On The Real: Bang Yongguk Returns With 2
Over the past few months, slowly but surely, Bang Yongguk has been making quiet moves in releasing his highly anticipated return to the music industry. With the release “RACE” toward the end of 2021, it was only a matter of time until Bang Yongguk would release his next project. After a few years since the release of BANGYONGGUK, the artist is back with his second album 2 and does not disappoint. Known for his no-holds-barred artistry, Bang Yongguk delivers a gritty, raw, sexy, sensual, and real album that highlights different parts of his journey not only as an artist, but as a human being.
Tracklist
“G.M.T”*
“Up”
“Screwed Up”*
“쉿 (Shut Up)”*
“Off”
“RACE”
*Author’s Favorite Pick
1. “G.M.T”
Kicking things off, Bang Yongguk dives into a rock-heavy mixed with hip-hop bass track titled “G.M.T.” Short for “give me that,” this song comes crashing in as a reminder that Bang Yongguk is a force to be reckoned with. Despite his quiet two-year hiatus due to military service, long-time fans of his and B.A.P have known that something was brewing. “G.M.T” is exactly the wake up call for everyone to know that he has returned and he’s coming with the heat. With a nasty (in a good way) beat and guitar riff to place the cherry on top, “G.M.T” is the introductory note that needs no further explanation. He is back.
2. “Up”
Taking the helm as the main track off the album, “Up” exudes charm, sexiness and confidence. Listeners will start to blush when diving deep into the lyrics of the song as it depicts how enamored and in love he is with someone. Whether it's physically or mentally, he’s up on a whole different level and it’s addictive. He’s more aware of what this person is doing and he gives in to the want and need. From the strum of his deep voice, to the low yet booming beats and bass guitar, “Up” is a thrilling rush.
The music video for “Up” is rather minimal, with no heavy plot but rather focuses on the artistry and sensual feel of the song, with Bang Yongguk being the primary focus as masked ballerinas circle around him, trying to reach out to him or be near him. Because he is so enraptured by his love and this person, there are moments showcasing him tied up or blindfolded, depicting his willingness to be taken in and let this rush overcome all of him. There is no turning back, and he fully will take it all on.
3. “Screwed Up”
Taking it down a notch, “Screwed Up” leans more into the hip-hop R&B sound as this song is about making mistakes and screwing things up, especially when in a relationship. The opening line of, “girl, I think I screwed up,” alone shows his recognition that he knows he’s messed up. The added backing vocals from the female singer echoing his own vocals gives this an even more heartbreaking vibe to the song. “Screwed Up” is the break up track off the album, which features Bang Yongguk apologizing for all the pain and heartbreak that he has caused his lover. In hope of either reconciling or being forgiven for his mistakes, Bang Yongguk pleads for his lover to understand and get his feelings across.
4. “쉿 (Shut Up)”
Known for his affinity for smooth jazz, it comes as no surprise that “쉿 (Shut Up)” is funky while also being a song that is practically a middle finger to those who continue to be all in his business or annoy him. Although listeners can only infer to who he is referring to in the song, “쉿 (Shut Up)” is cheeky and witty, telling people to mind their own business as he’s perfectly fine doing things on his own. If anything, he points out in the song for others to worry about themselves rather than him, because quite frankly, he just doesn’t care.
5. “Off”
As the last song to review off this album, as “RACE” has previously been covered on The Kraze, “Off” ties the album together. If Bang Yongguk was on stage, “Off” would be the mic drop he would leave behind as this song recognizes that he’s no longer playing anyone’s game. In full recognition of himself and his worth, he’s going to continue on his own path. Confidence oozes out of “Off,” and it’s no shock that his return has everyone wanting to have a piece of him and his craft. For those thinking that he’d return to his K-Pop roots from 2012, “Off” completely smashes that ideology and introduces a new and improved artist who has gone through the gauntlet and emerged as an experienced and seasoned artist. Bang Yongguk definitely pops “Off” with this song and leaves a burning sting that will leave its mark for a long time coming. It’s his game now and we’re all just living in it. Respectfully.
Overall, 2 is an overwhelmingly astounding album from Bang Yongguk. It’s cutthroat and real and very much in the signature “Bang Yongguk” style. There is no hesitation, and each song builds off the other to paint this journey that he brings to life. It’s an album worth repeating over and over again, getting to experience something new each time. 2 serves as a great re-introduction to who Bang Yongguk is as an artist and musician and a great return for long-time fans who have been patiently awaiting his return.