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