Spotify - BTS Radio UK Weekly Playlist
Our weekly playlist is here!
Each week we will be picking a theme and creating a BTS playlist around it. These are going to be eclectic never been seen before playlists plus our playlist team will be giving some extra reasons why they wanted to add their particular song.
Make travelling a little better by adding the playlist to your journey at the following Spotify link: A Long Journey with BTS
Idol - Michayla
I have a personal reason for choosing this week’s theme because it is my 40th birthday this week and I am having a party, so of course I have a party playlist. There were so many songs to choose from, that I really wanted to write about, but I chose ‘Idol’ because not only is it a song that is a bop, my friends and I look forward to attempting some of the dance moves at my party.
You can find our revision playlist on Spotify at the following link: Revising with BTS
I Like It pt.2 – chosen by ARMY
“I want you who makes eye contact with me
This is one of my favourite verses in the song. The lyrics show a love that was once incredible, but it has now begun to fall apart just like the autumn leaves that are destined to fall, but in his eyes he still tries sees things just as they were before. “You are my fifth season” is a line I always remember.
The stunning lyrics, as well as the overall beat and tone of the song as a whole, give me an almost nostalgic, reminiscing sort of feeling.
You can hear the ‘Stadium Tour’ Dream Spotify Setlist at the following link: Stadium Tour - Our Dream Setlist
You can hear this week's Spotify playlist at the following link: Workout with BTS
Spring by BTS What better way to celebrate the recent anniversary of ‘Spring Day’ and the fact that the days are brighter, than to listen to a Spring themed playlist full of BTS songs? Magic Shop – chosen by ARMY
Charlie - This song perfectly describes how a lot of us turn to BTS for escapism when we feel down. No matter what kind of bad day you have, BTS will be there waiting in the magic shop for you to turn to, which is a comforting feeling on these cold, post-Christmas spring days.
Michayla – If I close my eyes, listening to Magic Shop, this is the song that is a sunny day, a light breeze on my face and the smell of fresh flowers. A spring day is calming and bright, full of hope and comfort after a cold spell and this is what Magic Shop is for me.
Sadie - Magic shop is a perfect song for this playlist. It’s a song that tells us to pick ourselves up, one that tells that we can do it, tells us we are loved and that there are people out there who believe in us and want to help show us the best of ourselves. It tells us, that if we look into our hearts we can find it too, our happy place, our magic shop.
Eve – BTS’ second song for their fans, their Army. It speaks about the bands uncertain feelings of wanting to be the best, or did they just want to do their best and comfort us. They understand the feelings we all have and this song is the song we can sing together when we feel alone in a huge crowd of people.
Outro: Wings by Michayla Outro: Wings is a song that gives me hope and so many good feelings and because hope is a word I attribute to Spring, I felt it was a perfect song choice for this week’s playlist. The first thing that strikes me about Wings, is J-Hope’s voice after the intro by Jungkook and RM. He has such a beautiful tone to his voice and it hits me right in the chest. J-Hope’s first verse, for me, is simply about the belief he had as a child that he could achieve his dreams and as he grew, the achievements (feathers) formed his success (wings):
I remember my childhood Because I had no big worries I knew these small feathers would become wings I knew the wings would make me fly I had that faith Along with laughter
On a day when perhaps life is throwing some negativity my way, I focus on RM’s words because this verse is about following your heart and doing what you want to do even against better advice. We learn through our mistakes and at times, the more difficult paths, the hurt and the mistakes make us stronger and lead us to succeed:
I went on the road that I was told not to go I did things I was told not to do I wanted things I couldn’t want I got hurt and hurt again You can call me stupid Then I’ll just smile I don’t wanna succeed By doing things I don’t wanna do I’m pushing myself Word
Suga’s verse is reinforcing the opinion of choosing your path and standing strong in your choices even against adversity. It’s about believing in yourself and even if you fail, you can try again:
I believe in myself My back hurting is for my wings to come out I believe in you, even if things are bleak right now The end will be great Fly, fly up in the sky Fly, fly get ’em up high It’s the path you chose, dude don’t be scared This is just the first flight
Outro: Wings is such a positive song to give you encouragement on days when you are unsure of your choices and the road that you are following. Wings is about never giving up and having faith in yourself, standing firm in your choices until you achieve the success you desire. Spring is a new beginning, flowers bloom, the earth reawakens, the sun shines bringing with it brighter days. Spring is a vibrant season and whilst walking through a meadow of flowers, with blue skies above, a light breeze blowing, I could quite easily imagine Wings playing as the theme tune for this scene. In my opinion, Wings is ideal for a spring day.
24/7 = Heaven by Charlie
24/7 = Heaven is a flowery, cute song about a boy wishing time would go faster because he has a date tomorrow. It’s happy, upbeat and calming. The lyrics are adorable, as the boy excitably complains that time isn’t going fast enough, which reminds me of a child unable to go to sleep the night before Christmas or their birthday.
“After thinking about it for a while
I stayed up all night
When the sun wasn’t even up yet
Why is this day so long?
I’m resenting the clock hand”
The song is so full of excited, happy emotions that it makes you fantasise about a Spring date where you’ll be treated amazingly. It’s a truly romantic song that can make you feel all warm and fuzzy.
“I think it’ll be a special day,
I can be a gentleman
Cause I’m your boyfriend”
The thing that stands out to me the most in this song is its intro, with the subtle instrumental which makes me think it’ll be more of a hip-hop song, which is then followed by the cute, breathy “shoo-bee-da-bop-ba-baaa” vocals, which I love. They’re calming and instantly get me into the song and get me ready to sing the repetitive, catchy chorus, where the boys sing about their first date. And it is so fun to think about these tough rapper boys getting all excited over a first date. A special mention must also go towards an iconic pick-up line mentioned in the song:
“If time is a stock called you, I would invest”
Just One Day by Sadie
Warm, happy, carefree. That’s what spring feels like to me. The sun is starting to show, flowers begin to bloom, and it’s almost like the season brings with it a fresh sense of love and rediscovered happiness...but it can also sometimes leave you feeling uncertain, as you anticipate change, and what is yet to come. I had no difficulty picking “Just One Day” for our Spring Playlist, because to me it’s perfectly fitting.
It’s a song of adoration, admiration and longing. This song is about wanting to be with someone that you can’t be with, but you just want at-least one day to be able to be with them completely, before saying goodbye.
“Just One Day” is a beautifully bittersweet serenade, that really gives me those spring time vibes.
The first part of the song is a beautiful opening by Suga, about being completely and utterly fascinated with someone.
“I want to peacefully fall asleep
intoxicated with your sweet scent
If there’s a chance in my busy schedule
I want to put my body in your warm and deep eyes
I like that, your long, straight hair
Your breathtaking neck when you
put it up and the strands that fall out”
The melody, like the lyrics is sweet and warm and the lyrics show how enchanting and enticing love can be.
“I appreciate the masterpiece that is you because your existence alone is art”
This is a powerful and stunning lyric. To say that someones existence is art, is a striking and breathtaking statement. Its awe-inspiring to say such a thing of someone.
Right after, those lyrics are followed by;
“I imagine this all night every day
Because it’s a meaningless dream anyway”
The lyrics show such love and devotion, but also such longing, and this is how the lyrics take a bittersweet turn.
Spring is often seen as a time for new beginnings, but just as every season ends, so must spring...
“But still, if you see me some day, smile
Maybe you resent me a little or no, a lot
I know, I couldn’t look at you more because of my dream
Then just give me one day
Even if it’s in my dream, just one day
Out of all those words I had to swallow
Because of the excuse of reality
I’ll pick one and tell it to you for sure
Let’s meet when the lilies bloom
And say goodbye when they wither” - RM
...and sometimes not everything that blooms in spring lasts, but there is always hope that it will.
“It’s not over yet, in the middle of a beautiful night
I’ll confess to you, with the moon as our light
All of these things tell me,”
I love J-hopes bridge. The lyrics say to me that, even though I know we probably can’t, and even though we may not be meant to be, I still want just one day with you, one chance, to tell you how I feel;
“If I have just one day, it’s possible”
I give it to you although it was a bit awkward, I want to give it all to you I give it to you To me, who sometimes cries and laughs, it’s only you For you
I first heard propose when I initially discovered BTS and went on a mission to listen to all previously released songs and albums, on first listening I skipped, second time I played it all the way through looked up the lyrics and fell in love. I love the light hearted feel of the song, it has such a nice dreamy feel that reminds me of spring which makes it perfect for this week’s playlist. I want to listen to Propose while walking through the park when the spring flowers are appearing and it’s sunny but still a little bit chilly. The music has a cute retro feel that reminds me of R ‘n’ B boy groups dancing in a line in perfect synchronicity, again showing how diverse BTS' music can be to cover so many different genres.
Meanwhile you can listen to this week's Spotify playlist at the following link: Spring by BTS
I’m Fine - Abbie
Valentines by BTS
Answer: Love Myself by Abbie
It’s Definitely You by Michayla
Spotify - Valentines by BTS
Shock and Awe – by BTS
Fake Love – Eve
Love Yourself - by BTS
MAMA years – by BTS
Inspired by the amazing performances that we had anticipated for weeks, the Spotify team have put a full list of MAMA nominated, winning and performance songs from 2013 to now. It’s a bumper playlist of 71 songs and we have picked our favourites to write about and let you know just how much we love them.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3eZtw5CCpwDswhXLhV2nkH
Michayla – Blood, Sweat & Tears The Wings album from 2016 brought us this amazing song about putting everything on the line for love and a stunning MV also came too. Blood Sweat and Tears is a fantastic song which is magnified when performed live and BTS lit the stage up at MAMA in 2016. There are so many elements that work together to make Blood, Sweat & Tears, so amazing, from the costumes to choreography, it really is quite a theatrical performance. This song has many interpretations from the idea of losing yourself in love and giving yourself completely to someone, to the overwhelming desire of temptation: It doesn't matter if it hurts Make it tighter so I can't escape Hold me tight and shake me So I'll be unconscious Kiss me on the lip, lips This is a secret between the two of us I am addicted to the prison that is you I cannot worship Anyone else besides you I knowingly drank from the poisoned chalice Temptation and love are represented in the MV which shows Jin selling his soul to the devil as he gives in to temptation and kisses the statue that is representative of the fallen angel. At the end of the MV, Jin’s face starts to crack which shows that he is crumbling and should have remained strong, not given in. The MV is set in a gothic style mansion with each member having an individual part to play in the story. The choreography is quite sexual which implies the seduction of temptation (whatever form the temptation comes in). Blood, Sweat & Tears is one of my favourite songs because I personally love the haunting, dark element to it. The outfits worn each time it is performed are so well chosen and usually gothic / old romantic / almost Victorian in style. I love that Taehyung represents the fallen angel and the wounds on his back are where his wings once were. During the 2016 MAMA performance, Tae is seen walking on stage towards Jin who is kneeling, before dropping his jacket off his shoulders to reveal the wounds which certainly got a reaction from ARMY in the arena. I was also incredibly lucky to see Blood, Sweat & Tears performed on 10th October 2018 in London and even though it was just a part of the medley, it was still fantastic and I was thrilled to have seen the iconic choreography for myself, live.
