Every 2NE1 Single ranked from Worst to Best: Critic's Take

With the release of "Goodbye," 2NE1 officially said farewell after nearly eight remarkable years together. The new single is the first new song from the K-pop outfit in almost four years and is the final release since announcing their official disbandment in November 2016.

But while weeping through our multiple listens of "Goodbye," one inevitably began considering where the touching ballad falls in comparison to the 2NE1's past material. After its premiere on Friday, Jan. 20, "Goodbye" marks the 18th official 2NE1 single and while there have been a ton of great B-sides and promotional songs (shout outs to "Don't Stop the Music," "Crush" and "If I Were You"), it's time to see how their farewell track fares in comparison to the quartet's past singles.

Continue on for Billboard's ranking of every one of 2NE1 singles:

18. "Clap Your Hands" 
A generic electro-pop track that tried too hard to sound like what was going on with Top 40 radio at the time -- which was still trying to figure itself out when this dropped in 2010. Even highlights like the catchy chorus get bogged down by saturated production and overuse of AutoTune. 2NE1 were worthy of such better bangers.

17. "Do You Love Me"
Sounding like a rehash of their earlier material, the throwaway single only highlighted a creative standstill 2NE1 was in at the time while trying to secure the sound for their sophomore full-length album.

16. "It Hurts"
When it dropped in 2010, this jazz-inspired track showcased a refreshing, rather soulful musical side of the group. Yet in comparison to all the other genres they've tackled through their careers, this one just didn't do them enough justice.

15. "I Don't Care" 
The reggae-inspired beat was a welcome addition into 2NE1's early sound, but the verses fall too flat in a song where the most remarkable part was the super-simple chorus.

14. "Fire"
Ah, the song that started it all. The group's leader opened the band's debut track, boasting, "I go by the name of CL of 2NE1" over exciting, twinkling synthesizers. "Fire" set the groundwork for much of the act's future singles -- catchy electro-pop bangers with loads of attitude -- with this track as our proper introduction.

13. "Falling in Love" 
A cute, reggae-lite bop for the 2NE1 ladies, "Falling in Love" was perfect song to soundtrack the summer when it dropped, but didn't particularly bring anything new to the table for the group despite Dara sounding as if she had found a new burst of confidence.

12. "Try to Follow Me"
The 2010 single felt like 2NE1 securing who they were as a group with each lady rising to the occasion on this snappy dance track with the underrated Minzy particularly stealing the spotlight during her lines.

11. "Go Away"
There's too much AutoTune on the verses to the songs detriment -- CL's un-AutoTuned moments are fierce as hell -- but Bom's chewy, bubblegum-y chorus is undeniable.

10. "Ugly"
"Ugly" is one of the most unexpected tracks in the group's discography which opens with simple electro-pop production before diving into it's rock-out chorus where the band deprecatingly yell, "Just like her I wanna be pretty / I wanna be pretty / Don't lie to my face / 'Cause I know I'm ugly." While it wasn't the most mature execution -- the guitars sound awfully fake -- it was a rare glimpse into the supergroup's human side and undoubtedly forged a deeper connection with empathizing fans.

9. "Can't Nobody"
Big choruses, fierce rap sections, hooks upon hooks: This is classic 2NE1. It's not as inventive as some of their other singles, but one can't deny it's explosiveness.

8. "Goodbye"
A smoky, heartbreak ballad, the first (and only) release for 2NE1 as a trio certainly stands up compared to the group's strong discography. Gone are the superwoman personas and instead the members cry, "Does anyone know? Does anyone know how it makes me feel?" over simple guitar strums. CL co-wrote the track and revealed it was originally a dedication to departed member Minzy, making the track all the more heartbreaking.

7. "Come Back Home"
Always ones to head straight forward into new trends, "Come Back Home" embraced zippy trap production with a nod to their reggae days. Trap and reggae elements are all over the songs at the top of the charts today and 2NE1 was all over that in 2014.

6. "Missing You"
As touching as "Goodbye" is, the best 2NE1 ballad would have to be "Missing You." While slow and tender at its core, the experimental track incorporates unexpected electronic flourishes and alien-like harmonies before its soaring guitar line brilliantly evolves into a pounding piano chords for the ladies to belt over. In 2013, CL first spoke to Billboard about the track, saying it doubled as a message for fans she missed seeing and we think fans might take more comfort listening to this gorgeous track than the bittersweet "Goodbye."

