Single Review: ‘Come Back Home’ by 2NE1

2ne1. From www.popdust.com

“Come Back Home” is one of two singles released simultaneously from 2NE1’s second Korean studio-release entitled ‘Crush’.

Four years after the release of their first Korean album ‘To Anyone’ which was a smash hit and introduced them to a larger audience outside of the K-POP realm, this all-girl Pop group’s latest effort was received with much fanfare, thanks largely to their single “Come Back Home”.

Success has followed 2NE1 as “Come Back Home” has reached the top of the K-POP charts in their native country and it did quite well also even in charts outside of South Korea.

Now, let us review the single “Come Back Home”.

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What is the overall production value of this single?

It is really a mix of musical influences for “Come Back Home” but the most predominant genres I could hear are elements derived from Pop, Reggae, and even Hip-Hop. With so much diverse and contrasting musical styles in this track, it sure doesn’t sound like your generic K-POP song!

Of all the four members of 2NE1, I am most impressed with CL because she has a consistent track record when it comes to contributing to the songwriting process and in helping produce a majority of the group’s most popular songs.

While she was not responsible for the lyrics of this particular track, she did pitch in, however, for its creative process and she helped also in conceptualizing what the theme of the music video for “Come Back Home” would be.

2ne1. From www.popdust.com

Given the level of talent CL has displayed thus far and the fact that she can handle many aspects behind the scenes for her group 2NE1 since their official debut sometime in 2009, there is no doubt that she is their leader.

We can also credit her for being one of the key people behind more recent changes in the musical direction of 2NE1 which not only help keep the group sounding fresh but prevent them as well from being dated and lost in the mix of other K-POP groups. And 2NE1 accomplishes all of these with flying colors!

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What is the meaning of this single?

If you would just listen to the audio and read the subtitles of its music video, “Come Back Home” would sound like a typical song about a girl reminiscing about cherished moments she had with an ex-boyfriend and singing about love that was lost but which she hopes to find again. And that’s really the subject matter of this track.

However, that notion almost completely changes when you would focus entirely on it’s music video. Then you would tend to get a whole different impression as to what this song is really all about and what it could possibly stand for.

Are the girls individually fighting for freedom in a future where the world has been overrun by crime? Or are they standing up for what they believe by taking the fight to their enemies?

You can’t but help get ‘The Hunger Games’ vibe as you watch how the music video of “Come Back Home” plays out!

Plus, the music video is loaded with elaborate sets, special effects, and more than a full range of fancy and outlandish wardrobe choices worn by all four members of 2NE1.

Obviously, no expense was spared by YG entertainment in the making of this exceptional music video for one of their top talents. The creative heads certainly accomplished in providing viewers an authentic futuristic feel to some of the sequences in the “Come Back Home” music video. Indeed, you could have believed that some of the sequences were taken from a big-budget science-fiction film!

The music video for “Come Back Home” is a visual feast and showcases why K-POP groups like 2NE1 currently have a strong and sizable following from around the world. There is no denying that their loyal fans have waited for their next album while wondering what more they could expect from the group. And as far as I know–based on what I have heard from some people I have talked with and even with a few friendly Koreans I chatted with in my village– 2NE1’s comeback has not disappointed.

Thumbs Up!