Run – Eve To me Run is a song about unrequited love. You’re my sun, one and only in this world I bloom for you, but you make me thirsty RM opens the song with these heartfelt lyrics of feeling you have found that one person that makes your world perfect, but they don’t feel the same way. This person makes him feel like a better person, a more complete person, but he is deprived of their reciprocated feelings. The group sing about chasing after these perfect feelings but they never manage to catch them. V’s pre-chorus really brings the painful feelings of this kind of one sided love; Make me run Make me run more Let my feet rip apart with wounds At least I can I smile when I see you You will go through the worst pain and heartache just to see this one person and smile with them. I love how BTS can take these issues that everyone at some point in their lives and turn them into these songs that make you feel like you’re not on your own. Their words are sincere and touch your heart. The Music Video takes the song on a whole other journey, a story about a group of boys travelling through their youth together taking the wrong turns, having fun, falling out and discovering that they will have to grow up. There are hundreds of theories out there on the internet about hidden meanings in BTS’ music videos and Run takes centre stage in some of those theories. Have a look but be prepared to fall into a deep pool of wonderful, confusing thoughts. My write up about Run wouldn’t be complete without looking at the MAMA performance 2015 of Run, the performance is perfect and showcases their complete synchronicity on stage perfectly. https://youtu.be/-kp2-7X4pBU Spring Day - Amber
With this song, it is mainly about friends not being there and then making it feel like its winter. This could be because winter is cold and that's probably how they feel when their friend isn't there so like lonely and cold like winter. But then what is said is that they want the winter and coldness to end and travel back to spring and be with their friend again. The rest of the song also carries on to talk about this friend that they miss and through the lyrics of the song it could be like that they drifted apart because of something important. The whole song is all about living without someone that they love and miss a lot they are ready to emotionally connect and bring this person back into their life, as they couldn't live without them. If this person was to leave them i don't think they would be able to function with the change there is a lot of this in the song and the lyrics especially. More towards the end of the song they do talk a lot about hatred to their friend that left them but that goes away because they love them so they choose to forget it.
You can find the Drive Time playlist on our Spotify at the following link:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NByUXcgsNS9cJ8UKEmQjx
Until next time.
Someone tormenting themselves both emotionally and physically in order to find a release. I really feel this could even be a teenage angst song because of the turmoil.
They say that whatever we do we do it together, and we help each other out. while looking at the song I think that the chorus and the pre-chorus that Jungkook, Jin and Jhope sing really adds to the power. So will Jungkook's softer voice and Jin's more deep voice makes this sound full of life, power and emotion. Then with Jhope's vocals that are always quite hidden gives it that more bounce vibe.
National Kindness Day
You can find this weeks Spotify list here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5A66MYIB85I08NzD12i1up
Anti Bullying Week
Michayla
So What
This week’s playlist theme caused a careful selection of songs and I felt that this song fits right in. A victim of bullying goes through so much and to get to the point where they can say ‘So what?’ to bullies would certainly be a moment of empowerment.
Eve
Intro: O!RUL8,2?
One of the shortest songs on the O!RUL8,2? Album at 1 minute 10 seconds doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a ton of feelings into it.
The theme this week is to stop bullying as anti-bullying week is coming up. I think this song fits very well for the theme as I think when people get bullied they will be feeling low and sad. This song will show them that they shouldn’t care what people would think and they should love themselves.
Fireworks & Frights
This week we have gone for amazing strong beats that a firework would be proud to be set off to and frights the spooky songs that pull at your emotions.
Michayla
Fake Love
Love Yourself Tear gave us the haunting track Fake Love in May 2018. Everything about this song is great, from the vocals to the choreography. V’s sultry voice starts the song followed by Jungkook for the intro. All 7 members have a vocal part to play and inject themselves into Fake Love.
The lyrics, to me, tell the story of someone changed by being with someone. That moment when you question whether love is real because you are trying so hard to please the person you are with. The desire for perfect love makes you doubt the sincerity of the feelings that you do have.
For you, I could pretend like I was happy when I was sad For you, I could pretend like I was strong when I was hurt I wish love was perfect as love itself I wish all my weaknesses could be hidden I grew a flower that can’t be bloomed in a dream that can’t come true
Fake Love belongs on any playlist but I wanted it on Fireworks & Frights because of its spooky, haunting feel. The official MV has that Halloween haunted house feel to it with a gothic, dark element to it. I get a sense of anguish from the choreography throughout the MV particularly as Jungkook runs through the house and the floor falls away behind him.
The song feels like it has a deep, hidden meaning which is personal to the individual listening to it. This was clarified when I found out that Fake Love strikes a special chord with 2 of my fellow ARMY friends. It was the first song by BTS that both my friends heard and when I asked them what it meant to them they said:
‘Fake love touched something personal to me, deep inside my heart’ and ‘It’s a song that makes me feel’.
What does Fake Love mean to you?
Eve
Boy Meets Evil The meaning behind this song can be interpreted in different ways, but it comes down to the eternal struggle of which path to take. The good or the bad in this case. When I listen to the song and read the lyrics I see J-Hope being drawn to evil, a relationship that no one approves of but he ignores their concerns and runs towards the danger. He knows it's not good, but the sweetness of what is anticipated and expected draws him in and even through this internal tug of war he keeps turning away from the warnings. It's a dark subject that could be about a girl or about the pitfalls of becoming famous and being drawn to the evils of fame. The song lyrics were written by J-Hope and RM and it shows the maturity of their song writing skills to take such a subject and make is so relatable to the life of their fans and their own struggles. This love is another name for the devil Don’t hold her hand I shouted but turned away from my conscience I feel the sharp reality more every day There’s red blood from being torn apart by reality I never thought that The greed would become the trumpet heralding hell Breathe The overall feel of the music in Boy Meets Evil is dark, the instrumental build up to J-Hopes breathy first words to his emotional voice shouting how strong and hard this decision has been to make and the anthem of "It's too sweet, it's too bad, it's too evil"; making it into a mantra telling himself to not only make a decision but to make the right decision. If the contents of the song on its own weren't enough to stir your hidden deep emotions, the video finishes you off.
Released as a teaser trailer for Wings, the whole of the fandom was left struggling for breath after watching J-Hope bring out his dark and tortured side, fighting his way through his demons to come out the other side with his angel wings.
Amber
Come Back Home
https://open.spotify.com/user/suj7am2j0m44659ba2ulrmae5/playlist/03FsRwF5xfhnNoarN5t3Lm?si=xVQ9HU6fQi-85sE-vwcIWg
Autumn
Shower with BTS
Most of us like a good sing-a-long whilst washing our hair in the shower, maybe even using the shampoo bottle as a microphone. If this is something you can relate to then this is the playlist for you!
Here are the songs that we have chosen to bop along to in the shower, why don’t you let us know what you think by tweeting us @BTSRadioUK
Love Maze chosen by ARMY
Charlie - Love Maze is a song that makes me smile and throw away any worries when I listen to it. Its flow, particularly in the chorus, is something that makes me feel like I’m coming home to BTS, and is something that I have to sing along to. The song, which uses a maze as a metaphor for trying to navigate through love when life and its different paths get in the way, is very easy to sing along to and get in your head.
Michayla – Once again I was surprised by ARMYs choice from the poll but it was one of the closest results we have had with all 4 songs fighting it out. Love Maze is a great song to sing-a-long to in the shower and when you can’t sing, you can hum along because the tune is so great.
The lyrics were written mostly by Namjoon (RM) so you just know from that alone, that the song has depth and meaning. My favourite line is:
‘We must believe only in ourselves
Can’t let go of each other’s hands
We need to be together forever’
Can’t let go of each other’s hands
We need to be together forever’
I feel that this symbolises self belief but the recognition that we should use the support of the people around us too. Great choice, as always, ARMY!
Let Go – Charlie
With the news of BTS’s next Japanese release coming soon, it is a happy coincidence that I am writing about ‘Let Go’, a song from BTS’s third Japanese studio album, ‘Face Yourself’. It is a song about finally saying goodbye to someone you need to let go of.
“In order to release your hand right now
I gotta let you know that I need to let you go
Hard to say goodbye
But I can’t run
I’m ready to let go”
It is a bittersweet song of not wanting to leave somebody but finally realising that you need to healthily move on with your life. This makes it an encouraging message, despite the fact that the first time I listened to it and read the lyrics, I cried buckets. Every time I hear “I’m ready to let go”, I feel such conflicting emotions of “Yes, the person in this song should move on,” but also, “please don’t go.” The lyrics encapsulate the heartbreaking pain of needing to erase someone from your mind, but still wondering what they are up to as your mind keeps going back to them.
“What have you been up to lately?
Who are you thinking of so far away?
Life without you is really unbelievable
But even so I still gotta go”
When the vocal line sing this, they sound almost as if they are about to cry, Namjoon’s voice is morose and Hoseok’s voice calms me and keeps me relaxed despite the unfortunate subject matter of the song. This song is also wonderful for its inclusion of Yoongi’s vocals, which sound very different to how he usually uses his voice in other songs. This gives it a refreshing feel. Overall, I believe every word of this song and can hear in the boys’ tones that they believe every word they are singing too.
It is a fitting song for the shower playlist, being perfect to sing dramatically as water rolls down your face like tears.
Airplane pt 2 (Japanese version) – Michayla
This week’s theme was a lot of fun to discuss as we all had different songs that we like to sing-a-long to in the shower. Thankfully I have a good non-slip mat in my bath so even manage a few moves too.
I decided on the Japanese version of Airplane pt 2 after the announcement that we will be getting a new Japanese release in July. Most ARMY will already know that Airplane pt 2 is the second part to the song ‘Airplane’ written by Hobi (J-Hope) and from his album ‘Hopeworld’. Hobi’s verse in part 2 is the same as one of his verses in Airplane, which I think is just genius and it makes the song even more special.
Airplane pt 2 was released as the 2nd track on the Japanese CD single Fake Love/Airplane pt 2 in November 2018 and was accompanied by an official MV, along with concept photo’s.
It is the story of how they started from nothing, being told they weren’t good enough, that they wouldn’t make it, so much against them and many obstacles to overcome.
‘It’s not easy
Failure and frustration
Words that someone gave me after calling me, exhausted, to stop
You’re a singing star
You’re a singing star
But I see no star...
After some years passed by’
Failure and frustration
Words that someone gave me after calling me, exhausted, to stop
You’re a singing star
You’re a singing star
But I see no star...
After some years passed by’
It is years on from how they began that we see that BTS views themselves as travelling musicians who still work hard, living from hotel room to hotel room. Their hard work and dedication is something that they recognise in many songs and something that makes ARMY proud of the group BTS are.
