Seungri all grown up in ‘Let’s Talk About Love’

Seungri
“Let’s Talk About Love”
(KT Music)

Seungri has always been considered the baby of Big Bang, but now he’s come out with the new album “Let’s Talk About Love,” and has gotten rid of his “younger brother” exterior with a more mature look and sound.

His title track “Gotta Talk to U” starts with a soft but fast-paced acoustic melody that grows into an electronic house beat in the chorus. The chorus definitely has a catchy hook but by no means is the track completely unique; it’s a track that could probably be heard in any club.

“GG BE” features a cheerful piano riff mixed with overdrive guitar, giving it a slight rock vibe. “Let’s Talk About Love” is probably the best song on the album, mostly due to G-dragon and Taeyang’s help. The track has a distinctive old-school percussion style and sound, but is artfully put together with modern electronic riffs. The only problem with the track is that G-dragon’s rapping and Taeyang’s singing is so good that it actually overpowers Seungri’s sound.

“Come to My” and “Love Box” are both songs about breakups and are the quieter, slower songs on the album. “Love Box” is about a man nostalgic about a past lover, with a sweet R&B sound, while “Come to My” features a heavier beat and minor piano chords.

By Cha Yo-rim (yorimcha@heraldcorp.com)


Goodie Mob reunites with Cee Lo-led album

Goodie Mob
“Age Against the Machine”
(Alliance Entertainment)

Goodie Mob reunited for their new album, “Age Against the Machine,” but the foursome’s offering seems more like the Cee Lo Green show.

It is Goodie Mob’s first album in 14 years as a complete group (Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo released the album, “One Monkey Don‘t Stop No Show” -- a diss to Green -- in 2004).

But Green, a six-time Grammy winner, clearly stands out with ease alongside his longtime group mates for much of the 17-track album.

His soulful vocals and lyrics are strong and digestible on songs such as “Nexperience” and “Ghost of Gloria Goodchild.” He sings about his first interracial relationship on “Amy,” and talks about how his burgeoning star appeal as a solo artist has given him some advantages in life on “Power.”

Goodie Mob’s messages are thought-provoking and insightful throughout their fifth album. They touch on topics from bullying (the Janelle Monae-assisted “Special Education”) to artistry in music (“State of the Art (Radio Killa”)) to race (“Kolors”). Production wise, there are some missteps: Some of Goodie Mob‘s sonically-enriched tracks lack their signature Southern sound, including “I’m Set” and “Come As You Are.” (AP)


Franz Ferdinand make loud comeback

Franz Ferdinand
“Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action”
(Domino)

It‘s been four years since Franz Ferdinand’s last album “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand,” and in that time the band nearly managed to split up, but thankfully they did not.

Instead they’ve recharged their batteries and made a fourth album, “Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action.” It’s a 10-track experience of clever songwriting, catchy riffs and pure indie punk passion. “Love Illumination” is a standout track with its 1980s flare and unforgettable synth keyboard. “Bullet” shines with crashing guitars and an immense presence that jumps right out at you.

There‘s no massive shift in Franz Ferdinand’s direction that most bands suffer in their “hiatus” period, however, the influence of guest producers is evident. Todd Terje, Roxanne Clifford (Veronica Falls) and Bjorn Yttling (Peter Bjorn and John) all lend a hand, as well as Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard, whose contribution to “Right Action” is remarkable, with its opening beat and mesmerizing flow. The pace slows down on the electronic ballad “The Universe Expanded,” where Alex Kapranos’ soft vocals shine. ”Brief Encounters“ is another signature Franz offering with vintage keys and heavy percussion.

The closing track, “Goodbye Lovers and Friends,” could be mistaken for a final bow out with lyrics like: “When they lie and say this is not the end, you can laugh and say we‘re still together, but this really is the end.” Thankfully it’s not -- we hope. (AP)