
Do you remember?
I whisper in your ears, Come closer
You're too fine
A freckled crimson strawberry
And I become the whipping cream that wraps around
GD
Know how much I love you beautiful girl
Like a picture of a child to me
And frozen before a shadow
There's nothing I can do
With a shaky voice
With dry lips
(Come a step closer to me and tenderly whisper)
The surrounding firelight dances
I always dream of you
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
GD
When the darkness of the black night finds us
Those beautiful eyes close and drift off
I sit by your bed
And caress your hair
Looking into your face
I want to convey my love
I wish time would stop like this
You are just so beautiful
TOP
(Hey sweetheart)
That I'd be familiar with everything
Your cute question
It's just beautiful, the great power of love
Our lips redden
Our eyes meet, Yes a bit deeper
You're my beautiful girl
You light the fire in my soul
Refreshing mint, the same hint
Teach me the answer sweet girl
You're my beautiful girl
You light the fire in my soul
Refreshing mint, the same hint
Refreshing mint, hint
The answer is you
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night (Don't wanna say goodbye)
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
Baby good night
[insert French that I can't understand]
Knock Out
This is their answer to their critics. The instrumental is simple and doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles. GD and TOP get back to their hip hop roots. I love this song simply for how they don't just say: 'We're awesome, now kiss our feet peons!' but they address everything negative that's said about them and turn it around. 'While you're chewing, chewing, we're spinning spinning...' i.e While the critics are focusing on something they don't like, TOP and GD are still doing what they want to anyway and are ignoring the negativity. That's their goal: to maintain what makes them them and not follow every trend which only makes many acts (veteran and new) forgettable. GD said himself that the ADD/ADHD nature of 'fans' listening to a song for a few weeks and not remembering anything about it once something new comes along makes him worry for the industry and that he and Big Bang don't want to be those type of artists.
Note: the translation and explanations are from iBigBang
These are the closest, most comprehensible lyrics I could find.
"You can basically see “Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo” as falling for something, going crazy for something."
regular: korean lyrics
BOLDED: Translations
ORANGE: Explanations
(GD) 뻑이 가요 뻑이 가요 아주 뻑이 가요 뻑 뻑
Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo, very Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo, Bbuk Bbuk
(I don't have to explain this again right? haha)
(TOP)아주 뻑이 가요 아주 뻑뻑뻑뻑 뻑이가요
Very Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo Very Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo
누가 보면 나도 몰래 뻑이 가요 아니 손이가요 눈이가요 넌 뻑이가요
When someone sees me I unintentionally Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo, No, Hands go, Eyes go, You Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo
Basically this just means, top’s so sick that even he bbuk-e-ga-yo. for himself. haha. And peoples hands go to him, their eyes go to him, and they are bbuk-e-ga-yo (for him).
(GD)THIS IS DOUBLE DOUBLE, DOUBLE DOUBLE, COMBO
DOUBLE DOUBLE, DOUBLE COMBO
THIS AIN’T BUBBLE BUBBLE, BUBBLE BUBBLE (gum)
“Double Combo” is pretty self-explanatory, GD and TOP make a double duo combination. This ain’t bubble- refers to how their skill/sickness (lol) isn’t exaggerated/fragile, but they’re the real deal.
그럼 너는 질겅질겅 우린 빙글빙글
Then You’re chewing chewing, we’re spinning spinning
So this refers to the haters that chew GD+TOP out (criticize), and the spinning refers to how in Korea, when you think someone’s crazy, you say spin your finger by your head, indicating that that person’s gone haha. So here it refers to how GTOP don’t give a $#!% about the haters.
(TOP) 길거리를 걸어다니는 저 아가씨들
남자녀석들도 외쳐대는 나의 이름 (GD)TOP!
내 랩은 대한민국 기호식품
나를 따라하는 젊은이들
알쏭달쏭 하고 달콤해
색안경을 부순 나의 투잡몬
나와 비슷한, WANNA BE STAR
쫓고 쫓기지만 난 MOVIE STAR
여자보다 장난감을 좋아하지만, 우습게 보면 상처받지 (I didn’t mean ah)
The ladies walking down the street
The name that even men shout everywhere (GD)TOP!
