FINALLY.
After about four years of waiting, Taeyang finally makes his comeback with a new album, 'Rise.'
Rise (The 2nd Album)
Tracklist
1. Rise [INTRO]
2. Eyes, Nose, Lips (눈, 코, 입)
3. 1AM
4. Stay with Me (Feat. G-Dragon)
5. Body (아름다워)
06. Ringa Linga
7. This Ain't It (이게아닌데)
8. Let Go (버리고)
9. Love You To Death
The original thinking:
Okay, so Taeyang has come out with a new album~ OH YAS. HE'S MY BEAUTIFUL HUSBAND OF THE FUTURE BIG BANG BIAS AND HE'S THE GREATEST PERFORMER EVAARRRR~ So excited for his new performances and hope it may beat Wedding Dress... even though nothing could possibly beat Wedding Dress, 'cause... Oh come on it's Wedding Dress. That song was and still is the death of me :P
After experiencing the album:
...AHHH OH MY GAD WHAT OH MY LORD WHAT THE HECK IS LIFE WHY IS HE SO DAMN GORGEOUS WHY ARE ALL THE SONGS SO BEAUTIFUL WHY OH MY GOD HE IS SO DFLSBNFHIGJKSFKJGUAHIDHGNGLMNNFJSOIJFOHIDF OH MY GAD OH MY GAD OH MY GADDD~~~~~~~~~
Basically, I was a mess. I couldn't think properly, I was kind of out of my mind, and the only thing running through my head was:
YG DOMINATES 2014 FEELS. ONE HUNDRED FREAKING PERCENT.
Seriously, with Taeyang and 2NE1... YG is spilling out wonderful songs, albums, performances and everything this year. Last year was definitely SM, with EXO just taking the whole industry by storm with "Wolf" and "Growl." However, EXO has been having some troubles lately and have begun touring, and as much as I love me some f(x) and Henry for the summer, there new albums don't have as beig of an effect on me as the YG ones have. In fact, YG is on FIYAH. I looovvee EXO's "Overdose" album, but Taeyang absolutely blew me away. He picked me up and threw me into a pit of feels. And I don't feel like getting out c:
I really want a Big Bang comeback. No, let me rephrase:
I need a Big Bang comeback.
My needs as a V.I.P have never been more strengthened. The revival of my inner V.I.P is never good for my feels and especially for my bank balance ;-;
So, usually I talk about a few songs that I liked the most, but considering the fact that every single song on this album was so damn amazing, I don't think that's possible. Every song hit me some where, and I really can't express how much admiration and love I have for Taeyang. Seriously, just look at this guy:
I mean, look at him and tell me he isn't handsome. Look at that wonderful face and that kind smile. GAH. And then you see this...
Yeah. He's quite the drool-worthy star.
Taeyang is simply amazing, and he makes the music he wants to make. He's truthful, dedicated, and hardworking, and never disappoints in his performances. His personality is also warm and comfortable and what girl would not fall for this. Why is he so perfect ;-;
SO. ABOUT THE ALBUM.
I actually bought the physical copy of it. I saw in K-Town and the first thing that went through my brain was:
I need that. Regardless of price.
I had downloaded the full album the day it came out, and have loved it ever since. It is the one album that I replay over and over and over again, everywhere. I'm on the subway listening to this, I'm doing fanart listening to this, I'm sleeping listening to this, I'm messaging my crush listening to this... I think you get the point. I am crazy in love with this album.
The first time I listened to "Eyes, Nose, Lips," I was immediately tossed back into the world of Taeyang feels. I've been waiting four years for this album, and finally it is here and I am not disappointed. I don't regret spending thirty-four dollars on this album; it was a hundred percent worth it. Now, away from my fangirling and onto the reviews of this album.
1. Rise [Intro]
I loved this intro. Normally, I don't really like the intro songs to K-Pop albums because I feel like they're a waste of time, not as well made as the songs, and is unnecessary. However, when I was listening to this, all I could do was breathe. The music was amazing, and really highlighted Taeyang's voice. The lyrics are sung in the English, which is amazing because he doesn't really have the Korean accent and it feels really natural with his tongue. And here's a glimpse at the lyrics:
"Alone in the darkness.
