Big Bang in 2009: Solos Galore
The Big Bang boys are splitting up. Yes, it’s true, but as you all may know by now it is merely temporary. G-Dragon, TOP, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri will be splitting up to do their own things in the first half of 2009. Overall, I think that one of the strengths of Big Bang is that they are capable of standing well on their own, though some are better flying solo than others.
Let’s start with the biggest man in the group, TOP:
TOP is the thespian of the group. Showing his acting chops in the drama “I Am Sam”, he’ll be continuing with that in the upcoming drama, “IRIS” (with Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Hee). I would have loved it if TOP came out with a solo EP. He’s a good rapper, with a good ear for music and I think he would have come out with some really great music. TOP is an underground rapper drafted into the idol machine. Sometimes I feel bad for him when I see him awkwardly navigating variety shows or holding lollipops while wearing bright pink leather. He must be thinking, “I went mainstream for this s**t?” So, I hope to see solo work from him soon but the most we’ll see this year are some guest spots on other artists’ tracks.
Daesung, all smile, no eyes:
This one is staying with his “Family Outing” fam and that is the extent of his solo activities. It would have been nice to see a solo album from him as well. And not trot. I see Daesung doing Maxwell or D’Angelo type music because he definitely has the voice for it. But if the best YG can do with him is stick him in the hinterland of Korea for two days, then, that’s fine and I’m not complaining.
Neukki for the Noonas, Seungri:
I don’t like Seungri. I think he’s an inadequate singer and someone that constantly showcases subpar dancing (even when he is capable of a lot more). I also find him impossibly full of himself, almost to the point of borderline intellectual dysfunction. So, I’m not unhappy to see less of him. Even though “Strong Baby” was the hottest track on Big Bang’s last release that had nothing to do with Seungri himself but the producers behind the song. But I haven’t completely snubbed the maknae, he has “Why Did You Come to my House?” and “71″ coming out this year and we’ll see if his acting is as bad as his singing. I hope not, because I don’t want him to embarrass Kim Bum and Yoo Seung Ho and, really, I want to warm up to him. It’s tiring to dislike one person in a group you like.
Fashion-Disaster, G-Dragon:
Man, this kid has some serious balls to wear half the things he does, and I can muster some semblance of respect for him because of that (or is it just awe?). Sometimes (a lot recently) he goes over into plain ugly, but when he hits the mark he really hits it, to the point where I really want him to take me shopping. But onto his solo endeavors. Since G-Dragon is one of the masterminds behind Big Bang’s music (along with Teddy, Brave Brother and Kush) I’m expecting his solo adventures to be one of the best. I read somewhere recently that G-Dragon, when talking about his music style, found it to be the most comfortable during the EP “Hot Issue” days. I completely agree and if he sticks by that, I think I can really enjoy his solo work and the work he’s doing for the “female Big Bang”. So let’s nix the techno G-Dragon, unless you can make it really good, and go back to your roots.
Tried and True, Taeyang:
Taeyang had a great solo EP come out last summer and he showed that he has the chops to be a solo performer. He has great dance moves, great vocals and charisma. But then something happened after he went back to Big Bang for their Japanese album “Number 1″ and for their Korean album “Remember”: he refused to stop singing in falsetto. Everytime I heard them perform the song “Number 1″ the bad joke, “Hey, Taeyang, Michael Jacksom called and he wants his high voice back” kept going through my head. He got worse and his performances weren’t as impressive as they were when he was solo. But because I really enjoyed Taeyang’s solo activities I’m excited for what he has to offer this time around.
As a group, what’s going to happen to them after they continue with their solo activities? Well, one thing that could happen is a break-up. G-Dragon could have success on his own and decide not to go back to Big Bang. Taeyang could feel the same way, move to another company even and release a full album of his work. TOP could become an actor full time and abandon his rapping aspirations or retreat back into the underground. Daesung could keep going down the trot path and Seungri could disappear off of the face of the earth. But I think that the time apart will prove that Big Bang is a group full of people with individual strengths and no dead weight. (Well, minus Seungri, but many argue that point). It’s one of the reasons that Big Bang appeals to not just women. They seem to take their actual work more seriously than the average boyband.
