Song Review: G-Dragon – Home Sweet Home (ft. Taeyang & Daesung)

I was a bit overzealous when writing about G-Dragon’s Power because I was simply so excited to have him back in music after seven long years. That zealousness continues with a review for Home Sweet Home, even if the song has no accompanying music video, and grows even more intense with fellow Bigbang members Taeyang and Daesung on the track, giving us a first peak at how the group might function as a trio. That zealousness absolutely explodes when Home turns out to be one of those great G-Dragon rockers he pulls off so well.

Okay, enough zealousness for now. Even on first listen, it’s clear Home Sweet Home is no Crooked. I don’t even think it’s a Sober. However, I’ll gladly devour any Crooked-flavored crumb no matter how small, and there are hints of its taste lingering all over this song. From its slurred verses to the big EDM-meets-rock riff that anchors the chorus, nostalgia courses hard through Home Sweet Home. And at three and a half minutes, it’s given chance to fully realize its ideas.

While Taeyang and Daesung feature on the track, their role is relegated to the pre-choruses. This is still very much a G-Dragon solo effort. His impish tone has altered with age and the song’s (overused) vocal effects, but he remains a compelling storyteller with an instantly recognizable style. Without his voice steering this ship, Home Sweet Home would likely feel too generic for its own good. I’m going to temper my zealousness a bit this time, but I already prefer this to Power and hope the guys will release a video after their MAMA performance.

Grade: B+