Album Review: SeungRi – ‘VVIP’ (Mini-album)

Album release date: 2011
Genre: Kpop, R&B/pop
Rating: 3/5                   
Review by: jct

SeungRi, a member of the Korean male group, Big Bang, had a big hit in 2009 with his solo track, “Strong Baby”. On Jan. 20, 2011, he returns with his first mini-album titled VVIP. VVIP is by no means a masterpiece – his vocal style and range are limited and somewhat two-dimensional, and his subject matter is almost completely unoriginal – but despite that, the album has a certain amount of charm, and style that SeungRi’s target audience will certainly be able to appreciate.

Solo Star  

SeungRi’s music style seems to be influenced greatly by Justin Timberlake, as seen with “Strong Baby”, and it is further carried into this album. Imitation is a form of flattery, as long as it is not overdone, which he doesn’t. The JT influence is most obvious in the album’s first single, “VVIP”, which is a up-tempo R&B/pop song where he gets a chance to show his cocky and playful side as he sings, “I’m so hot of the five guys lately/ All are fascinated /They say I’m really great/ Even if we don’t say it/ Say I’m really great.”

The second single, “What Do You Want Me To Do Now” is a mid-tempo pop song about a broken heart as he sings, ”What am I supposed to do?/ I gave you everything that I had and laid it down before you/ The only thing I have left is you/ Don’t avoid me anymore/ I’m break it down down down.”  Some notable tracks in this album include “Open the Window” feat. G-Dragon, and “Outro (In My World)”.

There are a few shortcomings in this album, one of which is the lyrics. The lyrics are quite unoriginal, and it is neither complex nor mentally stimulating. Most of the songs are clichéd tales of love, and doesn’t put a new spin on old topics such as the girl-you-are-so-fine-let’s-hook-up track “Magic”, and the since-you-left-me-I’m-falling-apart track “What Do You Want Me To Do Now”. And although the album’s not completely devoid of substance, the substance it does contain is shallow and surface-deep. Despite SeungRi wrote the lyrics and co-composed nearly all the songs, the results are not too spectacular. Nevertheless, it is still a good attempt for his first mini-album.

In addition, his vocals are quite mediocre, and not that distinctive. However, his vocals are at its best in slow to mid-tempo love ballads compare to up-tempo songs. An example is “Outro (In My World)”, which is one of the better songs in the album. The album also has the right number of guest appearances; however, not all are great. G-Dragon’s parts certainly complement well and do not overwhelm SeungRi’s vocals. Unfortunately that can’t be said about the song with IU. One thing about guest singers is that they are there to support the main vocalist and not to hinder or overwhelm them, no matter how strong or not the guest’s vocals are. In the song, “I Know”, IU’s vocals does not complement well with SeungRi’s vocals, and in some parts, she stands out more. That said, the song isn’t entirely bad, as she doesn’t completely hinders SeungRi’s vocals, but it’s easily a forgettable song.

The album certainly has some obvious shortcomings. However, overall the album isn’t bad as SeungRi plays his role well and manages to come across as a solo star.

Tracklist

1. VVIP
2. 어쩌라고  (What Do You Want Me To Do)
3. 창문을 열어  feat. G-Dragon (Open the Window)
4. Magic
5. I Know feat. IU
6. White Love
7. Outro (In My World)