Review: BIGBANG Returns With the Reflective Single ‘Still Life’
Before there was BTS, there was BIGBANG. The “Kings of K-pop” debuted in 2006 on YG Entertainment and set the tone for what K-pop has evolved into today. After a four-year hiatus, BIGBANG is back with the reflective single “Still Life.”
K-pop fans like to say, “BTS paved the way.” Perhaps this is true for a new generation of K-pop groups and success in America, but BIGBANG paved the way for BTS and the K-pop genre fans know and love.
After the rain, instead of sadness comes a happy end
The last time BIGBANG released new music was the single “Flower Road” in 2018. Since then, the group members have served their mandatory military service. They also lost a member due to criminal activity around the Burning Sun scandal. Things were dark. But as the lyrics say in “Still Life,” “After the rain, instead of sadness comes a happy end.”
G-Dragon and T.O.P wrote the lyrics and composed the music for “Still Life.” Coming in at just over three minutes, “Still Life” is a reflective ballad. BIGBANG is ready to say goodbye to the past.
Although they’re ready, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Many lines reflect painful nostalgia, “I miss the boy and girl who cried and laughed/I keep remembering those glorious and loving days.”
While Taeyang, Daesung, and G-Dragon’s parts have a bittersweet tone, rapper T.O.P’s section of “Still Life” is more eager to leave a dark past behind.
“Burying all the trauma from past nights/A round-trip ship running/ Risking its life to start anew/ I’m going to change more than before.”
The music has a timeless feel, like a ‘70s soft rock ballad. “Still Life” is at its best when the group harmonizes, reminding fans they still have it. Taeyang, in particular, flexes his vocals throughout the track in beautiful runs.
BIGBANG reflects on their past in an earnest music video
The music video for “Still Life” starts with Taeyang on a ship surrounded by a field of bright yellow flowers. Yellow is the color of VIP (Bigbang fandom) light sticks. It feels like after a long journey; he’s come home.
Psalm 30:11 is visible in the background, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.”
Next, we see Deasung walking through an old building. His shaggy hair works well with the ‘70s soft rock sound of “Still Life.” The feeling of nostalgia fills up the screen. Although it’s hard to tell if Daesung is walking through a school, it feels like a trip down memory lane and goodbye to his youth.
Then G-Dragon appears on a rainy street. G-Dragons rainbow, ‘70s shag haircut represents all four seasons. The fashion icon has done it again. He walks in front of a banner of an old picture of himself. Coming to terms with the past and embracing who he once was—memories of live concerts when BIGBANG was on top of the world flicker on the screen.
T.O.P.’s location is out of this world, literally. He stands on a snowy moon wearing a rabbit mask, viewing the earth. The spacesuit is reminiscent of his wardrobe for their iconic 2015 music video “Bang Bang Bang.” When T.O.P takes off his mask, a handsome face with pink hair stares into the screen. The camera has always loved T.O.P., but there’s a different aura to him now.
The four members do not appear on the screen together. This could symbolize individual journeys of healing before coming back together as one.
Who is BIGBANG?
BIGBANG debuted with five members in 2006 on YG entertainment. The group became known for their big personalities, versatile music, power vocals, and writing their own songs, something unheard of in those days of K-pop.
Group leader G-Dragon has written twenty-three number one hits. He’s also a mogul and fashion icon. A Vogue article once compared him to Michael Jackson. Jungkook from BTS credits G-Dragon as his inspiration to become a singer.
Taeyang is the voice of the group. Often imitated, never duplicated, young idols try to emulate his powerhouse vocal style. Taeyang is married to actor Min Hyorin and is a devout Christian.
T.O.P is the eldest of the group. Initially an underground rapper, he’s honed his craft throughout the years to become a dynamic performer. T.O.P. recently ended his contract with YG but will still participate in group activities.
Daesung is the maknae (youngest) member of BIGBANG. He’s known for his distinct vocal tone. He also plays the drums.