My rap is Korea’s basic food*
Young people that copy/imitate me
are complicated and sweet
My Too-jab-mon that broke colored lenses**
Similar as me, WANNA BE STAR
Chased and chased, but I’m a MOVIE STAR
Although I like toys more than women, if you laugh at me you will get hurt (I didn’t mean ah)
*Basic food= probably also refers to the popular T.O.P coffee in Korea
**ADDED by TINA (thanks!): Maybe too-jab-mon is actually two-job-mon, the “mon” part being like from pokemon. So he’s a pokemon with two jobs. In that part of the lyrics, he talks about being a movie star, but he’s also a singer. So he has two jobs, and he successfully broke the “rose colored lenses” (people who think that singers who crossover to acting cannot act) by acting with success and winning acting awards.
난 오리지날 넌 꿀리지
넌 그저 그렇고 그런 커피 한잔 (T.O.P!)
내 까만눈동자 널 물들여요
내 짧은 속눈썹은 역겨운 스모키 화장과는 다른 타고난 여유
I’m the original, you’re wack
You’re just a cup of so-so crap coffee*
My black pupils dye you**
My short eyelashes are different than disgusting smoky makeup, an asset I was born with***
* Second reference to the coffee, T.O.P. In the popular commercials for this coffee, they always say that other coffees are so-so. hahaha.
**Probably refers to how one look from TOP (his eyes) captivates you
***Refers to the boy idol groups these days that are so into heavy smoky makeup. He doesn’t need it because he’s born with them.
(TOP)아주 뻑이 가요 아주 뻑뻑뻑뻑 뻑이가요
Very Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo Very Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo
누가 보면 나도 몰래 뻑이 가요 아니 손이가요 눈이가요 WHAT? 넌 뻑이가요
When someone sees me I unintentionally Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo, No, [your] Hands go [to me], [your] Eyes go [to me]. WHAT? You Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo
(GD)THIS IS DOUBLE DOUBLE, DOUBLE DOUBLE, COMBO
DOUBLE DOUBLE, DOUBLE COMBO
THIS AIN’T BUBBLE BUBBLE, BUBBLE BUBBLE
그럼 너는 질겅질겅 우린 빙글빙글
Then You’re chewing chewing, we’re spinning spinning
(GD)구름을 가르고 다가온 G-DRAGON!
G-DRAGON that came down from the clouds!*
*Refers to the descention of a dragon from the sky
날아라 super boy 비트 위의 손오공
Mic는 내 지휘봉 무대 위의 나폴레옹
Are you ready? (I’ll be raisin my swag some wanna be 권지용)
Fly, super boy, Son-oh-gong on the beat*
the mic is my baton, Napoleon on stage
Are you ready? (I’ll be raisin my swag some wanna be Kwon Ji-yong)
* “Fly, superboard” is a Korean childrens’ cartoon from the ’90s. “Super boy” refers to the main character, who, in this context, is compared to GD. Son-oh-gong is another famous cartoon character who flies on clouds and has a magical baton.