It's so cold and crazy.And everybody's heartless.
Got no one to save me."
One verse. In Taeyang's voice. And it just BLEW. ME. TO. THE. FLOOR. Just listening to the introduction made me so excited for the rest of the album, something most intros don't make me feel .
This song, when I first heard it, kind of brought me to tears. The simplicity of the music helped to highlight Taeyang's voice, and I really loved that. His voice is just so heart-meltingly sweet~ And his falsetto. Don't even get me started. It's just so beautiful. I've grown used to Taeyang producing songs that have spectacular choreography and a strong beat. I'm pretty sure that a song like this was unexpected by a lot of people, and I'm glad it was well received and loved. This song gives me the feels. I have had it on replay since it came out- I waited for this MV and this album and HIM for so long ;-; "Eyes, Nose, Lips" is about how he recalls the memories he had with his past love but now has to leave them behind and move on but he can't. As usual. I love this song because it is bursting with sincerity and it just shows how real Taeyang is about his music and again, the genius composing of YG. Seriously, all their songs are bomb right now. This just made me fall even harder for him, all over again. This and the rest of the album.
"Eyes, Nose, Lips" Music Video
A few things about the video (Please watch it first):
God, isn't he just so hot in this music video ;~; His bodyyy. Although I do not appreciate the hair net, it doesn't really matter does it .-. If I wasn't all over the song during this music video, I was all over his body c: What? I'm a hormonal teenage girl, it's normal.
A video with no switching sets, no female lead, nothing- just a basic video. No cars, no wild lights, no crazy outfits. This video helps bring out the song so well, because aside from Taeyang, that's the only other thing to concentrate on. Which is great. Usually, K-Pop music videos have so many things going on: A dance, a storyline, crazy outfits and cliche/weird sets. That is basically what most K-Pop videos are (I am thinking about Infinite's MVs). I think that a video like this, so simple and yet so powerful, is what we need. He really knows how to come back after four years. I really loved this song and the music video to go along with it.
3. 새벽한시 (1AM)
I really loved this song, just like I loved every other song on this album. The minute I heard the song, from the very beginning, it became one of my favorite songs on the album (if I had to choose). The whole song has this vibe to it, that bittersweet feel. I don't know how to explain it, but it gets you moving. The instrumentals are extremely well made and the composition was really good. It's like a song you listen to at night while driving or sitting on a rooftop. The lyrics especially reached for me; I felt somewhat able to relate to the lyrics. In this song, Taeyang is singing about how he wants to move on, yet he is always reminded of "you" (he's singing about a woman). I'm pretty sure he's had a break-up because the song talks about his friends comforting him and telling him it'll be okay. However, he still loves her. Funny how Taeyang went from needing a girl to wanting one back. He always sings of losing girls, god, he has so many at his hands WHY.
"1AM" Music Video
Okay, since we have established that Taeyang is officially the hottest guy alive, I'm not going to spaz over how hot he is because I've probably said it a thousand times and you guys are probably sickof it c: Instead, I'm going to talk about how hot the female lead is, because guys, that girl is fine.
The female lead of this song is played by Min Hyo Rin, a South Korean actress. I have been her fan for a really long time, and seeing these two do a music video was simply fantastic. Even though you might hate Taeyang kissing chicks other than you, you gotta admit: That girl is freaking gorgeous. God, she's perfect *_* Guys, please go watch the video. She is hot.
People said that the bed scene "was not steamy enough." Okay, I don't know what to say about this, but I did think that there was going to be some more... action. I mean, I get that Youngbae is quite the shy person and doesn't really go all out in 18+ scenes, but still... However, the whole time they were on the bed, all I could watch was his hand go up her back. Oh my god those arms. I need a breather.
I can't say this is my absolute favorite music video by Taeyang (How can you beat Wedding Dress, that song is the best, seriously), it is very well-made. I understand what is going on, and I can feel his emotions through the video. Overall, this song was well produced and well promoted, and the music video is really amazing.