 5. "Gotta Be You"
The underrated second single from Crush indicated the exciting new directions 2NE1 could have taken if they stayed together longer. The trappy, synth-pop cut was bordering on uber-trendy house music and saw Minzy effortlessly belting alongside the group's main vocalist Bom. If this track was hinting at where they could have gone with a third LP, who knows how much further their dominance would have extended.

4. "Lonely"
A cut that showcased the group's softer side and that underneath their glamorous getups, there were four women who could portray vulnerability just as well as ferocity with this single acting as the living proof.

3. "Hate You"
Everyone knew 2NE1 could slay bombastic club cuts, but this underrated, melancholy cut showed 2NE1 mastering the art of subtlety with this biting kiss-off track. The swelling electronica and controlled delivery only makes the song that much more icy.

2. "I Love You"
At the time, the 2012 single tackled a topic the quartet had never sung about -- love, of all things  -- and 2NE1 proved they boasted hearts screaming for affection with this lush, moody synth gem. Yet, brilliantly, in the last 30 seconds, the cut flips on itself for an all-out, punky-party jam that only the most formidable of pop acts could successfully pull off.

1. "I Am the Best"
The group's signature song, K-pop has much of its overseas travel to thank for this absolute monster of a pop smash. From its the simple-yet-incredibly-empowering chants to the Middle Eastern-inspired bridge, "I Am the Best" was an ambitious track that still anyone in the world to sink their teeth into. Even in 2017, the beat still sounds fresh and explains why huge brands and U.S. radio embraced it years after its release. One of the most recognizable K-pop songs around the world, the track speaks to 2NE1's legacy as a bonafide, complete act with each woman turning into a superstar on her section and proving why she's a necessary part of this perfect-pop product. Among all the K-pop bangers, ballads, synth jams and experimental musical moments, "I Am the Best" can still start a rush within you the moment those booming synthesizers begin. How could it not be No. 1?

Source: Billboard

Dara says she was devastated and depressed after 2NE1's disbandment

Dara shared her thoughts on 2NE1's breakup through JTBC's 'Talking Street' on January 25. 

Yoo Hee Yeol asked Dara about 2NE1's disbandment, with Dara replying, "I was devastated at first.  I was in denial and became depressed.  But now, I have accepted the reality and decided to participate in the show today." 

In addition, "I am spending time with the members as usual, making them my closest friends." 

Hearing this, Seo Jung Hoon commented, "It seems you still have tears in your eyes as we speak." Dara then smiled, "No, I'm done crying now." 

Netizens commented, "I listened to your songs often. But it appears I can't anymore..." "I am happy to have spent 7 years listening to 2NE1. I will continue to cheer for you girls."

Credits: Allkpop

Dara is afraid to stand alone following 2NE1's disbandment

Dara recently opened up about her plans following 2NE1's separation on the January 25 episode of JTBC's 'Talking Street'.

The singer commented, "2NE1 will be saying farewell after spending 7 years together."  She confessed, "I'm really afraid to stand alone. I don't want to say goodbye to my members."  Regarding her performance, Dara hoped, "As an ugly duckling, I wanted to transform into a beautiful swan.  I will try my best."    

Dara added, "Nothing lasts forever in this world and there is no eternal end either.  I would like to cherish these special moments and hope to meet up with my fellow members some day." 

Seeing this, netizens commented, "It's so sad seeing 2NE1 disband. Cheer up Dara!", "Dara has plenty of charm, please don't feel down", "She is such a good person, hang in there, Dara!", and "Thank you for entertaining us with your songs for the past 7 years. We will continue to support you girls!"

Credits: Allkpop

Dara explains past dating rumors with G-Dragon

Dara explained how past dating rumors with G-Dragon came about on the January 25th episode of JTBC's 'Talking Street'.

Host HaHa asked, "There were rumors you were dating G-Dragon previously. How did that come about," and she responded, "As a public relations representative, I went to Big Bang's concert, and we were on the way to our after party. G-Dragon said, 'It's just a concept,' and put his arm around me as we went." 

Dara continued, "I didn't know that it would make headlines like that." 

Credits: Allkpop

Dara says she felt insecure as a 2NE1 member

Dara revealed she felt insecure as a member of now disbanded, 2NE1 during filming for JTBC's 'Talking Street'.