-I’m going to assume you all know who Napoleon was lol-
Bling bling bling 대충 그냥 아무거나 걸치면 화보
내 이름 다 알죠 (Bravo my life)
서울 to uh 도쿄 찍고 다시 또 they call me 홍길동
월화수목금토일 매일 스케쥴에 시달려
또 밤이면 I’m so lonely 내 스캔들아 기달려(오빠)
Bling bling bling If I just throw whatever on it becomes a pictorial
Everyone knows my name (Bravo my life)
From Seoul to uh Tokyo they take my pictures and they call me Hong-Gil-Dong*
Mon,Tues,Wed,Thurs,Fri,Sat,Sun everyday I’m plagued by my schedule
When it’s night again I’m so lonely, Scandals, wait for me (Oppa)
*Hong-Gil-Dong is a character from old Korean folk tales whose specialty was appearing at different places suddenly
저 오빠가 좋다니 영 가오가 안서 인지도는 우리집 가호가 앞서
내 제스쳐는 최면 (널 유혹하는 수화)
내 목소린 제법 sweet 메두사
Dignity can’t stand when you say you like that oppa*
My Gaho is ahead [of him] in popularity*
My gestures are hypnosis (sign language that seduces/tempts you)
My voice is perfect sweet Medusa
** GD is saying that when “you” like other idols & singers, it’s ridiculous because even Gaho, his dog, is more popular than them. Which, because GD is Gaho’s master, makes him #1. lol
(TOP)아주 뻑이 가요 아주 뻑뻑뻑뻑 뻑이가요
Very Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo Very Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo
누가 보면 나도 몰래 뻑이 가요 아니 손이가요 눈이가요 WHAT? 넌 뻑이가요
When someone sees me I unintentionally Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo, No, Hands go, Eyes go. You Bbuk-E-Ga-Yo
(GD)THIS IS DOUBLE DOUBLE, DOUBLE DOUBLE, COMBO
DOUBLE DOUBLE, DOUBLE COMBO
THIS AIN’T BUBBLE BUBBLE, BUBBLE BUBBLE
그럼 너는 질겅질겅 우린 빙글빙글
Then You’re chewing chewing, we’re spinning spinning
The rest of the song [bridge] isn't translated and I don't trust the other translations I've found, so I'll leave it at this.
Oh Mom
This is the first 'rock' song we've heard from TOP. He clams that it was written for a friend who was going through issues that he wishes not to discuss with the public. I can only interpret that the friend was ill with something that could have been/is terminal and TOP feels helpless about the situation. He raps strongly and his vocals are very heartfelt (even though a bit of autotune was used; or so I've been told). However, unlike YoungJi who was mad about the [possible because there's no lives of this yet] autotunage, I'm really not surprised or mad. 1. TOP wasn't trained to be a vocalist and he's just learning technique, so I'm not surprised if autotune was used to correct any pitch flaws. 2. Any autotune used was done tastefully, unlike anything by 2NE1 (Sorry fellow Blackjacks, but even as a fan, I hate it when 2NE1, [esp. CL] use autotune in their music. When Teddy produces their tracks, he autotunes it so much that I can't tell who sings what half the time. And there are some voices that just don't sound good when processed the hell out of [Dara and CL].).
How could this happen to me
But even worse, how could this happen to you
It began with a letter and was the beginning of pain
I'm a tell it to you straight
Hey look
Every breathless day frantically passes
At some point, meeting you became a precious bond
All of the universe appeared beautiful
I came to like what you liked
Within our perfectly stable days
Sharing our inner most feelings
I've been taken ill, There's no reply
Sorry I'm sorry bye TOP
Oh mom, What should I do mom
A selfishness hotter than a fire torments me, Oh my God
Oh mom, I promise mom, What can I do
Now, I now, Oh my God, Oh my God
A desolate day, I receive a letter
Your circumstances make me tear
If my voice brightens your world
Farther and farther, I'll shout
Nananana Nananana Do you hear my heavy heart
Friend wipe your tears, I think you're prettier when you smile
Sorry I'm sorry, Oh my God
Oh mom, What should I do mom
A selfishness hotter than a fire torments me, Oh my God
Oh mom, I promise mom, What can I do
Now, I now, Oh my God, Oh my God
Baby don't cry, You stand vacantly alone
Don't worry, It may be lonely but you're not the only one
Look beside you, you're not alone
Don't cry, You stand vacantly alone
Don't worry, It may be lonely but you're not the only one
Look beside you, you're not alone
Life is funny, It's a delicate play with fire
Playful obstacles are life's restraints, Everything is for your heart's resolution so
Keep your head up
Baby don't cry, You stand vacantly alone
Don't worry, It may be lonely but you're not the only one
Look beside you, you're not alone
Don't cry, You stand vacantly alone
Don't worry, It may be lonely but you're not the only one
Look beside you, you're not alone
Oh mom, Oh mom
Nightmare/Obsession
I love this song, but why the autotune? GD, you really don't need it. The song delves into GD's inner psyche and we're met with his obsessive tendencies. GD did admit that when he falls in like, he falls hard, and that this was a flaw he needed to correct. For this song, he addresses his obsession of... wanting his girl-that's-a-friend. Um... yea... Make sure you correct these obsessive tendencies before you settle down with a girlfriend, eh JiJi? I love how layered this song is. There no one constant. He changes how he sings/raps certain parts, adding little details here and there. It forces the listener to pay attention so that it doesn't become background noise like so many songs that are verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format.
