Review: G-Dragon's One of a Kind (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of the review of G-Dragon's second solo album, One of a Kind. I'll be reviewing the remaining 4 songs. As you probably remember, I adore this album - let's start the reviewing!

4. That XX*

For those of you who don't know, the "XX" is "새끼", which romanized is "saekki", and means "bastard" or "motherf*cker", although i'm not sure how offensive it is to koreans. Korean officials are known for censoring things considered commonplace in american music, so there's a good chance this insult isn't as terrible as it seems. I find it especially funny that in "Light It Up", GD and Dok2 openly swear in english, but that's not censored. 

GD vampire style! G, GG, G, GD vampire style!

The song itself is soft and acoustic, and I think it showcases the best of GD's vocals, which are bell-like and clear. It actually reminds me of Seungri's part in Blue (<3), except with a flatter, nasal and unique G-Dragon sound. However what I didn't like when I first heard the song is that there is no climax. The soft singing continues throughout the song, making it a bit boring especially when you're an international fan like me, who doesn't understand the korean. But now when I listen to it again, and after reading the english lyrics, I feel like the point of this is to show the hopelessness GD feels, and how it hasn't or will not change. My favorite part was the rap part. It's not sexy fast rap, but it's a change from the pretty but unchanging singing. The slow beat makes me feel really sad, and I honestly feel like crying at this part. Another thing worth mentioning is the amazing english. In fact it's so amazing that I'm gonna quote some of it and put it in pretty but melancholy colors.    

"I don't wanna hurt you" 

"They say love is blind, oh baby you so blind"

"I don't know what to say no more"

*my ugly sobs*

The 2 roles of GD

The music video adds another dimension to the song, providing us with a bit more insight with what's going on. GD plays both the character of the XX and the narrator (presumably the friend-zoned guy). He illustrates how he feels like he's shut out of her life, and that's why he has to look at her through the keyhole to her bedroom. Also, the part where GD says she the girl is "blind", and the video shows a white veil being placed over her face. This is only for one second, but I liked it a lot because it's saying that being with that XX is actually making her blind, and ironically white veil's are used in weddings. The veil is also like a barrier between friend-zoned GD and the girl. I've seen him being called "good GD" as opposed to "bad GD", and although I agree the cheater boyfriend GD is definitely bad, I don't think you can say the other is good. In fact, the way he seems to almost stalk the girl - he definitely cares about her but does that make the him good? Finally, I love the effect they put on the video in the parts where cheater boyfriend GD was featured. the sharpening effect gives us the impression the guys is cold and inhuman, which is probably how friend-zoned GD feels. 

And finally, the girl in the music video, Jenny Kim! If you read part 1 of the review here,  you'll know that I am anxiously waiting for YG's new girl group, which is rumored to be debuting in January 2013. Jenny Kim is reallyy pretty, especially in the video :D Actually, the first time I saw her, I thought she looked a lot like my best friend, who's name is also Jenny! Do you think they look similar?

YG's Jenny and my friend Jenny.
If my friend wasn't smiling, I swear they would look exactly alike!

5. Missing You ft. Kim Yuna

The beautiful Kim Yuna!

This song is one of the most popular non-title tracks. It has a vintage feel, and G-Dragon himself said that it was supposed to reminisce the musical style of our parent's generation. I think the whistling sounds in the background and the harpsichord-sounding After hearing this, and the song, it reminded me of 70's couple in "Love Rain". Did you guys watch that drama? "Missing You" seems like the kind of song that would have been played during that time, in that generation. The song is about missing an ex-girlfriend, but actually gives off a happy and upbeat feel (the whistling especially). 

I hadn't heard of Kim Yuna before this, but it turns out she is a singer in indie group Jaurim. She has a lovely voice, not anything utterly amazing, but it suits the song really well. We get to see some manly GD! His voice is lower and manlier than usual, and because of this I think it sounded more unnatural and strained. 

6. Today ft. Kim Jongwan

Kim Jongwan was another artist I hadn't heard of until now. His high falsetto part in the song surprised me, but I have grown to appreciate me and I think it contrasts very well with GD's voice. As for GD's part, it wasn't really anything unexpected, but good nonetheless. The song's lyrics really threw me off. I thought that the song was about living life to the fullest "today", not putting things off, especially because in the song there is the chant-like part at the end, like everyone is cheering you on. But I was wrong. Turns out, the song is really about GD cheating on his girlfriend. He has a one night stand, and  does not go home, lying to his waiting girlfriend. He sings "the love room in my heart is filled today and guests can stay for free". I really didn't see that coming for a song with such an uplifting and fun-sounding feeling.  

