8.5/10
I'm back! And of course it could only be self producing-dol kings B1A4 that would give me enough motivation to write up another post.
After a little less than a year, B1A4 have come back with a mini album. It includes 6 tracks, all composed and written by their own members, and with very few other names making it onto the credits. Definitely something completely unheard of in, not just the k-pop world, but the pop world in general.
To start off, i disliked there last album a lot, and that was my opinion of it as a fan. B1A4 has been my main idol group for years now. Ever since Jinyoung started taking over their sound, i've been obsessed with them musically and as people in general. Actually, I may just do a discography review for this group cause there's just so much things i want to say about their sound. Back on track, their last album had about 5 really good songs and the rest was just, forgettable. I think now that the group has released 3 full albums i can judge that this group really much better with mini albums than full length ones.
Rollin' is a a tropical house inspired track, as is the rest of the mini album aside from the third and the last track. The title track, Rollin', is exactly how you think B1A4 would do a tropical house song, and thats what i LOVE about it. Jinyoung took a mainstream trend and basically dipped it into their colours. It's not over produced, i mean rarely does Jinyoung ever over produce which is why i think he's one of the BEST k-pop producers of our time, and it's just a catchy song that gets to the point. Complaints? I wish it was longer, i wish there was more to the chorus but Jinyoung saved himself because the chanting is just so catchy that i can overlook him not putting any other vocal melody in the chorus. But i still think it would be great if he had something come after the beat drop before baro starts rapping. Jinyoung's songs are usually VERY layered, which is what i love the most about his style, but ever since 'A Lie' i've found that he's been going for a more simple arrangement. I really need another layered title track like what's going on and lonely again though jintoven!
The second track is my favourite song on the album. This is a Jintoven signature layered jam! It doesn't go the way you think it will based off the first few seconds of the song, it's like a mixture of tropical house and pop/rock. There's a lot going on so its a bit of a hard listen when you first hear it but it's so good. I think since i'm so use to their sound that this was an instant like for me, but the chorus is a little noisy so i could see why someone wouldn't like it, especially since you'd think it would be a sultry track (sometimes i wish he'd make a second version where the chorus is more chill).
The third track, Love Emotion, legit sounds like a song you'd hear on a Carly Rey jepson album. I'm pretty sure she called Jinyoung up and begged him for this song, but Jinyoung wouldn't let this bop go to someone else. This is also one of my favourite songs from this album. That chorus is just so groovy, it really just makes me want to put all my emotions in a bag and give it to them.
Smile mask is just a full out pop/rock song. Totally reminded me of something played at the end of a school drama, you know like after the lead character is about to get into a fight with a bully and then they do that freeze frame cherry blossom filter thing? To put it in simpler words, i love it! The arrangement is not boring like most songs with this kind of sound, and of course only Jinyoung could do that. The song makes me feel like i'm back in grade 9... simpler times, i wish i could go back.
Ok i know i said this like two times already, but THIS is my favourite song. This is the mid-tempo sexy jam on the album, a must on every B1A4 release btw. On first listen i just liked it but then listening to it again i am... amazed. The vocal melody at the chorus is so unique and how shinwoo decided to change the pitch of it in the second and last chorus is actually really cool, like you really don't hear that often. The arrangement is actually really different, and it just makes the song more charming.
I don't have much to say about the last song, 'like a child', mostly cause its just a standard Korean ballad. Its nice but i've probably only listened to it 3 times and wouldn't willingly listen to it unless i dont have access to skip it. Sorry sandeul, i'm still impressed he composed it though!
Overall, this is the best and most satisfying release B1A4 had put out since 'SOLO Day' mini album for me. The members producing has gotten much sharper and each song on the album has its own special personality, basically these songs don't all sound like one long tropical house bore, which is what usually happens when people go along with a mainstream trend. For non fans, this album would definitely be a grower if it wasn't liked at first listen (like me).
B1A4 may have lost a lot of fans after their hiatus and may not be the biggest uprising idol group like they were in 2015, but their music is still just as great, and i wish the boys all the best!
Tracklist ranking
1. Rollin’ (9/10)
2. 너는 내가 필요해 (8.5/10)
3. Love Emotion (8.5/10)
4. Smile Mask (7.5)
5. 내게 전화해 (8.5/10)
6. 아이처럼(6/10)
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