4. Stay With Me (ft. G-Dragon)
Let me just say that G-Dragon and Taeyang together is unstoppable in my world. ah. They be so gorgeous I can't even breathe normally. What I love about this song is the groove the song has. If you don't know Korean, it sounds like a cheerful song (I think), but when in fact the song is about wanting the girl you love to stay with you. It's a great song, and GD's rap is on point as usual~ Their voices together really is a great combination. I could feel Taeyang's smile as he was singing this song, and I just love his smile c:
Here's the live performance of "Stay With Me" if you want to watch the two hotties~
Here's the live performance of "Stay With Me" if you want to watch the two hotties~
"Stay With Me" Live Performance Featuring G-Dragon
They are so wonderful together c: And Taeyang's blond hair... oh my God. Even though I feel like his original hair color suited him the most, the blond is really nice as well. Well, anything on Taeyang is nice. It's Taeyang.
5. Body
I really love these kinds of songs, especially from YG Artists. It shows that they can have fun, and it's a really free song. This is a dance song that I can really like, and I'm usually not that big on Dance Pop. I tend to go for songs with a slightly depressing feel or are really sad (Hence my obsession with "Lies" and "Haru Haru"). This kind of reminds me of "Tonight," possibly because I'm listening to that song right now and there is that vibe. I don't know. This is just one of those really fun songs you here at parties. It gets the crowd moving, and definitely the performer Taeyang's type of song. The composition of the song is excellent as usual, and I love it xD Also, CL from 2NE1 is featured in the song, and she sings a part of G-Dragon's "Crayon," I think. The song is about how he thinks your body is beautiful. Seriously. He repeats the phrase "Your body's so beautiful" like a thousand times in this song. It's so damn awesome and it's just a great happy song.
The live of "Body" will be included in the Wonder Live performances at the end of this review.
6. Ringa Linga
Now, if you listen to K-Pop, you probably know this song. If you don't, you have some problems. This song was so popular and people are still playing it everywhere. Taeyang released this song as a single in the fall of last year, and it was everywhere. I'm serious. "Ringa Linga" is really catchy, really addicting, and shows off one thing:
Taeyang is the best dancer. Who can dance better than that? No one.
Don't believe me? Well, the choreography for this song is incredibly complicated, and although it might look simple it's quite hard. You need feel, and considering I can't dance to save my life, would be impossible for me to learn (I'm exaggerating, I'm actually the best dancer ever :P). But yeah. "Ringa Linga" actually won the "Best Choreography" Award last year at the Soompi Awards.
Now let's move on to the videos.
"Ringa Linga" Music Video
Yep, that's G-Dragon in the car with Taeyang. And yep, Taeyang went blonde. It's hot. The music video is the classic YG/Big Bang style nowadays (forget the 'Lies" and "Haru Haru" MVs... this is all about freedom of expression and abstract art now). It's quite the video, huh? I honestly don't know what to say about it other than the fact that it's creative and a bit crazy. I actually prefer the older music videos, so I don't really watch this one a lot. I think I've only watched it once, to be honest. But, the dance version of the song I have watched WAY more....
"Ringa Linga" Dance Performance
This is what I was talking about when I said mind-blowing choreography. MMM. The only thing that is wrong about this video is the dreadlocks. Please, no. No dreadlocks. It didn't look very flattering on Kai, and even though you are TAEYANG, it still isn't super attractive on you either :P Sorreh.
7. This Ain't It
If I had to choose a current favorite from this album right now, it would be this song. I have been playing this for days. It is the best song to listen to when you want some calming or saddening song in your life. Considering the fact that it is another quiet song and I have quite the knack for these kinds of songs, it is no wonder that I fell in love so easily with "This Ain't It." But this song again has that simplicity factor that I love when there is just concentration on Taeyang's voice. I technically fell for his voice first. And to this day, that is what I love the most. The lyrics are especially touching (at least for me). What else am I supposed to say when he starts the song off with "I still love you"? That ex-girlfriend of his is/was mad lucky. Seriously though, this song just makes me want to hug him.
