B is the second extended play by South Korea-based Thai rapper and singer BamBam. It was released on January 18, 2022.[2]
| B | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Digital cover | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | January 18, 2022 | |||
| Recorded | 2021 | |||
| Studio | Abyss Company | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 16:12 | |||
| Language |
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| Label | Abyss Company | |||
| Producer | BamBam[1] | |||
| BamBam chronology | ||||
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| Singles from B | ||||
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Background and release
editAfter starting working on a new album in May 2021,[3] BamBam announced it on December 13.[4] The release was preceded by the single "Who Are You" on December 28, which saw him collaborate with Kang Seul-gi of Red Velvet and for which he was credited as a composer, lyricist, producer and mixing engineer.[5][6][7]
B was published on January 18, 2022 along with the music video of "Slow Mo".[2][8] The title of the record is a reference to the singer's name, and, as there are two versions of the album (pink and yellow), the letter gets doubled to form his initials, "BB".[8]
Music and lyrics
editB tells the story of the mysterious, changing and colorful world of BamBam, and consists of six tracks:[9] BamBam is credited as a lyricist for all songs, with the exception of "Subliminal".[10] At the press conference of the album, the singer said: "The concept, as I have already mentioned, is my personal world. I have put my colors and my stories in this album. So, when you listen to it, you will understand what BamBam is thinking".[11] Through B, which contrasts with Ribbon's jubilant atmospheres, he wants people to get to know him beyond the cheerful side and to know what he means to say through his music.[3]
The extended play opens with "Intro (Satellites)", which, after a hypnotic and psychedelic beginning, switches to a trap beat before the second verse,[12] and in which is BamBam's alter ego to speak.[11] The two following tracks, "Who Are You" and "Slow Mo", are connected to each other.
"Who Are You" is a sentimental indie-pop song, built on drum beats and acoustic guitar sounds, which shows a more sober side than "Ribbon". In it, the singer embraces the deepest reflections and insights that life has to offer,[7] highlighting BamBam's awareness that he has new chances working as a soloist, and the opportunities to find his true identity.[13] Lyrically, it's a conversation between two lovers who have drifted apart with time due to the gradual evolution and change of their personalities, and highlights the differences between falling in love and falling in love with the idea of love.[7] The theme of the song is visually rendered in the music video through the use of reflections, mirrors and mazes.[7]
While "Who Are You" narrates of the feeling of being manipulated, but not negatively, by one's strongest alter ego,[14] "Slow Mo" talks about accepting it, merging with it, and influencing each other to define your own personality;[9][15] the hip hop beat harmonizes with the indie base and pop topline in a mid-tempo production.[16][17] Both songs were written a year and a half to two before release.[8]
In "Subliminal", a trap R&B track entirely in English,[11] BamBam alludes to a complicated situation with a partner and sings that he is tired of the subliminal messages he receives.[12] "Let Me Love You" is a romantic pop song written from the point of view of a person who cares deeply about their lover and wants to share their difficulties.[12] Dedicated to fans, it's an extension of "Look So Fine" from the previous EP.[11] The pop-rock "Ride or Die" closes the album.[12]
Critical reception
editRolling Stone india called "Who Are You" "a turning point in BamBam's career, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of his artistry", in which he "reestablishes his artistic identity through a euphonious performance laced with golden harmonizations and raspy renders", contrasted by Seulgi's "breathy, dulcet vocals."[7]
EnVi Media found that, compared to Ribbon, B shows the versatility of BamBam as a soloist thanks to a completely different sound.[12] Rachel Collucci of The Kraze commented: "BamBam does a great job of showcasing a different side of himself, a vulnerability that presents itself in the lyrics of his songs and their performances. [...] All in all, BamBam has added another solid collection of songs to his discography. He continues to shine creatively and tell the story of who he is, a story that we will never get tired of listening to."[11]
Commercial performance
editUpon release, B debuted at #7 in South Korea on the Gaon Weekly Album Chart,[18] rising to #5 the following week.[19] "Slow Mo" entered the Gaon Download Chart at #4,[20] while, back in December, "Who Are You" ranked #28.[21]
B ranked seventh on the Gaon Monthly Album Chart for January 2022 with 100,468 copies sold.[22]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro: Satellites" |
|
| 1:40 | |
| 2. | "Who Are You" (featuring Seulgi of Red Velvet) |
|
|
| 2:59 |
| 3. | "Slow Mo" |
|
|
| 2:32 |
| 4. | "Subliminal" |
|
|
| 3:21 |
| 5. | "Let Me Love You" |
|
|
| 3:13 |
| 6. | "Ride or Die" |
|
|
| 2:27 |
| Total length: | 16:12 | ||||
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| South Korean Albums (Gaon)[19] | 5 |
References
edit- ^ "뱀뱀 - B [ep] (2022)". Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ a b "BamBam makes a whimsical comeback with 'Slow Mo' from his sophomore album 'B', watch video". Bollywood Hungama. January 18, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "BamBam: Your Friendly Global Superstar". Rolling Stone India. February 21, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "GOT7's BamBam And Red Velvet's Seulgi's "Who Are You" Lyrics Are Beautiful". December 28, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ Chin, Carmen (December 28, 2021). "GOT7's BamBam releases 'Who Are You' with Red Velvet's Seulgi". NME. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "BamBam drops new track 'Who Are You' featuring Red Velvet Seulgi — watch". BamBam drops new track "Who Are You" featuring Red Velvet Seulgi — watch. December 28, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "GOT7's BamBam and Red Velvet's Seulgi Ruminate About Love In 'Who Are You'". Rolling Stone India. December 28, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c ""갓세븐 완전체 컴백도 준비중" 뱀뱀, 더 넓고 깊어진 음악세계(종합)" (in Korean). January 18, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "뱀뱀, 오늘(18일) 'B' 컴백..7개월만 솔로 활동 재개". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "뱀뱀, 미니 2집 'B' 트랙리스트 공개..美가수 핑크스웨츠 타이틀곡 지원사격". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "BamBam Show His True Colors with B". The Kraze. January 20, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "BamBam Takes It Slow With New Mini Album 'B'". EnVi Media. January 18, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ Yoon, Sang--geun. "뱀뱀 'Who Are You' 아이튠즈 21개 지역 톱송 차트 1위[공식]". entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ Lee, Da-kyum. "뱀뱀 "레드벨벳 슬기와 작업, 어색함에 눈 마주치기 어려워"". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "뱀뱀, 'Slow Mo'로 보여줄 뚜렷한 색깔→갓세븐 완전체 컴백 예고까지 [종합]" (in Korean). January 18, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ Yoon, Sang-geun. "뱀뱀 'B' 아이튠즈 30개 지역 앨범 차트 1위..글로벌 인기 입증[공식]". entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "BamBam Makes A Dreamy Comeback With 'Slow Mo'". Rolling Stone India. January 18, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "Circle Chart - Album Chart 2022 Weeks 04". Circle Chart. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "Circle Chart - Album Chart 2022 Weeks 05". Circle Chart. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "Circle Chart - Download Chart 2022 Weeks 04". Circle Chart. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "Circle Chart - Download Chart 2022 Weeks 01". Circle Chart. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
- ^ "Circle Chart - Album Chart 2022.01 Month". Circle Chart. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
External links
edit- B at AllMusic
- "B (EP)". at ManiaDB
- B at MusicBrainz (list of releases)
