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Disclaimer:
I can't believe I have to do this beforehand.
I feel like I should preface this by saying that these are solely my opinions and are in no way, shape, or form meant to be defamatory (just a little shade here and there). However, I feel like just because a person’s views are different from yours, it does not give you the right to doxx, harass, or manipulate someone’s livelihood. Oddly enough, I feel like I shouldn’t be afraid to express my feelings on my blog; however, discussing the K-pop group BTS feels like I’m going into uncharted territory, especially with their fans, ARMY.
As someone who has known BTS since I got into K-pop in 2014, watching their careers flourish into Western mainstream media is something I didn’t think would happen with K-pop. Back then, I used to have to explain to everyone what K-pop was, and finding friends in college who liked K-pop was like finding a dollar on the floor at a gas station in this economy. As time passed, I haven’t been as in tune with BTS and have stayed in my lane; however, this is the first time I have experienced a K-pop group with all original members returning after their mandatory military service. Recently, I saw some posts by fans saying that the album wasn’t really hitting as much as they had anticipated. For people who have been in the K-pop game a little longer, they agreed but offered a more nuanced take, having known BTS since the group was formed in 2013. I have taken it upon myself to do my own investigation by giving you my thoughts on each song.
Album Review
Body to Body:
The song is not too bad and has a strong intro to introduce their new era. Elements of Korean culture throughout the song are represented with Korean percussion and the inclusion of the national folk song, “Arirang.” I felt like the title alone gave me a different meaning, so I decided to look up the lyrics and translation. The song overall is about unity and feeding off positive energy. With the use of “Arirang,” it creates a level of resistance, perseverance, and optimism, while also introducing the outside world to Korean culture.
Hooligans:
As mentioned in my previous post about sampling, the methods of sampling, chopping, and looping were used in this song. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the original audio, but some people have pointed out that it sounds similar to Doja Cat’s “Demons.” The rap in the intro felt a little outdated, especially with the laugh throughout the song. It is still an on-brand song for old BTS, but I wish the instrumentals for the rap had remained consistent, with the sample playing in the background or enhanced during the bridge. Now that I am relistening to the song, the sharpened knives make sense, but it was definitely an unneeded feature, and a different instrument could have been introduced to the beat. It wasn’t bad after a couple of repeated listens.
Aliens:
Another song with the original BTS sound. This song is a semi-diss track that also focuses on the members being from a different country, facing prejudice, while also setting their own rules. For me, the chorus was repetitive, and I was not a fan of it, but I did understand the reason for the audio effects. Overall, it wasn’t my favorite, and it’s not something I would add to my personal playlist.
FYA:
I see where they were trying to go with the beat—it gives LMFAO or Lil Jon’s “Shots” energy; definitely 2010s recession-recovery, Jersey Shore vibes. The song later transitions into a dance break—something often done in 2nd-generation and early 3rd-generation K-pop. Personally, the song was not that bad, but I do think the overuse of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) made me rate it a little lower.
2.0:
I wasn't a fan of the chorus; I feel like better lyrics could have made it 100x better. It has a similar sound to the song 'Jumpman' by Drake and Future.
No.29:
This track only has one gong ring for 1:38. I felt there could have been some significance or symbolism, so I decided to dive deeper. One hit to a gong symbolizes mindfulness, clarity, or a pause. In this case, it felt like a palate cleanser from songs about their personas, transitioning into something different. The number “29” also symbolizes the ability to learn from experience, intuition, and the desire to help others. I then looked deeper into why the gong lasted so long. Usually, a gong ring lasts anywhere from 3 to 10 seconds. With the length being 1:37, it is said that in music, that is the estimated time for a tempo or melody to change. I later learned that it was the Devine Bell of King Seongdeok, the 29th national treasure of South Korea. This was an interesting and well thought out addition to the album.
SWIM:
This song is a mature version of 2015–2016 BTS. It was catchy and not bad. For me, it’s a casual listen—I wouldn’t mind hearing it in public or on the radio.
Merry Go Round:
Might be the best so far, with its nostalgic sing-rap 2013–2016 vibes and mellow chorus that complement each other. During my first listen, I wished the producers had used fewer echo effects; however, while listening again as I wrote this, I realized it adds to the haunting feeling of being on an endless merry-go-round. I will definitely have this on my playlists.
Normal:
To be honest, I am feeling the stomp-clap millennial instrumental and lyrics. The song has a slight energy similar to “did you girlboss too close to the sun” or “I’m here, princess” fedora vibes (I said I was going to be a little shady). “Normal” definitely feels like a promotional song that K-pop artists use for radio stations when promoting in the United States. It’s a decent song if it were sung by one person or a group like One Direction. I feel like songs like this erase the identity of K-pop groups in order to please Western media.
Like Animals:
Like “Normal,” this song has the same stomp-clap vibe—think The CW’s The Vampire Diaries café scenes. Another song we might hear on repeat once BTS promotes in the U.S. for their tour.
They Don't know About Us:
Another example of sampling songs (Future Me: It was actually Jimin singing with a 50s sound effects). Personally, the song was okay, but it is not something I would seek out to listen to.
One More Night:
This has a 2015–2016 BTS nostalgic feeling. Some of the lyrics were repetitive, but the beat makes up for it. I do wish the song didn’t have the vocal effects—the melodies and beat are good enough together. Another song I wouldn’t skip, but I wouldn’t actively seek out.
Please:
A summer 2016 song with OG BTS feels. The vocals and chill beat make it fun to listen to, but the repetitive lyrics could have been accompanied by fuller writing. I liked it and would add it to my playlist. Also great to note that Ryan Tedder was credited.
Into the Sun:
…It’s a song. Prior to reviewing the album, I saw a lot of TikToks using a snippet of it. At first, I thought it represented the album, which pushed me to write a review. Overall, I thought the rap was good, but the chorus was harder to get into. The distorted and layered effects, along with the instrumental, were a bit overstimulating. I then looked into the credits and learned that the multi-talented Teezo Touchdown was involved, which made the vision of the song make more sense. I feel like, depending on who performs it, the response would be different. Also, K-pop often enhances songs visually, so I watched the Netflix series to better understand the album.
Netflix Special
So What Do I Think?
I think the album was not as bad as people made it seem; however, the standards are a little higher for senior groups, especially one with this level of popularity. Although heavy-hitter producers and artists contributed to this album, it fell a little short. I do think the intention was to revisit the cultural and K-pop roots of BTS while experimenting with new sounds. It also reminded me that BTS’s image has shifted from hip-hop toward bubblegum pop, so those who discovered them during the “Butter” or “Dynamite” eras may feel more disappointed. On first listen, it did feel like a bit of a letdown as an older fan, but then you realize certain songs are included for different audiences—those from debut in 2013, the 2015 era, and the post-2018 era.
I do believe there are some growers on the album that people will appreciate more over time or when paired with visuals. I also think the overuse of random AAVE made some songs less appealing. I feel like K-pop groups should revert to a time when popular Korean slang was incorporated into songs, like “zutter” or “Dope.” Having language that resonates specifically with youth or the general population often adds an extra layer of exclusivity to K-pop; and I’m sure there are clever sayings in Korean that could hit 10x harder with the general public. Another minor but potentially impactful change would be having only certain vocal lines on specific songs. Sometimes a track doesn’t vocally or aesthetically suit every member, and I do believe BTS—and other groups like Monsta X or VIXX—have done this before. This doesn’t mean they can’t sing, but rather that certain instrumentals may better complement specific voices.
Overall, I would give the album a 7.8 out of 10. Many songs are growers, but some I wouldn’t revisit unless paired with a visual performance.
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