So I finally did it! After eight years of being a super fan, I saw Jay for the first time ever last night for a two and half hour show! Held on a Saturday, 15 Nov 2014, it was an amazing concert. As a seasoned performer, Jay really knows what he’s doing. There were around 4 to 5 set changes with big props and performances were categorized based on themes. There was the hi-tech theme, school/magician theme, hip-hop theme, piano theme, Zhong Guo Feng theme, guitar/acoustic theme and the last chilled/laid back theme.
The view from my seatI didn’t know that Jay’s fan colour is pink. But hey, I can live with that.
The downside of the concert is that I went alone. By myself. A random tall girl with a black headscarf appearing out of nowhere who couldn’t speak more than ten words of Mandarin amidst the 10-11,000 audiences shouting words I don’t understand except for Zhou Jie Lun. So each time he talked, I just stared at him in awe, too amazed by the fact that he was standing in front of me, twenty metres away. Almost fainted. Almost had a seizure. Almost died of hyperactivity. I didn’t care. I didn’t need to understand him. Yes, people, I love him that much!
His Piano Session!!His Zhong Guo Feng set (fusion traditional/modern Mandarin songs)
I think there were more of us non-Mandarin speaking fans back in 2006 (my first year of becoming a fan). We had a number of English forums catering for fans who don’t understand Mandarin. With the help of superbly kind Chinese-speaking moderators, we get translations, explanations and discussions about his music, lyrics and everything Jay-related. It was like an awkwardly awesome universe of its own. Sadly, the forum had been closed down, I think. I guess with the rise of KPop, Mandopop has been sidelined and confined mostly to Mandarin-speaking audiences. But websites like jaychoustudio.com and Jay Chou Diaoness’s Facebook page have been of great help for a fan who cannot read Chinese characters like me. Thank God for these souls!
How else can an obsessed fan like me find release?!! Haha.
His impromptu keyboard session. Trust me, his hands are magical each time they touch the keys!!His guitar session! And yes, his hands are also amazing here!
The GREAT GREAT ASPECT of the concert is that he sang all the songs I love love love!!!! Okay, not all. He did not sing Wo Bu Pei, Ju Hua Tai and Fa Ru Xue but that’s okay. However, some songs I thought he was not going to sing, he sang!!! Ke Ai Nu Ren, Long Juan Feng, Qing Tian, Si Mian Chu Ge, Qi Li Xiang, Dao Xiang (a duet with a lucky fan! I was so jealous I almost cried!) and many more. These are some of Jay’s songs you know people will remember and sing along for the rest of their lives. You know what I felt? Do you? It’s like I fell in love again with him over and over and over again! Arghhh… speaking as a crazy fangirl, how can he be so perfect? How can he sing so well? And play the piano so well? And the guitar so well? And walk around and sing so well? And talk so well? (though I understood not one sentence except for “Hao Bu Hao” to which I shouted back “Hao!!!”)
I swore to God when he began singing Long Juan Feng, I was so happy I almost peed! And sang along to Ke Ai Nu Ren with all my heart (though I know my pronunciation is bad. Really, who cares?!)
It is an interesting experience, to be honest. For the past 8 years, I am literally the only Jay Chou fan I know (excluding the cyber world). None of my best friends listen to Mandopop or even understand why I am so devoted to him but they accept me the way I am (but they sometimes tease me by saying that Jay looks like a vegetable seller, which he does not!) Even when I began to have more and more Mandarin-speaking friends, most of them end up being Wang Lee Hom’s fans. And ask me why I love Jay so much, too. Only when I went to his concert that I realized how much I was in a little world of Jay fandom on my own. He had legions of fans whom I had never met and communicated with. The downside of not being well-versed in Mandarin, I must say. *cries*
The parking guard asked me – “are you Malay or Chinese?” I laughed awkwardly, unsure of what to say. “I’m Malay, brother, but I’m going to a Taiwanese singer’s concert.” The brother said he was confused for a while. After the concert ended, a Chinese uncle stared at me in surprise. “Waah, you also like Jay Chou. Are you Chinese or Malay?” Again, I answered awkwardly, “I’m Malay.” Then, he asked, “do you speak Chinese?” I shook my head. He laughed in a manner I was not sure implied slight surprise or approval. “Haha, 1Malaysia!” he joked. Hahahaha. Never have I felt so awkward being a Malay before, considering that I don’t really feel Malay 90% of the time in real life. Hahahahaha. But then, my headscarf is not much of a help in avoiding the stares. What to do… when you do look different from thousands around you.