There is also the sentence about Namjoon being unsure of which persona to live as. He has always wanted to portray an honest version of himself but struggles with being both Kim Namjoon and RM:
‘(We still) Sky high, sky fly, sky dope
(We still) Same try, same scar, same work
(We still) Wherever in the world we go
(We still) We work in our hotel rooms
(I still) One day it works out too well, then the next day I’m completely screwed
(I still) Who should I live as today, Kim Namjoon or RM?
25, I still don’t know how to live well
So, today as well, we just go’
(We still) Same try, same scar, same work
(We still) Wherever in the world we go
(We still) We work in our hotel rooms
(I still) One day it works out too well, then the next day I’m completely screwed
(I still) Who should I live as today, Kim Namjoon or RM?
25, I still don’t know how to live well
So, today as well, we just go’
The first thought that entered my head when we had decided on the theme this week was the image towards the end of the MV that accompanied Airplane pt.2, where it rains and the members all get wet (except Taehyung because he is wearing a hat). This made me think of the shower instantly and was one of the reasons I wanted to include it.
Singing in the shower, is a must, for many people and there are so many great parts to sing in Airplane pt 2, particularly this verse:
‘We goin’ from NY to Cali
London to Paris
Wherever we go, party
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
We goin’ from Tokyo, Italy
Hong Kong to Brazil
Wherever in the world, I will sing
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
El Mariachi’
London to Paris
Wherever we go, party
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
We goin’ from Tokyo, Italy
Hong Kong to Brazil
Wherever in the world, I will sing
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
El Mariachi
El Mariachi’
When I am singing this song I tend to sing both Jin’s ‘We still’ followed by Namjoon’s parts and I know this is always one question that is asked amongst ARMY quite often… do you sing one part or both?
Source: YouTube
Boy Meets Evil – Charlie
‘Boy Meets Evil’ is a Jhope solo which serves as the introduction to the Wings album (yes, I’m very predictable with my love for this album).
The dramatic video for this song, which is also the Wings album trailer, features Jhope dancing beautifully in a rustic building. As he stomps his feet down, the floor breaks, the dull bricks are splashed with colour and the song becomes more intense and upbeat. Something this extra is perfect for dramatic shower renditions of BTS songs, especially when I imagine Jhope’s mesmerising solo dance that accompanies this song.
“The light of my future is dimming
Because of my childish love, I lost my way on a path of dream”
Hoseok’s deep vocals in this song have traces of a sinister tone, before he uses his rapping voice to appear angrier and more desperate. It is then in the refrain towards the end of the song that the somewhat sombre feeling re-emerges. The repetition also implies the desperation of the song, which tells of someone who is trying to avoid dangerous temptations they face in adult life, but simply can’t because the temptations are too sweet. In typical Wings fashion, it is a seductive song with an eerie feeling.
“Too bad but it’s too sweet
It’s too sweet, it’s too sweet
Too bad but it’s too sweet”
The religious imagery I adored from Blood, Sweat and Tears is present here, with references of the Devil making Hoseok stray towards a life of temptation.
“It was crazy good
I was an idiot addicted to sweetness
Yeah an idiot
I didn’t want to let go of the devil’s hand”
Check out the album trailer below, and you’ll know what I mean when I say that Jhope’s dancing really adds to the atmosphere of this song. And an atmospheric song that makes me feel completely in the zone is perfect for shower listening.
Source: YouTube
Cypher 4 – Michayla
This is one of my favourite songs to listen to at any time so was a definite for our shower playlist, even though I did find myself moving my shoulders along to the beat and getting lost in the song which makes this a great time waster.
Cypher part 4 is the 11th track on the Wings album and was performed live at MAMA in Hong Kong 2017 along with Mic Drop. Most people may not be aware that a ‘cypher’ is essentially a rap battle in hip hop terms and the BTS rap line certainly give a great performance in this song.
This song oozes sarcasm and is a big nod to the haters that dragged BTS through the dirt. In Namjoon’s (RM) part he basically apologises for being alive, as well as stating that he isn’t affected by the hate anymore so he recommends they change tactics.
‘Because I’m breathing I’m sorry bae
Because I’m too healthy I’m sorry bae
I’m on the air I’m sorry bae
Errthing errthing errthing
Sorry bae
The sound that I’m making now bae
To someone else, it’s like a dog’s bark bae
Why don’t you change your pattern
Of talking shit about others bae
It’s about to get boring, boring bae
I’m not hateful of you anymore
I’m not hateful of you anymore sorry bae
I’ll be the drum, just hit me hard
Let’s just try it, samulnori, bae
I’m a monster, my tail is too long, bae
You’ll shoot me anyway, bae’
Because I’m too healthy I’m sorry bae
I’m on the air I’m sorry bae
Errthing errthing errthing
Sorry bae
The sound that I’m making now bae
To someone else, it’s like a dog’s bark bae
Why don’t you change your pattern
Of talking shit about others bae
It’s about to get boring, boring bae
I’m not hateful of you anymore
I’m not hateful of you anymore sorry bae
I’ll be the drum, just hit me hard
Let’s just try it, samulnori, bae
I’m a monster, my tail is too long, bae
You’ll shoot me anyway, bae’
In Hobi’s (J-Hope) verse he talks about how he is in the spotlight more now, how busy he is and that he recognises how it is those that want to be like him, hate on him. He is basically accusing those that speak negatively about him of being bitter.
‘I wanna get sleep time
Without a chance to rest, we’re receiving spotlight
Ahh you wanna be my life
Those who are starving, just be my human shield
Contacted softly and got spammed on my accord
Haul to the stage all innocent okay
But I can’t be satisfied just being here
I’m climbing up there, high high high’
Without a chance to rest, we’re receiving spotlight
Ahh you wanna be my life
Those who are starving, just be my human shield
Contacted softly and got spammed on my accord
Haul to the stage all innocent okay
But I can’t be satisfied just being here
I’m climbing up there, high high high’
Yoongi’s (Suga) part is talking back to the haters as well as acknowledging that he, himself is not necessarily at the top of his game, but he works hard anyway. Yoongi has faced so much condemnation over the years so does a great job of roasting those in the industry who have tried to put him down and he always delivers!
‘So fly above your face that became a corpse
Click clack to the bang, you and you
I’m always thankful, for not earning anything so easily
Why is it my fault, that your life is noncommittal
Keep on living like that vaguely
Sorry but continue to look
Because I’m gonna earn more from now
By all means please live healthily’
Click clack to the bang, you and you
I’m always thankful, for not earning anything so easily
Why is it my fault, that your life is noncommittal
Keep on living like that vaguely
Sorry but continue to look
Because I’m gonna earn more from now
By all means please live healthily’
Cypher part 4 has everything you need for a song to listen to in the shower, including that chorus that you can sing at the top of your lungs, shower gel acting as a microphone in your hand, shoulders moving up and down:
‘I love I love I love myself
I love I love I love myself
I know I know I know myself
Ya playa haters you should love yourself
Brr’
I love I love I love myself
I know I know I know myself
Ya playa haters you should love yourself
Brr’
Let your attitude flow and channel that inner rapper! Here’s that famous MAMA performance:
Source: You Tube
A Long Journey with BTS
This week we chose the theme of travelling, a playlist for those long journeys whether it be by car, plane or another mode of transport. We thought this was especially fitting since many ARMYs would be planning a journey to travel to one of the Speak Yourself concerts and one of the must-haves for that journey is a BTS playlist.
What songs would make it onto your playlist for a long journey? Do you have a favourite song that gets you through a trip? Tweet us @BTSRadioUK.
Epiphany chosen by ARMY
Michayla – Epiphany was a great choice by ARMY for this playlist. Sometimes on a long journey you need that song that chills you out, especially if you are super excited about the destination! Epiphany is a song about self love so another reason to listen to it on your way to the concert, as a reminder of BTS’s message:
‘I finally realised so I love me
Not so perfect but so beautiful
I’m the one I should love’
Jin delivers everything in this song and it is by far one of my favourite songs. It is dramatic, especially towards the end as Jin steps it up a gear and really shows off his vocals. When you think Epiphany couldn’t get any better… there’s the live version which just blows you away.
Charlie - Epiphany is perfect for long journeys. Whether you’re up in the sky listening to Jin’s dreamy vocals, or on the road humming along to the soft verses, it's a song to get lost in and forget that you’re on a long journey. Even when walking towards the O2 when BTS had their London concert, I remember people singing together, “I’m the one I should love in this world.” Its English lyrics make it easier for people to sing along to together, which is essential in a song for a road trip.
Sadie - You would usually expect that an upbeat, dance sort of track would win a poll like this weeks, but I was not surprised to see Epiphany be the big winner. This beautiful ballad is a song we all love to turn up, belt out, and sometimes cry to in my case. It’s a stunning song of self love and appreciation. It's about having an “Epiphany” and realising your self worth and importance. What an amazing song to have in this playlist, to continue to remind us to love ourselves.
Eve - This song when I first heard it, hit me with the emotions. Jin has this amazing ability to make you feel exactly what he is singing, even before you look up the translation.
It has an old school retro guitar band feel to it, which is perfect for a long journey.
With the tinkling piano leading you in and the anthemic uplifting chorus, telling you to love yourself there isn’t anything to fault Jin’s latest solo song.
It’s so calming and at the same time rouses you to stand and say;
‘I’m the one I should love in this world
Shining me, precious soul of mine
I finally realized so I love me
Not so perfect but so beautiful
I'm the one I should love’
Shining me, precious soul of mine
I finally realized so I love me
Not so perfect but so beautiful
I'm the one I should love’
Dimple - Eve
Dimple is such a pure sweet song about noticing something about the person you are into. In this case it’s their dimples, comparing them to a mistake made by an angel or a deep kiss.
Your existence alone is a crime
Was it a mistake made by an angel?
Or a deep kiss?
Was it a mistake made by an angel?
Or a deep kiss?
I really like listening to BTS when I’m driving because I don’t get interrupted by life. Setting off to work on a morning I get my BTS only playlist on and they envelope me on my journey.
Dimple is one of those underrated BTS songs, it’s sung by V, Jungkook, Jimin and Jin, it’s appeared on two albums Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Answer and is a firm fan favourite, but it always seems to get overlooked when putting a playlist together for radio stations or even when BTS perform live.
Correct me if I’m wrong but when I started writing this, I did a google search “BTS Dimple Live” and there were no obvious results, this cute song needs a video or to be sung live one day.
It’s perfectly put together with Jimin being one of the lead singers in the song, it suits his voice perfectly with Jungkook, V and Jin bringing in depth to the verses and chorus.
Dimple again showcases RM’s versatility to be able to go from his hard hitting raps to write a pretty pop song about young love.
I don’t have it, only you have it
Is that why it’s so hard?
I wanna die fallen in you, I wanna die locked in you
You are my lake
Is that why it’s so hard?
I wanna die fallen in you, I wanna die locked in you
You are my lake
Many a time I can be seen driving along the motorway singing illeeeeeeee-girl at the top of my voice.
