Winner's Different - it should be a title track
Among the songs in Winner’s debut, it is regretful that Different was not chosen to be one of the title tracks. For me, it is really impressive both emotionally and inspirationally along with Color Ring.
At the first place, I can feel the guitar sound coming from the song – which is so enjoyable - somehow it reminds me of Kang Seung Yoon’s style. I used to hear his addition of guitar into Officially Missing You and Smile Again when I watched WIN show. In addition, being a fan of Seung Yoon, I may be so familiar with his typical guitar impression then recognize this feature in their songs. Once I re-check the information of the song, indeed, Seung Yoon took part in composition. Though it is not an up-beat song, it gives off an irresistible attraction. In addition, it won’t make you feel hauntingly emotional like an ordinary ballad. In other words, it’s just different - it is not your stereotype expectation - but you will be gradually keen on it. After listening to it the first time, you will automatically repeat the song to be in that special emotion again.
Regarding Vocals, Nam Tae Hyun, our maknae, again made me mesmerized by his charming voice. Everytime, I hear his part, I feel so comfortable, like being through a breeze in the summer. Let’s imagine you are under the tree, on a weekend afternoon at the end of the summer, turning on the song “Different” and enjoying yourself will surely be pleasant. Indeed, it is a fresh feeling that Winner truly brings to me in mostly their songs. Meanwhile, the husky voice of Seung Yoon during the song really captured my heart, skipping a beat. I guess that voice never fails to be a heartthrob. Although the part of Jinwoo is not much, he still manages to put his mark in the song - I recognize his voice clearly. Good job! Every member of Winner shows their noticeable personal brand in their songs so I suppose even non-fan could differentiate these voices before knowing their visuals.
For Rapper-lines, I have felt satisfied with Hoon’s progressive flow - better and better. Previously, as we know, Seung Hoon faced a lot of criticisms about his rapping style. So, from now, I think his rapping style is surely a remark that cannot be underestimated anymore. For Mino, his style is always on a seductive vibe with that deep voice; surely steal many fangirls’ hearts.
Moreover, there are several parts in which vocal and rapping in a well-blended combination will probably amaze you. From WIN show to Winner TV, Winner has performed some songs with their impressive harmonization. So there is no doubt that their strength in harmonizing was expressed again in this song suitably.
Apart from the voices, I am curious about the lyrics written by Kang Seung Yoon, Song Minho and Lee Seung Hoon. Once I read the translation of their lyrics in English, I have wondered how they can write these lyrics at such a young age. Because they are all early 20s with fresh images but the song to some extent expressed an experienced love story. Despite such a content conveyed in the song, the melody will not lead you to any sorrowful emotion. That is a captivating point of Different. Frankly speaking, I was reminiscent of the leading male figure in some novels, in which they are are typically ideal with many excellent characteristics but so bad when it comes to love. They could desperately be in love with the leading female but do not know how to express it bravely and elegantly, so they would choose to act cold as if they do not care their beloved girl. However, interestingly, many girls fall for them, especially their “bad guy” image. I recalled a musician said that in the past, they had to compose by their own experience but these days, young talents could write by their creative imagination before coming to the real experience at their later stage of life.
Well, the song was not the title track and has not got a MV, then many people may not pay attention to this song. Thus, I wish YG would have changed his mind and added Different into the title tracks - letting Winner perform this song publicly on stages. It could be another point to balance with Color Ring and Empty in the term of emotions.
