Padd Solutions

Fanboy:

Well, when it comes to a Big Bang music video, I expect a lot from these guys, because their past work has been quite impressive. "Haru Haru" = Amazing! However, once again, I seem to have gone in with too high of expectations with the quintet for their long-awaited comeback.

The music video honestly didn't blow me away. It was neat to see them in a different light. But, it also seemed sort of lazy. There wasn't a definite story in the first music video release. At parts, I was reminded of an old Backstreet Boys music video where the members stand in one spot and overact their lip-syncing as they stare off in one direction and/or at the camera.

TOP seriously needs to change his hair color for this MV and promotional cycle. He just seemed so out of place. And Taeyang really needs to change his look too. He's had the same image for years now. Dude, aren't you due for a change?

I will say this, the song has now grown on me. What helped give it that boost was their live performance of the song. I was very impressed. Why couldn't they carry that concept into the MV? Where was Seungri's skirt in the MV? No where! (Granted, he would stick out in Vegas if he was sporting something like that...Hmm... come to think of it... maybe not. They would just get a different sort of impression of the Big Bang stud.)

Speaking of studs, Daesung is really stepping out in the original music video release by making out with a chick in a hotel. Getting all hot and sweaty and stuff. As they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." (Side note: It was refreshing to see him get the spotlight this time.) However, it was nowhere near as provocative as Seungri rolling around half-naked in bed with that chick in the "Strong Baby" MV. Honestly though, this is still pretty tame compared to American music videos (Hello, Christina Aguilera!), but I like how YG pushes the boundaries with their MVs. Unlike some other companies... (*cough* SM *cough*)...

The music video for the song was just ok to me. The original MV is an improvement with the new scenes and Daesung's "bed scene". Not a standout MV when I compare it to their past work. I mean, they flew all the way to Vegas to do this? I expected more. But I think this song will continue to grow on me, and who knows, maybe the music video too.


Fangirl:

What a relief to see that the music video broad-casted by SBS two days ago was merely a butchered version of the original music video! My thoughts about the MV had been along the lines of "You went all the way to Vegas for that?!" But thankfully my fears were averted when YG finally posted the original music video this evening.

That's not to say I think we have a masterpiece on our hands. I didn't like the daylight scenes filmed in the empty lot filled with signs. How much better would this MV be if those scenes had been filmed against shining Vegas lights instead? Then when they cut to the desert sunrise around 2:50, it would have had twice the impact. That way for most of music video it would have been nighttime ("Tonight" - ya follow?) until we hit the climax and then boom, it's dawn.

This music video is less story-based (Lies or Haru Haru), and more atmospheric (Don't Tell Me Goodbye). I personally have no problem with that, but I can see how Fanboy would miss the narrative style that has worked so well for Big Bang in the past.

I also wasn't feeling some of the new looks the Big Bang members were sporting. Shoulder pads, GD? Really? And TOP's Spock hairdo has got to go. But Daesung in a simple pair of jeans and a plain white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows looked simply amazing. And those sweaty bangs hanging over his eyes...

*cough* Excuse me, I seemed to have lost my train of thought. Where was I? Oh yes, fashion -

Yeah, Taeyang probably should change his look. The faux hawk does suit him, but he's had that look for two odd years now. It's time to change it up, Youngbae. And personally, I'm glad that Seungri's skirt from the performance of 'Tonight' didn't make it to the MV. That concept simply baffles me.

I would rate this music video above 'okay'. It's not my favorite Big Bang music video ever, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.


What did you think of the music video?

Big Bang's 4th Mini Album 'Tonight'
Release Date: 2011.02.24
Itunes - YesAsia


Tracklist:
01. Intro (Thank You & You)
02. Hands Up
03. Tonight
04. Somebody to Love
05. What is Right
06. Cafe









Fangirl:

So Big Bang asks, "I'm fine thank you and you?" Well, pretty damn good, thanks Big Bang. Let's start with the lead track, "Tonight" (the MV of which I am eagerly anticipating...).

This is the most coherent response I could muster up: When Big Bang does epic, this is what it sounds like. This song hits the highs, the lows and all the places in between. I cannot wait to see this song topping all of the charts, because I'm loving it.