Dimple is most definitely joining me on my train journey to London for the Speak Yourself tour in June, I can’t promise I won’t forget where I am and start singing away, so apologise in advance to anyone that finds themselves in the same carriage.
This write up obviously wouldn’t be complete without a picture of Mr Dimple himself, RM:
Silver Spoon - Charlie
‘Silver Spoon’, also known as ‘Baepsae’, ‘Try-Hard’ or ‘Crow-tit’, was one of my early favourite songs by BTS. From the album, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life pt. 2, the song’s title comes from the Korean proverb, “If a crow-tit tries to walk like a stork, it will tear its legs.” To put in less metaphorical terms, this means that if someone of low status (from a lower generation, for instance) tries to act like someone who is more privileged rather than knowing their place, they are doomed to fail.
“They call me a try-hard.
Our generation has had it hard.
Hurry, chase ‘em.
My teachers were born with it all.”
In this sense, it's one of BTS’ most politically-charged songs, as they complain about how unjust society is, with younger people struggling to pursue a career in an environment which the older generations have made difficult, only for their elders to then turn around and complain about the “ungrateful youth.” This frustrated and angry tone is what makes the song so enjoyable - it is mocking society in a fun way, pointing and complaining about how ridiculous the world can be.
“Ah, stop going on about ‘effort’ and more ‘effort’.
Ah it makes my hands and feet cringe.
Ah, try harder, ah, try harder.”
The repetition in the pre-chorus is something that sticks in my head, and I’ve listened to it so often that I will sing along to it, even though it’s not in English. Having said that, there are certain English lyrics that you can yell out in unified irritation with the boys, such as the “chase em” and “you must be kidding me!” lines. It is a song that encourages you to join in and sing along to in protest.
If I was on a long journey, this is one of the first songs I would want to play and sing along to. Every single part of it is memorable, from Taehyung’s deep calls of, “oh noryeok noryeok”, to the repetition of the taunt, “as expected by the storks”, which I always join in singing to while pointing to the sky.
As they released a “fun version” of the dance practice video for this song as opposed to a serious one, I think this reflects how easy it is to dance to without thinking too hard - I have often tried to dance to this in the passenger seat of my parents’ car, because it’s just one of those songs I cannot sit still to when it plays, nor can I play it quietly without feeling that I am not doing it justice.
Source: You Tube
Moonchild - Michayla
I was really looking forward to choosing a song from this week’s playlist because there are some amazing choices on there. I went with this song because it is one of my favourites from Mono and I feel is perfect for a long journey as it has the perfect mix of being a chilled out song and an upbeat song thanks to the awesome beat. Imagine sitting on a train or in a car, travelling to your destination, which could very well be the venue for a concert, the excitement is building, your thought process is muddled and you need grounding… Moonchild is a great song to listen to at this time because you can close your eyes and get lost in Namjoon’s vocals.
Moonchild is the 3rd track on ‘Mono’ which is RM’s solo album and it was one track that was eagerly awaited by ARMY after hearing the title because a hint was dropped in the song 4 ‘o’ clock by Taehyung and Namjoon. This song did not disappoint when I heard it, as it starts with quite a haunting sound and then Namjoon’s voice comes in for the intro:
‘We're born in the moonlight
Ain't no fantasy
Can't breathe in the sunlight
Gotta hide your heart
We're born to be sad, sad, sad, sad
Suffer to be glad, glad, glad, glad’
Ain't no fantasy
Can't breathe in the sunlight
Gotta hide your heart
We're born to be sad, sad, sad, sad
Suffer to be glad, glad, glad, glad’
‘Moonchild’ is about finding hope and solace in the moonlight, through the darkness. Namjoon’s message is to push through the negativity, carry on regardless of what faces you and overcome the obstacles that are in your way:
‘Yeah all this pain and all this sorrow
That's our destiny, see?
You and my life was like this
We gotta dance in the rain
Dance in the pain
Even though we crash down
We gon dance in the plane’
That's our destiny, see?
You and my life was like this
We gotta dance in the rain
Dance in the pain
Even though we crash down
We gon dance in the plane’
Namjoon wants us to believe that we all have the power within ourselves to shine through the darkness of life, just like the moonlight. He once again urges us to look within us and find the strength to fight when we are finding life difficult to deal with. If you believe you can reach your goals and win the battle then you are halfway there and can succeed.
‘I left, but can never get to leave once
You say you wanna die, but live it much harder
You say you wanna let go but put on another weight
Thinking of not thinking at all is still a thinking, you know
Actually this is our destiny, you know
Smiling in endless pain, you know
There is no ‘freedom’ when you say ‘freedom’ out loud, you know
Do you know?’
You say you wanna die, but live it much harder
You say you wanna let go but put on another weight
Thinking of not thinking at all is still a thinking, you know
Actually this is our destiny, you know
Smiling in endless pain, you know
There is no ‘freedom’ when you say ‘freedom’ out loud, you know
Do you know?’
The most important message, in my opinion, that ‘Moonchild’ brings, is that the darkness is unavoidable. Negativity and struggles are a part of life and something you will experience… however, you can battle through it, work harder and win. Sometimes the hardest part about life is accepting that when things aren’t going well, it isn’t your fault, but you can change the outcome and take control of your destiny.
Life is a journey, one that we all have to make and not everything will go our way but we can get to our desired destination with hard work and dedication. Loving yourself and having self belief is a huge part of that. You can be a beam of moonlight shining through the darkness… you just have to believe it.
Source: You Tube
134340 - Sadie
Travelling... I love travelling. I personally haven’t been on a plane since I was a little kid, so any travelling I do usually consists of bus, train or car rides. Now, bus and train rides tend to feel boring or tedious for me, but I love a long drive! Those long car rides singing along to your favourite songs are the best. You feel so free and happy! It’s a euphoric feeling and its something so simple but it makes for some great memories. I wanted to pick a song that is a must on my travelling playlist.
For this playlist I picked 134340 aka Pluto.
Without a name to myself, I still revolve around you
134340 is Pluto's minor planet designation, it's other name. Pluto is a stunning and clever song, layered with constant double meaning. The lyrics to me feel nostalgic and a little melancholic, yet it’s such a cool sounding, groovy and catchy beat that makes you dance.
“There’s no name allowed for me
I, too, used to be your star
You must feel nice to be the light
All I did was to receive you
What meaning is left of the fallen planet’s remaining life
I’ll receive it til I die, your stifling stare
I still orbit you, and nothing’s changed
If love has no name, everything has changed”
This lyrics are about a love lost, a heart with old wounds. This applies to both relationship and to Pluto itself. Pluto, once a planet, once belonging with others, who then had its planet status taken away, deemed not enough to be considered a planet, and abandoned. This is often what a broken relationship can feel like.
“Could it be really that you’ve found Eris
Tell me, how am I not as good as that moon
Us is the plural form of U
Maybe I wasn’t there from the start
Someday, you’ll also understand my words
My seasons were always you
My cold heart is 248 degrees below zero
It stopped the day you erased me
Damn”
When we lose someone or something, it can often leave us feeling like this. Like we’ve had part of us taken away, and like we’ve become cold, like we aren’t enough, but having people around us that support us, and remind us who we are, can help make us feel right again and that we will be okay, despite it.
“I’ll be honest, even up until one year without you
I was fine, I didn’t have any feelings left
The last day I had forgotten
I don’t even remember your scent”
This song has a fond memories attached to it for me. When Tear came out and my album arrived, it was my Mums favourite song on the album. Whenever we were going somewhere, we would turn up the volume and play it over and over. There’s actually a video on my phone of my Mum and I dancing in the car to it, on a warm summers day, off to visit family, and it just makes me so happy. It’s definitely going to be one of our choice songs when driving down to London later this month for the Wembley Stadium concert. So, if you out and you see two girls dancing around in a car to a catchy beat singing along to the chorus, then it’s probably us!
“I’m just orbiting you
(I missed you, I lost you)
I’m just going in circles
(You erased me, you forgot me)
I once belonged in a world under the sun
(The song paused, the song stopped)
A smoky layer of mist in the heart of the stars
(You erased me, you forgot me)”
Make travelling a little better by adding the playlist to your journey at the following Spotify link: A Long Journey with BTS
Partying with BTS
When you are planning that special party, celebration or perhaps getting ready for a night out with friends, a playlist is the way forward. This week we chose the songs we think belong on a party playlist and here we explain some of our choices.
Do you have a special event planned? Which songs would make your playlist? Tell us @BTSRadioUK
Persona - chosen by ARMY
Eve - When the teaser dropped and it turned out to be an RM solo and Persona, it was a good day. From the beginning when I first started listening to BTS, RM’s part of Intro:Skool Luv Affair always stuck in my mind, as much as I loved Suga and JHope’s turns, RM made my day with his husky voice taking over. So, when I heard the opening to Persona I immediately gasped and I was instantly in love with Persona.
As soon as you hear the sample kick in and the guitars in the track you’re hooked, Persona is the perfect opener to the new era of Map of The Soul.
Sadie - A great pick as usual by ARMY! It’s a song we all love to Jam to, one to throw our hand up and chant to. It’s definitely one that makes us feel like a bad ass. A must have on any party playlist.
Charlie - Although it's a new song, Intro: Persona should become one of the classic BTS dance party anthems. The catchy beat that I loved from the Skool Luv Affair intro is back, mixed with a clearer guitar sound that makes it a headbanging tune. I’m not kidding when I say that even after the first time I saw this song’s music video, I immediately had the “Persona! Who the hell am I?” chant in my head. So: a catchy chant, a wonderful backing track and, of course, Namjoon’s enticing rap skills - a recipe for a perfect party song.
Michayla – We were really excited to see ARMYs choice this week with all 4 choices in the poll, being solo songs and with the addition of Persona, being the new kid on the block, so to speak. This is such a party tune! The sample of Intro: Skool Luv Affair at the beginning followed by the guitar and beat, automatically gets you moving. Namjoon kicks butt in Persona, such confidence and this song, albeit a new addition to BTS’s discography is guaranteed to be legendary on any celebratory playlist.
Source: You Tube
So What - Sadie
This week in celebration of Michayla’s birthday, who is an exceptional member of our team and just an all round amazing person, we decided to do a Party inspired playlist.
When creating a party play list you look for certain vibes and ask yourself certain questions.
What songs make you want do dance? What songs make you feel like a boss? What songs make you want to party all night and make you feel amazing? These are the kind of songs everyone wants at their parties. You want to enjoy yourself and you want everyone else to enjoy themselves too, so it’s about creating the atmosphere that you want.
For this playlist I decided to go with So What.
“Somebody call me right one
Somebody call me wrong
I’m not gonna care about it
Why don’t you not do so as well
So what
Let go”
It’s a song about letting go of your worries and just living your life; a song that makes us all say who cares about this or that, don’t worry, let it go. Just jump around and sing along!
This is exactly the type of song you want to have at a party. It’s a time to let go of your troubles and throw all your cares away and just let loose and have fun!