If only I could hold you once
I wish you were my lover for just a moment
Please, please, please I pray
Us, us, us, us together, together
Because I love her so much my greed keeps growing
I want you for myself. You by yourself. Don't run, don't escape.
1... 2... 3... 4...
Time passes and it's been years since I've seen you.. So what?
All I do is call your name in front of you
I couldn't stand meeting as friends, No
I'm going crazy. No I grow crazier. The more I meet you
My head gets fuzzy, my heart is confused, I don't know what I'll do either, Yeah
Eyes that can't lie, The dream last night that was like a nightmare
I love it when you look only at me like this, say "dear"
It's my obsession, don't curse me
That's my obsession, don't look away
It's my obsession
Don't tell me please, Don't tell me, That's my obsession
That's my obsession
If only I could hold you once
I wish you were my lover for just a moment
Please, please, please I pray
Us, us, us, us together, together
I'm sorry
That night wasn't lonely
For some reason there's nothing different to the usual
But the spot I prepared so beautifully for you doesn't look that happy
Not even a word, But it's okay dear
It doesn't bother me, I'm happy we're together
Don't worry anymore
I'll stay by your side and protect you forever
Eyes that can't lie, The dream last night that was like a nightmare
I don't know what to do if you fall asleep so quietly, Dear open your eyes
It's my obsession, Don't curse me
That's my obsession, Don't turn your back at me
It's my obsession
Don't tell me please, Don't tell me, That's my obsession
That's my obsession
If only I could hold you once
I wish you were my lover for just a moment
Please, please, please I pray
Us, us, us, us together, together
[serious tone]Smile, please smile, you're prettiest when smiling, Cry? Why am I crying?
Wipe those tears, and you have no expression
You stiffen, I bring my knees to the floor, and ask you what you did wrong[/serious tone]
Endless expectations, by some possibility
If it was all a joke, if someone woke me up
This was all my persistence, If only I lessened my greed
If I knew I'd live like this as a sinner
1... 2... 3... 4...
It's my obsession, Don't curse me
That's my obsession, Don't turn your back at me
It's my obsession
Don't tell me please, Don't tell me, That's my obsession
That's my obsession
If only I could hold you once
I wish you were my lover for just a moment
Please, please, please I pray
Us, us, us, us together, together
*Note: for those wondering what language he's speaking when he says 'uno, dos, tres, cuatro,' and 'mi amor,' it's Spanish.
Of All Days
This song's beginning is painful for my ears. They were less tasteful with the autotunage there. They do lower the heavy use with the verses and use it minimally with the chorus. It piggy backs off of GD's ethereal sound, but instead of urgency, it's more laid back and doesn't give the feeling of a racing heartbeat or the feeling of slowly going crazy. It's a song about lost love; I'm guessing it refers to the girl he addressed in As If Nothing's Wrong.