"Hands Up" and "Somebody To Love" are Korean versions of the B-sides from two of their Japanese singles - Tell Me Goodbye and Beautiful Hangover, respectively. There were no significant changes so I find my reaction the same as when I first heard the Japanese versions. Hands Up is danceable enough, but it feels like a filler track. Somebody To Love remains one of my favorite Big Bang songs. Though I said there were no significant changes in the Korean versions of these songs, I was struck by the difference in TOP's parts. His style is changing, becoming more playful.

I'm just really digging "What Is Right". It's a pop song with some slight rock influence and a hefty dose of Big Bang swagga'. And any more guitar in K-pop in a good thing in my book.

"Thank You & You" is a good opener. I love the slight attitude that is hinted at in the song. Like it could be a polite, "We're fine, thank you. And you?" Or it could be a "Oh, we're fine, and don't you know it."

"Cafe" is a bit of surprise, and perhaps a mistep by Big Bang. With jazzy backing instrumentals, the song reminds me of GD & TOP's fantastic "Baby Goodnight". But unlike "Baby Goodnight", "Cafe" lacks that sexy musical smirk. So perhaps it reminds me more of GD & TOP's "어쩌란 말이냐?", that bizarre "rock" number and the only song on the album that I skip. On the plus side, Daesung sounds absolutely fantastic.

I think the biggest challenge for Big Bang is mixing five distinctly different styles into one co-hesive whole. They succeed beautifully in "Tonight", and maybe not so much in "Cafe".

It's not the earth-shattering epic album I was hoping for, but there's a chance I came into it with my expectations set a bit too high. Ahem.

I know you're not as big a Big Bang fan as I am, Fanboy. What did you think of the album?


Fanboy:

I always seem to go in with too high of expectations, and Big Bang is no different, because this was their triumphant comeback as the quintet. I assumed that they were going to come back with a "bang" (pun may or may not be intended...).

This album is a quick listen. It's not that long and is definitely worth a shot. So, I shall start with the "Intro (Thank You & You)". I personally find intros and preludes to be a total waste of time. It doesn't classify as a song, and there's not a whole lot of substance that makes me go, "Wow!" "Thank You & You" still did not change my opinion about them. Skip.

Track 2: "Hands Up" - I liked it. It is one of those feel-good dance songs. I feel like I hear 2NE1's "Can't Nobody" going on throughout the song, but I like this one more. It's one of my favorite tracks on this album even though I prefer the Japanese version more.

Track 3: "Tonight" - Ok, I didn't think it was as "epic" as Fangirl thought. I actually thought this one of the weaker songs on the album and definitely one of their weakest promotional songs. However, I do feel like it's one of those tracks that will grow on you, and I, too, can't wait for the MV release. I feel like it'll be neat. Las Vegas and Big Bang? Can't go wrong. They always seem to have some of the best MVs.

Track 4: "Somebody to Love" - Again, I prefer the Japanese version more, but I still liked this song. I don't really care for TOP in this song though. His vocals seem a tad deep and stick out like a sore thumb in this song. What I mean, he doesn't seem to mesh as well with the other four's vocals.

Track 5: "What is Right" - For some reason again, I feel a 2NE1-vibe again. I can't quite put my finger on it. Hmm... The song is not bad, and again, it will be one of those songs that will grow on me. Still not my favorite by them, but definitely worth a shot. I'd say it's one of those tier 3 Big Bang songs to me. Like, I'll listen to it every now and then if it shows up on my iTunes shuffle, but it's not something I'll go out of my way to go listen to.

Track 6: "Cafe" - Easily, my least favorite song on this album. I do always appreciate it when artists try out new genres and showcase a new side to their artistry. However, this song just did not work for them, in my opinion. I found the song to be a little strange and definitely not your typical Big Bang song.

Overall, I did actually like the album. I find this to be better as a whole compared to the Seungri and GD&TOP albums. BUT I do find the promotional singles "High High", "VVIP", and "What Can I Do" more appealing as singles. To me, I feel like "Tonight" is slightly lackluster when you compare it to their biggest hits like "Haru Haru" and "Last Farewell". But still check out the album.

Tell us what you thought of it. What's your favorite song?