[Review] POWER – G-DRAGON

I am finally starting on the new releases for the week. But I am starting at the end of the week because KPOP royalty is back! G-DRAGON has officially returned to the music industry as a solo artist for the first time in seven years with the pre-release single POWER. We last heard solo music from G-DRAGON through Untitled, 2014 from 2017. More recently, we heard from G-DRAGON through the release of the BIGBANG single, Still Life, two years ago.

It takes all but 10 seconds for G-DRAGON to launch himself right back into funky hip-hop territory in POWER with a catchy and repetitive refrain. And it took the same 10 seconds for me to feel the beat and nod along to the song’s chorus. I loved how POWER packs a punch and contains so much vigour, which makes logical sense since the song is about power. G-DRAGON’s delivery was very nostalgic and punchy at times, almost jabby. But it wasn’t annoying or obnoxious. Instead, I found it to be calculated and well-timed. But whilst the setup was good, and I liked how it maintained its upbeatness and energy through and through (though this does bring up one issue – more on that in a second), POWER is let down by a few things. Firstly, POWER‘s short length makes it feel like it ends too quickly. I keep wanting more by the time it ends, particularly since POWER does end abruptly. Secondly, POWER is admittedly relatively consistent. I wish G-DRAGON played around more throughout the song. Potentially, POWER could have used some edginess to bring out some additional nostalgia and give us a taste of what we and the KPOP industry have been missing over the last seven years. But even despite those flaws, a returning song like POWER does feel as if G-DRAGON was eager to return after such a long period away.

It is my understanding that the music video references G-DRAGON’s career, including his most recent comeback with his fellow BIGBANG members in Still Life. It has been a while since I have watched G-DRAGON’s music videos, so I cannot tell what elements in this video is a reference to which music video. But I am sure the super sleuths of KPOP have (or will) come up with a list. I quite liked the addition of the hooded figures nodding along to the music. Very cool yet also mysterious and ominous. There is a bit of a dance at the very of the video that works well with the song. It has just enough edge to suit G-DRAGON’s style, but also a little craziness that matches the song.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10