With all the media-hype and teasers (not as much as all the EXO teasers!), the comeback release of ALIVE comes with great expectations. Big Bang showcases a wide range of talent on their 5th mini-album from slower ballads with a light beat and ending with a fierce dance track.
The mini-album opens with Intro (ALIVE). The short intro reassures VIPs that Big Bang are still ‘alive’ in less than fifty seconds before slipping into a pleasant slow number, Blue.
Surprisingly slow to open an album, Blue has a good pace without overloading the listener. The backing track sounds similar to Kim Hyun Joong’s Kiss Kiss.
BAD BOY mellows out, maintaining the tempo of Blue and borrowing elements of a reggae beat mixed with partially rapped vocals.
FANTASTIC BABY is one hell of a fierce dance track - this is the outstanding track of ALIVE and the epicenter of its energy. The low-pitched hook, “wow, fantastic baby” sung by TOP, is a memorable line and will leave you humming the melody for hours.
ALIVE comes to a close with a light dance track Nalgae (Wings) and is sung by member Daesung. This track represents his moment to truly return to the music scene, to return to a career. Daesung's solo is featured on all six versions of ALIVE.
News just in: ALIVE is set to be released in Japan; short teasers of the Japanese version of tracks from ALIVE, including FANTASTIC BABY can be seen via Big Bang’s YouTube channel.
FANTASTIC BABY (MV) is a work of its own. Bright colours, endless costume changes, great visuals and tight editing make it easy to click the repeat button. G-Dragon sports a seemingly Skrillex-inspired haircut with several different colours throughout the MV. Take a look below and enjoy the MV's!!
