2NE1 - Do You Love Me (New video) + Falling In Love

                                                 (From left to right: Dara, Minzy, Bom, CL)

Last month, Korean Pop group 2NE1 (comprised of Leader CL, Lead vocalist Bom, vocalist Dara and rapper/vocalist Minzy) made their return to music with their reggae-style hit Falling In Love and have recently released their second song, Do You Love Me encompasses more of a dance rhythm and pop styling, while still remaining 2NE1's quirky edge, which they are known for. In addition, the emphasised pronunciation of D-O-Y-O-U-L-O-V-E-M-E-? offers the track a catchy hook, which anyone can sing along to, widening its appeal. The track features infectious vocals from Bom and CL, cute raps from Minzy and the usual impeccable vocals from Dara, and really encapsulates the group as a whole.

It's fun and upbeat, and will surely please 2NE1's fans who are eager and dedicated to see their favourite artists rise to the top again. Currently, 2NE1 are facing competition from rival K-Pop stars BIGSTAR, San-E & AOA Black for peak positions. The accompanying music videos for both songs Do You Love Me and Falling In Love are quite something so it seems only suitable to review both of them. While Do You Love Me certainly takes a different approach (think old-style home video with added filter and lots of crazy antics) whilst Falling In Love adopts the classic choreographed dance moves and outlandish sets that K-Pop is known for. Let's start with Falling In Love first. Watch the video below: 

Right, well to kick it off the video starts of with a mountain of gold coloured decorative items. A golden type of coin with the words 'Make it Happen' acts as a catalyst for the start of the video, cue close-ups of Mimzy, Dara, CL & Bom and here comes the choreographed dance moves from the group on a beach setting. The group are all dressed up in funky and colourful prints which match with the tropical influences of the song. The singing starts off with Mimzy in a cute pink wig sitting on a golden throne which could be straight out of Indiana Jones. The room is also filled with other decorative golden pieces and Mimzy has her very own golden drink to boot. She's also in the middle of an indoor pool. Standard. 

Bom then appears lounging on an equally lavish set rapping and singing alongside some catchy beats as a nice break in the reggae-influenced chorus. Bom breaks into some English lyrics and thus begins the repeat of the English chorus. Also there's some men who feature in the track staring (I assume seductively?) into the camera and they look like they've come out for some sort of hair modelling audition (seriously, have you seen it?). Also, throughout the track Dara and CL sing at various points, culminating in CL's raggae-inspired solo towards the end. The extravagant sets, colourful attire and decor and enthusiastic dancing are typical in regards to the genre of music and it's fun and interesting to watch all the intrinsic parts of the video and adds a suitably defiant return to music by the all girl group. Now onto their newest video for Do You Love Me: 

As I previously stated, this music video is shot as more of a home movie, and opens with the girls holding sparklers on a beach. You also see the girls in a (possibly hotel) room whilst Bom sings to the camera dressed in a casual red oversized Jersey, and then switches to her singing in a car and blowing bubbles. Switching once again, viewers find themselves watching the girls play around in a pool and clap rhythmically to the song. The video also features some impromptu swaying and dancing and has a more spontaneous, realistic feel, which many fans are sure to appreciate. There's also some fun inflatable dolphin/shark pool toys, a phone with a video of lips singing which is placed humorously over their male companions mouths throughout the video (and also on a poster of Bart Simpson at one point). This is a nice little touch to the video which just

adds to its appeal and gives it that quirky edge. Mimzy performs lots of crazy swaying and what I like to call the 'jellyfish' dance at points throughout the video and the whole emphasis is on 'having fun'. There's pillow fights, impromptu cycling dance moves, crazy facial expressions by group members, copious amounts of water, dancing and partying and more sparklers. It's an infusion of colour and waterworks. Overall, both music videos are bizarre, extravagant and wildly colourful, but they are certainly uplifting and cheerful and the tracks are as catchy as anything. According to the group, they are releasing at least 4 new songs between July and October, so be prepared to look forward to that.

Music videos and songs reviewed by Mel.