There was one english line that confused me: "I don't care, cuz we wild and rolling stones." Does that mean anything to anyone? What is being rolling stones? Maybe it's some kind of deep metaphor that is too advanced for me but...I don't understand. Still, loved the song. 

7. Light It Up ft. Tablo and Dok2

There is something you need to know about me. Personally, I think that Tablo is the best rapper in kpop right now, partly because of his amazing lyrics. I also have massive respect for G-Dragon and Dok2. Tablo composed this song, and although lyrically it wasn't as poetic Tablo is known for, but the sick beat makes it impossible to not bob your head up and down. The song has a "grungy" hip hop type of sound, which was awesome, but I'm still not sure about the squeaking sounds in the background throughout the song. My favorite part was "Light one up for the fans, uhh. Light one up for the hands, up". I also find it amusing that "That XX" is censored, but there are open english swear words in this song, the one I especially like: "all these fake motherf*ckers dunno how to act". Maybe that's why this song is only available physically? It's ironic and a little bit amusing. 

The chorus repeats "Bubutchwabata" which means "light it up" in korean. It might make more sense in korean, and I understand the gist of what this means, but the english translation "light it up" could have been better...light what up? Essentially I think the 3 rappers are saying how much they are better than other rappers, overcome haters, and don't conform to pressure from other's. Tablo and G-Dragon (not that familiar with Dok2) have both gone through personal problems, that have been exacerbated because of their fame. Maybe this is their way of saying they are ready to move on from that part of their life. 

That's the message GD's been conveying throughout the whole album, don't ya think? So as usual, leave a comment, check a feedback box, and enjoy! I'm going to try my best to review Epik High's comeback album next.  

Check out the MV for That XX:

  

Review: G-Dragon's One of a Kind (Part 1)

I don't want to seem biased, so maybe it's not a good idea to do my first review on an album that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. GD may not be my bias in Big Bang, but i think nobody can deny that that boy is friggin talented. I liked this album more than Heartbreaker (only my opinion), and my favourite tracks are Light It Up, Today and Crayon! But tbh i love all of the tracks so....too much, GD. too much. Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Well, it worked. Part 1 reviews the first 3 songs :)

G-Dragon's One of a Kind Album Tracklist

1. One of a Kind*

After listening to the song and watching the music video for this song, I was pleasantly surprised. I was feeling sketchy about the previews photos with the bright yellow braids, but after I got over that, everything else was awesome. This song was stuck in my head for days, especially the "yessir, one of a kind!"part. It has a very strong hip-hop vibe, which I think I'm getting more and more into. Oh, and I love it when GD raps (fast rap omg!). He has such a distinctive voice compared to other kpop rappers, and he definitely beats the stereotype that Asians can't rap. :D

G-Dragon Barbie Bitch Slap!

As for the music video, one word comes to mind: swag. G-Dragon radiates confidence and energy, and the choreo makes you want to dance along, feeling cool but actually looking like a complete idiot (trust me, I know!). There's been some controversy with the animals used in the video, which I don't think is actually a big deal, and doesn't add that much to the video. Apparently GD is rapping about being like a tiger and a bear, so it's somewhat relevant. I was actually quite surprised that the animals were real (aren't bears fatter than that?). So my favorite part of the video was GD sitting at the long table, and then there's a version of him through tinted blue glasses and another version in clear white. This scene represents haters looking at him from a biased point of view no matter what he is doing, and it rings so true to the situations he has been in. Haters see him as a cruel, dirty and evil, when in fact he's just cute, bouncy GD. When he picks up the cherry and smiles at the camera....why so adorrbss~! Another interesting part was him kissing the barbie doll. A lot of people's first reaction was WTF?!, but now I think it works. GD is trying to say that in the past, he has dated fake and plastic girls, who end up backstabbing him (the slap). I also like when he smashes his costumes from previous MVs. Again, this is symbolic of releasing and breaking his previous image, showing he wants to try new things and not be confined by his past actions.