Maybe because I’ve been his fan for a very long time, I find it weird that other people think that it’s odd to have a fan like me. Music is a universal languange and that is the main thing that led me to Jay. Then, the lyrics. And the concept. Then, of course lah, I jumped into the whole fandom without any hesitation and stayed there for many years.
Since my seat did not have a great view, I didn’t take get to take a lot of pictures. Or maybe because I was too focused on looking at him and only him, like what a crazy fangirl would do. In all honestly, I truly enjoyed his concert. His voice sounds way better and his show was so much fun. A day has passed and I am still experiencing the exhausting high post-concert. I am still tired, too happy to go out and lock myself in my room writing this blog post. I feel like smiling all day without a reason.
And I miss him already! I wish I can go to his concert everyday. Ahhh, post-concert depression syndrom begins… now. Jayyyyyyy, I miss you!! *cries*
Quoting my Facebook status – How can love be so intense even when there’s a language barrier?
Ruby Gege is going to rant today and she’s going to rant HARD! If you are not really into the topic of Kpop boybands and their disbandment issue, I suggest you skip reading the post. But if you are, come on in and join me in the festival of a fan’s heartache and suppressed memories.
1. THE EXO THING (WHICH IS NOT GOING TO BE THE MAIN POINT OF THIS POST)
Me and my fellow chingu, Maertai Fatma have been quite upset for the past few days concerning the EXO problem – Kris, their M leader is leaving the group. Fatma is affected by it more severely that I am. To say that I’m not upset is an understatement – indeed, I am. I love Kris, I love EXO, I think they have great dynamics. Therefore, if he is leaving EXO for real, I will never look at EXO the same again and most probably I will leave the fandom as well. Not because I don’t love the other 11, but because I will always have this intense attachment towards the original structure of any Kpop groups I love.
However, at the same time, I feel happy for Kris (or should I say, Wu Yifan?). If the rumours about SM abusing his rights are true, then to be free is the only way to live. I heard of rumours about him being sick and all. So, for him to try and get out of the mess is the only humane way he could think of. To be free of that mess and perhaps, if all goes well, he can start again and live the life that he wants to have. I pray that for him and hope that like Hangeng, he can be successful in any fields of his choosing in the future.
2. THAT JUNSU PERFORMANCE OF TOHOSHINKI MEDLEY
BUT that is not what I came to talk about today. No. Today, I am going to rant about an issue – or shall I say, heartache (cue for an over-dramatic obsessive fan) – that has been residing very silently in my heart for years… or more specific, since 2009.
It all began when my little sister showed me a video this morning of a certain South Korea singer named Junsu singing a medley of songs from a boyband he used to be a part of – DBSK/TVXQ/TOHOSHINKI.
Crazy rant start……………. NOW!!
Oppaaaa!!!! Junsu oppaaaaa!!!!!!!! Arghhhh, I’ve missed you like hell!!!!! It has been 4 years since I last heard your voice. Oppa, sorry that I ignored you after the breakup! Oppa, you sing so well! Oppa, your voice never change!!! Now I miss DB5K!!
3. THE START OF DBSK AND A FAN’S PROCESS OF BEING CONSUMED BY KPOP DEVOTION
Okay, so, background story – when I was fifteen years old and really, Kpop in Malaysia was literally unknown at all, I fell in love with a South Korean boyband named Dong Bang Shin Ki, literally Gods of the East. They were basically the HUGEST BOYBAND in Asia, full stop. They were young – around 20 years old – dancing and singing their hearts away, capturing thousands of hearts belonging to innocent young girls like me. (Yup, I was innocent once!)
