Song Review: Baekho & BIGONE – Love Or Die

“Baekho and BIGONE” sounds like the name of a really inappropriate sitcom, but it’s actually a pairing of two distinct artists. On paper, this collaboration feels very unexpected. How does the slinky idol pop of an ex-Nu’est member meet the rambunctious rock of an indie startup? They’re not even from the same agency, so I’m not sure how this all came about. But whatever the origin story, I’m all for surprises in K-pop.

This is our second “Love Or Die” of the year and can’t match the sleek power of CRAVITY’s version. Its stomping rock sound is more BIGONE than Baekho, but it wouldn’t rank near the top of either artist’s discographies. I enjoy the song’s cathartic stomp, but the inclusion of tinny trap percussion blunts the power of the instrumental. Melodically, Love Or Die employs the same idea over and over, plodding along a hook that never grows into something compelling. The sentiment is strong, but the track feels too predictable for such an interesting pairing.

Grade: C