BIG BANG - 'M'

YG's supergroup Big Bang has dropped their new songs "Loser" and "Bae Bae." This is the first of the project singles leading up to the full album 'MADE.'

Tracklist:
1. Loser
2. Bae Bae

SINGLE REVIEW: "LOSER"

First up is "Loser," and I have to say that I'm not a fan of the chorus. It's kind of flat and monotone, and not my style at all. In fact, I found myself liking the main verses (like G-Dragon and T.O.P.'s raps) a lot more than the chorus. This is a bad thing, especially since that's the hook that starts the song out. I enjoyed it enough until it hit the chorus, then I checked out for the 30 seconds or so it took to run its course. I think I would have preferred something angrier.

MV REVIEW: "LOSER"

I think I was expecting to like this one better, even if the song isn't amazing. There are muted colors, violent scenes, and of course the boys strut their stuff throughout.

But the problem comes from being tied to the subject matter of the song. It's depressing throughout, from when they agonize over this or that to crying in mirrors, getting beaten up, and whatnot. The MVs I'm used to usually have something that saves it in the end, something that stops it from being over-the-top dark. This ends with the guy being dragged away by his tormentors, and then a shot of the band all together.

And what is it with smashing mirrors? We're treated to another shot of a side-view mirror being taken off a car. If dramas and MVs are to be believed, every other car has a side mirror dangling by a few cords.

I think I wanted something a little happier. I don't need rainbows and flowers or anything like that, but maybe something to give it a little hope.  

1) Relevance: 9
2) Production: 8
3) Concept: 7
4) Songwriting: 7
5) Composition:7
6) Impression: 7

Overall: 7.5

SINGLE REVIEW: "BAE BAE"

"Bae Bae" is the romaji for "Baby," and I have to say ultimately, this song works better for me. G-Dragon and T.O.P. hit the harder-edged hip-hop while Daesung and Taeyang smooth it out during the chorus and Seungri during the bridge near the end. I like the beats better and the guitar parts. It's always been fun to hear T.O.P., and here it sounds like he and G-Dragon were enjoying themselves immensely.

MV REVIEW: "BAE BAE"

This MV is pretty hilarious. As much as I could imagine they were enjoying themselves in the song, the MV reinforces it.

And bright colors, dayglo imagery, lush scenes of romance interspersed among general silliness. Taeyang on a horse with a girl riding in slo-mo. T.O.P. dressed as the Joker (sans makeup). Humor is the order of the day here, and they serve it up in spades.

Yes, it makes zero sense. But I think that's pretty much the point. XD

1) Relevance: 7
2) Production: 8
3) Concept: 9
4) Songwriting: 8
5) Composition: 9
6) Impression: 8

Overall: 8.2

(Averaged score for both songs at top).

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