From left: Junsu, Jaejoong, Changmin, Yunho, Yoochun
Like any other crazy DBSK fans (or officially known as Cassiopeia or Cassie), my teenage years were dedicated to them. I listened to their songs, watched their videos ALL THE TIME, put up their posters all over my room, had DBSK songs as my ringtones and alarms They became my oppas (or older brother) and my bias, Yunho was my imaginary boyfried/husband/lover/myenergyboost. Simply put, to the sixteen years old me, they were my everything.
These five men – Jaejoong, Yunho, Yoochun, Junsu and Changmin. Five most important men in my life. Aside from my family, of course. I was consumed by them, wholeheartedly. They became super successful, both in South Korea and Japan. They were the reigning kings – no other boybands could come close to their success. It seemed like they had everything they could ever wish for – legions of loyal and super devoted fans, fame, great songs, opportunities to perform in big stages, going international and traveling.
4. THE BREAK-UP OF DBSK – THE BATTLE, THE UGLY DOWNFALL, THE FANDOM’S HUGE MELTDOWN
Therefore, when three of them – Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu chose to leave SM (the company that managed and basically controlled DBSK’s lives), all fans were taken aback. Surprised. Yet not so much. We were sad. We went crazy and my heart broke. The news killed me. They were DBSK – my oppas. The closest things I’ve had to boyfriends (yes, people, a Kpop fan can be that delusional!). They were my obsession and my happiness.
They were DBSK. “There’s no way they can ever break-up!” was my first reaction. Then, I began questioning myself – “what the fuck am I supposed to do now? How can my life be without DBSK?”
Truthfully, though, some of us kind of expected it – boybands and their 5 year curse. After many great albums and memories together, the fact remains that Jaejoong, Junsu and Yoochun decided to leave, Yunho and Changmin decided to stay with SM. I blamed no one, for I did not have the right to. I was sad. I felt so helpless. After all those emotional investments, I had to deal with the repercussions all by myself.
“Damn you, Ruby! Who told you to be so obsessed?!!” I scolded myself. But then, I never regretted being a Cassiopeia. Despite the break-up, the DBSK boys did give me four of the happiest years of my life – all the excitement and pride I had over their success was unforgettable.
The legal battle between SM the company against JYJ (Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu) was painful, bitter, ugly, complicated and took three years to settle. That was the legal part. Most importantly, the boys – 3 versus 2 – never rekindle their relationship, or at least to the public eyes. It is of utmost probability that the boys have cut contact from each other. To find their own ways in life by leaving or staying, the friendship between my five oppas was severed. To see them not being on the same stage again, or to hang out together again, to attend variety shows again… just the simple thought of them being friends was also being made impossible.
“How could that be?” was the question all Cassiopeias were asking for many years. But that was it. The end of DBSK with 5 members. The real end of an era.
5. A FAN’S REACTION TO THE DISAPPOINTMENT
I tend to be very violently in self-denial when things like this happens. So what I did was – or the 19 years old me – was to leave the DBSK fandom completely. I deleted that part of my life, moving on pretending that I was never their fans. I deleted all traces of DBSK in my computer – gazillions of photos, videos, interviews. I just could not continue loving them as they were if they were together. It was hard, it was difficult.
And I could NOT listen to any of their songs (as DB5K) for the next four years. Why? Because their songs are so good when they were together. Their voices as five matched perfectly! The high tones of Junsu, Jaejoong and Changmin and the low tones of Yoochun and Yunho. As if heaven arranged them to be in a group (though I am aware that that was all SM’s work). So each time when I listen to their songs, I’d remember why I loved them so much and why my heart ached so bad when they went their separate ways.
I could not handle that. So yeap, I left the fandom. To stay sane (again, I am being over-dramatic so bear with me).