Maybe I'm regretting it
The scars I left you
The time that won't stop
Is too cold
Pleased to see you, It's been so long
Slightly awkward but a friend
I start a conversation like this
A somewhat special night, a vacant cafe
The quiet aroma of a latte
It feels slightly flat today
The rain falls outside the window
A faint fog holds it's breath
Pointing out the sleepless night
On this night where I wrestle with the shrinking pencil lead
Radio same old song
Do Re Mi Fa Sol Sol
Yeah I'm here alone now
Of all days, Of all days, Above my head
You fly around
Follow you, Following you freely
I fly freely
If I could meet you with these wonderful wings
I can do that that do that that
do that do that do do that that
The sleepless nights repeat
I wonder if I should erase my regretful heart
A flowing silence, Cold wind blows (Why do we, why why why)
And it repeats again, Every night of all days
A thorn stuck in one corner of the heart
Everyday the weather is indecisive
The phone's call history is full of outgoing calls
I'm alright, Iron arms, Iron legs
Disappear without a trace
Turbulent sleeps in discomfort, and coarse sweat flows
I startle myself
The lifeless bee that's lost it's sting and the flower
Of all days, Of all days, Above my head
You fly around
Follow you, Following you freely
I fly freely
If I could meet you with these wonderful wings
I can do that that do that that
do that do that do do that that
I can feel it, I, I can feel it, Feel it
I can feel it, Feel it in the air
I can feel it
I can can can can feel it, Feel it
Let me tell ya
TOP break it down now
Maybe I'm regretting it
The scars I left you
The time that won't stop
Too alone
Of all days, Of all days, Above my head
You fly around
Follow you, Following you freely
I fly freely
If I could meet you with these wonderful wings
I can do that that do that that
do that do that do do that that
What Do You Want?
This song is as zany as GD himself! He drunkenly reprimands the woman who left him over a song that uses energetic guitars and jazz/ragtime elements. He clearly draws influence from the blues genre with his use of scats in between verses. This lyrics are from yg_bigbang @ livejournal
I imagine the 'punk kid' in verse 2, is Seungri since the poor boy is always getting beat by Leadah. LOL.
ah my head.. some water.. eugh i feel sick... is no one there?
it’s on my bed (i don’t know man)
so let’s go
The girl i loved is leaving now
is she going to leave me alone to meet another person? (hahahahaha)
it's a pity~ pitiful~ i'm a lonely man~
comfort me~ (oh~)
(let's go)
what do you want
what do you want
what do you want
ah~ what do you want
te te te tell me now
hey hey hey don't go you~
if you're gonna be like that i'd rather you stepped on me on the way
what the hell, why? why?
i treated you really well
if you were going to be like this you should have told me earlier you meanie
are you allowed to do this, or not?
you're not~
ya ya ya ya ya ya
a punk kid passes by and mocks me
he points his finger and teases me and speaks ill of me
i give him a bang on his head and the moment i turn around
she must have seen me
you're so~~~ immature~~~
what do you want
what do you want
what do you want
what do you want from me~
te te te tell me now
hey hey hey don't go you~
if you're gonna be like that i'd rather you stepped on me on the way
what the hell, why? why?
i treated you really well
if you were going to be like this you should have told me earlier you meanie
am i right? or not?
everybody
yayayayayaya
nanana nanana nananananananana
nanana nananananananana
nanana nanananana
today i'm going to drink like a pony free from it's reins
drink~ drink
(sob) don't go~
hey hey hey don't go you~
if you're gonna be like that i'd rather you stepped on me on the way
what the hell, why? why?
i treated you really well
if you were going to be like this you should have told me earlier you meanie
one time
(missing translation)
what do you want
what do you want
what do you want
goodbye my love
Turn In Up
This was released earlier in the year, but promoted for a short while. It has a pounding bass and autotune up the wazoo. Not my favorite if only because it's so processed to death. The lyrics are narcissistic in nature so one may be turned off by how similar it is to American rappers.
