~Review Candy: 2NE1 - The 1st Minialbum~

After listening to this mini-album, I wanted to do a review for it. Although I'm not one to write music reviews, I feel like I just had to do it for this mini-album.

Track List:

1. FIRE
2. I Don't Care
3. In The Club
4. Let's Go Party
5. Pretty Boy
6. Stay Together
7. Lollipop (bonus track)

Okay, let's start with FIRE. This track is definitely the best on the entire album. It has that strong, independent, catchy, "I-wanna-dance-to-it" sound. This was 2NE1's amazing debut track, and I was hoping that they're style would stay so strong like this.

Sadly, my hopes amounted to nothing as the second track of the mini-album, I Don't Care, immediately goes into a softer, slower pop/dance sound. It sounds just like your mainstream pop music--there's very little individuality with it. I was horrified when I listened to it for the first time.

In The Club is a little bit better, except for the fact that it's also a slow pop/dance track. Actually, it reminds me of a cross between Bi (Rain)'s songs Only You and My Way from his Rainism album. =D Honestly, this song sounds like it belongs on one of his albums. Either way, 2NE1 seems to pull it off pretty well. It's great for playing in the car when you're driving around with your girlie friends on a girls' night out.

As I hear Let's Go Party, my hopes for this album are falling...falling...falling. It's ANOTHER slow track! Apparently, 2NE1 loves those types of songs. I'm listening to it, and slowly falling asleep, and wanting to change the track. This song is pretty easily overlooked (and rightfully so) and it seems to get old--especially if you've listened to I Don't Care and In The Club before it.

After getting entirely tired of slow tracks, I get a great surprise in the form of Pretty Boy. This is another strong, upbeat track, just like FIRE. With the strong, sharp staccato trumpet notes that you hear throughout the background, along with the group's rap-ish vocals, it's definitely a great song, and gets five stars from me.

Aaaaaand...we fall back into slow tracks. Stay Together is pretty nondescript. It sounds like a normal, relaxing R&B tune. Actually, it's pretty mainstream R&B--especially in the United States. If 2NE1 ever debuts in the States, Stay Together should be their debut single, I think.

Now it's time for the bonus track, Lollipop. I absolutely adore this song. And since I'm a huge fan of Big Bang, hearing them in the song just makes it even better for me. It's easy to dance around to, and has such a catchy beat. If you're anything like me, you'll listen to it over, and over, and over again.

Overall Grade:
C+
3/5 stars

Best Tracks:
FIRE
Pretty Boy
Lollipop