[Music Review] G-Dragon ‘Übermensch’—The King is back
The stage is set: G-Dragon has finally made his highly anticipated return with Übermensch, his first full-length album since Coup d’Etat (2013) and first musical release since Kwon Ji Yong (2017).
G-Dragon. Image: Galaxy Corporation / EMPIRE.
Now under Galaxy Corporation after departing YG Entertainment, this album marks the beginning of a new chapter in the artist’s career while staying true to his signature artistic identity. As one of K-pop’s most influential figures, G-Dragon’s impact extends beyond music, with his artistry and fashion cementing him as a leading trendsetter for the industry.
The album opens with “HOME SWEET HOME,” a deeply personal track featuring fellow BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung. Originally released in November 2024, the song immediately sparked major excitement when performed live with Taeyang and Daesung at the 2024 MAMA Awards. The performance also included BIGBANG classics “BANG BANG BANG” and “FANTASTIC BABY.”
Lyrically, he calls his fans his ‘home,’ reinforcing his enduring connection with them. References to BIGBANG’s past works such as ‘Still Alive’ and ‘Still Life’ referring to BIGBANG’s 2012 album, and the latter referring to BIGBANG’s last release, adds layers of nostalgia. G-Dragon also references his solo work, such as ‘Untitled, 2014’ and even his clothing brand, PEACEMINUSONE. However, the contrast between ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Home Sick Home’ in the chorus hints at the duality of success, celebrating his career while acknowledging its isolating nature.
The transition into “POWER” is seamless. Originally released in October 2024 as the lead single for the upcoming album, this track is an explosive declaration of self-empowerment.
Co-written by G-Dragon and multi Grammy-nominated producer Tommy Brown, the song embodies his defiant attitude toward media scrutiny, reaffirming his influence with lines like ‘Now I got the power.’ The reference to his global impact ‘Asia to America’ reinforces his international presence, while the track’s bold production adds to its commanding energy.
The next track is “TOO BAD,” featuring Anderson .Paak, bringing a funky and playful energy to the album. The music video, starring aespa’s Karina, feels like a modern evolution of G-Dragon’s earlier visuals, highlighting his ever-evolving fashion sense. A notable detail is his Wu-Tang Clan jacket, a nod to one of his biggest hip-hop influences. The song’s groovy beat contrasts with its lyrics, which depict the thrill and toxicity of a dangerously addictive relationship.
“DRAMA” then slows the album down with a multilingual ballad featuring lyrics in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. The opening piano is reminiscent of BIGBANG’s “Monster,” setting a haunting tone which allows G-Dragon’s vocals to take center stage. Although known primarily for his rap style, his raw yet polished vocal delivery adds depth to the song’s emotionally charged lyrics, which depict a toxic relationship filled with turmoil and regret.
Diane Warren, who has worked with the likes of Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and Aerosmith, is credited as a songwriter, and this further cements G-Dragon’s global musical credibility.
“IBELONGIIU” brings a striking contrast. One of the album’s most emotionally charged tracks, it blends G-Dragon’s rap intensity with his softer vocal delivery. The song paints an intimate picture of devotion, with lyrics that romanticise belonging to someone completely. The rap breakdown carries a visceral emotional weight, enhancing the song’s power ballad structure and providing fans with G-Dragon’s signature powerful rapping style.
The energy lifts again with “TAKE ME,” a pop-rock track infused with funk, featuring a simple yet effective guitar solo. The repetitive chorus—‘Take me, take me, I’m yours’—gives the track an almost hypnotic sound, aligning with the lyrics that portray a theme of surrendering to an addictive love.
As the album nears its end, “BONAMANA” introduces another layer of depth. Although Übermensch leans heavily on English lyrics, this track is performed almost entirely in Korean. Built around a dramatic acoustic guitar, the song’s vocal delivery is part narration, part raw performance, adding to its storytelling quality. Lyrically, “BONAMANA” explores the tension between desire and morality, painting a picture of a forbidden romance with lines like ‘How about having some fun without your man knowing?’ The intricate wordplay throughout the song adds further depth to the meaning, whilst also showcasing G-Dragon’s songwriting genius.
Closing the album is “GYRO-DROP,” ending things on a vibrant, upbeat note. Combining funky synth-pop elements with playful lyricism, the track cleverly uses amusement park metaphors to depict the highs and lows of fame. References to ‘gold-diggers’ suggest the fleeting nature of success and loyalty in the industry.
Lyrically, the album delves into the complexities of fame, love, and self-identity. Tracks like “IBELONGIIU” express deep devotion, while “BONAMANA” tackles forbidden desires. Even “HOME SWEET HOME” reflects both the comfort and isolation that comes with success. The result is an album that not only reaffirms G-Dragon’s status as K-pop’s most revered songwriter but also invites listeners into his world of artistic duality.
With Übermensch, G-Dragon reminds the world why he remains a global icon, not just in music, but in culture as a whole. This album is more than just a comeback, it is a statement, blending self-reflection, dominance, and vulnerability into an eclectic tracklist that highlights his versatility as both a rapper and vocalist. Themes of power and vulnerability, longing and detachment, dominance, and introspection run throughout, as he seamlessly balances his past, present, and future. Even after years away from the spotlight as an idol, his influence remains unmatched, proving once again why he is widely known as the ‘King of K-pop.’
Edited by Maia Anselmo.
