BIGBANG unveiled D July 1 with the songs “Sober” and “If You.” The single also includes the songs “Bae Bae” and “Loser” from M and “Bang Bang Bang” and “We Like 2 Party” from A, which we reviewed previously. YG Entertainment promised that each song would get better, so let’s see if he was right!
“Sober” gets the single started. The song, written by T.O.P, G-Dragon, and Teddy, and composed by Teddy, G-Dragon, and Choice37, is an upbeat track with a strong beat and addictive chorus.
The song is about being sober, which could literally be sober from alcohol or sober from a romance. The lyrics suggest the song could refer to either alcohol dependency with references to not being able to fall asleep (blackouts), taxis (avoiding drunk driving), and time slowing down; but these same lyrics along with references to chasing fame and money, being without something, and feeling childish suggest a breakup with someone. BIGBANG earns credit for personification though, which is part of “Sober’s” charm.
Like with previous MADE Series tracks, Seungri, T.O.P, and Daesung knocked the song out of the park! Taeyang’s stronger, more pleasant vocals also made a great return in “Sober” to present a well-rounded, addictive tune that could be right up there with some of BIGBANG’s best. G-Dragon, sadly, didn’t bring his best vocals to the song. At times he sounds tinny and nasally to the point of obnoxious grandeur, and since he has a large chunk of the song’s lines, this is not a good thing. If GD was toned down some, “Sober” would have been a much stronger track. However, it’s easy to fall in love with the song to make it a go-to worth listening to constantly.
“If You” is pleasantly softer with the beautiful sound of guitar. What’s more, T.O.P sings! His raw, imperfect introduction just adds something haunting and amazing to “If You” that can’t be described. Then Seungri comes in and adds more layers. Just from the two of them alone, I was sold on the song and already feeling some emotions.
“If You” has lyrics that leave a mark on the heart because they are emotional and haunting. As they watch love drift away, you can feel the pain in the words. The lyrics avoid flowery language and metaphors, so it does feel more straight-from-the-heart and honest than other BIGBANG songs in the MADE Series.
The song pretty much stays in one range. Normally, this would not make a song stand out, but it helps in this case. Staying in one range with instrumentals helps the words and vocals POP to make them penetrate more.
Given how soft the song is, though, Daesung and Taeyang’s vocals were a little too powerful. When Daesung sang his lines, they were a bit jarring; the same goes for Taeyang. Toning down the power could have made more of an impact, much like they did around the 3:16 mark.
Even with a few picky things in “Sober” and “If You,” they are among the best of the MADE Series thus far. These songs are signature BIGBANG filled with heart and fun, so it’ll be exciting to see what the finale holds!
MADE Series- D earns a 4/5.
— Joelle Halon
User Review
( votes)Related Articles
May Comebacks: From ATEEZ to Soojin to NEW JEANS
May 2024 is a busy month with several K-pop acts expected to make a comeback. Others have already made a comeback including YOUNITE (released the 6th EP ‘Another’ on May 1) and Hyuna (released the EP ‘Attitude’ on May 2). Here are... Read More
Entertainment Agency Switches by K-Pop Stars
The 7-year curse of K-pop groups disbanding after 7 years seems to have gone with the wind. the increasing autonomy in the entertainment industry has given K-pop artists the freedom to continue their passion despite contract terminations.... Read More
Bang Yongguk’s Houston Show: A Wild Ride of Feelings and Hype
If there is one regret that will follow me after this experience, it’s that I did not bring a whistle. Since January 2012, albeit I didn’t become a fan of K-pop until October that year, it’s widely known that a whistle… a Matoki... Read More
K-dramas to Watch This May
April has been a roller coaster of emotions with heart-wrenching twists and turns from notable k-dramas, especially the highly rated ‘Queen of Tears’ K-drama. May is here and it’s time to start bingeing on the most anticipated K-dramas... Read More
ATEEZ Coachella Recap
ATEEZ was the first K-pop boy group to perform at Coachella, making amazing strides for K-pop in the States. When interviewed by Entertainment Tonight, ATEEZ commented that the performance felt like walking on clouds. They were so blown away... Read More
Bang Yongguk 3 The Dallas Tour
The Dallas stop had so much energy, that it felt like we were in a club instead of a concert for Bang Yongguk. The set list that he picked were very good choices and I was happy to hear some never before songs live. But like I said, the... Read More
V’s Military Video Stirs the Pot
ARMY are divided over a recent video from the South Korean military. The video specifically featured the 2nd Army Corps in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province where V is clearly seen in tactical gear and with weapons. Many would label this as... Read More
Unusual K-Beauty Trend Goes Viral: Pupil Enlargement
There’s a new K-beauty trend going around, but it has mostly negative comments surrounding it. Korea’s beauty culture isn’t shy about plastic surgery and face-altering measures in order to achieve the desired aesthetic. People travel all... Read More
BTS Wins – April 2024
BTS band is still a reigning champion despite the subsequent absence of some members on mandatory military service. Jin was the band’s first member to enlist in the military back in December 2022, and some other members have followed suit.... Read More
5 Notable K-Pop Groups’ Comebacks in April 2024
April 2024 is a destiny-defining month as several K-pop acts make a grand entrance in a bid to solidify and expand their eminence grounds. Entertainment industries, from YG to SM entertainment, are on the lookout to amplify their project... Read MoreOur Advertisers
Leave a Reply