“There’s nothing that works out as I wanted
There’s even fewer places for me to hide
It’s already been a while since the dice were rolled
If you dawdle, you’ll be swept away, oh bae
90% of your worries are an imaginary swamp that you created
Just go instead of worrying
Don’t get scared, cheer up
Shout it out, so what, what”
Birthdays are a celebration of life. Some of us can’t wait to grow up, while some of us wish it could maybe slow down just a little, but either way it’s a celebration of living to see another year. It’s about looking back on your life and looking to your future. It’s about spending time with friends and making new memories as well as reminiscing and cherishing the old ones.
“So what
Don’t stop and worry yourself
It’s good for nothing
Let go
Although there’s no answer yet
You can start the fight
So what”
Some people worry about their birthdays, about getting older, and can be apprehensive about what the future may hold, but it should be seen as a happy time and a time to be happy, care and care free.
“We are, we are, we are
Young & wild & free
Your worries, worries, without no answer
Don’t fall into them and stay in them”
So whether it’s a birthday, a party or just partying at home by yourself, let go of your troubles and shout so what!
Not Today - Charlie
If there was ever a perfect BTS song to play at a party, this would be it. Not Today is one of the tracks BTS released as part of the repackaged version of the ‘Wings’ album, ‘You Never Walk Alone’ . It's a pure power anthem, with lyrics to raise your ARMY ego, including lyrics in English that will make you feel powerful to yell to a crowd. Trust me, I’ve been to K-pop parties, and when this song comes on, everyone goes wild.
“All the underdogs in the world,
A day may come when we lose,
But it is not today
Today, we fight”
Similarly to first hearing Fire, when I heard this song, I remember instantly being blown away by the in-your-face instrumental that demands your attention. It is loud, intimidating and proud; the embodiment of BTS’ pride for their hard work in a song. It is then followed by raps by Namjoon and Yoongi, before the sweet voices of the vocal line appear for the pre-chorus. Sweet though they are, they are still powerful, and get you ready as they can for the chorus, which is powerful and very quintessentially BTS in its hip-hop style.
Considering the Mic Drop-esque brags about their success in the charts, it is quite ironic to listen to when you realise that this was not even released at the peak of their career.
“Too hot, success is doublin’
Too hot tumbling in the charts
Too high we on trampoline
Too high someone stop us”
Despite the above verse, it seemed no-one stopped them. The song is not purely about BTS’ achievements, though. It has a touch of sentimentality in that it mentions the reason for their success: the unshakeable bond that the members have.
“We couldn’t fail
Because we believed in each other”
“I believe in you by my side
Together we won’t die
I believe in the word together
I believe in BTS”
Overall, if you are at a party with ARMYs, this is a must for the playlist. It is a song ARMY can smile to, attempt the difficult dance moves, and feel proud of BTS’ achievements.
Source: YouTube
Come Back Home - Eve
When I first heard BTS’ Come Back Home I wasn’t aware that it was the cover/update of an iconic Korean Pop Song from 1995 by Seo Taiji & Boys.
I loved the dark feeling of the track with the rhythmic rapping over the hip hop beat that BTS were originally loved for, it really does have the throw back feeling of BTS when they first emerged into the Korean music scene.
The theme of the song is capturing the feelings of the youth of today. Feelings of isolation, uselessness, no way to reach the dreams of their childhood and then turning those thoughts and feelings to a chanting wake up song of still being young and having time to realise the dreams they thought were out of reach.
For this song review I listened to the original as it was an amazing ground breaking song of its own, you should take a listen.
You can hear how BTS took the original, its original feel, and made it a current hit song, the original beat and feel are all there, but the addition of Suga, RM and JHope’s raps brings it to a new level.
This song has a main spot on my regular playlist, not only for the infamous family favourite line of “Angry? Hungry? Yes, I’m hangry” but you can feel the emotion and honesty of the words BTS are singing and the catchy backing track to their vocals and raps.
I always feel that BTS’ songs have layers, you listen once and then you listen again and hear a new sound a new vocal peeking out of the background. It’s what keep their songs feeling fresh and new and when you have listened to the same song on repeat.
The music video BTS released for this song was also an honest hard-hitting portrayal of people going through situations that test you. Warning there are two versions of the music video one is classified as 19 due to the content.
BTS’ version of Come Back Home is one of my favourite songs, it’s one of my fight songs when I’m driving to work, it inspires me to walk in and take charge.
Source: YouTube
I have a personal reason for choosing this week’s theme because it is my 40th birthday this week and I am having a party, so of course I have a party playlist. There were so many songs to choose from, that I really wanted to write about, but I chose ‘Idol’ because not only is it a song that is a bop, my friends and I look forward to attempting some of the dance moves at my party.
‘Idol’ is a legendary BTS song in my opinion, it has every ingredient needed for an iconic tune. The choreography sparked an ‘Idol challenge’ with many people, all over the world posting videos of them dancing online. It has the outfits, not just the one’s from the MV but also the sparkly military style uniforms from the Love Yourself tour. It has two versions, one featuring Nicki Minaj and the other, the version that I am writing about. All this without even discussing the song itself.
‘Idol’ is the leading track on the Love Yourself Answer album and was released in August 2018. The MV is a beautiful sight, full of colour, traditional Korean dress, funky suits and so many other elements, many of which tie in to the theories.
Namjoon starts the song by expressing his feelings that he no longer allows the haters and negative opinions to get to him. In Korea there is a certain stigma that comes with being an idol and he has faced much criticism for joining Big Hit Entertainment rather than continue down the path as a solo rapper.
‘You can call me artist (artist)
You can call me idol (idol)
No matter what you call me
I don’t care
I’m proud of it (proud it)
I’m free (free)
No more irony (irony)
Cuz I was always just me’
You can call me idol (idol)
No matter what you call me
I don’t care
I’m proud of it (proud it)
I’m free (free)
No more irony (irony)
Cuz I was always just me’
The members of BTS have made several comments over the years about how they have struggled with the many different versions of themselves that come with being an idol. They have been on the journey to loving themselves whether it is the very public persona or the private version of themselves, whilst also encouraging ARMY to do the same, accepting flaws, ignoring haters and embracing who you are.
‘I love myself, I love my fans
Love my dance and my what
There are hundreds of me’s inside of me
I’m facing a new me again today
It’s all me anyway
So instead of worrying, I’m just gonna run
Runnin’ man
Runnin’ man
Runnin’ man’
Love my dance and my what
There are hundreds of me’s inside of me
I’m facing a new me again today
It’s all me anyway
So instead of worrying, I’m just gonna run
Runnin’ man
Runnin’ man
Runnin’ man’
‘Idol’ has wowed audiences all over the world with performances on stage, as the opening song for the Love Yourself world tour as well as live performances at awards ceremonies in 2018. I often find myself singing along and doing the dance moves. During the showings of Love Yourself in Seoul, there were people dancing in their seats, doing the moves along with BTS on the screen and for me, this shows the power of ‘Idol’.
Idol will be played at my birthday party and belongs on any celebration playlist because of the fact it is so upbeat, can’t fail to get you dancing and is such a feel good song.
Would Idol make your party playlist?
Source: YouTube
You can find the playlist on Spotify at the following link: Partying with BTS
Revising with BTS
It’s that time of year where there will be many ARMYs revising for exams and sometimes having music on in the background will aid concentration. Maybe you have music playing when taking a break from revising or you might be the type of person that uses a song to help you connect with what it is you are studying. If music is your revision aid then this BTS playlist is a must have.
Which songs would you have in your playlist? Please let us know @BTSradioUK
Boy In Luv – chosen by ARMY
Charlie - It seems fitting to hark back to ‘Boy in Luv’ after the release of ‘Boy With Luv’. This is a aggressive love song, with part of its powerful force coming from Taehyung’s deep, booming voice at the catchy, iconic chorus. As a song about trying to gather the confidence to ask someone out, it is an encouraging song to get you hyped up and should give you the confidence to work hard with this as your power anthem background music.
Michayla – Boy in Luv is firstly, a great choice because of the MV being set in a school and it being on the Skool Luv Affair album. This song is a force, the type of song you listen to when you need some motivation and power behind you. A question asked in the lyrics: ‘What is it that you really want?’ the answer is the best result possible, of course!
Sadie - Boy in Love is an old school song. It’s one we all know and one we all sing to. The song is one that sticks in your head. The beat is hard hitting and almost aggressive. The vocals and the rap, well it’s a song that kind of makes you feel like a bad ass. Definitely a motivational song for this playlist.
Eve – One of the first videos I saw when I first fell into the BTS black hole was Boy In Luv, full of teen boy love angst. It’s a fast paced song that takes the listener back to BTS’ original rebellious sound, with this song having a more rocky edge. It’s not one of the songs I have on repeat but when it does come on while playing my BTS playlist I get into it and I sing along.
‘Say what you want
Say what you want
What is it that you really want?’
Say what you want
What is it that you really want?’
Hope World - Charlie
‘Hope World’ is the first track from J-Hope’s highly anticipated mixtape of the same name. As well as being an introduction to the album, it is also an introduction to J-Hope’s optimistic outlook on life.
“If I were to say about me, everyday is like D-day
A lifetime of thanking for the environment I’m given
A life that makes me anticipate living
My 20s where I believe in myself and work”
The lyrics discuss how, even though it is part of J-Hope’s persona to be the hopeful, forever-happy member of the group, he is genuinely thankful for his career and talents and is determined to make the most of them. But it cannot only be applied to him; it has the message that the things you have a duty to do in life (studying, for instance, or making your parents proud) don’t have to be a burden if you are thankful for the opportunities you are given and enjoy your duties.
“My Father Mother
I take after that blood
The baton that was passed on and received
I run in step with this motto
This is my very own delight
To my world, Cheers”
As J-Hope always aims to bring hope to the world through his music and act as a positive role model, he welcomes listeners to his happy mindset with the chant in the chorus, and encourages the listeners to join his Hope World too.
“Say hello to my Hope World
This is my world, my own story
I run 20,000 leagues under the sea”
This, coupled with his unique style of rapping, cement this song as very different. The backing music is colourful and quirky, particularly the mix of overlapping auto-tuned voices towards the end, and has a signature J-Hope flair to it that makes you feel comforted, as though he knows how hard you are working or how much you are struggling, and wants to bring hope to you.
Make It Right - Eve
As soon as I heard the opening instrumental I was in love, this song is so smooth.
The simple beat through the opening verses letting V, Jimin and Jungkook’s heartfelt voices take the lead.
Then the snare drum kicks in with the marching beat just making it impossible to not get up and move to the music.
It surprised me that such a simple song production wise made me feel so much before knowing the context of the song, but it really is a perfect ear-worm. It takes you on a journey.
The background synths are just at the right level to keep you wanting more throughout the song.
And then J-Hope sang, he has such a hidden beautiful tone to his singing voice it’s incredible, it really was breath-taking. He needs to sing more in my opinion.
