Review

Song Review: Super Junior-D&E – GGB

SUPER JUNIOR-D&E - GGBAs covered in my review of pre-release Rose, Super Junior-D&E’s GGB has been mired in controversy over the implications of its title. As a foreign listener without the cultural context to be offended, it’s easier for me to ignore this and focus on the merits of the song itself, though I don’t understand why the guys couldn’t have done some simple editing to make GGB eligible for music show promotions.

The funny thing is, if you had no idea about the controversy surrounding this comeback, the music certainly wouldn’t clue you in. At a surface level, GGB is a feel-good summer pop track, bounding along catchy rhythm guitar and bright percussion. It’s not particularly complex or unique, but D&E have always come across well on these energetic, party-starting songs. Their instantly-recognizable voices lend GGB plenty of character, echoing the freewheeling nature of the instrumental.

GGB‘s melodies are effective but generic, lacking the instant calling card that defines D&E’s strongest, most enduring work. Its good vibes compensate, making the track an easy add to upbeat summertime playlists. But stacked against more compelling songs within this same genre, it may get lost in the shuffle.

Hooks 8
 Production 8
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.25

Grade: B

4 thoughts on “Song Review: Super Junior-D&E – GGB

  1. I really like the way this one feels and sounds, and I think it’ll have staying power on my playlists. Definitely gave me a nice taste of summer to come. The rest of the mini album’s pretty decent as well. Twisted and Missing Pieces were both instant-adds for me, along with the title track, and a couple of the others may grow on me.

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  2. I’m no music critic but love this website and want to start contributing my uneducated opinion. I’ve really liked their releases up to this date, but this is exactly the summery type beat I dislike most in kpop music. I agree with your opinion, hence why is dislike it. I haven’t given the album a chance though. Hopefully, this song isnt representative of the whole for me.

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  3. Actually the song has passed KBS song review, it’s eligible to perform or broadcast. 

    That makes me, as a foreigner, wonder if the word GGB is really that controversial to general public.

    Anyway, I like the song though

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    • From my understanding of the situation, it seems like the controversy is derived from the fact that the word used was pretty common among older generations but the newer ones see it with a derogatory conotation. In that sense, I can see it being approved by possible older people in charge as appropriate for broadcast and yet, still being seen as controversial for the younger generations.

      With that said, I’m really not that well informed on the situation so maybe it was just a vocal minority that had problems with it.

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