WINNER 2014 S/S
- August 12, 2014
- by Nur Imroatun Sholihat
“Just because you’re so-called BigBang’s junior group, people’s expectations are very
high. You have to make songs that reach the expectations people have for YG
and Winner. You need to be more tired and more uncomfortable and more scared. You
can’t achieve success just by being in YG” – YG's advice to Winner
Everybody knows YG is very hungry for qualities. Watched Winner TV--a reality show about Winner daily activities--its
very nice to see how Winner made their debut album. How YG keeps on ‘angry’ over
and over to his artists—now it's clear why YG only produces good music. And the time we thought
Winner’s self-composing songs are
good, here’s what YG said, “There are about 10 producers at YG. If you write and make the
song in this way, you’d be able to make your album in a week’s time. Anyone can
compose their own songs. The important thing is how well you do it.”. Of course, it’s not what YG actually thought, he just gave Winner
boys pressure to do the best. Stand still, boys. One day, you’ll be fabulous
composers like Big Bang’s members.
Waiting for
their debut like crazy, finally last night their album was out. Here’s my review
of Winner’s debut album, “2014 S/S”. Seeing how broad their fandom even
before their official debut and how well made their album, may I just call
them super rookies? Aaaaaah, their album is so cool.
1. Empty
“My
reflection in the mirror is so empty, as if
there’s nothing there. I walk alone on the
street but this empty street feels so empty. Da ra dat dat dat dat dat dat baby don’t
worry. After waking up from the dream that was you, this morning of reality feels so empty.”
Mino, formerly an underground rapper before joined YG, made this song with Bobby&BI (YG
trainees). Since the composers are rappers, I thought before this song was
gonna be a heavy hip-hop track but surprisingly it’s a slow melodic rap hip-hop song highlighting members’
vocals. Mino’s rap opening is dope. A bit unpredictable that a group from YG
would have this kinda mellow, mid-tempo ballad title track. Vocals trio
(Seungyoon-Taehyun-Jinwoo) played their roles at the finest. Their harmonies are so beautiful. Jinwoo's and (especially) Taehyun's falsettos oh my, I'm a bundle of mess in the corner now. Seunghoon’s rap
didn’t come out too strong so the dark emotion of the song maintained. Seunghoon made the "da ra dat dat dat dat dat dat baby don't worry" part too addictive. Their emptiness conveyed well even before I know the song translation. It's reasonable enough choosing this song as the title track, even though I want another song called "Different" as the leading track.
2. Color Ring
“Ring ring. Please pick up the phone that must be ringing at your bedside. Don’t make me cry too.
I keep saying this is the last, last time but I keep calling.”
I keep saying this is the last, last time but I keep calling.”
1st
song I heard?
Yes, this
song. Kang seungyoon, Winner’s leader, made this song along with the
rappers, Mino and Seunghoon. I turned into a broken-hearted person suddenly.
This song has that sentimental aura. After looking at the MV, I almost crying. Such a heartwrenching song with the members' deep actings. This one
is the second title track and what a twist, both of the title tracks are
ballads. The piano sound intro made this song
completely sorrowful from the very first. The rest part of the song only confirming
the sad intro. It’s totally blue and I drifted into this song’s emotion. The guitar distortion affirming this song composed by a guitarist, Seungyoon. I love the vocals and raps walked together in the ending part. Mino brought this song to an end with heartbreaker lyrics: "Even a single word is fine, please say goodbye".
Look at the acoustic version, How can I resist their qualities? By now, this song is my favorite. I don't usually praise a song this much, but I need to say this song is wonderful. Everything's so on point. The lyrics, composition, and arrangement are beautiful. Every harmony is beautiful (listen to those vocals harmony, rap harmony, and even rap-vocal harmony). The part divided very well so the distinctive vocals of them stood out.). I love Seungyoon's powerful vocal, Taehyun's luxurious vocal, Jinwoo's tender vocal. Even though have a special affection for rap, I must give the vocals credit for making this song very beautiful.