2. Crayon*

This is the type of song that makes you want to headbang and fistpump! This dance track is fun and upbeat, great for lifting your spirits. The hilarious hooklines "why so serious" and "get your crayon"are memorable and catchy, and the "swag" sprinkled across the song is very signature GD. Also, I like the title which has a dual meaning; on the one hand, crayon means "crazy on", which is basically telling his listeners to relax, let go and go crazy. Crayon could also be referring to going back to the carefree, crazy childhood days, where you could just draw colorful pictures with your crayons. Either way, deep stuff GD. However, I feel like in terms of sound, this song is very similar to "One of a Kind". Both are similar in terms of meaning, which is how cool and "swag" GD is. I felt like GD could have done something different with his title track.

Why so serious? Drummer Boy Poker Face

HOWEVER, the MV is what made this song amazing. I LOVE this video. There's a stark difference between the more black and white MV for "One of a Kind" and this colorful, crazy music video. There is so much detail, from GD's pants to the different sets. I think my favorite parts would be the little perfectly times "why so serious?" parts. GD as a nice shaped girl was definitely one of the highlights, as well as the total poker face from GD the drummer boy. I think I flat out LOL-ed for 5 minutes after the video ended. Really there were so many awesome parts in the video, and I especially liked the concept of looking into a crazy persons mind (through the ear? hm..). AND ERMERGAWD. We get to see GD shirtless! Has this every happened before? Much as I don't like his tattoos, I have to say...SEXY BACK. I know this comment isn't original but...there's not a stub of hair on that chin that needs shaving boy... Also, I love the hair. I think thats the first time I've said that all year.

There's so much else to talk about, from the naughty pinochio drummer to the tiny yellow car, but tbh...the MV speaks for itself :P Go watch it again! You know you want the laugh.

GD wants you to go watch the video!

3. Without You ft. ? of YG New Girl Group

The literal translation of the title is "In the End" or "Ultimately", but YG revealed that the english name of the song is actually "Missing You". This song was actually the least favorite in the album, which shows the high quality of all of the songs. The tune is quite pretty, but all the auto-tune used on GD's voice is really unappealing. I did like the free rap in the first part though, especially the "pain is beautiful, same as you". His voice maintains a low monotone and even in the chorus, when more background layers are added in, the processed voice stays the same, which was disappointing. But the opposite can be said for Mystery Girl's vocals. Her voice starts of soft and soothing, and then becomes strong and clear; i wish her part in the song was longer. It definitely makes me more excited about the debut of YG's new group. We've been waiting for what....a year? kfdvjdfslvjnfkljv. Yeah. So if the objective of this song was to be some kind of teaser for the upcoming debut, I understand.

What do you guys think about the songs in this album? Comment below! You can also email/comment about any suggestions for reviews (or anything really). It would make me feel super warm and bubbly inside :P

*MV included

Check out the music videos:

One of a Kind

Crayon

Part 2 is here! Review: G-Dragon's One of a Kind Part 2

First Post! Biases or Boyfriends?

KEKE. Hi guys! I don't really know how to start this but...i decided to go simple. :) Basically, I AM A KPOP FANGIRL. I am a loyal VIP, BABY, Hottest, Blackjack, and Kissme. I'm so excited about meeting all my fellow fangirls/boys in the future! The thing is, I've been thinking about making this blog for a while, but just a few hours ago my sister was dissing kpop (as usual D:), so i decided to make this blog and show her how strong kpop fans really are. 

So, a bit about this fangirl. I've been into kpop for almost a year now, which all started after watching DREAM HIGH <3. My favorite groups (in no particular order) are Big Bang, 2pm, B.A.P, Epik High, U-Kiss and 2ne1. Silly me...you probably got that from the fanclub names up there ^. Writing a blog is making me more nervous than I thought it would be lol... I like loads of other groups too, but those are the ones I spazz the most over, I'm sure y'all know the feeling :P

So, I don't want to write realllyyy long posts, but rather try to update as often as possible. I'm planning to do mainly reviews (which shouldn't be too hard considering all the new groups debuting every other week!), as well as photo/video updates and personal rantings of a fangirl. I live in Hong Kong, so kpop idols always have concerts on their tours here, so I might write about those too (BIGBANG CONCERT THIS DECEMBER!!!) Oh, and also maybe the occasional K-drama. 

That's all for now! Don't be afraid to comment/contact me, so that I know people are actually bothering to read this, and please support/subscribe to me <3

P.S. I'm convinced I'm going to marry either 2PM's Wooyoung or Big Bang's Seungri. There's  a fine line between Bias and Boyfriend ;)

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