2NE1 are back with their second full length album “CRUSH“ dominating various music charts not only in South Korea, but all around the world in just a few hours after its release.
Through this album, the girls proved that they have been working really hard for the past 4 years and that they have become mature artists. They continue to be as fierce as ever, reminding fans why exactly they are so unique.
The album starts with song titled “CRUSH,” which was written and composed by CL herself. Because of its electro-pop elements and CL’s fierce rap, the song has been comparing to one of the most popular song of 2NE1 – “I am the Best.” The lyrics about high self-esteem are also similar to those for, “I am the Best.” The repetitive verse: “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” has as big influence as “Naega jeil jal naga.” “CRUSH” just makes everyone want to dance.
“Come Back Home” has been receiving the most attention from fans, who say that this is the best song on the album. Recorded in two versions, regular and unplugged, the song mixes two different genres, starting with a bouncy, Ragae-style beat to later change into a heavier, bassy beat. The song is perfect for the girls to show off their singing abilities; Park Bom‘s strong voice, Minzy‘s deep, still maturing vocals, CL’s fierce voice , and Dara‘s fresh vocal blend perfectly together. Even tough she was kind of neglected in most of the recent 2NE1’s songs, she proved that there is a place for her in the group. The song’s unplugged version features CL’s rap, which we cannot hear in the regular version. The rap in the unplugged version makes the song appear whole, just like it did with their previous songs with “Love is Ouch” or “In the Club.”
Next on the album is “Gotta Be You” which, alongside “Come Back Home,” has been chosen a title song. It’s a very 2NE1-like song, with catchy chorus, similar to “Go Away” and “Ugly.” The song will probably make everyone jump at the group’s performances (we will see if that’s true very soon).
“Hope to Live” is a slow song, with a jazz feeling, that reminds me of American music back from 1930s. Whenever I listen to this song, I can feel the evolution of the four girls. Minzy did a very good job in this one – I would love to hear her sing this song solo.
“Nice Girl” is somewhat similar to “It Hurts,” and fits perfectly with Dara’s fresh vocals (she finally had more than a few verses!). CL’s slow, deep rap at the end of the song leaves a big impression, however, the song itself just doesn’t stand out.
Next on the album is CL’s solo “Mental Breakdown.” The baddest female just slayed this one. It’s a song that makes you want to drive your car, go to the gym or just listen to it whenever you feel sleepy or bored.
“Happy” is one of the four songs that will come with music videos. But honestly, I have no idea why. This song just doesn’t stand out. And no matter how many times I listen to this song, it just doesn’t grow up on me. Even though the chorus is nice, the repetitive verse: “I hope you’re H.A.P.P.Y” is very distracting. There are much better songs on the album, and “Happy” just doesn’t really fit it.
“Scream” is the only song that fans have already been familiar with, as it’s a Korean version of the previously released Japanese song under the same title. I’m not really a fan of K-Pop artits re-recording their Japanese songs into Korean, and vice versa. But “Scream” came out even more fierce in Korean (I’m not sure if it’s possible though).
“Baby I Miss You” is yet another song composed and written by CL. Kept in a R&B style, the song is a proof that 2NE1, who are known for fierce and strong vocals, are also good at clean vocals that go very well with piano riffs. “Baby I Miss You” is a perfect song to listen to before going to sleep.
Blackjacks had to wait 4 years for “CRUSH” to be released. But the long wait was very much worth it. The album is pretty solid, and it’s a big step up for 2NE1. It delivers a variety of different songs, and is not packed with an upbeat playlist. CL proved her great skills writing and composing three of the songs, the songs seem more mature than their previus releases. For me, this is 2NE1’s best album so far.
If you have yet to buy the album, it can be bought in two different styles; PINK and BLACK.
Article by: Karolina
Edited by: Alona
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