As you've guessed by now, I adore Korean music. The end of February has seen the big comeback of the year so far - perhaps even eclipsing Dong Bang Shin Ki's glorious return with "Keep Your Head Up". Whereas as Dong Bang Shin Ki (TVXQ) returned as 2 - and they came back fantasically, I must add, producing 2 of my favourite songs of 2011 so far - BIG BANG has returned as their original 5 piece.
I won't beat around the bush, BIG BANG are just cool. Enough said. They are cutting edge, stylish (without being too styled), always relevant and just different. They returned from their 2 year hiatus with THE 4TH MINI ALBUM - 5 "new" tracks and a "Thank You & You" intro. I say "new" tracks in speach marks, because fans of BIG BANG may have already heard "HANDS UP" and "SOMEBODY TO LOVE" on their previous Japanese release. So 3 new tracks after a 2 year hiatus? It might sound a little lacking in quantity, but the quality just speaks for itself.
The album opens with "Thank You & You" - a short but sweet album introduction, witht the word Thank You repeating over a laidback but cool produced track. It then leads into "HANDS UP", which is just a great party anthem - not much substance, but a fantastic bass.
Track 3 is "TONIGHT", the album's lead single. This song just hit me instantly. I've had it on repeat for the past few days - it's anthemic, it's electronic, it's perfect. In the past 2 years or so, the world has seen electro-pop-R&B-dance anthems come from everyone (Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Britney, GaGa, whoever) but I truly thinks this song completely tops them all. The crowd cheering, the synth-y lead up, and the acoustic guitar strumming - the intro just kicks the song off to a perfect start, before we hear the familar vocals of rappers G-Dragon and T.O.P, with their cool and husky vocals respectively. Each member takes their own part in this song - no harmonised group vocals. And I like that, this song never has a chance to scream "WE'RE A BOYBAND".
"SOMEBODY TO LOVE" is up next. This song is the slowest track in the EP so far, but it's still pretty bass-y and hits you hard. The chant in the chorus is fantastic, and the lyrics are catchy and very sing-a-long. Not groundbreaking and perhaps the most "American" sounding song on the album, but still fantastic. It leads great into #5 "WHAT IS RIGHT" which I would have to say is my least favourite on the album. And it's still a great song. "What Is Right, What Is Wrong" is perfectly simple to sing a long to, and the simple track complements the album flow perfect. Up next, my second favourite track on THE 4TH MINI ALBUM and the album closer - "CAFE". This song is just cool. I use that word alot, but I really mean it. It's laidback, sauve and relaxing. It's the most unique track on the electronic and dance-inspired album. It features more un-computerised instruments and even has a crackling vinyl record sound to begin with. Sublime. The piano is sleak and smooth, and then T.O.P.'s husky, deep and gravely voice comes in - the perfect but odd compliment. The chorus is smooth as a cappucino, and this song couldn't be more perfect for the coffee shop mood, while remaining edgy, modern yet somehow classic.
2 years since their last Korean output - and only a handful of few new tracks - but it's still pretty damn perfect. We're only 2 months through of 2011, but it's definately one of the finest records I've heard in that time.
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