The biggest boy band in the world, Bangtan Sonyeondan, also known as BTS, has released their newest album, Arirang. This album marks their comeback after a 4-year-long hiatus, during which they underwent mandatory military service in Korea and left the unified lifestyle they once shared with each other. This experience helped inspire the symbolic Korean-rooted influences and themes expressed throughout the album, showcasing each member’s heritage and how they overcame hardships such as alienation, separation, and solitude. The intentional mix of cultural references in the album helps spread the message of acceptance, unity, and accomplishment to listeners worldwide.
- Body to Body: 7/10
This song is meant to amp up the audience to get ready for the rest of the show, and honestly, I really enjoy it. I like the almost nostalgic hip-hop beat that seems more rhythmic than uptown. I know that this song used traditional Korean music samples, and I feel like it was really well done because they still made it seem like a modern-day hit.
- Hooligan: 6.8/10
To be honest, at first, I was really confused about what this song was trying to symbolize, but after seeing that this song is about their influences not just in K-pop but also globally, I think the intentional use of mutually different flows really helps showcase that message and is honestly nice to move along to.
- Aliens: 7/10
I really enjoyed the flow of this song and how it’s more simplistic compared to some of the other songs in this album. Again, the symbolism of them being foreigners and dominating a Western audience is also really interesting, and I think it was a fun listen.
- FYA: 10/10
Okay, I know that might seem like a really high rating, but honestly, in K-pop, Western influences have almost overtaken the traditionally Korean-sung songs, and instead of letting English lyrics infiltrate the whole song, the mix between the two languages was done so well. This song also had a great instrumental and could definitely be used as a hype-up anthem.
- 2.0: 7/10
This song was more calm but still upbeat like the other ones, and I feel like it definitely served its purpose. It’s catchy, and the meaning of them wanting to come back with a new sound was pretty cool.
- No. 29: No notes
As this is the resonant tolling of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (Korea’s national treasure No. 29), and it serves the purpose of a deliberate pause to pay homage to the group’s Korean cultural heritage.
- SWIM: 8.5/10
“Swim” is meant to be the change in tune after “No. 29” to showcase their more introspective half, which is much more laid-back and would resonate better with fans. I enjoyed this song because it’s still catchy, yet also calming in a way.
- Merry Go Round: 9/10
This song is supposed to convey the repetitive, cyclical nature of life, and I think it effectively highlights that message. The members said they wanted this song to be the next “Spring Day,” another track on their You Never Walk Alone album, which they created to provide Army with comfort and strength. I think this song’s melody is so good, and it’s honestly a really calming song to listen to.
- NORMAL: 7.5/10
A song meant to speak about what makes the members feel “normal” and how life in the public eye has changed their perspectives on visibility. I think this song was a mixture of the two distinctive sounds they went for in this album, and I thought it was pretty good.
- Like Animals: 8/10
I really liked the slow tempo to this song, and I also like how a majority of it was just soft-spoken vocals, so it really brought out that slow rock influence. This song almost didn’t make the cut, but I think it helps listeners adjust to the various genres used throughout the album.
- They don’t know ‘bout us: 8.5/10
I enjoyed this song because I love how their vocals bleed through each other flawlessly. I think Jimin’s tone was really able to convey this sort of assertiveness when talking about how outsiders or even their own fans don’t know who they are entirely. One More Night: 9/10. The slow, lo-fi start, followed by a sort of house mix beat, was such a good transition. The sound being really chill helps the listener feel more at ease when listening to a heavy rock- and R&B-inspired album.
- Please: 9.5/10
Meant to be a promise to Army as a plea to stay together, I think the emotional instrument in this song was a great way to showcase this message. I really enjoyed this song and think it’s not just touching but also catchy.
- Into The Sun: 6.5/10
The song starts off with a distorted voice and a slower beat and then changes to a more flowy tempo to match the vocals, but though it did sound good, a majority of the songs being this autotuned flow kind of drew me out of it a bit.
I know this album had very mixed reviews, but I genuinely enjoyed it. It’s a new music style for them, and I feel like most people expected some of their older sounds, like from the albums The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Skool Luv Affair, and 2 Cool 4 Skool, which all have that urban-esc and pop R&B flow to them. Don’t get me wrong, they are really good, but I feel like it’s okay for artists to have multiple flows to them, and it’s okay to branch out from your “signature” sound.