3. Don’t Flirt
“Don’t flirt, every day
I’m nervous because of you. I pray again today that
you won’t be taken away by someone else. Don’t flirt,
honestly, you’re too much. I pray again today that
some guy won’t steal you away.”
It’s a reggae number even
from the start. Aaaah, this song is very addictive like seriously. The vibe is so pleasing. Because this song is nice and light, I suddenly want to dance freely on the street, haha. Many people said this song is the best out of
the whole songs. I'm doubtful to say
which one is the best anyway. But I can say that this track easily stuck in our minds
for its happy vibe. I’m so done with its cute lyrics. I'm so done with the choreography, Seunghoon did his duty as the team's choreographer very well. Winner has genius composers and seriously got a genius choreographer too T.T
4. I’m Him (Mino
Solo)
"What's up, that's me. I'll throw up my hands as a guard. My life is stronger than a diamond. Beyond anyone's imagination, whatever it is. Cooking my rap at the YG kitchen. Hungry MCs can just go stave off starvation."
I’m biased towards rap music so how can I write minor words to this song? Thank the fact that Mino is an active underground rapper before so his rapping is on another level. His mixtapes as an underground rapper are sick and he’s still the same, fortunately. These days, YG rappers influenced by mid-east melody and Mino got the same influence. Oh, Choice37 and Teddy helped Mino composed this song, that’s why that mid-east melody is there. I'm weak to Choice37's beats, as usual, *oh DJ Choice37, your beat made my day. Hahaha. The beat is dope, it blew my mind. Mino's flow is no joke. Anyway, this song is the only song that sounded very YG.
I’m biased towards rap music so how can I write minor words to this song? Thank the fact that Mino is an active underground rapper before so his rapping is on another level. His mixtapes as an underground rapper are sick and he’s still the same, fortunately. These days, YG rappers influenced by mid-east melody and Mino got the same influence. Oh, Choice37 and Teddy helped Mino composed this song, that’s why that mid-east melody is there. I'm weak to Choice37's beats, as usual, *oh DJ Choice37, your beat made my day. Hahaha. The beat is dope, it blew my mind. Mino's flow is no joke. Anyway, this song is the only song that sounded very YG.
“Cooking my rap at the YG kitchen”. This phrase is so intimidating. Become a rapper inside the hip-hop kingdom, YG, of course, something every rapper proud of. Admirable rappers born there.
To Mino, YG
warned him about how important being unique. “Create a song that only you can
sing. It’s your solo.” A song that only Mino can sing: I think this song
represents YG advice on Mino. His hardcore rapping, his deep voice make this song almost uncoverable. As he said in this song, "this calculating rap is technology.", with his excellent rapping and songwriting skills--no wonder even underground rappers respect him. Wordplays in his lyrics show how genius he is. The only disappointing thing is I expected his solo song's gonna be a heavy hip-hop number. Well, heavy hip-hop track is a bit disturbing the album's vibe but it's a former underground rapper's song, right? He can do better than this.
But still, Mino is slaying
not only the charts but also me right now with this upbeat song.
5. Love Is A Lie
“I pretended
our love was still flaming and hot. I
pretended everything was fine and nothing was wrong. Pretending, but how come you and I broke up uh uh uh.”
Haha, a boy lying to all his friends that he’s still dating the girl he
loves—even actually they broke up. Mino and Seungyoon composed this upbeat
song. House
genre, trendy
arrangement, excellent rhythm, and classy feel—a good
combination. I have to say that this track is fun and catchy. Part “Love is a lie” hooked in my mind.
Taehyun’s vocal on the chorus is refreshing. Ah, he is choosen as the main vocal for
a big reason. Seunghoon's rap is exactly on point--I usually prefer Mino's rap but this time, Seunghoon's rap draws a special color to the song. This "Kpopstars 2" semifinalist left me speechless with his choreography and now with his rapping.
6. Confession
(Taehyun Solo)
“When I wake up, I don’t
like mornings without you. It feels like
something’s empty. I want to put you by my
side and look at you so only I can have you. I want to
give myself to you baby.”