I’ve heard the words breathy and moany used to describe all the songs on Map of the Soul: Persona, but the use of those singing techniques on Make It Right are more obvious and couldn’t be more perfect, it gives the song a soulful emotional sexy feel.
Now moving onto the story, the lyrics behind the song really make me feel some feelings.
Soft emotional feelings of someone who one day understood what they missed in their past, whether a person, moment or a feeling and the journey they decided to go on to get back to that something.
‘All day, everywhere
But all of this is about reaching you
It's the answer to my journey
I'm singing to find you
Baby to you’’
But all of this is about reaching you
It's the answer to my journey
I'm singing to find you
Baby to you’’
Suga’s rap comes in with his intense rhythm that he keeps soft enough to fit with the flowing smooth feeling of the entire song but still keeps his signature gruff tone.
‘If you know, don't hesitate and please save my life
I'm thirsty wandering this desert without you
So hurry and grab me quickly
I know the sea without you is the same as a desert’
I'm thirsty wandering this desert without you
So hurry and grab me quickly
I know the sea without you is the same as a desert’
Simply put this song is a perfect pop song, but it’s a perfect pop song with heart and depth and emotion and love and sadness.
Pied Piper - Michayla
‘Pied Piper’ is from the Love Yourself: Her album and in my opinion is a mix between a ballad and a more up tempo song. It belongs on this playlist because it is a song you can have on in the background, tap your toes to, but remain focused.
‘Pied Piper’ is based on the story of the ‘Pied Piper of Hamlyn’ who lured rats away with his musical pipe (flute) during the plague, which was a positive act, however, he then started luring away the children which was negative. In this song, BTS play the part of the Pied Piper and the message to ARMY is to be self aware, that it is positive if they are luring us away from the damaging elements of life (the sadness, mental ill health, grief, bullying etc) but at the moment we make them a focus instead of working, studying and allowing them to be all consuming then we should take a step back.
‘Stop
Now stop watching and study for your test
Your parents and boss hate me
Video clips, pictures, tweets
V app, Bon Voyage
I know, you can’t help what you like
But stop, interpret the music video later
You have so many pictures of me in your room anyway
It’s not just one hour, it’s a whole year that’ll disappear
So this song is an award I’m giving to you
Good’
Now stop watching and study for your test
Your parents and boss hate me
Video clips, pictures, tweets
V app, Bon Voyage
I know, you can’t help what you like
But stop, interpret the music video later
You have so many pictures of me in your room anyway
It’s not just one hour, it’s a whole year that’ll disappear
So this song is an award I’m giving to you
Good’
This song is so perfect for this playlist theme because it is encouraging you to study, to concentrate on the positive elements of life and work hard. Can you be consumed by your love for BTS but maintain a hold on ‘real life’ and its responsibilities?
‘You know that it’s already begun
The moment you hear that sound
Maybe I’m a bit dangerous
Like the pied piper
I’m testing you
Like the fruit from the tree of good and evil’
The moment you hear that sound
Maybe I’m a bit dangerous
Like the pied piper
I’m testing you
Like the fruit from the tree of good and evil’
When I was studying, a long time ago now, I didn’t have the distractions that ARMY face today and I really feel that BTS recognise this. They want their impact on our lives to be positive, they want us to be aware of the difference between loving them and being infatuated by them. I love that they recognise their power and once again speak out to get ARMYs heads out of the clouds and ground us. We all need a reality check from time to time and I feel that this is exactly what Pied Piper is.
‘If I’m ruining you right now
Please forgive me
Because you can’t live without me
Because you know all of this
I’m takin’ over you
I’m takin’ over you’
Please forgive me
Because you can’t live without me
Because you know all of this
I’m takin’ over you
I’m takin’ over you’
Study hard, ARMY, use BTS to motivate you and want to work harder. Know that you can realise your dreams and whatever happens, never lose hope… imagine where BTS would be now if they had given up. Fighting!
Mother’s Day by BTS
We chose this week’s theme for the obvious reason that we wanted to celebrate all the Mother’s out there, with it being Mother’s Day in the UK on 31st March. Whilst making our song choices, we thought about those who won’t have their Mum to celebrate and those whose ‘Mother figure’ isn’t necessarily their birth Mother.
Sometimes the title of a song explains it all… perhaps your Mum is your Idol?
I Like It pt.2 – chosen by ARMY
Michayla – This song would have been one that my Mum would have liked, I am sure of that because it is so catchy and I feel has an old almost ‘Motown’ feel to it. As a Mum myself it is definitely one of my favourites and the dance practice video is highly entertaining. The song is about pining for your lost love, essentially and even though it may not directly fit the theme, there will be lots of us who miss our Mums, particularly at this time of year.
Eve - I Like It pt.2 is a song about lost love and regret, not knowing how the relationship became ‘x’ and looking back at the good times.
It’s such a well-made song, like all BTS songs, but this one in particular has such an infectious beat showing off each member’s strengths to the max.
This song has a firm place on my daily BTS playlist.
Sadie - The old RnB sounding track is a great pick for the playlist. Even though it’s a relationship type of song, I can definitely imagine my Mum and I dancing around the living room and singing along to it together. The thought just makes me smile and it’s certainly something we would do and the style of song she would love.
Charlie - This song makes me feel so summery. It’s breezy, cute and the move where Namjoon mimes picking up the phone is positively adorable. I’m sure if you showed this to your mother or another member of your family, they’d find it so endearing (and I haven’t even mentioned the slow hip thrusts they do!).
Source: BANGTANTV
Wishing on a star - Michayla
The theme this week wasn’t an easy one for me because having lost my Mum in June 2017, I will be one of many who will be missing my Mum. I am also a Mum, myself so it really is a day full of mixed emotions so I wanted to include a song that doesn’t perhaps get spoken about as much as I feel it should.
Wishing on a star is that song for me and it is the ninth track from the Japanese album ‘Youth’, released in 2016. It is a gentle song with a beautiful rhythm and the vocals are just stunning.
I found that I can really relate to this song from both a daughter point of view because I have constantly wished that my Mum was still here and also as a Mum, I wish for the best things for my own children.
‘Hope’ is the message of ‘Wishing on a star’ which is reinforced with the mention of Pandora’s box. After Pandora had gone against the advice from Zeus and opened the box, which released all the evil, suffering and negativity into the world, the one element that remained was ‘hope’. Of course, we have our own ‘hope’ in the image of J-Hope and it is the story of Pandora’s box where he got the ‘hope’ part of his name from.
‘Woah, Star
This night in which I think of you
Woah, Star
It shines brightly
That’s right, you’re the best
As long as you have a dream, you don’t have to worry
If you believe, it’ll shine
The pearl of the future, right right alright
If you’re tired, you can rest while continuing to move forward
If your heart continues to beat, uh
Don’t change, continue to have big dreams
You’ll shine again, baby’
‘Wishing on a star’ has a message that is so relevant to the younger generation as most of us would expect from BTS. This song is a great ‘parental message’ and something I personally would want my own children to take note of. No matter what happens, how much negativity you face, there is always hope and you can achieve everything you desire, maybe not in the way you first hoped, but keep trying! This is a message that my Sister and I feel is really important.
‘Even if I have to endure it, I’ll continue to move forward
Even if all these tears dry out
Right, just being myself, just the way I am
If I can sing, nothing will ever be hard
The story that we paint
I’ll be wishing on a star so that it comes true
I’ll continue to hope
Like tracing the stars
I’ll wish again and again, I can’t wait
Because I want to catch it
Wishing on a star’
Even if all these tears dry out
Right, just being myself, just the way I am
If I can sing, nothing will ever be hard
The story that we paint
I’ll be wishing on a star so that it comes true
I’ll continue to hope
Like tracing the stars
I’ll wish again and again, I can’t wait
Because I want to catch it
Wishing on a star’
Good Day - Eve
My mum means the world to me, she is there to support me and to bring me back to down to earth when I have my hysterical moments in life.
I have tried to get her to understand my appreciation for BTS and their music numerous times and I have received many different responses, positive and not so positive.
One of the best responses so far has been to Good Day, on first hearing it she described it as lovely and bouncy and happy. She now counts this as one of her favourites.
Good Day is from their second Japanese album Youth, released on September 7, 2016.
It has a retro light-hearted feeling to it that I think really draws you to listen to the whole song.
Good Day tells the story of telling someone that you are there, whenever they have a bad day they can lean on you to get through it.
The space between dreams and reality
We keep walking till the end of life
Joy and even pain
If we share it…
I said it’s alright, oh yeah
One day it’ll be a good day, for sure
You won’t be alone, always
I’ll be by your side, we’ll be okay
(If) we’re connected, surely it’ll be brighter tomorrow
The lyrics really give you an insight into BTS’ relationship from the very beginning, they weren’t just a band of people working together, they are a family. They support each other, but at the same time they know they will have days when they don’t get on but they will come together when the going gets tough to pull each other out of the dark.
Listening to this song again thinking about my mum I can see how this song fits our relationship too, we don’t always get on, we disagree in little ways and in BIG ways, but when we need each other, we are there and that will never change.
Begin - Charlie
‘Begin’ is Jungkook’s solo, self-written track from the ‘Wings’ album, and it is so beautiful that I can rarely listen to it without crying. It is a wonderful song about family love, and exemplifies how you don’t have to be blood-related to class someone as your family. Specifically, the song is about Jungkook’s love for his hyungs, the other BTS members.
The song begins with describing how Jungkook first joined the group, and how young and scared he was; it is so touching and makes you realise how quickly he had to grow up when he joined this group.
“When I was fifteen years old, I had nothing
The world was too big and I was small
Now I can’t even imagine now
I was scentless and completely empty”
It is a happy song when you think about how lucky Jungkook is to have been brought up by his hyungs and able to grow up into such a humble and hardworking man, but there are very sombre moments in it. The repetition of “cry with me” in the chorus, and lines such as “When my brother is sick / it hurts more than when I am sick” make it clear how much Jungkook loves his brothers and would do anything for him. The members have often said that Jungkook never cries unless he sees the other members looking upset, and when you consider how often he must see them tired and stressed from working, in their happiest and saddest moments, you start to realise just how much they have been through together.
They really are a family with a beautiful profound bond that many ARMYs can relate to with people who’ve taken care of them. It is also clear in the song how grateful Jungkook is for his brothers and how upset he gets when they are sad.
“I can’t take it anymore
Because you are crying
I want to cry in your place
Although I can’t”
The chorus is somewhat upbeat, evidenced by Jungkook’s lightning-fast fancy footwork that he performed on the Wings tour, but it also sounds somehow sad in a way that I cannot explain. There aren’t many lyrics in the song as a lot of it is taken up by the beautiful instrumental and the dance-heavy chorus, but that makes the song subtler to me. His message is simple: He loves his hyungs so much and would do anything for them.