According to producers, Dara expressed, "I felt like a side dish in 2NE1. In the past, we were guests on 'Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook', and he joked, 'CL is the rapper, Minzy is the dancer, and Dara takes care of the image of the group?' I cried my eyes out when we got home to the dorm."

She added it was the 2NE1 members who helped boost her confidence. Dara shared, "Whenever I lost confidence, the members would encourage me, and I was able to regain strength."

Credits: Allkpop

CL Reveals that “Goodbye” is a Song Written for Minzy

It was a letter written in tears. CL cried as she writes the lyrics of 2NE1’s last song. It was a letter for Minzy who left the group last year and a message for the fans.

2NE1 announced the new song,  “GOODBYE” on the 21st, greeting the fans with their last farewell. ‘Goodbye‘ is the group’s last song and a song of farewell for the fans after 2NE1 was declared to have been disbanded in November last year. It is a song of comfort for the fans who regrets the dissolution of the group.

Wondering the feelings of how the song was written, Ilgan Sports made a difficult phone call to CL on the 21st to unveil and listen to the affection for 2NE1 for the last 7 years. CL expressed her hopes that 2NE1 will be back one day, maybe in 20 years, a tenor of sadness felt in her voice.

– How have you been?

“I was delighted to finish a small but successful tour of North America last year.

– Introduce the last song of 2NE1

“Actually, I was not able to say goodbye when the article was dismissed last year, and I was sorry to end it, but President Yang gave me a chance to say hello to my fans.

– How did you announce it?

“It was a song I wrote in the past when Minzy left YG and was preparing for the 3rd album, and it was like a letter to Minzy at that time.

– How long did it take to fix it.

“It did not take long because I believe, that my style includes creating and doing things quickly.”

– It seems that 2NE1, who had been working for 7 years, had been disbanded, how did you feel

“It’s been a long time since I’ve known the members, and I’ve made a lot of memories, I’ve done a lot of work together, I’m going to miss it and I’m going to miss it. I wish I could get along on my own. “

I am sorry that I did not have an album that three people worked on.

“I feel sorry for all of the members.

– How far did you work?

“It was all ready, but the song that went to the recording was” Goodbye. “

– Music video also showed early 2NE1 photos.

“I spent a lot of time with ‘2NE1, and I thought I had lots of memories.'”

– Did you cry when you heard about the disbandment?

“It may not make sense, but it hasn’t sink in yet. I didn’t see it coming for a long time.”

– How did 2NE1 decide to disband?

The album was to be released by the three remaining members after Minzy left the company. Our boss stopped the solo album for a while and then prepared for it. (accurate translation needed for this part)

– You uploaded 2NE1 complete photos to your  SNS a week ago.

“I took a photo before, taken during our last rehearsal for MAMA 2015 and found it in my photo album which and have the photo uploaded. A week before the last song of 2NE1 will be released, I wanted to share the photo to my fans”.

– What score do you anticipate for ‘Goodbye’.

“It’s good to have good grades, but it’s a genuine song, so it would be nice if it was passed on to someone. It’s more like a letter.”

–  When did you decide to write the lyrics of the song, A ‘Goodbye’

“When I came back to Korea to prepare for 2NE1 after a long time, I listened to this song, then lyrics came to me just by hearing the song, that’s when I cried.

Source: YGUnited

CL talks U.S. debut, solo promotions, + possibility of 2NE1's reunion

CL opened up about her solo career, U.S. debut, 2NE1, and more in an interview with Ilgan Sports.

Some of the questions and answers from her recent interview are as follows: 

You're no longer in a group and you promote solo. Aren't you lonely?

"It's been 2 years since I've been preparing for my U.S. solo album. Honestly, it was hard because there was a lot that I had to run into alone in the states."

How did you spend the past 2 years? 

"Yang [Hyun Suk] sajangnim helped me a lot and I went through countless processes with many teams. When I first joined YG, I spent 2 years as a trainee. I was able to find my own color and learned about the album system of Korea. And now, I've spent anoter 2 years for my U.S. debut. I see these recent 2 years as a trainee period. I'm a rookie in the U.S. I learned how to make an album, and how to communicate with the American public."

Why did you decide to debut in the U.S.?