Guess what? I’m
addicted to this song from the first time I heard the preview on Winner TV. Of
course, this song is the song I listen to right after the title track, Color Ring.
Not just once I told my friends that I wanted to listen to the song meanwhile Winner's debut date was still unclear those times, haha. Taehyun's sweet and luxurious vocal shown off effortlessly over the piano instrument. Taehyun wrote and composed the
song himself, I think that’s why he got this song’s soul fit into him. Taehyun’s solo song becomes full-flowing with the strings instrument. Wait, with this voice, even when his lyrics are in the alien language, I’m gonna melted right away. He’s indeed a blessed singer.
About Taehyun,
Winner’s youngest member, I have my own opinion. Even when this team has
Seungyoon--the rockstar and talented soloist, Taehyun still wins the main vocal position because of his
smooth and mesmerizing vocal. This lil boy gradually shows his hidden talents
and let the fans jaw-dropped. DJ-ing, break dancing, boxing, acting, beatboxing, etc.
Winner is very lucky to own this multitalented jewel. Whatever he does seems one level above
others. Adorable Taehyun always wins everyone's heart with his talents.
7. But
“Don’t love if it’s not me. It doesn’t suit you, though it’s selfish of me. Don’t go far away, I’m not there. Your love
is me, though it’s selfish of me Don’t forget,
remember that I’m here.”
A medium tempo
song. Taehyun and Seungyoon filled the chorus with their unique voices so I can’t help loving it. It’s
additive so that I won’t even move to the next song, haha. The rap fits the
song, Mino's rhythmic rapping, and Seunghoon's slow rapping blended well into the song. The
rappers also helped Taehyun made this song. Firstly I didn't think that Taehyun composed this song. This song has Seungyoon's feel: Seungyoon made this song into his shape and the acoustic arrangement reminds me of him. Seungyoon--who finished being the 4th at the singing competition "Superstar K2"--ruined my bias list once again. I like the color of his voice even since years ago. Hahaha.
But seriously, the more I listen to it, the more I'm in love with this song. Jinwoo's honey voice filled the slow part perfectly. How I wish this one is a title track too.
Saranghajima naega animyeon
But seriously, the more I listen to it, the more I'm in love with this song. Jinwoo's honey voice filled the slow part perfectly. How I wish this one is a title track too.
Saranghajima naega animyeon
8. Different
“I’m just
different, I’m different from the type of guy you want. I’m just different, I can’t be a nice guy (You might be hurt
because of me). I’m just different, I’m
different from the type of guy you want. I’m just
different but please don’t leave me (even if I’m a bad guy).”
Acoustic R&B song is here. Mino and Seungyoon composed this song. Whenever
Seungyoon name is on the composer name list, I expect an acoustic track. Yes, he’s
a talented guitarist. The guitar instrument is so rhythmical. The minimalist
instrument made us hear their vocal clearly. Mino and Seungyoon with rap-vocal harmonies, please help me out. It's just gorgeous. How I wish this song could become the title track instead of Empty since this genre matched Winner so well. This track is my second favorite right after Color Ring.
9. Tonight
“I miss you so much, I can’t fall asleep tonight. I
liked that other girl back then, I was sick of you. I have a lot to say tonight.
(I don’t like this feeling) I thought it’d be easy back then but how am I
crying? (I don’t like this feeling) The girl asleep next to me is looking like
you. Hey, I didn’t know a night without you could be so lonely.”
Yeah, Taehyun mustn’t be the youngest in the group I think.
His composing skill ain't no joke. This song is his very own and yet stands out among the
tracks. The chorus with his voice and rapping by Mino is cool--I don't expect vocal and rap to be together in a mellow song's chorus but yeah it's sounded good. I originally wanted vocal trio only (Winner minus rapper line) to sing this song. To be honest, should I say the rap part a bit disturbing the whole song's emotion? It's clear, I prefer a song with the right feel and emotion rather than a cool but emotionless one.
Taehyun need to stop sing with that hilarious voice. It’s poisoning. Hahaha. Tell a story about missing an ex-girlfriend, he keeps looking for her even when he has someone beside him. We can feel the lonely emotion here.