Chorus
Hey, hey, hey
I breathe life into your ear drums
This is a message to seduce you
Turn it up loud, turn it up loud
You can’t bear to look at my monkey magic
Listen closely to this taunting message
Turn it up loud (la la la la), turn it up loud (la la la la)
Verse 1
I be the official pimp T.O.P
Older women wish they could meet me just once
The thing that makes me different from you lot is my superiority
Besides, in the end she’ll be lingering by my side anyway
In the warmth of a warm car
Listening to some sticky Ray Charles music together
I can make even flowers that don’t bloom, bloom
With just this rap, I’ve already turned her rough
Thump thump thump, my heart races
All you’ve been waiting for rumbles through your ears at once
Take it, what you’ve been wanting til now
(I’ll show you) That I’m different from those rapper wannabes
This is sweet stuff, no joke
You won’t be able to sleep because of your fluttering heart
Now that the time’s passed, I’m getting a signal
My suffering (for rapping) is so fresh and sexy
Chorus
I breathe life into your ear drums
This is a message to seduce you
Turn it up loud, turn it up loud
You can’t bear to look at my monkey magic
Listen closely to this taunting message
Turn it up loud (la la la la), turn it up loud (la la la la)
I’m John Galliano, Dior, Louis Vuitton,
Van Assche, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana
Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Tuxedo and shoes
Always Dom Perignon Pink
A massive head, cursed physique
I’m a completely different level from youse
I’ll repay you tenfold in a matter of time
If you’re jealous, come at me
But careful, Parterre of your dreams
Sweet stuff, no joke
You won’t be able to sleep because of your fluttering heart
Lalala I’m To-To-TOP
Hey hey, Everybody’s man TOP
I’m always generous, even when my fists are clenched (ie. even when I’m in a fight)
I’m mild, neither greasy nor frothy at all
I’m confident
(Ready or not) No Bingu here
Chorus
I breathe life into your ear drums
This is a message to seduce you
Turn it up loud, turn it up loud
You can’t bear to look at my monkey magic
Listen closely to this taunting message
Turn it up loud (la la la la), turn it up loud (la la la la)
I’ma be satisfied with life
You and I, our future is bright
If you work hard and enjoy the ride, it’s simple
I’m stronger than a broad level highway
I’ma be satisfied with my life
You and I, our future is bright
If you work hard and enjoy the ride, it’s simple
I’m stronger than a broad level highway
eh oh (repeat a billion times)
Verdict:
Uptempos: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪/ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
Many of the electronica influenced tracks are from Teddy which always tends to be a mixed bag. They lose points for the autotune rape in High High, Of All Days, and though Bom has a lovely voice, she tends to sound a bit screechy in her high register, esp. when she forces it. This, I believe is the primary reason GD scrapped the idea of her in Don't Go Home. Not because she's screechy, but because she won't tone it done and sing softly, making "Don't go home, baby." sound like a demand instead of more like begging. Not to mention that when it's a female asking a guy... I don't know... It sounds desperate; I'll put it like that. What Do You Want is fun and I can't really complain.
Midtempos: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪.5 / ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
Once again autotune lowers the score to be less than it deserves. Not so much with Of All Days (except the beginning), or Oh Mom, but it was with Nightmare. GD proved in this album that he has a nice (though not fully trained) vocal. He doesn't need to rely on autotune. It works for the beginning chorus, but it was unnecessary for the the rest of them and the prechoruses. The autotune works, but they didn't need to use it.
Lowtempos (These aren't ballads, so I won't refer to them as such): ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ / ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
I love Baby Goodnight. It's the first track I go to before anything else. I definitely want to hear more tracks like these from them (GD, TOP, Big Bang in general). It makes me think of Come Over by JYP, but not as sexually driven.
Overall: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ .5 / ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
Is this album absolutely flawless? No. They added some elements that could have been done without *cough* Teddy *cough* autotune *cough*. There are others who worked in the production of the songs and I'd like to hear more from those guys. If it weren't for the not-Teddy producers, this whole album would have been 2NE1's To Anyone all over again. I assure you if it was, I would have been pissed, especially since I liked the first half of the Intro and Knock Out when I heard them on Mamas as well as the 1 and 1/2 minute teasers on allkpop. I like how the album displays diversity in sound so that no song sounds like the other and it all becomes background noise. There's something to like for everyone and even if you don't love rap, there is something worthwhile to be found in this CD.