"It was my dream. When I was auditioning for YG, I gave a demo tape to Yang sajangnim. I still remember saying, 'I really want to become a pop star in the U.S.' I was 15 back then. Honestly, it's not the U.S. that's' important, but I grew up listening to pop music due to my father's influences. Pop is the music that influenced my musical life the most. I built up my dream listening to pop and I wanted to sing that song in the U.S."

Your first official U.S. single, "Lifted", gained good feedback. It even entered Billboard's hot 100. 

"It's not an official [debut] track but I'm grateful for the love. I released a song when my status is actually a trainee. I really received a lot of help from Yang sajangnim."

What kind of person is Yang Hyun Suk sajangnim to you?

"He's like a dad. But I don't get to see him often. There are a lot of guys in YG. So I didn't really have an opportunity to get close with sajangnim. But he listens to and trusts in me when I share ideas or things I sincerely want to do like [2NE1's final track] "Goodbye"."

Yang sajangnim mentioned in an interview that 2NE1 might reunite like S.E.S.

"I also believe that it can happen. Of course, the 4 of us will have to be on the same note and the environment has to allow it. I think it'll be welcoming whenever that day comes."

Will we be able to see 2NE1's performance in 20 years?

"First, I have to stay in shape in order to sing "Fire" in 20 years. As you know, our songs are difficult to sing. The dance is also powerful. I'm maintaining myself for it."

Credits: Allkpop

2NE1 Tops 8 iTunes Charts Around The World With “Goodbye”

2NE1 officially bid farewell to fans, releasing their final song “Goodbye” at midnight on January 21.

The song, written by CL and composed by J Gramm and Rock Monroe, has already hit No. 1 on eight iTunes charts from around the world: Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines. The music video surpassed 1 million views after seven hours, and is currently approaching 1.7 million views, less than 11 hours after release.

“Goodbye” has a bare sound, the members’ voices accompanied by acoustic guitar, perfect for 2NE1’s last message to fans, “until they day we meet again.”

Credits: Soompi

Dara talks about feeling like the least talented member of 2NE1

During the January 18 recording of JTBC‘s “Talking Street“, Dara talked about her future and the insecurities she felt with 2NE1.

Dara first revealed through Twitter that she would be filming for her appearance on the show, “Talking Street“.  She went on to say that while she wasn’t confident with herself when it came to public speaking, she had gathered the courage to do so for BlackJacks.

Before the recording, Dara took to twitter and she asked BlackJacks and anyone that was interested in hearing her speak, to come and see her recording at Hongdae at 4PM on January 18!

A fan who was at the scene wrote and tweeted a summary of what Dara talked about, below is the full translation of the post made:

 During the final moments of the filming, Sandara was asked by the host what she would like her stage name to be or rather, what she would like to be called. This was because up until now, she’s always been called “2NE1’s Sandara Park” or “2NE1’s Dara”.

Dara’s response was exactly what BlackJack’s needed to hear and nearly moved everyone in the audience to tears.

She also teased fans by saying she was going to sing a little bit of 2NE1’s upcoming song “Goodbye”, which will be their last song together. However, fans were disappointed and amused at the same time when Sandara proceeded to sing only one word from the song, “goodbye~~”.

Dara @krungy21 sang a snippet of 'Goodbye' (?) at the filming of JTBC Talking Street

Video by: 채달님 pic.twitter.com/eooNwsUvbr

— 안녕 ♤ (@S0UTHTHTH) January 18, 2017

We’re so happy that Sandara feels this way and we’re sure BlackJacks around the world feel the same way! It seems that 2NE1 will forever live in the hearts of the members, even after they go their own separate ways in music.

Credits: Koreaboo

Minzy & Park Bom Deleted From 2NE1’s Group Profile On Naver

Naver, Korea’s most popular search engine and community portal, has removed Minzy and Park Bom from 2NE1‘s group profile.

Until recently, 2NE1’s group profile displayed all four members’ names as well as their pictures; however, a recent edit has left only CL and Dara as members of 2NE1.

The search currently displays CL as the leader, vocal and rapper while Dara is listed as the vocal.

Earlier today, former 2NE1 member Minzy had updated her Instagram expressing her disappointment in finding out about 2NE1’s final song, “Goodbye” through a news article instead of directly. Park Bom also updated her Instagram with a post sharing her feelings about the nearing end of 2NE1.

