Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) has an impressive discography, which covers a wide range of genres. It is a common saying among ARMYs that BTS’ discography has “something for everyone.” Though BTS had originated from the world of K-pop, their music is significantly different from the usual sounds and themes of the genre. BTS has tried their hand at pop, EDM, Latin pop, or ballad among others to show their versatility. Their music and themes are two of the main reasons that make BTS a gem in the music industry.
BTS has around 250 tracks in three languages. If you are new to BTS, browsing through so much content can be overwhelming at times, which is why we have come up with this playlist that you will enjoy listening to as a beginner or simply someone who wants to listen to BTS.
Spring Day (봄날)
You can start off with this queen of a song! “Spring Day” (Album: You Never Walk Alone) is a combination of alternative hip hop and pop-rock power ballad with lyrics that explore the themes of grief, longing, and finally moving on. BTS’ powerful yet soulful vocals have made “Spring Day” a special one. There is speculation in the fandom that the song is a tribute to the victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy, but BTS’ leader RM, who has written the song’s lyrics, has always suggested the song is open for interpretation. It is also the longest-charting song in the history of Melon Music charts.
Black Swan
“Black Swan'' (Album: Map of the Soul: 7) draws inspiration from Darren Aronofsky’s movie of the same name. BTS addresses their fears of losing passion for their beloved art form through this emo hip hop mixed with cloud rap and trap drum beats. “Black Swan'' is in line with Carl Jung’s theories on human psychologies, which was the defining inspiration behind Map of the Soul: Persona. An equally daunting and raw orchestral version of the song was released in an art film before the MV and features Slovenia-based modern dance troupe MN Dance Company.
Idol
This lead single from Love Yourself: Answer is a blend of Korean traditional sounds and African beats. The celebratory mood of the song and lyrics, such as “You can’t stop me loving myself,” is sure to make you want to get up and dance. BTS draws inspiration from the Korean genre pansori and incorporates Afro EDM to make the song percussion-based yet electric. There is another version, in which BTS collaborated with American rapper Nicki Minaj; there is also a Japanese version, and all are equally foot-tapping. “Idol” is one of the songs that have been instrumental in bringing BTS worldwide recognition.
I NEED U
The first song to earn BTS a win on a South Korean music show announced BTS’ arrival on the big stage in 2015. There are two remixes and a Japanese version of this lead single from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1. “I NEED U” is an R&B-inspired track that talks about the uncertainties of youth and the future that lies ahead – a theme that BTS explored in-depth within the album. The song in itself is beautiful, but this is also the song that introduced to us the Bangtan Universe, a diverse and complex cinematic universe, which BTS is a part of through MVs, short films, journals, etc.
Mic Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)
This EDM and trap-inspired song with interlaced hip hop is a flex track from BTS for those who have been doubting BTS and questioning their achievements. The track from Love Yourself: Answer also features American rapper Desiigner as a guest. RM has pointed out that the song drew inspiration from former US President Barack Obama’s mic drop at his last White House Correspondents’ Dinner. BTS has been at the receiving end of a lot of prejudices, and this song is a proclamation that they have made it, that they have become one of the biggest bands in the world and they get to have the last say and “mic drop.”
Blood Sweat & Tears
This is one of those songs that a music lover must listen to. This lead single from 2016 album Wings is a mix of moombahton, trap, and tropical house with dancehall and reggaeton. Inspired by Hermann Hesse’s novel “Demian,” the song focuses on the pain of addiction. The themes of temptation and the maddening urge to achieve something are portrayed through the emotional and melancholic delivery. A Japanese version of the song was also released. Wings was a landmark album for BTS, for which they won their first-ever “Album of the Year,” and “Blood Sweat & Tears” was one of the songs that propelled BTS’ popularity on the global scene.
Answer: Love Myself
This track from Love Yourself: Answer encompasses the entire mood of the album. BTS hopes that ARMY would love themselves just like they love and support BTS. This track is the epitome of self-love – an idea BTS has been promoting openly in different events across the world. This cheerful track is also a testament to the special relationship BTS shares with ARMY – where one takes care of the other. Thus, this is a must-listen.
Bonus: BTS has a very special relationship with ARMY and has gifted them songs every now and then. Two of them – “Mikrokosmos” and “Magic Shop” should be on your list as a beginner!
These are some of our recommendations for a new listener. But in all honesty, each BTS track has a story to tell and is a part of them. So, you will have to listen to them all to know BTS, the whole of BTS.
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: Basabdatta
Edit By: Aury
Checked By: Vera
A must read for baby army! Will recommend this to every baby