Have a look at Jungkook performing it live here, and see how much emotion and passion he puts into this song:
Source: YouTube
For You - Sadie
Whoever you’re celebrating this Mothers Day with, be it your Mum or your Dad or your grandparents or sibling or any mother figure in your life, be they with us on earth, or in our hearts, today is a day to celebrate the ones who care for us and those who we appreciate.
This week I wanted to write about one of BTS older japanese tracks, called For You. Even though the song at first glance is about a relationship, I think the message and the lyrics can easily be interpreted as being about anyone you care for. The song is about wanting to be with someone but they are far away, it’s a sweet and sentimental song, and I think its a good fit for the Mothers Day playlist.
“Today too I feel the sadness of not able to see you
Contrary to my feelings time passes rapidly
Even if I feel insecure
I believe that my heart will not leave you
My heart will reach past beyond the wind
I am always under the same sky”
Not everyone is lucky enough to have their Mother or Mother-like person with them on this day for many different reasons, and I think that these lyrics can reflect that. These lyrics say that no matter where they are, we are still under the same sky, and our love will always be there, no matter what.
“Flower petals shower
Sparkle already
Inside the sun
I am embracing you always
Inside my heart forever
Flutter already
Flower petals shower
Sparkle already
Under the sun forever just the two of us
It is alright since we are connected always”
I am embracing you always, inside my heart forever are beautiful and heartfelt lyrics. Our Mother figures are often the most important people in our lives and we want them to know we will carry them with us always.
“your smile still remains here
Even if we are apart my feelings are
Still the same, we are always together”
I am lucky enough to have my Mum with me still, and I always try and tell her just how important she is to me and how much I love and support her and the same with my sister who is also like a Mum to me. I am grateful to have them and celebrate with them this Mothers Day.
You can celebrate all the mother figures in your life with the Mother's Day spotify playlist at the following link:
Mother's Day with BTS
Mother's Day with BTS
Wind Down with BTS
This week we have created a playlist that would help us chill out after a hectic day. That day where you need to wind down in order to get a night's good sleep to prepare yourself for the days that follow. We are sure that most of us have occasions like this and here we explain why certain songs made it onto our playlist. Which BTS songs do you relax to? Let us know @BTSRadioUK
Magic Shop - chosen by ARMY
Charlie - ‘Magic Shop’ is a beautiful pick for relaxing songs to wind down and sleep to, because to me it describes a dreamworld. A perfect dreamworld where BTS are there to greet you and comfort you when your days are hard, and you just want to curl up in bed and escape for a few moments. Just as the song invites you to “drink a glass of hot tea and look up at the Milky Way”, it allows you to take a second and forget your worries, and just listen to BTS’s music as you wind down after a difficult day.
Michayla – This song is, for me, one of the most chilled out and emotional songs in BTS’ discography. The soft tones of the 7 members really are soothing and I find listening through ear phones really enhances this. “I wanted to comfort you, to move you” is everything Magic Shop does. “You will be okay, oh here Magic Shop” just the lyrics needed on a day where life has got too much and you need to close your eyes and allow a song to transport you away to a place of calm.
Sadie - Magic Shop to me is the ultimate ARMY song. It’s a song that unites us all, and one that can cheer us all up and help us relax. It’s another one of those songs that makes you feel loved and weightless. For me it’s a song that can help me get through almost anything and it is definitely a song for Winding Down after a tedious day.
Forever Rain - Sadie
What sound do a lot of people find relaxing?
Rain.
The sound of raindrops drumming on the roof and the window, and a slow song playing in the background, is a different kind of relaxation to just sitting and watching TV. It's almost like relaxing in slow motion. Your brain goes quiet and everything slows down. I think listening to the rain is also a little melancholy, just like Forever Rain.
The intro is stunning and beautiful. It starts with the sound of slow tapping rain fading in, joined by the beautiful piano melody. It immediately sets the tone of the song. When that piano plays it’s like all the stress of the day and the weight on your shoulders just washes away with the sound of the rain.
The soft tone of the song makes me feel relaxed and weightless.
“When it rains I
Get a little feeling that I do have a friend
Keeps knocking on my windows
Asks me if I’m doing well
And I answer, I’m still a hostage of life
I don’t live because I can’t die
But I’m chained to something”
The lyrics of the song seem quite lonely, but to me it gives a different feeling, and has a far deeper meaning. The lyrics say that the rain is like his only friend, and that he wants it to rain forever so that he doesn’t feel alone. It makes me want to stand by his side in that rain and tell him he isn’t alone.
“Just like you
If I could
Just knock on somewhere
If I could kiss
The whole world so hard
Would someone welcome me
Maybe embrace my weary body”
To me this song is quite complex and gives off different emotions. Even though the lyrics are somewhat sad, I think it creates a different kind of feeling, sort of like a juxtaposition, with the instrumentals and the melody which give it that soft, sweet, almost nostalgic kind of feel.
A lot of people relate to this song, and that in itself, makes people feel less alone. So even though the lyrics are a little sad, people find comfort, knowing that Namjoon and other people feel that way sometimes too.
That’s how this song makes me feel. It’s a bittersweet melody that gives me comfort in ways. Most of us know all too well how it feels to feel alone, and this song makes me want to stand by Namjoon's side and everyone else that has felt that way, and comfort each other, silently tell each other we aren’t alone, and just be each others Forever Rain.
This is definitely a song on my Wind Down playlist and one that I can lay in bed and listen to after a long hard day, and let the weight fall off my shoulders as I fall asleep.
Source: YouTube
134340 - Charlie
‘134340’, (also known as ‘Pluto’, as it is the number scientists assigned to Pluto now that it is no longer considered a planet), is a song from the album ‘Love Yourself: Tear’. It has a relaxing, almost tropical vibe to it; from the moment the music starts and the subtle backing vocals start, I feel as though I am on a beach, gently swaying to it.
Throughout the song, the metaphor of Pluto now being nameless is used to describe someone who feels lonely and as though the person they love has now forgotten about them.
“What meaning is left of the fallen planet’s remaining life
I’ll receive it til I die, your stifling stare
I still orbit you, and nothing’s changed
If love has no name, everything has changed”
The dreamy chorus also helps me to feel relaxed, ironically because of the sense of hopelessness the narrator feels from their circular situation of forever “orbiting” their love even though they’ve lost them.
“I’m just orbiting you
(I missed you, I lost you)
I’m just going in circles
(You erased me, you forgot me)”
It’s a sad song, such as when it mentions remembering someone who left you when you smell their perfume again, but somehow it feels comforting in an odd way. Taehyung’s deep, smooth voice starts the song, and soon towards the middle we hear Yoongi’s familiar murmur of “Suga”, followed by his sultry rap. His “ah ah, annyeong” stood out as a feature of the song from the very first time I heard it. I love this style of his rap: the lazy murmuring.
“It’s not much different from yesterday ay
Same old days, except you’re not here
We were together just up until yesterday ay
But it’s to the point where it’s scary, same days but no you”
The imagery of the song is beautiful, too. It talks of space, planets, the sun, misty skies. It all culminates in a beautiful song that seems to welcome me whenever I listen to it.
“I once belonged in a world under the sun
(The song paused, the song stopped)
A smoky layer of mist in the heart of the stars
(You erased me, you forgot me)”
This theme of galaxies seems prevalent in the Tear album, as it appears here and in ‘Magic Shop’. It even makes you feel sorry for Pluto, in a way, that lonely planet with only a string of forgettable numbers for a name.
Butterfly - Michayla
As a Mum who works full time, winding down is a really important part of my day, but not necessarily something I always get time for. When we decided that this was the theme this week, there were so many songs that I wanted to include and Butterfly was one of them.
Butterfly was released in November 2015 and is one of the most melancholic songs in BTS’ discography. The lyrics are highly emotional as you would probably expect in a song that is essentially about the fear of losing someone.
‘Will you stay by my side
Will you promise me
If I let go of your hand, you’ll fly away and break
I’m scared scared scared of that
Will you stop time
If this moment passes
As though it hadn’t happened
I’m scared scared scared I’ll lose you’
Even though the melody is calm and beautiful, the lyrics are quite heart breaking, exploring that feeling of losing someone in the blink of an eye. Butterflies are delicate and beautiful but can fly away, disappearing suddenly, unable to be contained.
At the bridge, Namjoon (RM) raps about the despair at losing someone, that moment when your heart shatters and you feel the need to escape. It highlights that the love was unconditional on one side but appears to not be reciprocated from the other person.
‘The small pieces guttered down darkly
From my heart, a barren noise
I don’t know if this is reality or a dream
Don’t go to those woods over there
My heart is still shattering on you
(I just wanted to vaporize like this)
It’s all FREE for you baby’
The harmonising by the vocal line in Butterfly is just beautiful, with all their soothing tones coming through. It’s really lovely to be able to hear each member so distinctively due to the gentle composition of this song and Jimin’s high notes towards the end are stunning.
The choreography, when performed live, is just as beautiful as the song itself, simple and iconic, with the members making ‘butterflies’ with their hands.
Butterfly should definitely be on any wind down, relaxing, bedtime playlist because it is so soothing. You could even say that, like a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, your day could be transformed just by listening to BTS.
You can Wind down to this week's Spotify playlist at the following link: Wind Down with BTS
Iconic BTS
With the new era approaching we wanted to look at past era’s and the songs that we feel are iconic BTS. We are sure there will be many more to add to this list in the future and we certainly had a lot of fun discussing why these songs are iconic to us.
Run – chosen by ARMY
Charlie - In this time of ARMYs once again sharing their theories on Twitter, it seems fitting to go back to HYYH era and reminisce about Run, a classic BTS song. The desperate lyrics about loving someone so much that you would run to them even when your feet get wounded, knowing that the love will not end well anyway, always speaks to ARMY and is a truly beautiful song. The music video is like a film, complete with end credits, and it is truly fascinating to watch.
Sadie - I love this song choice for the playlist. Run is an emotionally powerful song. It’s a song that every ARMY knows and that every ARMY will chant to. It’s one of those songs that just makes you want to grab every ARMY and Run! It really brings people together and I too think that it deserves a place in our iconic playlist
Michayla – I feel that Run is iconic because of the theories wrapped up in it and how it all links to the MV, which like ‘I Need U’ is a mini film. That being said, the actual choreography for Run when performed live is something most ARMYs will always remember, who can forget the moment Bangtan drop their jackets off of their shoulders? Run will forever fall into the ‘iconic BTS’ category for me.
Eve - To me Run is a song about unrequited love.
‘You’re my sun, one and only in this world
RM opens the song with these heartfelt lyrics of feeling you have found that one person that makes your world perfect, but they don’t feel the same way. This person makes him feel like a better person, a more complete person, but he is deprived of their reciprocated feelings.
The group sing about chasing after these perfect feelings but they never manage to catch them.
It is also a super catchy song that you can’t help sing and dance along to.
