Korean pop music with its catchy hooks and random English lyrics have quickly gathered international fans through Youtube. The hypnotizing dance routines and the inexplicable fashion of these K-pop music videos reels in both the
wary and unwary listeners.Through repeated exposure by friends and family, I became an unlikely K-pop addict. I actually found myself humming
along to a song in a completely different language.
*Skip ahead to the review under the video if you're familiar with what I'm rambling about.*
Review - 2ne1's single - I Love You.
This is the perfect single for a comeback. I've always been a fan of slow tempo songs filled with yearning but this one builds up to a blazing beat towards the end. At
first, I was actually disappointed with the fast turn-around ending. I was
worried about the electro club overflow of the K-pop market. On replay, I soon accepted this song as a sweet dance
track with a ballad-like feel mimicking the push and pull of
emotion. Needlessly to say, I eventually found myself flailing around
ungracefully (I.e. dancing) as the song sped up.
I also like how we're getting a more
balanced set of vocals between the members this time round. I've
always been a fan of Minzy's growing range and was blissful to find
she was getting more air time. Dara surprised me with the catchy
smooth delivery of her part (no excessive autotune) and Bom carries
the raised notes of the verses well. CL seems to be the main vocal
for this song but I like how her parts serve as the strong base for
the build up about longing. 'Love is the only way,' is a vague
sentiment at the beginning but luckily the rest of the song sweeps it
away.
Music Video Dissection:
This video is dripping with vibrant
colour and the night-blooming theme symbolic of pursuing love. The
anime-esque exotic backdrops seem more evocative than suggestive of a
linear storyline but it seems to suit the lush look and feel of the
song. I love the dark contrast of silhouette dance in front of the
lotus backdrop. CL and Mincy get their own solo sexy-time-dance
breaks in between the forlorn gazes. As for notable props, I need to buy myself a parasol
forwhen it snows because (you know) Australia gets a lot of snow. The cutting between CL's strut towards
the crimson hotel doors and the scenes of
Bom and Minzy in bed could easily be interpreted as their own lovers'
rendezvous.
Just saying.
Fashion whip-around ending:
CL: Rocking the 60's inspired outfits.
Minzy: The Queen of Coats - but I do
wish they'd give her outfits that don't restrict her dance moves on
stage.
Dara: The bearer of Hot Pink hair and
leopard print.
Bom: Bedtime simplicity and comfort in
the long sleeved T-shirt.
Words by Glaiza Perez
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