2NE1 - THE LISTENING Event

The Private Listening Event for 2NE1’s second album in four years, ‘CRUSH‘ took place on the evening of the 20th. It was a special, significant, and secret event in which specially invited 21 listeners were the first to be exposed to 2NE1’s new tracks. With any doubt, the event was filled with anticipation and excitement – with that anticipation and apprehension in mind, and eager patience for 2NE1’s new music, the reactions from listening to 2NE1’s new album is here to be shared on Naver Music.

THE 21 LISTENER’S EVALUATION OF CRUSH

BY TRACK:

1. CRUSH

The Ethnic beat makes me think of 2NE1’s debut song (FIRE). It seems that they are manipulating the whole image to connect with their usual one. (Cha Woo Jin, Music Critic)

It successfully continues 2NE1’s usual image. ( Choi Tae Hyung, ‘Esquire’ Feature Editor)

2. COME BACK HOME

Instead of one song, it seems like a mixture of reggae, dub step, hip hop, etc. as well as the genre of ‘Come Back Home’ [Seo Tae Ji’s Hit song]. When the song is carried out with the original ‘Come Back Home’s hip hop style, it gives a large impact. ( Kang Myung Suk, ‘Ize’ Web Magazine Editor, Music Critic)

The beat, rhythm, and catchy melody give harmonious effects. Depending on how you perceive it, the song can be about love or about oneself. It was a superb collaboration of Teddy, PK, and DEE.P. It is a track that exhibits 2NE1’s representative identity. Naturally, hearing the title, I thought of Seo Tae Ji and Boys [t/n: A legendary hip hop group, including YG himself]. However, when thinking of the performance, I thought of 2NE1’s compelling liveliness. (Hong Suk Woo, ‘Spectrum’ Editor)

3. GOTTA BE YOU

Simply 2NE1. It’s full of their color. I think it’d be a good track for the public as well. (Lee Sae Hoon, Media Bling Representative)

It’s like a dance song with popping melodies and beats. I feel like it’ll play the same role as ‘Go Away’ from the first album. I believe it’ll remain as a long time favorite with the fans and public. (Han Hyun Jin, Fan Club)

4. IF I WERE YOU

I like its emotional touch. Its dramatic aspect prevents monotony, and the melody comes out luxuriously overall. The emotional restraint within the song is very unique. The skillful vocals. A unique rhythm. The fact that it’s different than the typical 2NE1 song. Its frank lyrics leave a big impression. (Noh Joon Young, Music Critic)

The fulfilling sound stacked with a disco pop chorus is charming. (Jung Jun Hwa, ‘W’ Feature Editor)

5. GOOD TO YOU

One of the most R&B and soulful tracks in the entire album. ( Kim Bong Hyun, Music Critic)

Even the though the beat is clear, the emotional chord isn’t lost. These days, songs only have one of the two. If you take in mind that it’s not a slow track, it’s actually an inspiring feat. (Noh Joon Young, Music Critic)

If you keep in mind that G-Dragon contributed to the lyrics, it gives a new feeling. If it’s played in some, on some calm night, I think it’d be beautiful. ( Hong Suk Woo, ‘Spectrum’ Editor)

6. MENTAL BREAKDOWN (‘Maen Boong’) (CL SOLO)

I think a hip hop dance routine would fit it well. The “ Maen boong, mean boong” somehow gives an old school feel. I’d like to see a DJing performance. ( Lee Sae Hoon, ‘Media Bling’ Representative)

Seems like Teddy and CL’s playful music. It’s liberal. The ‘Mae boong’ part will probably be playfully used here and there. I wish CL will show a solo performance. (Kim Bo Young, ‘Bling’ Editor)

7. HAPPY

The melodious tune of the joyous playing of the guitar emits a feeling as happy as its title. The rap and vocals unique to 2NE1 mix to give off an exquisite warmth. (Yoo Dong Won, ‘Moo Shinsa’ Editor/ Power Blogger)

Despite the fact that this song isn’t my number one favorite in this album, if I were asked what song I’d listen to everyday, I think I’d choose this one without any hesitation. If ‘Come Back Home’, ‘Hope to Live’, and  ‘Nice Girl’ called for sadness, then ‘HAPPY’ has a chord and melody that smoothly reaches the listener in a light mood. I also liked its edgy characteristic of having the title as ‘HAPPY’ but with less than happy lyrics. (Shin Yoon Young, ‘Gentleman Korea’ Feature Editor)

8. [SCREAM was not included]

9. BABY I MISS YOU

I liked its steady, rhythmical beat. Felt like walking alone on a dazzling city night. A somewhat nice solitude. (Yoo Dong Won, ‘Moo Shinsa’ Editor/ Power Blogger)

It gives off a elegant feel as it is an urban-style track. I like the urban feel of its down beats. R&B, City pop, etc. seems to have mixed well. Overall I think of a girl in a Neon sign, but the vocals  certainly leave an impression. (Jung Joon Hwa, ‘W’ Feature Editor)

10. COME BACK HOME (Unplugged)

I get the chills from how the vocals were adjusted in terms of dynamics to fit the acoustic feel. A combination of delicacy and wanting. I want to keep on listening to it. (Yoon Do Yun, ‘Maps’ Editor)

Thanks to the acoustic version, you can focus more on the member’s vocals. A different and new feeling from the original. (Jung Joon Hwa, ‘W’ Feature Editor)

NEW ALBUM [CRUSH] ▶ OVERALL SUMMARY

* The most stars were given to ‘BABY I MISS YOU’, but this is only for its level of completeness. In terms of its attempt of something new, its potential of its stage performance, as well as its impacting avant-garde hip hop and reggae sound – I’d call ‘COME BACK HOME’ the best of all.(Kang Myung Suk, ‘Ize’ Web Magazine Editor/ Music Critic)

* The overall collaboration of different genres with a constant balance of Hip Hop was great. It seems to be a color of music only YG can achieve. In this album, the members have perfectly conveyed that color and expressed it well. The manipulation of the vocal dynamics was something inspiring and different from the rest. (Yoon Do Yun, ‘Maps’ Editor)

* This 2nd album will definitely become a turning point from 2NE1’s past. The fact that the leader CL’s inner self and strong musicality is shown, as well as the combination of all the various images 2NE1 has shown in the past, has resulted in an excellent configuration in achieving their goal. (Hong Suk Woo, ‘Spectrum’ Editor)

* This 2nd album achieved in both satisfying the fans and attempting new music. The music has shown amazing sense in terms of reaching the public and business. ( Shin Yoon Young, ‘Gentleman Korea’ Editor)

* As it is has been a long time since 2NE1 has promoted, the hard work inputed in 2NE1’s album is very clear and the heightened maturity in their vocals and music left a great impression. (Park Min Hee, Fanclub)