My Thoughts . . . .

After 2 teasing singles + MV, BAP finally drops their second mini album of the year, BADMAN. Oh boy, am I rockin' to the beats. BADMAN especially, giving us fans a good shock at how warriors transform into dark angels. But why do I use the term dark angels (other than Youngjae looking like one himself)? Because I feel like that's the role these guys play in the story/message. Looking at the the lyrics overall, they talk about getting things even, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". But we're not talking about cops hunting down the criminals. The scale BAP looks at is a more open-ended plot where no matter who you are, the fear that you cause us will be returned equally. Everyone has a life they treasure and when you mess with it, we'll mess you up. Check out their live performances of Badman where at the end, they sway side-to-side, almost zombie-like but I see it as dark, menacing angels ready to clear up this much polluted world.

Its not enough to say that I'm a big fan of this song just because I'm a fan of BAP. I have to extend to my love for this genre of sound where BAP has set their grounds on. Strong, heavy melody backed with deep, heart-shaking beats but not over-the-top-till-your-ears-pop. While some prefer a more sophisticated, professional sound; I still gain the pleasure from the rough edge felt from BADMAN. In the beginning, I only had eyes on Yong Guk in carrying that rough edge but steadily, other members began to adopt certain techniques & feelings, enabling to meet on par with Yong Guk's deep, gruff raps. When I first heard the song, I was just surprised at every corner. The various changes in style, beat and feel keeps you on the edge, thinking "what else can I expect?". In addition to the heavy, masculine sound similar to One Shot, Warrior and Power, BAP added several new spices with pop-rock-ish singing, 2-second pause intervals (I can never get over Yong Guk's 'peace') and a sort of anthem ring in the background which I find is the main key in wrapping this song up as a good, solid (and united) warning to those who are foolishly committing unnecessary crimes when in fact, we've got bigger issues at hand to solve.

In the MV, BAP and the director combined several elements to compliment the lyrics and some might be confused at it. When I first saw it, I wasn't exaclty all too sure at what BAP were trying to say but after several views & reading the lyrics, I sort of have a good idea of what's being said (atleast 90%). Looking at the presence of different races within the crowd of actors/actress, its saying that there's no borders between races when judging on their actions. Be it for justice or evil, anyone of any race can be either. I believe the fighting scenes between the 'rebels' and 'soldiers' portrays the increasing crime reports we see in the media (both by criminals or defenders) and people fighting each other, one blaming the other. In between the brawl scenes, we see flashes of possible past by the focussed individual. This can be read in 2 ways: everyone's too focus on fighting that precious memories are being forgotten OR its the lost of loved ones that drive them to get even with the criminals (with what now the random killings & betrayals). A more global message is delivered through the scene of a burnt teddy bear stuck onto a junk car with the word "STOP" written beside it. Clearly, it tells us to stop this destructive habit that is killing the next generation. Adults being adults, driven by ego, struggle to gain victory and is ignorant of the heart-breaking after-effects and victims to these wars. Also, at the end of the MV, when the few BIG explosions breakout behind the crowd, everyone falls to the ground in defeat, leaving only BAP standing; "stop all these recklessness and fight the true war". I can't say much on the setting and location chosen as I do not have much knowledge of the history behind it but I do applause BAP for going the next level by having all 3 MVs (Coffee Shop, Hurricane & Badman) shot overseas. TS Entertainment is definitely not holding back on these guys.

The lyrics are quite clear in a general way where the main message is to watch out 'cause no action is done without an equal price. Its now reached a point where we tolerate no more and what must be done will be done. Putting those money-loving-egotistical cowards behind, we move forward to eliminate the enemies running about. Some of you may be able to relate & share the desire to get even, having read/seen the news on strangers killing randomly about as if everything's a game. Known for his active participation in writing the lyrics, Yong Guk still does the job well with strong yet child-safe choice of words.

To conclude, BAP has successfully delivered what they are capable of. Some complain of it being weak and a failure but being a fan from the Warrior days, I know what BAP's best at and this is one of them. Call me biased or ignorant but hey, I love it~ Keep in mind that BAP has not only delivered a good solid song but also a good solid album. In proving their gain in experience & knowledge in other genres, all 6 tracks are double-thumbs-up in showing the variety but still move within a sound theme.

That's all I have for Badman. Hope it was relevant & now, lets rise to the anthem beat of BADMAN (and become one ourselves) !!!