[Review Feature] MAMAMOO Vocal vs Rapper Line - 'Angel' Vs. 'Dab Dab'

Posted by AllK_Maknae21 pts Monday, September 5, 2016

Recently, sensational girl group MAMAMOO have continued to stay in the spotlight as they revealed their latest sub-unit groups for rapper and vocal line!

While I prefer MAMAMOO as a whole, the quintet split up for the showdown of a lifetime. The vocal line vs. the rappers. Both teams offer something exquisite musically and visually but who will win over the fan's hearts most?

Note, since there is no official MV, these scores will be based on concept, lyrics and the song's sound respectively. Now let's check out the MVs!

"Dab Dab" - Hwasa & Moon Byul

"Angel" - Whee In & Solar

Concept Battle:

"Dab Dab" - Of course a lot more upbeat than the Angel line, "Dab Dab" keeps to the MAMAMOO charms we have all grown to know and love. Not to mention the sassy and quirky chemistry between Hwasa and Moon Byul makes for quite a spectacle of fan service. The style is jazzy, funky, familiar and still emphasizes the member's fun vocals while staying fresh on the ears. Score: 8

"Angel" - Gotta be honest here, I wasn't wowed much by this song. It isn't because I'm anti-ballad, but simply because it didn't seem MAMAMOO-ish. "Missing You" was moving, transcending, and their vocals were like angels pouring gold in your ears. Where this "Angel" is just another harp player - meaning it isn't out of the ordinary. Still good, just not outstanding. Score: 6

WINNER: "Dab Dab"

Lyric Battle:

"Dab Dab" - Although nothing out of the ordinary and repetitive, the lyrics still score high. I love the aggression and authority found in lines like, "Who acts that tough nowadays?" and, "Hug me like an animal." They want a wild romance and one that isn't so frustrating. Is that so much to ask? The upfront attitude in the song is empowering and uplifting all at once, making it good ear candy. Score: 7

"Angel" - I will say I love the lyrics. They are relatable and the context is empowering as well. I like the idea of not being the perfect person or "Not an angel." The song conveys the childish emotions found in any romance, especially when one is fed up with the other. The story of wanting to leave and be forgotten makes it a winning ballad. Score: 7

WINNER: Draw!

Sound Battle:

"Dab Dab" - As previously mentioned, the song carries over the branded sound of MAMAMOO. The playful tempo of the piano and the disc scratching paired with the highs and lows of Moon Byul and Hwasa's vocals make it unique and free-spirited. However, there isn't anything to make it as catchy as "Um Ah Oh Yeh," for example. Score: 7

"Angel" - Although the concept is plain, the sound is effortlessly beautiful. Whee In and Solar blow me away with their vocals, and the clarity is clean and nice without the rough husk of Hwasa (no offense). The song has a lot of shimmering sounds and light tunes that make it angelic, and the drum's light snares mixed with a fluttering piano is heaven. Score: 8

WINNER: "Angel"

Now for the moment of truth-- the overall score! This will determine the ranking!

Overall Ranking:

"Dab Dab" is a fun, in the moment kind of song but nothing to rave highly about. I welcome it as an enjoyable side-track on their next album for sure. Score: 8

"Angel" is something I would definitely catch myself humming everywhere I go, no matter what I'm doing. Yet, when it comes to popularity and engagement, I stick to my guns in saying "Dab Dab" will rake in a bit more attention. Score: 7

CHAMPION: MAMAMOO's "Dab Dab"

In the end. both these songs deserve a gold medal but we want to know who you will vote to the top? Let us know in the comments below and vote in the poll!

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