Because this post is getting very a bit long, view the English lyrics here~
I seriously suggest looking at the lyrics. You'll see what I'm talking about. He's basically singing about how he still loves her and knows that he needs to get over her now, but it isn't working. He's still stuck on her, and he still "misses her more than he hates her" for leaving him. Seriously, I can't take the feels from this song. It actually brings back some memories for me personally, and listening to this song makes me relive them and feel what he feels. It's a personal song for me as well.
8. Let Go
This song... ah. The intro music is really good. And when you first hear his voice, it sounds reaaally hot. I love this song, obviously, and the part leading up to the chorus is especially pleasant. The chorus itself is meaningful even if you don't know what the hell is he singing about. Taeyang is singing about how is letting go of the roughness and the act of being tough, and how he would never let go if he was with his love. He is singing about how he was used to the loneliness in his life before but now he is throwing that out. It's a meaningful song, and something I think everyone can relate to when they fall in love, the feeling of needing to let go of the past in some sort of way. Release.
The song itself has a really good build and climax layout and it is effective in conveying the emotions Taeyang wants to express in the song. You can feel his emotions as if he was singing to you, which he is, in a way.
9. Love You To Death
And we have reached the last track on this album, which happens to be a great great GREAT song. I can relate to the lyrics, although they are a bit exaggerated, and how the song is about still loving someone despite not receiving the love back. This is a pretty sweet song if you think about it, and the song itself is good. The melody is nice, really nice. It's smooth and easy to feel. I just love the whole song in general oh my god it's so wonderful. When I first heard the album, this was the song I kept playing while making fanart because I concentrate so well with his voice. It's somewhat strangely comforting, and he keeps singing "I'm gonna love you to death~" and I'm like "Yes, please do. I'm gonna love you to death as well~"
Okay. Weird. The beginning guitar is amazing by the way. Instrumentals are so great, in all of the tracks. I am going crazy over the instrumentals, I swear. It's like "Take It Slow" off his previous "Solar" album... I lived for the instrumentals.
Anyways, listen to "Love You To Death" here~
So that was my review of the "Rise" album. Quite long, wasn't it? Well, I'm not done yet~
Album Jacket Design
With me being the crazy Taeyang-obsessed fangirl I am, I went straight to the store to pick up the physical album. and let me just say that the album design is amazingggggg~ here are photos that I took of my album (I desperately need to get it signed):
*Please ignore my reflection on the shiny surfaces of the album*
The cover. The black material is very smooth and fine, and can get marked quite easily.
The back of the cover.
The photobook cover- it came with sun stickers like the ones on the cover.
All three photos above are of the CD case, which has a holographic Taeyang on it. If you move it around, he makes a turn.
The back design of the CD Case
Once you open the CD Case, you are faced with this lyric book pictured above. It is actually attached to the holograph, so you can take it out and it's a lyric book. However, the lyrics are in Korean.
This is the CD. It's rose gold-coloured and black. Really pretty, believe me.
If you take out the CD, this is what's behind it. It's just a really nice design so I took a picture of it.
Thoughts:
It's so beautiful ;-; The black and gold theme of the album is extremely smart and chic, and the simplicity of it is beautiful. The design of the sun is really awesome in this album, so props to the designers c: And may I just say that the photobook is amazinggggg... Just staring at photos of Taeyang all day. That's my life, basically. The album is pretty pricey in the States though. I don't know how much it is online, but I bought this album for thirty four U.S. dollars, and there are many things you could do with thirty four dollars. With tax, I think the total was around thirty seven dollars. That is almost forty dollars. Oh my.
But who cares? Taeyang is worth it~ (I'm crazy)
But who cares? Taeyang is worth it~ (I'm crazy)
So that was my small album design review. Following this is a set of performances that Taeyang performed as a guest on Wonder Live, and he performed some songs from his new album as well as some old favorites~ Please check out Wonder Live by Taeyang below~
*English subtitles are accessible by hitting the CC button*
"Wonder Live by Taeyang" Episode 1
"Wonder Live by Taeyang" Episode 2
So this concludes by extremely long blog post about Taeyang's new album. I'm a diehard fan of Big Bang, and I hope they come back real soon with an album to knock everyone off their feet~
Until next time :)
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