M is the fourth single album by Big Bang, and the first from their MADE Series. It is remarked as the first comeback for them after a three-year absence, which is also their first single album in nine years.
Details
The album is opened for pre-order on 24 to April 30 consisting of two singles which both are title tracks and is released worldwide through iTunes, Melon and other online music portals on May 1. There are two different versions of the album; M (black) and m (white). One contains only CD and Booklet (24p) while the other one contains CD, Booklet (24p) + Special kit (Puzzle ticket, 5 photo cards and 1 limited photo card) + Poster.
Background
On April 17, YG Entertainment revealed the first teaser picture.[1] Later, trailer for Big Bang's MADE 2015 World Tour[2][3] was unveiled. YG Entertainment announced the title tracks of Big Bang's "MADE Series: M" in the third teaser.[4] Two of the four teasers for D-1 to D-4 consist of the song info, including who was responsible for the tracks' composition.
G-Dragon revealed during the second concert of MADE 2015 World Tour that he had a hard time making the album, since there are a big expectations for bigbang comeback, he said, "In all honesty, I was in a slump that wasn't a normal slump. I worried a lot. The group has grown due to all the fans, so I unknowingly felt a heavy burden because it's been a long time since we released an album. I worried a lot because of this, but we worked well, as we continued." he added, "I thought to myself that I just need to work. We got together frequently and worked."[5][6]
Commercial performance
M charted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart selling 130,130 in just two days, and peaking in number two on April.[7] The album sold 137,261 copies on the half-year in 2015.[8] In China, the album sold over 400,000 digital copies.[9]
The group debuted on Billboard's 'World Digital Songs' chart[10] with "Loser" charting 1st place and "Bae Bae" charting 2nd place on May 7. The Music Videos were also ranked 3rd and 4th most viewed Kpop MV videos in the U.S. (April) according to Billboard.
Promotion
After performing both songs during their MADE Tour, Big Bang held their first comeback stage on Inkigayo[11] on May 3, 2015. On May 6, YG Entertainment announced the release of special clips for "Bae Bae" on 6 to 10 May.[12] Big Bang had their second comeback on May 7 installment of MNET's M Countdown. On the May 10 episode on Inkigayo, Big Bang made their third comeback.[13] Big Bang also appeared on KBS' "Happy Together" on May 20, the first time featuring all of the members in a variety show.
Covers
In May 2015, Big Bang started a cover contest, the contestant can upload any type of cover for "Loser" and "Bae Bae". The winners will win album, get featured on the playlist of Big Bang's official YouTube Channel and get the chance to audition at YG Entertainment. The submission started on May 18 till May 29, 2015.[14] a total of 404 videos were submitted, the winners were announced on June 19.[15]