Even Fatma and Palah, though they are not DBSK fans, sang their song once in the karaoke sometime around last years. It was Mirotic, I think. Three years had passed since the break-up and I still could not handle listening to DBSK songs without experiencing mental seizure. I literally screamed and covered my ears and avoided looking at the screen like a crazy woman. Then, I realized… it was to that extent… Damn it, boys!!
6. THE RECOVERY AND THE BITTERSWEET MEMORIES OF THE PAST
As of now, DBSK (as two, Yunho and Changmin or we fans call them HoMin) and JYJ(Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu) are two separate entities. The public have accepted the fact that they are two different groups. The fact that there used to be five of them now is a matter of the past. People remember, people know but people have started to let it go.
So did I. Slowly. I began to listen to HoMin songs. When they debuted as a duo, still using the DBSK/TVXQ name, I have to say, they are still, if not more, talented. Same goes to JYJ. They still have a lot more to offer to the public. They are genuine artists who had been well-trained in their crafts. Therefore, it is not surprising their fame survives past the ugly separation and trauma. Both groups are famous in their own right and for that, I respect them. Truthfully, I also enjoy their performances. JYJ or HoMin, they know how to dominate the stage like mad!
The new TVXQ/DBSKJYJ
But, still, I avoid updating myself about their news. They became a thing of my past. I love them, still, but I will forever prefer them as five. I would come across their news once in a while. I know they are coming out with albums and all, dramas, whatever projects etc etc and I wish them all the best. But it is safe to say that I am no longer the devoted Cassiopeia I used to be. I am finally at peace with the separation. I stopped caring about them. Which is sad. But, DBSK will always remain special in my heart. They were the first boyband I loved. Their fandom was the first fandom I joined. Their careers were so intertwined with my formative years. How can I ever forget them, to be honest?
BUT that Junsu video happened. That medley happened. And I watched it this morning. And somehow I realized I miss his voice so much. Amongst the DB5K, he has the best voice for me. Intense, beautiful and passionate. I was wailing and screaming… “Oppa!!!” to my sister’s handphone like a crazy woman. But not out of anger or sadness or trauma but out of the beauty of his Tohoshinki medley. I am now reminded again of the reasons why I loved DBSK and to my surprise, I realized my heart does not ache anymore.
Junsu oppa in tears after the medley… Which reduced me to tears as well.. Damn TT
I am brought back to the sweet memories of my younger days when I was a Cassiopeia, remembering the moments when the sixteen years old me would sit in front of the computer, completely awed by the beauty of that Kpop boyband named DBSK. How proud I was… How happy I was… And how great and legendary DBSK was as the reigning boyband in Kpop history. I am happy that I used to be a part of that. There was a reason why they were so successful and there is a reason why even after the separation, the success remains.
The happier days… like yearssss back.
Yes, DBSK now is in my past. Which is weird. I never thought I could come to this stage. The Cassiopeia inside me thought I would mourn forever, denying myself of their talents. But this morning, I surprised myself. Seeing Junsu’s medley performance, I did truly enjoy it (though I cried my eyes out!) He was great. His voice was AMAZING and I have never been prouder. Seeing JYJ and HoMin does not really pain me anymore. It makes me miss the younger days, yes, but not in a negative way.
DBSK with its five original members may never be again… but they will never die. They are still there, in the fans’ heart, mind and soul. We remember them, we miss them and we preserve them in our memories. At the same time, life moves on. The original five have moved on and I have to say, they moved on quite well, successful in their own endeavours. I may no longer be in the fandom but inside me, there is always a Cassiopeia, loving the colour red, who would always deem the five as her Oppas.
DBSK’s equally legendary Cassiopeia, forming the Red Ocean
My rant is officially OVER!
