Release Date : March 13th, 2018
TRACKLIST
- 꽃길 (Flower Road)
Total Runtime: 00:03:48
Recommended For: VIP’s, K-Pop fans who are looking for an easygoing yet heartfelt mid-tempo track
NOT Recommended For: Those uninterested in acoustic sounds, those who dislike more laid-back songs
Following T.O.P, G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung’s enlistment (and soon Seungri’s), BIGBANG have released Flower Road. This heartfelt single is a bit of a throwback to their old sound, yet updated stylistically to create a pleasantly refreshing parting song.
While quite melancholic, the lyrics to Flower Road radiates a reassuring and comfortable feeling. The way BIGBANG communicates with their fans through this song digs deep into the strong connection they have with those who support them. I can especially see this in the lyrics to T.O.P’s rap verse around the 1:52 mark.
“One year, 365 days, you’re my one and only in this world
My savior who gave me motive for my music
I leaned on your big flower garden and came up with lyrics
I still remember so clearly, padam padam
Your flower that is in full bloom has 100,000 colors
An infinite and great ring, like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
You’re still a picture that I can’t even place in my heart
I’m doubting my eyes, you are my magical queen”
The acoustic guitar prevalent on Flower Road brings me back to BIGBANG’s earlier releases. But in place of the usual piano melody commonly used in BIGBANG’s older discography, we have repetitive beating synths which transform the song into something more suitable for the newer era.
T.O.P’s deep voice contrasting with G-DRAGON’s more nasally tone in their rap verses works well together to bring an interesting dynamic to the song. The vocal line’s parts littered throughout are able to easily keep up the spirit of the track without sacrificing the sentimental emotions present in the lyrics.
I’ve always thought that each BIGBANG member’s unique vocal inflections paired together with the rest of the group was one of their strongest points. While each member has their own distinctive sound, they can still effortlessly blend well collectively. However, I definitely wish we could’ve heard more from Seungri and Daesung on this track as I feel their parts are a bit overshadowed.
The hook to Flower Road is gentle and easygoing, yet the lyrical content makes it all the more impactful. Surrounded by G-DRAGON and T.O.P’s rapping as well as Taeyang, Seungri, and Daesung’s vocals, it makes for an all around, well-rounded track, and it just keeps getting better with every repeat!
To close off this review, I’ll leave you with my favourite lyric from Flower Road. I cannot wait until BIGBANG can reunite once again on the stage to show us what else they have to offer.
“This isn’t the last time for us
Please, let’s meet again when the flowers bloom”