I’m not singing all their praises, however. The Big Bang boys have been weak for while. Their music has been subpar and they haven’t actually produced anything worth their salt in nearly a year. I hope they come out with something I can get behind, but if they don’t I’m already used to being disappointed so it won’t be a big change.
But here’s hoping.
pic cr: ybeffect.com, Peter@BBVipz, tam@soompi
*laughs* Okay, hmm, Big Bang is truly amazing. I mean, this is what I think:
T.O.P: He’s awesome, the rapping and everything. I mean, his compostion of “Good Man” was really good. One of my fav. of all times. I really think he should get out with his own album, of his own style. Especially his rapping.
G-Dragon: Okay, he’s one of my favs. (not to be biased) I am waiting to see how good his solo album will be. And I really admire him for being that bold to wear all that, so stop saying it’s that bad. Honestly, it’s all good, he has an amazing talent for writing lyrics, singing and rapping. G-Dragon has a great voice too.
Tae Yang: His voice is really nice, and calm. He has the R&B vibe whenever I hear him sing. I think “HOT” is a good album. Especially “Sinner”. I mean practice makes perfect, so stop hating against whatever he’s trying to aim for. I hope he sings more. Dancing is great.
Dae Sung: Okay, another favorite (again, not aiming for biased.), His voice is one of the most…(???) nicest, I’ve heard. I love his voice. (okay, trying to talk the bias off is hard, sorry.) In trot, or actually singing. I think he should have a solo album, because after hearing “Try Smiling”, there’s really some meaning to it. He’s talented and funny.
Seung Ri: Stop saying he doesn’t belong! It really won’t be Big Bang without him. He has his voice, which is really good too. Dancing is good. “Strong Baby” was good. Stop saying his so full of him self. I mean come on, he’s just 19, he’s still young. I agree with asiannoobrawrs, he’s the baby of the group, but he has a good voice, and talent. His dancing is good too.
Overall, I love Big Bang. They’re all good, and honestly it’s a balanced group. I love every member (YES, EVEN IF I HAVE FAVORITES), they all have their own thing going on. And, I agree with fat-ass-tells-u-2-die and —- (who may have something against me, cuz I’m talking about big bang too ^^; o.o;; T.T sorry..) If you’re really fans, why are you talking badly about them? I disagree with this, it’s kind of too biased. Just let them be, I mean come on, they’re an awesome group. Big Bang fighting! (hwaiting? o.o)
LOL i agree with almost most of the stuff you said! HAHA i enjoy how you spoke the truth about it all! I really enjoy the group as a whole and they seem like down to earth guys and skilled on top of it! the only thing that i agree strongly on is that OMG GD what are you doing with your hair and what is up with half the stuff he wears! haha keep writing!
<3
ps: i think seung Ri is HELLA funny
okay first of all… why are people smack talking about Seung Ri…
How do you know he’s full of himself..? everyone is full of themself at some time..okay? get that in ur f’n head.! and stop saying he doesn’t belong in BIG BANG &nd xxkcxx is right! it won’t be BIG BANG with out him. And whoever said his voice isn’t that good.. Lemme see you sing… bring it! GOsh why hate on Seung Ri.. If he’s trying to act sexy maybe it’s for his Fans and not for you people who are hating on him.
hll no SungRi isn’t all the mean things you say he is a niceperson.so people thatare saying hurtful things about him f’n up you peeps!
i have to disagree on the Seungri part he has a really good voice and personality and he’s adorable :D but i guess you get the wrong idea.
everything else you wrote i totally agree.
OMG! i really hate you for your comments..i suggest you switch to be a fan of other groups..it’s embarrassing that you said u like bigbang…u r one of those people who should look at yourself before talking about others..i love my seungri and i love BIGBANG!
Seungri is totally Hot! Big Bang!
hehehe!! look at ateynag the way he lafs isn’t he so damn cute? and Top wat the!!…and Daesung..he’s so cute and ppl say he has smiles but doesn’t have eyes!! ouch!! hahah!!! but big bang’s songs are different than K-pop….cause they work also Japan maybe they are inspired by the songs in japan and they made their own song in k-pop wid the japanese admirati0n..i think…
anyways..BIGBANG fighting!!!
HMMmm. True true. I realli don’t like seung ri too.