2NE1 shows their growth as artists in "Lonely"

The girls of 2NE1 --- Sandara / Dara, CL, Minzy and Bom

I nearly popped a vein in my head a while ago when I checked online saw how many releases hit the shelves today (I'll try my best to feature some of the new releases within the week... just keep tabs on my blog, or through my TPKF Facebook page for updates!). The release that caught my attention the most was 2NE1's single "Lonely". Along with the release of the single, the MV of the song was also posted in the official YouTube channel of the girls (and I'm not even surprised that within the span of a day someone had actually created an English subbed version of the MV in YT... amazing, right? That's dedication for you!)

2NE1 is big in the Philippines. Apart from Super Junior, they probably hold one of the biggest sales records in the record production business here in Manila. It not surprising since the group holds a very special place in almost every Filipino's heart (I may be exaggerating here) because of Sandara Park.

Sandara Park used to be a very popular TV and movie actress in the Philippines in the middle of the last decade during her stint with one of our major network's reality talent searches. She was an instant hit... how often do you meet a pure Korean gal who could out-talk anyone in Filipino (and in a proper Filipino accent too!). Her cute feminine charms, her knack for drama acting, and her down-to-earth positivity endeared her to many people. It's still very common to see Sandara greet her fans in Filipino whenever they have shows in Korea or Japan --- she's been known to do that a lot!

This newest release for 2NE1 has been highly anticipated not only in Korea, but also by local fans here in Manila. 2NE1 is slated to have a local concert here in the Philippines on June 4 (I will definitely be there!), and people are looking forward to hearing the new album during the concert, and look forward to the local release within a month or two.

So how was the new release? 

It was a refreshing respite from the usual image of the group. 2NE1 has been called the "New Big Bang" (comparing them with their uber-popular label mates from YG Entertainment). The group has focused a lot on pop dance music, and has been known for their flair in hip-hop. This new release is a departure from that, and their track in this new album is the nearest thing the girls can get to an acoustic ballad.

"Lonely" hits me as one of the group's strongest songs to date (IMHO), since it deals with a slightly mature theme. The song focuses on a change of heart that leads one to question their reason for being, and it characterizes "loneliness" as an experience of a newer generation, and reflects a crisis of youth. Although some might interpret it mostly from the perspective of one losing heart in a relationship, but it also reflects a greater need for the youth to discover their self-identity and a greater sense of meaning early in life.

The MV communicates this theme by focusing on each of the members of 2NE1 as they embark on a sort of personal journey. Moving from crowded places surrounded by people toward enclosed singular spaces, there is a feeling of isolation since the girls are moving forward with no sense of connection to their environment, which adds to the tension created by the song.

"Lonely" by 2NE1

I'm impressed by this release --- not only was it good to listen to, but there was greater sense of fulfillment on my part to see that 2NE1 has shown a lot of personal growth as they grow together with their fans.