*Fuuhhh!! Can somebody tell me why writing this is suddenly so therapeutic? Hahaha!! Notes to
the fans who are currently experiencing this whole separation thing – you will survive!!*
I love Mother Monster. Palah Chingu loves Mother Monster. Fatma Chingu loves Mother Monster. To have the Three Chingu besotted with the same artist can only mean one thing – that that artist is super great, super good and have super crazy amazing songs. And yes, Lady Gaga, she has it all!
I woke up this morning and decided to listen to her songs, as I always do at least once a week. And suddenly, my head starts to list down my most favourite of her songs, which is many. Aside from being great tracks, the songs usually mean something for me. I tend to interpret the songs’ meaning to my own situation and somehow, they became the ‘background score’ for my life.
When I like an artist, I don’t judge his or her personal life unless it is involved with criminal matters. I think artists should be judged based on their performance and musical products. People may say what they want about Lady Gaga but she is one completely devoted follower to her arts. People used to associate her ‘weirdness’ with conspiracy theories – which might be true or false – but overtime, they began to realize that that is just the way she produces art to the masses. Flashy, explosive, unique and different. Just different.
Why do I respect and admire her? Because I think her art has affected me in a way that makes me comfortable being myself. The message that I got from her is to be comfortable with the person that you are, no matter how judgmental the society can be towards you. Be proud of yourself and don’t be afraid of expressing your feelings. She often pushes to the extreme – in lifestyle and in performing, doing things that few can imagine – so that when her fans try to be themselves, they have courage to do so. Her songs are often sexual and she is also judged a lot about that. But, sexuality is a human thing. It is part of us. All of us feel lust and truthfully, we should not be ashamed of feeling it.
Okay, enough rambling. Now, to the songs!!
1 – JUST DANCE
Album: The Fame
The song that changed it all. The song that introduced the entity of Lady Gaga to the world.
I, for one, personally believe that this song is responsible for the freedom of so many souls. Souls that have been repressed by culture and social expectations and the voices that have been telling us how to be and how to behave. The song is catchy, not over-dramatic and Gaga’s voice is harmoniously balanced with the electronica beats. The music is great, her vocal is great – and the song still succeeds in being a great dance song we can go crazy to. After all these years, after a number of great albums and so many great songs, Just Dance remains my favourite. Because she freed a part of me with that song.
2 – HEAVY METAL LOVER
Album: Born This Way
The song is ethereal. Gaga’s vocal is unclear, almost whispering. I love the song because of its consistent beat and it is the type of song you can laid back and enjoy, whilst having a strong cup of coffee or cigarette. It’s dancey but not dramatic. It is, in a way, a love song but a complicated one. Gaga sings at the beginning – “I want your whiskey mouth all over my blonde south”. But she ends every chorus with – “I can be your girl, girl, girl but would you love me if I rule the world?” It’s like a subtle challenge – the man may love her when he knows her, but would he still feel the same way knowing that she is constantly on the world stage, on the spotlight surrounded by millions of her fans?
3 – MONSTER
Album: The Fame Monster
The first time I listened to this song, I kept repeating it for the next 2 years of my life. No joke! This song is influenced by the tale of the Red Riding Hood, about Gaga falling in love with a man she described as a monster. However, repeatedly, she kept telling herself – “could I love him?” at the same time reminding herself that “he ate my heart. He’s a monster in my bed.” It is a tale of a forbidden love. Gaga knew the man was bad for him and was going to end up hurting her but she could not let go.
4 – APPLAUSE
Album: Artpop
Applause, for me, is a simple song about ambition. It is about knowing what you want to do with your life, the ideals you want to live for and to achieve your dreams. Gaga set an example here by describing her own obsession with fame and her stage. “I lived for the applause,” she sang, an anthem all performers abide to, and continue with “Give me that thing that I love!”. It’s a strong powerful song that I always listen to when I need to pump up my spirits doing work. Hahahahaha. Never give up, remember your dreams and if you fall down, get the fuck up already.
