Bigbang’s Daseung has been plugging away at his solo career during the past few years, but his most notable turn came as a guest artist on G-Dragon’s chart-topping Home Sweet Home. The thirst for a Bigbang comeback is real, even if it means seeing the group as a trio. While we wait for that possibility, Daesung is back with a new mini album and title track Universe. Shockingly, it’s his first Korean mini album after nineteen years of being in the industry!
The first word most people will imagine when hearing Daesung’s name is “voice,” and he uses that mighty vocal to fuel Universe‘s uplifting rock sound. The track is almost religious in its fervor, starting big and only escalating from there. Power percussion collides with electric guitar to forge a larger-than-life sound, matching the intensity of Daesung’s performance. He really gets going during the pre-chorus and into the chorus, belting out the melodies with addictive confidence.
I don’t think Universe is as strong a song as its production and performance suggest, but I’ll take the bombast anyway. The melodies are somewhat forgettable, though the chorus has a nice ascending line. These kind of chugging, fists-in-the-air anthems often feel a bit canned and sometimes even patronizing. It’s to Daesung’s credit that his sheer force of personality and undeniable talent are strong enough to break free from that constraint.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
8
RATING
8.25