T.O.P made his solo debut all the way in which again in 2010 as a part of a twin challenge with fellow Bigbang member G-Dragon. Since then, he’s hardly launched any solo music and ultimately wound up leaving the group altogether to deal with performing. Given this, it’s a bit stunning that — sixteen years later — he’s launched his first full solo album and plans to steadily launch extra within the coming years.
To inform you the reality, I had no thought what to anticipate from T.O.P music in 2026. His previous tracks have been (unsurprisingly) hip-hop bangers, however hip-hop has modified a lot since then. With Desperado, T.O.P brings his bonafides as an actor to an atmospheric slow-burn. His cavernous vocal is straight away recognizable and paired with an instrumental that echoes that deep, resounding tone. Ornamented with guitar, the manufacturing is sparse and understated. T.O.P counters this with a efficiency that grows wilder because the track goes on. I’m not a fan of the numerous vocal results utilized right here, however I take pleasure in how the construction feels a bit freewheeling and in all places.
I can’t fairly determine how I really feel about Desperado‘s hook. It’s not a flashy melody, however its ethereal, laidback nature could play properly in the long term. It’s — as the children say — a “vibe.” I’m not often in want of a vibe nowadays and like one thing I can actually sink my tooth into, however the pure nostalgia of listening to T.O.P on a brand new monitor elevates Desperado a bit.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+