5 -ALEJANDRO
Album: The Fame Monster
The Fame Monster deals a lot with Gaga’s relationship with her increasing mega-fame, which I believe she translated it into a form of a man in the album. She loves and hates the man at the same time, finding it difficult to stay with him but refusing to leave him. Alejandro, similar to Monster, is one of those songs. I love the song because it’s melancholic, depressing yet catchy and intriguing at the same time. And what a great song for karaoke!!
6 – BAD ROMANCE
Album: The Fame Monster
To think of it, all of the songs in The Fame Monster deserves a place here but then, there’s not enough space. Anyway, Bad Romance is the song that somehow secured Lady Gaga’ s permanent position in the pop universe. The song is direct, very out-there and loud. It epitomizes Gaga’s love for fame, love, creativity and everything crazy that comes with it. My favourite verse? “Walk, walk, fashion, baby, work it, move that bitch crazy…” It’s so powerful that you can’t help but to let go of yourself as you karaoke to the song.
“I want your love, and I want your revenge. I want your love, I don’t want to be friends.”
7 – LOVEGAME
Album: The Fame
Lovegame is one of Gaga’s most sexual songs. She has a different standard altogether when creating songs of that category – love and romance are insignificant and the focal point of these songs revolve around plain desires, lust and attraction. It’s simple – she wants him or her and she wants it bad. It actually introduced to people how far Gaga is willing to go to express herself and she’s not afraid to talk about sex. And sing about it.
8 – JUDAS
Album: Born This Way
Judas is actually Three Chinguz’s official anthem karaoke song. Me, Palah and Fatma would sing this song whenever we are karaoke-ing together, WITHOUT FAIL. Why do we love this song so much though it sounds a bit weird and too radical to our ears? Because it is weird and radical. It’s different. It pushes Gaga’s artistic expression to a whole new spectrum people did not expect. It is the song everybody hates to love and loves to hate.
9 – SPEECHLESS
Album: The Fame Monster
Despite whatever people say about Lady Gaga, she is an amazing singer and has produced great ballads. Speechless was written for her father and displayed their complicated yet loving relationship. She sings of how fame and boys in her life don’t really matter compared to her father, which is sweet. It was an ode to daughter-hood. A sad song that made me cried a number of times, it is Gaga at her most heartfelt moment.
10 – MARRY THE NIGHT
Album: Born This Way
I love this song because it is a great song Gaga sings about herself. It is a sane song, lacking the elements of craziness and radical-ity so familiar to us. The song talks about herself and the devotion to her arts. It is not so much a clubby songs but the beat is great. The ending part is great, where the music just plays itself.
“I’m a warrior queen, lives passionately tonight…”
11 – G.U.Y
Album: Artpop
My favourite song in Artpop because it has a great beat and Gaga did not sound over-dramatic here. She sings about the lust and love she has for the man she loves. It is a direct sexual song but infused a little bit with love. Is it a sex song? Or is it a love song? Or is it both? I’d go with both.
12 – FASHION
Album: Artpop
“Looking good and feeling fine, looking good and feeling fine!” Gaga sings as the song starts. Fashion is a song about confidence and feeling good and comfortable about yourself. A great morning anthem! And remember to always feel fine about yourself!
_____________________________
Okay, I am so fucking tired listing and listening and choosing all the songs. Lady Gaga has a great repertoire and her works have been amazing. The songs not listed here are not less amazing than the ones listed. But the songs I chose are the ones I can relate to. And that touches my heart. And make my day better.
Thank you, Mother Monster. We will always love you.
Before Barfi, no one ever thought Priyanka can act (what i’m trying to say that she can act but not brilliantly). Don’t blame me for saying so because I think she’s terrific in Anjaana Anjaani, Fashion, 7 khoon Maaf and Barfi. It is not her fault that people could not get past her gorgous body and exotic face. I mean, if you look at her, you know she looks different. Not bad different but good different. Well, if you beg to disagree with me, go on because she was after all Miss World Pageant 2000. Anyway, my intention here is not to write about Priyanka Chopra’s acting ability. I am sure all of you knew that she’s one of the fine actresses in Bollywood Industry right now. She earned so many awards and praised by critics for her films like Fashion (2008), 7 Khoon Maaf (2011) and Barfi (2012).
