[Review] Block B - Jackpot

Vocals: 7 / 10

If there was ever a song without Taeil as the main leading vocal, I’d be surprised to see (or hear) it. Taeil’s vocal prowess is present in the chorus, which I believe is the highlight of the song, with the high energy, general sassy and fun vibe. I do think it’s a shame, however, that U-Kown, B-Bomb, and especially Jaehyo are overshadowed in a group with Zico, Kyung, and P.O as rappers and Taeil as the lead vocals, since they could certainly hold their own as far as vocals are concerned. Jaehyo’s meager bridge portion could have been really good if extended. Such a shame he was limited to mere seconds.

Appearance: 8 / 10

It’s a carnival theme, so even if the group wasn’t Block B, it’d have been a requirement to look at silly and goofy as possible. Coming off the heels of “Very Good” though, seems a little recycled with the masks and colourful suits but nothing worth complaining about. P.O doesn’t cut it this time around though. Didn’t like how the hair swirled around his forehead.

Dance: 7 / 10

I would not go so far as to say Block B is coining their own style of dance (AKA silly choreography), but it’s certainly their style that everyone is just jumping around, having a good time, while still (somewhat) looking like a choreographed dance. The 2nd chorus in particular was funny with the 3 members in the back just doing their own thing. Certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Rap: 10 / 10

Zico and Kyung are in the top tier of rappers, so anything considered “average” would be distasteful for these two. Regardless, Zico’s signature yelling and Kyung’s signature “Aight~” aren’t missing, and their lines are fun, quirky, and just sound good. I actually think that this time around with “Jackpot”, the rapping was put in the secondary to the more fun vocals. Still, solid work out of Zico and Kyung, to be expected.

Music Video: 9 / 10

Carnival theme? Check. Creepy clown masks? Check. Silly costumes and shenanigans? Check. Actress that plays her part? Check. This is a damn good music video to accompany the fun and delightful song. I usually try to keep descriptions light, but this MV stood out to me with the analogies and homages. Whereas “Very Good” almost certainly was following Big Bang’s tracks, “Jackpot” has elements off previous Block B videos. There were references from “Very Good”: the colourful suits, the clown masks, Taeil’s glasses and hair, as well as “Nillili Mambo”: Jaehyo with a woman, gambling and getting punched out. After departing from their previous label, Block B have really started to come around. I also thought the actress (who is 16, mind you) played her part very well, although one could say it’s not hard to act creeped out by a bunch of “strange oppas”.

~

Overall: 82 / 100

“Jackpot” might not have necessarily hit the “jackpot”, and it might not be the best Block B release, but it’s definitely up there among the rest of them. The fun and quirky song is supported by the excellent rapping that Block B is known for, along with quality vocals led by Taeil. It’s a shame that Block B has decided to forgo promotions for this song, as the live stages would’ve been entertaining to watch.