Taehyun need to stop sing with that hilarious voice. It’s poisoning. Hahaha. Tell a story about missing an ex-girlfriend, he keeps looking for her even when he has someone beside him. We can feel the lonely emotion here.
10. Smile Again
“Open that closed door and smile again. Now come out of that room and smile
again. Like the sunshine brightly eh eh eh eh. Break the frame that you were
locked in, smile again. Now take my hand and run with me, smile again. Like the
old days warmly eh eh eh eh”
Smile Again
brings back my memory of when I was supporting them on WIN (Who Is Next)
competition. Winner right now is “Team A”, which competed with "Team B" to be debuted
first. On the second battle, they revealed this song. Team A almost lost but
this song saved them. This one is a song about them losing smile under
WIN competition pressure. They wanted to smile again. They asked the listeners to smile
again. I don’t know but I prefer the acoustic version they performed on WIN rather than this
remastered version maybe because I can feel their sweat over this song to seize the victory on the
competition. I still remember how Seungyoon stayed overnight composed this song
with his guitar. Not to say the brand new arrangement is bad though.
It's not because
I love them, I wrote a nice review (I criticized some aspects of the album too). Yes, I’m biased since I’m their fans, but
their songs are cool seriously, and the album is excellent. I’m still surprised even though I’ve anticipated
a well-made album. YG delayed their debut many times since he wanted perfect
music and this album is the sweet payoff for them. Once again, an incredible
album born from YG. Winner will improve much over time especially strengthen their
music color--although it's recognizable enough now. The fact that they composed dan produced their songs is
something fans can be proud of. As YG said, “make music that only Winner can
make.”, time walks just to make sure that they become more unique until the day they become one of a kind. I think if they keep on working hard, they will be more and more
awesome-- as musicians, singers, entertainers, producers, and of course composers.
Anyway, congrats for all kill, dominated charts, ranked first on Billboard World Albums Chart, and became number 1 on iTunes charts of 5 countries. Their songs filled up the charts as soon as the
album dropped. Even top singers are difficult to get that kind of domination on the charts. Congrats :)
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image source: YG-life
Songs english translation credit to popgasa.com
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image source: YG-life
Songs english translation credit to popgasa.com
WOHOOOO. the wait is oveeer!!!! lololol
ReplyDeleteI dont have any fave in this album in particular. They have their own merits. So yeah. Every single hour my fave song keep changing
If you crave for some sick beat then go try the track which choice37 arranged, yo!!!
Or if you feels like emo mellow, please dont listen Color Ring. You will crawl your eye balls out. lol
And thank God. YG dont make them for some Big Bang wannabes. *fyuh
*still hate YG though for some reason*
--rizki
Unnie, i think u need to stop jamming I'm him, the way you talked so hiphop ish. Haha
DeleteI still hate YG too. He keeps delaying albums and yeah you know. As we said, YG lives for 2 reasons: produces cool music and makes people angry over him. Fans can't wait forever and he's very slow. Oh no, why we often throw negative words to him lol.
We're on the same side for Color Ring anyway. The falsettoes are dangerous :)
Finally… after waiting them for a long time :)
DeleteI’m so falling in love to their songs, they just so cool and makes me speechless (especially Taehyun’s voice), aakkkk..
Their songs reflect them in different way, i wonder why they can shine in their way without covering each other's skill, yeahh..that’s WINNER!!
I cant move on from keep listening to their songs, lol.. help me dongsaeng..
Cant wait to see their live performances :D
@Denis: and I told you that I wanted to listen Taehyun's Confession from the very first, when I saw the preview. Haha. He needs solo album soon. To be exact, every member needs solo album soon!
DeleteCouldn't agree anymore. Each of them shine without overshadow other members. I bet because they have distinctive colours and characters. And it makes us can't pick favourite member right? Mine Mino (ah this talented rapper, composer, and song writer) but Taehyun, Seungyoon, Seunghoon, and Jinwoo ruined my bias list everyday :)
I cant wait to see their live performances too :D