A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
Having listened to the new G-Dragon album several times, it’s probably my least favorite project of his. I expected this to be the case, as long-awaited albums coming late in an artist’s career have a spotty track record. Apart from the excellent Home Sweet Home, the album’s songs are solid but often a bit aimless when it comes to structure. The retro — almost psychedelic — IBELONGIIU is the album’s most interesting moment in its unexpected nods to the music of Prince, but the song that comes next will likely be the biggest crowd pleaser.
Take Me retraces the funk pop roots of G-Dragon’s 2009 debut album, feeling almost like a spiritual successor to tracks like Breathe. His vocals sound most polished here, largely free from the grit that has taken over his tone over the past few years. This makes me wonder if the track had been recorded years ago and only released now. There are some lovely melodies buoying this song, especially as we cruise into the pre-chorus. Rhythm guitar adds a fun disco touch, perfectly complimenting GD’s unique color. The song only suffers from its relative flatness. Despite a blazing guitar solo from dance legend Nile Rodgers, Take Me misses the opportunity to build toward a knockout finale. It’s a light touch needing just a bit more personality, but it’s the Übermensch b-side I’m most excited to hear when it comes up on the playlist.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s a decent, funk pop. I liked the electric guitar during the instrumental break.
Rating’s the same, and btw, have you ever thought of doing an A to Z review of GD? Don’t know, but it would be lowkey cool to see one
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Nick, do you plan on revisiting your Top 100 K-Pop songs feature? I’m curious to see where songs like heyhey and Impossible would fall.
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No plans at the moment, though I imagine I’ll do so at some point.
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I’m holding out for a Top 100 K-pop Songs of the 2020s, once we’re at the end of the decade 🙂
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The opening verse lines, that little twirl around a note melody bears a passing resemblance to the same on “Eyes Nose Lips”. …. then diverges.
Its a very 80’s construction, old fashioned. The repeat catch phrase lines in the chorus’s, the quiet little bridge leading to a sung bridge then guitar solo. The kind of song you can’t really strongly about but appreciate when it does come around on the playlist. That strange paradox of being unskippable but not wholly memorable either.
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The beginning of the verse melody is killing me because it sounds like the opening of a song from one of my fav (disbanded) trio. Up by TREI
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hey nick! are you planning to review jennie’s ruby album once it’s out? i’ve seen you enjoyed all of her anticipatory releases (except for mantra, which i can see why you dislike but i personally find addictive) and the album sampler came out today. the album seems very versatile in the best way possible. i guess we are getting an mv for like jennie, since the snippet was last in the video and seemed to have more relevance than the other songs. what did you think about it snippet?
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This is my favorite song on the album. I love how you mentioned IBELONGIIU’s nod to Prince, which is something I thought, too, when I listened to the song and saw how the title’s written. Prince is my all-time favorite, and GD has often reminded me of him (personal style and talent-wise rather than sound).
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bedsides power, this is the only song i liked on this album
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