I am here just to spazzing how I love that she agreed to do item song for 2 films in 2012 and 1 film for 2013. Katrina Kaif will always be my goddess but damn, Priyanka may able to steal the title. Oh my god, this is so not straight statement from me. Haha.
Asalaam E Ishqum – Gunday (2014)
The moment I listened to this song in cinema, I was instantly hooked. Everything is so masala and overdramatic. Priyanka as a cabaret girl in this song just blew me away. I mean, who the fuck does not want to tap that ass (Palah, please control your lust). I am a freaking straight girl but if I get any chance with her, well that could turn out to be another story. She’s hot in her own music video ‘Erotic’ but it is incomparable in this music video. I wish Ranveer and Arjun didn’t featured in the video though the voice of male playback singer in the song is so addictive. I don’t know how many times I raped the repeat button on my Ipod for this song only.
Ram Chahe Leela – Ram Leela (2013)
Ram Chahe Leela might not appeal you at first, but It will grows on you. I mean, Ram Leela film’s sound track is pretty damn good. From Ang Laga De, Lahu Munh Lag Gaya to Nagada Sang Dhol, you will be hooked to all of it right away. Ram Chahe Leela might take a longer time for me to like it, but hey, In the end, i love it as much as other song. Priyanka agreed to cameo for this song and she delivered the hell of a dance in the film. The voice of playback singer in the song also suited her looks well.
Babli Badmaash Hai (2013)
I don’t really love Babli Badmaash. The hype around the song is so huge that when I listened to it, I am kind of disappointed. This is the first item song that Priyanka agreed to do in Bollywood. When Priyanka fans spreading the word about how good it was, I was actually feeling ‘Mehhhhh’ about the song. The dance routine is good and Priyanka in black leather tight one piece suit with neon light attached is freaking weird but sexy in the same time. Maybe I just didn’t love the song. I still enjoy Priyanka in this anyway (or maybe because John Abraham was in there too). Haha.
Hands in the air people cause 2NE1 is back!!!!! (like a month ago)...
Blackjacks all over the globe rejoice for the release of the 2nd full-length album from our beloved 2NE1 since their first album back in 2011.
credit: young-ajummah.com
Don’t ask me to rate this album because naturally I would give the perfect score . But man I do enjoy this album so much. This may sound exaggerated but CRUSH made me proud to be a BLACKJACK. *shake hip*
TRACK #1 : CRUSH
How does CL says “I’m the hot stuff?” Instead of saying how the boys drool over them and smacked down by their sexiness or cuteness, she described their undeniable aura (with explicit narcissism) in the first verse of the song:
“I’m the hot crush of all girls, giving the rush that makes your heart pound,
Pretty unnis like me because they got prettier if they like me..”
Word girl.. And the chorus goes like:
They love me cuz I’m hot
They love me cuz I’m cold
They love me cuz I’m real
They love me cuz I kill
This song is the best jam when I’m in front of the mirror. Of course I can only sing the chorus part cause they’re in English. And maybe some gibberish Korean lines. *Swagger mode*
P/S: CL wrote the lyrics of this song. That’s so cool.
TRACK #2 : COME BACK HOME
Whoa this one caught me off-guard. How do you mash reggae,electronic and dance pop in one track yet sounded so delicious?! I literally repeat this song for one week straight after the MV was released. And the music video,gosh it does look expensive with all the CG and fancy effects (YG was said to spent half million on this one). I love it and apparently there is a message behind this video i.e. Nowadays people are trapped in virtual paradise (translation: technology) and depart themselves from the real world where the real happiness lies. Its evident in today’s society and basically Papa YG wants to spread the message : GET A LIFE.
There is also the unplugged version of this song. I love this version more because of CL’s slow rap in the middle of the song plus Minzy sounds amazing in this.
