Being a YG Entertainment fan (as well as a big Mino fan), the day I dug into Winner was certain to come. So, when my friend said she wanted to dig in, I was hyped and ready to dive into their world. Little did I know their world would be the funnest place to go to.
Winner is a four piece group consisting of 4 members who each bring bring a different texture to the group. There's leader and main vocalist, Yoon who brings these beautiful baritone, rockstar vocals, Jinu the other vocalist who brings rich falsettos, Hoony who has a unique high tone rap, and Mino (one of my favorite rappers ever) who brings the fire with his wild raps. With a group as diverse and flavorful as them it's only natural for their music to have the same diversity. Their music ranges from romantic and soft to fun club bangers to windows down tunes ready for summer; whatever you're looking for, Winner certainly has it. They're a charming group and I know after digging into them, they certainly are up there for an ult group spot. I certainly think they're one of the best groups. And to convince you of that too, I'm breaking down some highlights from their discography down below.
Debut Song: Empty
Empty is a different debut than what I think I'm used to with K-pop. Usually bands like to put forth their most powerful track, but Winner didn't do that. Instead, they opted for this soft, acoustic guitar tune. It payed off for them though, because within a week they were already topping charts and they got their first music show win only 5 days after debut which makes them the fastest group to do so. Empty really showcases each of the talents that the group has to bring with their vocal talent and incredible harmonies. Hoony and Mino also deliver a nice rap section in the middle. It's a strong debut to put forth even if it is a softer track.
Most Popular Track: Really Really
Really Really is one of those K-pop songs that everyone knows even if they don't stan Winner. This song is a summer fun type of tune with these poppy synths, heavy beats, and a catchy hook to sing while your cruise with the windows down. I can see why this song is so iconic. It's fun, carefree, and catchy. There isn't much more I can say. Winner just really delivered on all fronts here.
My Personal Favorite Title Track: Hold
Talk about an earworm. Hold is the catchiest song you'll ever hear and you'll find yourself humming it to yourself even if you don't know Korean. Featuring plucky synths, a simple dance-along beat, and a catchy hook, it's a perfect song to vibe with. And not to mention the talent that is being delivered here. Jinu's and Yoon's sections show off their voices really well and the rap parts are as impeccable as they are catchy. This song really just shows how well their talents meld together. And it's all wrapped up in this fun package.
Favorite Bias Moment: I'm Him (Mino solo)
It wouldn't be any secret to know I am in love with Mino as much as I am with every other YG rapper and I'm Him really solidified him as one of the best rappers in K-Pop for me. This song was surprising in many ways. 1. I'm Him features Mino rapping in his lower tone which I haven't been used to as he really only raps in his higher tone nowadays. 2. This song was featured on their debut album, 2014 S/S, and so he was bringing rap power and fire even when he was young on the scene. 3. This song just goes so hard. Mino has proved himself to be rap royalty since the beginning and this song is just straight fire.
My Friend's Favorite Title Track: Soso and Everyday
Soso was the track that really made me want to stan Winner in the first place after my friend told me to listen to it. It's a song that has many twists and turns. The choruses are more peppy and they build into this intense and emotional chorus. The chorus is definitely the stand out point here. The instrumental features a simple piano but it fits well over their emotional vocals. It's a track that plays with your emotions but it's so good.
If emotional isn't for you, how about another fun summer tune? Everyday is another one of those. This song is definitely more simple but it's certainly effective. Once again, we got that catchy chorus with a simple hook. The instrumental is more minimalist featuring a fun synth melody, and a simple beat to get the groove going. It's a fun song to sing along to and dance with your friends.
My Friend's Favorite Bias Moment: Wind (Yoon solo)
Yoon would be my bias if Mino wasn't a rapper. His voice is so beautiful and has this amazing texture. It's angelic. As one of Winner's main lyricists and composers (along with Mino), there's a lot to expect with a solo track from them. Wind certainly delivers on this expectations. This song features a subtle drop that features his beautiful falsetto. You can also experience his softer vocals which are just otherworldly. This song is just absolute perfection and one of my top moments from their entire discography.
Best Song for the Summer: Island
I know I've mentioned other songs being perfect for the summer but this one really takes the cake (I mean it is called Island). Island is a tropical house song. So this song has got these heavy bass drums, and summer-y synths that make it perfect for a summer party. Their vocals fit really well over this beat and the raps are just impeccable as always. It's definitely a contender for favorite title track because it's just. So. fun.
Favorite Album(s): WE, EVERYD4Y, and Remember
Picking a favorite Winner album was quite a feat because their discography is quite versatile. Once I picked one, I wanted to pick another, and another, and another. Dare I say, they have one of the most amazing discographies out of any K-Pop group. Anyway, I narrowed it down to three that really showcase the group the best.
WE is an EP that really showcases the more fun side of their discography. There's the title track, Ah Yeah, that is catchy and summer-y and just all around really fun. Zoo, which is one of my favorite b-sides, that has this groovy beat, cowbells, and fun vocals. Then there's Mola that is on par with Hold in terms of catchiness. Boom really closes it out with this fun, future bass drop and a chant-y hook. It's definitely a standout in their discography because of how fun it is. WE is the album you play at a party.
EVERYD4Y is their second full-length album and since it is a full length project, there is obviously going to have a lot of different flavors served up. If your looking for the fun, party tunes you got them; title track, Everyday, Air, Hello, La La, just to name a few. Do you want the softer sides of Winner? For, We Were, Movie Star, Raining, and Have A Good Day are the songs for you. "I want more of Mino," I hear you say. Well you're in luck because there's a Mino solo on here with Turn Off the Light. EVERYD4Y is an album that explores their versatility as a group and showcases what they can do. It's an album that has a song perfect for any playlist.
Remember really closes a chapter for the group. As 2/4 of them (Hoony and Jinu) are now serving their mandatory military enlistment, Remember feels like a good look back on their career. There's a lot of emotional tracks on this album such as the title and opener, Remember, and Well. But Hold and Just dance really even out the album and bring those token fun songs for you to dance along to. There's also a Jinu track where he sings beautifully over a piano and a Hoony solo that closes out the album on a high note. While Remember is definitely their most emotional album, it doesn't fail to deliver on the fun side of things either and it really is a satisfying look at themselves as a group what they bring to the table.
Song I Would Recommend to a New Listener: Ah Yeah
If you've never heard a Winner song (or you've only heard Really Really) or if you're a new K-pop fan, this song is perfect for dipping your toes in. Ah Yeah was actually one of the first K-pop songs I heard and so it's a great song to dip your toes into the K-Pop world. It also the title track that I think showcases Winner off the best. It's got the catchy, chant-y chorus hook, the summer beat, and each member really showcases their abilities on this track so you get to hear what they all have to bring.
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