Meanwhile, the CEO of YG, Yang Hyun Suk, revealed the reason behind 2NE1’s disbandment during a recent interview.

Source: Segye
Credits: Koreaboo

Dara partners up with hot male models in Valentine photo shoot for 'Ceci'

Ceci' revealed photos from a romanctic Valentine photo shoot with Dara! 

Hot models Byun Woo Seok, Jang Ki Yong, and Joo Woo Jae posed with Dara for the photo shoot, themed, 'The Moment Guys/Girls Fall in Love'. Dara portrayed the sweetness of being in love with model/actor Jang Ki Yong and reflected the pain of breaking up with Joo Woo Jae. Lastly, she showed the heart fluttering moment of new love with Byun Woo Seok. 

Credits: Allkpop

Dara, Kim Se Jung, and Lee Sae Young to join Honey Lee as MCs of 'Get It Beauty 2017'!

OnStyle's popular beauty show 'Get It Beauty' will be returning in 2017, with a few new MCs!

Honey Lee, who has been a primary MC of the show for the past 3 years, will be continuing her position on 'Get It Beauty 2017'. Joining her will be Dara, IOI/Gugudan's Kim Se Jung, and actress Lee Sae Young! 

The producer of the show said, "The all-new 'Get It Beauty 2017' will deliver both entertainment and helpful information with upgraded, unique tips on not only makeup, but beauty as a general topic, so please look forward to it." 

The new season will begin broadcasting February 19 at 8:20 PM KST.

Credits: Allkpop

2NE1's 'Goodbye' MV hits 1 million views in less than half a day

It appears a lot of people don't want to say goodbye to 2NE1.

2NE1's final MV "Goodbye" was released just hours ago and the MV has already surpassed one million views on YouTube!

"Goodbye" is about saying farewell until the day you meet again, and the MV features CL, Dara, and Bom walking through past images of the YG Entertainment group. This is a bittersweet milestone for fans as this is 2NE1's goodbye song.

Credits: Allkpop

Park Bom says she still loves YG and shares diary entry

Following the sad news of group 2NE1's disbandment, Park Bom claimed that she still loves YG even after being blamed for the disbandment.

A Twitter user asked her if she hates YG or not and Park Bom replied that she loves YG.

In the revealed diary entry, the singer hand wrote describing her day on Tuesday, October 20, saying, "It was another busy day today..."  The singer mentioned a person whom she deeply admired and expressed her wishes to become like that person someday. "That person is truly amazing...There's no doubt that person is great."  She jotted down more thoughts, reflecting on her life hoping to become a better person, "I also want to become a great person, looks really awesome."

The second part of her diary entry was revealed through her Instagram, "...I have a lot of things on my mind so it's hard to record them all.  I wonder if I'm truly a happy person or if I'm just overreacting..."

Reading this, fans commented, "Don't leave unnie," "Thank you," "I missed your voice so much," "Never say goodbye 2NE1."

Credits: Allkpop

Yang Hyun Suk names Park Bom as the main reason behind 2NE1's disbandment

Yang Hyun Suk spoke up about 2NE1's disbandment.

During a recent interview, the CEO of YG Entertainment was asked about the sudden disbandment of the top girl group that shocked and saddened many. 

Yang Hyun Suk explained, "I wanted to protect 2NE1 when Minzy moved to another label but the reason why I decided on their disbandment was because I believed that Park Bom's mental health was not well. After that incident (her drug controversy), the criticism she received was immense. Not only did Park Bom suffer from stress and guilt, but she also longed to keep promoting with 2NE1. I advised Park Bom that 2NE1 is important, but I wanted her to put her mental and physical health first."

He continued, "You never know what can happen so there may come a day when they reunite like S.E.S. I believe that day will come."

YG Entertainment officially announced 2NE1's disbandment in November of 2016.

Credits: Allkpop

Dara to discuss 2NE1's disbandment on 'Talking Street'

Dara is set to discuss 2NE1's disbandment on an upcoming episode of JTBC's 'Talking Street'.

Dara along with Seo Jang Hoon will be sitting down for an interview at a cafe in Seoul on the 18th. It's the first time Dara will be meeting with the public since 2NE1's official disbandment, and she's expected to talk about her feelings on the matter.

You can expect Dara's 'Talking Street' to air on the 25th. Stay tuned!

Credits: Allkpop