If one knows the name BTS, they would’ve certainly heard it in combination with awards and record-breaking achievements from songs such as Fake Love, DNA or Blood, Sweat & Tears.
As a group having debuted nearly seven years ago, the septet has released album upon album, each with its own unique set of tracks. The members drop mixtapes and solo projects every once in a while. And, with new fans joining the ARMY every day, it’s no wonder that the band has quite a few songs that remain overshadowed by others. So, while we wait for the new album, let’s revisit some of these ‘underrated’ gemstones in this three-part blog!
Unavailable on BTS’ Spotify page, this unit song was released shortly after the group’s debut on October 22nd, 2013. Composed of Jin’s vocals, and SUGA and RM’s rap; Adult Child is a coming-of-age song speaking of the hope of freedom in wait for adulthood and the struggles to fit in the mold afterward.
“The weight of being 20, I thought would be like a feather / Now it’s a boulder that pins me down.”
As Koreans, the members have also addressed the anxiety stemming from the government-enforced military service along with a salute to the country’s armed forces.
“And a handshake of gratitude to the nation’s 60,000 officers and men of the armed forces.”
“From this moment on, from school we are free now.”
A 3J unit song, featuring members j-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook, released pre-debut is a contrast to Adult Child. This one bubbles with the excitement of graduation, the freedom that is to follow now that you’re no longer in middle school. The twist to this one is that it’s not just any graduation they sing about, it’s their own—the graduation of trainees awaiting their debut.
“My friends ask, when is your debut? Are you curious?”
Another pre-debut track, which is also RM’s solo. As the name suggests, RM uses this track as an introduction to himself as an artist. Enclosed within the lyrics are his dreams and goals along with references towards several other artists he might admire.
“I’ve already stolen the ears of countless people.”
Vote is an adapted song by RM of Kanye West’s “Power”. The lyrics are criticizing the passiveness of those who can bring about change using their right to vote but don’t yet complain about government incapability. In the song, he also urges those who do not yet have this right to be politically aware in order to make the right decision in the future. He emphasizes the power the youth holds, for one day they will be old enough to choose the right person to follow.
“However, I think many of you still don’t know yet the power that you and I possess.”
The track is one of his pre-debut tracks and is also the first to be uploaded to BANGTANTV, BTS’ official YouTube channel.
The cover song was released on May 31st, 2015 as part of BTS Festa’s opening ceremony—the annual celebration for the band’s debut anniversary.
“Despite my despair, the morning wakes me up without concern.”
V and J-Hope formed a unit to cover this song originally by Jung Joon II. V’s soothing vocals, J-Hope’s powerful rapping, and the stripped-down music blend well together in order to give a desperate, despairing atmosphere to the song. The rap was not part of the original track though it fits perfectly into the puzzle piece and even adds an extra layer of angst to the song.
“By the day, your empty spot grows bigger.”
RM and American hip hop producer Warren G met in a reality show BTS filmed and decided to do a collaboration, P.D.D. RM revealed that he wrote this song to express his feelings towards his haters and rash critics. The lyrics are quite in contrast with the soft beat Warren G produced.
“Thank you for all the hating.”
Inspired by a documentary sharing the same name, School of Tears does a take on the negative side of schools - bullying in particular. Released pre-debut, it divides people into three categories whilst describing the school as a battleground: perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. SUGA, RM, and Jin criticize those who stand by and do nothing to defend the victims of bullying because they’re either worried about their reputation or becoming a victim themselves. The song was composed of the beat and flow of Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools”, as often seen on hip-hop mixtapes and cover songs.
“You know I can’t lend you a hand. If I did that, I’ll end up the same as you.”
Danger (Mo-Blue-Mix) ft Thanh
The last song not widely known by newer ARMYs these days was quite possibly BTS’ first collaboration with another artist after debuting. This song saw the seven members join with Australian-Vietnamese singer/songwriter Thanh Bui to produce a remixed version of Danger. Released in November 2014, this piano-based, melodic remix is still a well-hidden gem, despite BTS’ international fame and popularity nowadays.
“My heart is burning, can you feel it tonight? Like an open fire lighting up the sky.”
All of the songs listed above, in no particular order, are available on SoundCloud with most having an accompanying video on BTS’ official YouTube channel. BTS’ discography, from start to finish, encompasses a multitude of genres, and every song evokes a range of emotions. These gemstones, along with others, and the bond the boys have forged assemble to give rise to their art, like a carefully crafted necklace with all its gemstones and links holding them together.
DISCLAIMER: We do not own any audio & visual content in this video except for the editing. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS. No copyright infringement intended.
Written By: LP
Edit By: Euni
Checked By: Mheer