August 22, 2013
Releasing 3 extended plays, 10 music videos, 12 singles, 5 albums (mixing both mini and full) and planning their Japanese debut later this year, we can all say that in the 20 months that B.A.P has been around, they have reached a variant in which even groups that debuted years ago haven't even crossed over. Only a few days ago had they released their 3rd music video, Bad Man, out of their 3-3 comeback which managed to top iTunes charts globally however, still remain less than older songs like Rum Pum Pum Pum, other songs of the f(x) Pink Tape album, 2NE1's Do You Love Me and more surprisingly, fierce competitor EXO with Growl on many national charts. And after B.A.P revealed that they don't mind the numerous comebacks (though Youngjae claimed that one time, he was so tired from all the schedules that he contemplated breaking his own arm), most people would wonder if B.A.P is doing too much to the market which is causing them to over-saturate the market and hurt their careers or if their tactic is fine and helping them rise to the top.
As a fan of B.A.P, I want to shine light on both sides and then say which side I think is better.
Warning: Comparison between B.A.P and EXO ahead.
Obviously, with EXO as one of SM Entertainment's newest products, it's hard for other rookies like NU'EST, VIXX and A-JAX to shine as much as they do with their small number of comebacks whereas B.A.P, with their plethora of comebacks, seems to be doing fine regardless of the company difference. Not to mention, though B.A.P hasn't had as many physical album sales as EXO, they have slayed them in digital sales and have garnered money with all of their albums and songs (damn, that's a lot) which can actually make up for that big difference. Likewise, it seems like they have a lot of popularity, having a world tour and selling out in places faster than expected notwithstanding their supposed small popularity.
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| Y we no worldwaid yet?! |
Nevertheless, after One Shot, it seemed like B.A.P's songs are getting a bit... mediocre, Coffee Shop being audible but not their best and both Hurricane and Bad Man both being my least favorite tracks from the group. Not to mention, it seems like though the boys basically just debuted a little while ago, they haven't grown much of a following past One Shot and are experiencing a halt in popularity whether they can top Billboard's Hip-Hop albums charts or not. Alongside their recent entertainment company controversies of supposed buybacks and plagiarism of SHINHWA's song, the six boys are already experiencing what I would like to call a downfall even with the short duration of their career. Likewise, the fact that they release songs basically every time I blink (their longest hiatus being five months) seems too like too much with their lack of result, them, now, losing the quality of songs that made people love them in the first place, money especially being that Bad Man was their most expensive video (past One Shot which was much better quality, anyway, and their song, Power, where they got a spaceship that cost over 100 million won) and well, their spark on the industry.
(If this comment doesn't appear, it's ok beacuase I know what to do :D)
ReplyDeleteI seriously love BAP, but I think that they really are overworking themselves and then having their outcome receive the same results. I personally liked Coffee Shop and Hurricane. Bad Man...not so much. I just feel like they might have reached their plateau, but that doesn't mean people will stop liking them all together, but maybe they just won't gain more fans unless they have an amazing, breathtaking comeback.
I seriously love BAP, but I think that they really are overworking themselves and then having their outcome receive the same results. I personally liked Coffee Shop and Hurricane. Bad Man...not so much. I just feel like they might have reached their plateau, but that doesn't mean people will stop liking them all together, but maybe they just won't gain more fans unless they have an amazing, breathtaking comeback.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think B.A.P's constant promotions and frequent releases have worked out fantastically for the group, both in terms of popularity, earnings and music. They debuted less than two years ago, and yet they have developed further in terms of musical identity and musical quality than much older and more experienced groups have.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, I think it's pretty reasonable to assume B.A.P's company knows that people will get tired of their near constant presence in the K-pop sphere, which is why they are being shipped to Japan now. Personally, I hope their company will let them take a longer break after Japan.
They need to stop and build up anticipation for their next Realese , then they should have another comeback.
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