TRACK#3: GOTTA BE YOU
The title pretty much explained everything. *laughs*
This song sings out the plea of a lover who doesn’t want to replace her lover with a new one. Normally the songs with this theme will play out the mellow tunes or slow ballad layered with agonized facial expression by the singers to express their desperation. It played out the exact opposite for this one. The upbeat melody and energetic dance moves accompany Dara saying “It ain’t over till it’s over” pretty much relay the message that she’s not letting you go. Who said we cannot dance out our feelings eh? Next time I’ll tell you how angry I am with a chicken dance-Krump version. *flap flap*
TRACK #4: IF I WERE YOU
This is my FAVOURITE track in this album. It’s a slow pop song that never gets old. What makes it better CL wrote the lyrics and co-composed the song. The direction of the song is similar to Beyonce “If I Were a Boy” and the lyrics basically narrated the thoughts of a girl who wishes that the guy could stand in her shoes so he would realized how much pain he had caused her and eventually would make him treat her better. And again Minzy has proven she’s not only a great dancer but her vocal is top-notch. Bravo maknae!! And CL’s whisper in the end shows that she is an old soul, not just a tough rapper.
TRACK #5: GOOD TO YOU
Good girls got hurt by a bad guy. Typical but it happens. Naive girl innocently loves a playboy who in the end of the day picks a bad girl over the good girl. The ironic fact about this song is the lyrics are written by GD and Teddy. I mean how does men express the innocence of a girl loving a bad guy wholeheartedly. Owh, Korean drama have plenty of that. It figures.
Disclaimer: This is only an opinion. I do not know GD or Teddy personally. Don’t throw stones at me.
TRACK #6: MTBD (MENTAL BREAKDOWN)-CL SOLO
I could totally groove to this song. While “Baddest Female” is a slow swag (as I want to call it), “Mental Breakdown” tempo is on a faster pace. So it’s a faster swag (sorry for the lame language). And frankly I only listened to this song once the live performance was released. Personally I enjoyed it much more when it is accompanied with CL doing her crank and bad ass moves while rapping fiercely onstage. On top of that, who does not love it when two hunky topless guys moving their body in sexy waves alongside the sizzling CL?
TRACK #7: HAPPY
Don’t be fooled by the smiles and bright colours in the MV. It’s actually a sad song. Who knew right? Initially I thought that the song was about rising up from sadness and be happy. When I read the lyrics however it’s different and kind of depressing at some angles. The lyrics literally described them as the girls who blamed themselves for the breakup and feeling sorry for their ex therefore wishing them to be happy for days to come. How is that for a consolation? That’s too dark for me man. Bright colours and breakup are not meant to each other.Sobbing and smashing up things are more like it. But the MV is cute.
TRACK #8: SCREAM (KOREAN VERSION)
The was their 1st Japanese original single. So this is the only song that is not new in this album. This song is a song you dance to in the club to release some steam (of anger) over your cheating boyfriend and you wanna show him that you could move on. Like Beyonce always said, to the left, to the left!
It’s enjoyable to listen to especially when you’re alone in your room and you want to dance as if you’re in a club.
TRACK #9: BABY I MISS YOU
Fooled again. Without the subtitle I thought the song is about a lover who misses her other half. Yeah that’s what the title suggested isn’t it. With subtitle, the song is actually about a girl who has yet to confess her feelings to the guy she likes and now having love sickness. What a twist CL. And CL totally got me at the monologue. She makes a confession sound cool. Damn girl now I love you more.
So as a whole I guess the concept of this album (most of it)involves the girl’s perspective on relationships (heartbreaks due to their involvement with bad boys) and on the other side the album displayed their charisma and unique artistry as well-rounded performer. With that I end my review.
An Occasional Blog of Devotionals Inspired by A Course in Miracles, A Course of Love, The Way of Mastery, Choose Only Love, The Way of the Marys, and The Age of the Heart. . .with Celia Hales - https://www.amazon.com/author/celiahales
Three Chinguz - Reviews & Rantings 