Album Review: Winner Debuts With The Stylistically Brilliant '2014 S/S' [AUDIO]

(Photo : YG Entertainment )

'2014 S/S' is an impressive debut album from Winner, the future of YG Entertainment.

YG Entertainment released the debut album for their first male group since Big Bang on August 12.

Winner debuted with the cleverly marketed ten track album “2014 S/S” which is a well-fashioned ode to the convergence of fashion and music. YG artists G-Dragon, Taeyang, and CL have paved the way for the relevance of this nod to Korean fashionistas, which features genres that range from acoustic ballads to soulfully entrancing R&B tracks.

“2014 S/S” has exploded on Korean music charts by demonstrating the musical diversity of Winner.

The members of Winner emerged as the victors from the reality competition program “Who Is Next?” which pitted them against other YG Entertainment trainees.

Winner was derived from Team A who emerged unscathed from the competition, while Team B returned to training at the agency. While this process may have seemed harsh to many viewers, it provided an opportunity to the members of Winner to fine tune their craft and to prepare for a strong debut.

It is unusual for a K-Pop group to debut with a full album or to have a well developed fan following prior to emerging into the entertainment industry. Winner has defied the odds, with their album which encompasses a wide array of musical genres and highlights the strengths of the overall group.

Inevitably, Winner has drawn comparisons to Big Bang, but their musical style is more diverse than what has been previously released from Big Bang.

The title “2014 S/S” is apt because the album could be one of the best full K-Pop albums to be released in the spring and summer of 2014.

Winner is currently promoting the lead track “Empty” and the second track from the album, “Color Ring.” “Empty” is a deeply soulful dance track which juxtaposes with the down tempo acoustic song “Color Ring.” “Color Ring” bears similarity to the well structured and vocally heavy songs which were found on Akdong Musician's “Play.”

The incorporation of rap breaks into “Color Ring” substantiates the presence of the YG Entertainment's signature hip hop sound. However, the pared down instrumentals and incorporation of four part harmony create an aurally beautiful juxtaposition to what had been previously heard from YG artists with the exception of Akdong Musician.

“Don't Flirt” is a fanciful, reggae-inspired hip hop track that is a catchy ear worm with its refrains of “oh, oh, oh” and one of the most danceable tracks to be found on “2014 S/S.” “Don't Flirt” sets the stage for the album transition to “I'm Him.”

One of the strongest tracks on “2014 S/S” is provided by Minho and was previously heard on “Who Is Next?” Minho goes hard on “I'm Him,” proving that the hip hop roots of YG Entertainment are set to continue on with Winner. The eighties old-school break beat that concludes the song is a nice touch to an overall solid track.

“Love is A Lie” is a mid-tempo electronic dance track which is reminiscent of the characteristic sound of Big Bang. The overall sound of “2014 S/S” diverges from sounding like a Big Bang release, but this particular track features a similar structure including the rhyme scheme of the rap break.

Taehyun delivers a solo on the tender ballad “Confession.” The track is stripped down with piano accompaniment which highlights the strength of his vocals, in a song that is uncharacteristic of current K-Pop. “Confession” is a song which reflects a maturity that is often neglected on debut releases.

Recently, B.A.P and B1A4 explored pared down sounds which incorporated acoustics and ventured away from EDM which began to permeate most K-Pop releases.

“But” is another track which provides testimony to the fact that Winner is capable of going lighter on manufactured production while delivering well crafted vocals.

Winner continues to highlight their ability to seamlessly transition through various musical styles with “Different.” “Different” is an earnest track that has the ability to become an anthem amongst the youth of Korea.

The track “Tonight” is reminiscent of the seductive soulfulness of JYP Entertainment's 2PM. Winner channels the sultry vocals which have made 2PM standout from other male groups to aurally entrance listeners.

“2014 S/S” concludes with the upbeat dance track “Smile Again.” “Smile Again” compels listeners to get up and dance.

“2014 S/S” provides some of the most interesting songs that have been released by a male group in the past year.

Listen to the album and let us know what you think.
What is your favorite song on “2014 S/S?” Do you think it is one of the best albums to be released this summer?

Listen to the new album “2014 S/S” by Winner HERE.

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winner
Team A
YG Entertainment
2014 S/S
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