Go Go - Michayla
The choice for this week's 'iconic' theme was actually harder than it looks when I thought about all the reasons that a song is iconic to me. What makes a song iconic for me, is when I hear a line or see an outfit or a hairstyle and immediately am taken to that particular song. When I thought about all these elements, I had to choose Go Go because even the title of the song makes me instantly conjure up images in my head. outfits and dance moves.
Go Go is the 8th track on Love Yourself: Her and is so much fun! For me, this song is along similar lines to 21st Century Girls and Boyz with Fun because it really is a song that makes me smile. The song is about only living once, spending the money that they have worked hard for and enjoying that:
‘Worked hard to get my pay
Gonna spend it all on my stomach
Pinching pennies to spend it all on wasting it
Leave me be, even if I overspend
Even if I break apart my savings tomorrow
Like a crazy guy’
V and RM's verse talks about being young and not worrying. They have plenty of time to worry about money and for now to enjoy spending, don't worry about saving:
‘Where my money yah?
Where the party yah?
My week goes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
gold gold gold gold
My bank account is a pot with no bottom
Every day, I’m pouring water into it
Just break it apart
We’re too young to just worry
For today, just go instead of worrying
If you get scared and say you’re saving, it becomes poop
So rub it all around’
I have seen many performances of Go Go and the one that stands out the most in my mind is the Mnet comeback stage. Their outfits were so vibrant and V's bright yellow hoody teamed with denim dungarees made me think of a minion. For me, Taehyung (V) was the star of that performance with his facial expressions throughout and most of you would probably have seen the gifs and memes from that very show.
The dance moves make Go Go iconic, even the smallest of actions like the one J-Hope does when he sings 'cruising like Nemo'. The last verse of the song, started by V makes me laugh because of his actions and the silly face he pulls and even now when I hear that part of the song, I can't help but do those actions, pointing at my head then pointing to the front whilst moving my head side to side.
Go Go is definitely iconic BTS in my opinion!
Dope - Charlie
When discussing BTS’ most iconic songs, Dope simply has to be mentioned. It was my first BTS song and I think the first BTS song for many other people. It’s a perfect song to introduce new listeners to our favourite group.
It enticed new fans with its mesmerising choreography, fun occupation-based costumes and amazing high notes. From the moment Jungkook bursts out and sings his catchy verse in his dashing policeman’s outfit, everyone knows they’re in for a bop.
“Ayo ladies and gentlemen,
If you’re ready I’ll start, yeah
I am different from the other guys
With my style, with my my my my style”
The chorus dance is one that every new fan wishes they knew, Jimin’s hair is a standout look and in typical BTS fashion, they criticise the media and previous generations in a brilliant rap by RM.
“The media and adults say we don’t have willpower, condemning us like stocks
Why are they killing us before we can try, they’re the enemy enemy enemy
Why are you hanging your head and accepting it already? Energy energy energy”
Everything about this music video and song is memorable. Even RM’s first line, “Hello, is this your first time with BTS?” has been imitated by the other members, and good luck being in a room full of even casual BTS or Kpop fans and not hearing everyone yell out “Ayo ladies and gentlemen!”.
Onto the lyrics, though, and it is clear that this is not just a fun, catchy tune. Aside from RM’s aforementioned criticism of the media and adults, the song’s overall message is about how “dope” BTS are for working hard practicing singing and dancing, whilst other people their age are out clubbing or being idle.
“We're drenched, drenched, drenched
In sweat, in our practice room
Look, my great, great, great
Dance moves prove it all
All the weak, loser, whiny idiots
They have nothing on me
Cuz I'm full of hope haha”
It is also a comforting song for hardworking ARMYs who also wish they were out having fun instead of studying or going to work. It is a victory song for them, saying “You may feel irritated about working hard, but it makes you dope!”. We love role models. And many ARMYs say that the reason they love BTS is because of how hardworking and humble they are, so the lyrics to this song are another reason to appreciate our Bangtan boys.
“Don’t ever give up, you know you not lonely
Our dawn is prettier than the day
So can I get a little bit of hope yeah
Wake your sleeping youth, go”
Blood, Sweat and Tears - Sadie
How would you describe iconic?
To me iconic means extraordinary and unforgettable, and something worthy of great recognition. The first song that sprung to mind and that I knew I had to write about without a shadow of doubt was Blood, Sweat & Tears.
“My blood, sweat and tears
My last dance
Take it all
My blood, sweat and tears
My cold breath
Take it all
My blood, sweat and tears”
I think a lot of people would agree that this song is most definitely iconic. Blood, Sweat & Tears is a bewitching masterpiece. The music video is captivating, with the aesthetically pleasing settings, the catchy beat and impressive choreography. Everything in this video flows together flawlessly, and I’m always left stunned by it.
“Even my blood, sweat and tears
Even my body, heart and soul
I know well that I am yours
This is a spell that will punish me
Peaches and cream
Sweeter than sweet
Chocolate cheeks
And chocolate wings
But your wings are the devil's
Before your sweetness there is bitter, bitter”
A lot of people say that this song was before its time, and that if Blood Sweat & Tears was released now, that it would take the world by storm, and I agree. It’s exactly the type of thing a lot of people love. The song is catchy, the lyrics are meaningful and powerful and the choreography is insane, which makes Blood Sweat & Tears the enticing and iconic track its known to be.
It’s most definitely a song that everyone wants to dance to, and one that will stick with everyone who sees it.
“It doesn't matter if it hurts
Make it tighter so I can't escape
Hold me tight and shake me
So I'll be unconscious
Kiss me on the lip, lips
This is a secret between the two of us
I am addicted to the prison that is you
I cannot worship anyone else besides you
I knowingly drank
From the poisoned chalice”
The song is one of my all time favourites and is actually the first BTS song I heard.
The last part of the song is one of my favourite parts. The high notes are mesmerising. The interlude right before the end of the song, leaves you hypnotised, you aren’t expecting it and you just can’t pull yourself away. Then the beat drops and the incredible vocals of the last verse and the familiar enchanting tune flood back in. It ends leaving you wanting more, and so you just hit replay. It’s a deep and powerful song and this song can enslave you, it’s just that good. It’s a song that everyone knows and loves, and one that everyone will remember for years to come.
“Kill me softly
Close my eyes with your caress
I can't reject it anyway
I can't even escape anymore
You are too sweet, too sweet
Because you are too sweet
My blood, sweat and tears
My blood, sweat and tears”
Seesaw - Eve
This is one of my favourite songs from Love Yourself: Answer, when I first heard the song I was completely mesmerised by Suga’s singing and the feel of the song, it starts with a jazzy intro which leads into a soft lullaby rap, a style we haven’t heard from Suga before.
After listening to the whole album I went straight back to the song and got it on repeat, I couldn’t resist dancing and singing along.
Photo credit: @OnelYoon7
On first listen you would think that this song is about something happy and uplifting, it has that sweet feel about it, so when I sat down and looked up the lyrics I was surprised.
The actual song is quite sad, using the Seesaw metaphor to describe a relationship being a constant battle of balance and wanting to get off or urging the other person to get off of the seesaw leaving the other person to drop.
It’s such a relatable situation that again makes people instantly connect with the song and Suga, having been in that place themselves.
Alright, a repeating seesaw game
It's about time we put an end to it
All right, this boring seesaw game
Somebody has to get out of here
Though neither of us can
Don't let anyone know who'll get off first
Let’s not drag things out, however our hearts lead us
Are we getting out of here or not
This repeated seesaw game
We have to stop it now
Then came the Love Yourself concert performances and we were all amazed again, out came Suga for his Solo performance and he was amazing, dressed in red dancing across the stage and we were gifted the now legendary fan cam which at writing was up to 44.6 million views on twitter!!
Source: YouTube
You can listen to this week's playlist on Spotify at the following link: Iconic BTS
‘Stadium Tour’ Our Dream Setlist
With BTS announcing their stadium tour we thought this week’s playlist should be the songs we would like to see live. On Fancafe, Hobi asked ARMY which songs we would like them to perform, so these are the songs we have chosen. We were certainly spoilt for choice and could have included so many more.
Did you vote in this week’s poll? Follow us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK and keep your eyes peeled for the next poll.
21st Century Girls – chosen by ARMY
Michayla – At a concert, you always need those songs that get everyone moving and this is certainly one of those. 21st Century Girls is so much fun, with several humorous moments that I am sure most ARMY copy. Standing in a crowd, surrounded by fellow ARMY, music blaring… “All my ladies, put your hands up, now scream!” Being a part of that, would be fantastic!
Eve - I love this song, it’s so catchy and upbeat. It's old school BTS at its best, jumping beats and raps to dance to. I remember watching BTS perform this on a YouTube video for their comeback in 2016 and watching the fun they were having and thinking I would love to sing and dance along to this in a huge stadium one day.
Charlie - 21st Century Girls is a joy to watch live, and I knew that from the moment I watched it on their comeback stage. They always look so happy and dorky performing it with their adorable poses and vibrant facial expressions. Their memorable live version of it with the fan chants is why, every time I hear the background noise of the chorus, I can't help but hear "BTS! BTS!". The catchy hook of "All my ladies!" is forever in my head, and to chant it live would be incredible.
Sadie – You know any song that says “put your hands up” is usually to going to be a song you’re going to want to jump to, and these are the best songs to hear live and this is one of those songs. Not only does it have an amazing beat, it’s also a song that takes pride in women, and tells us we’re perfect as we are, which I think is also a very fitting song considering it’s just been International Women’s Day.
“You’re beautiful enough
Don’t worry don’t worry”
The Last - Eve
After working my way through the whole back catalogue of BTS, I started working my way through the individual solo releases, Agust D was the last album I got to and right there sitting in the middle was The Last.
The first time I listened to it I knew this was a meaningful song from Suga, you can feel the emotion pouring out of the words without knowing what exactly he is saying to you.
From the first rattling beat and the gasps of breath I was hooked, I must have listened to the song without knowing the story behind it at least 10 times before I looked up the lyrics. I wanted to appreciate the flow and the deep emotion in his voice mixing with the building backing track.
As the backing track twists and turns you can feel the song is a series of emotions/situations that tell a story and entwine to create a story with the emotion strengthening throughout.
Once I sat down to listen with the lyrics I was blown away, the desperation that builds from reflecting back on his past battles with anxiety and depression. The work he put into debuting, the fight with his inner emotions.
What also hit me was the way he trusts us to let us into his inner thoughts and feelings to lay his past with depression out there for us to show that he is just as human as the rest of us.
The story continues though and the way he fights back, he owns all the things people used to use against him and he wears them on his sleeve like a badge of honour.
My pride which I thought I had given away
Has turned into self-respect
My fans, keep your head high with pride
Because who can do it like me uh
I think we all can suffer with feeling the way Suga describes feeling in this song, maybe to not to the same levels as we are all different but it’s refreshing to hear someone in the position he is in being honest and truthful to the extreme, to let his fans know that it’s ok to be this way.
I would love to see this song performed live because of the sheer emotion that would sweep the entire stadium, the build-up of the feelings Suga must have had while writing this song would be shared with us all and we would let him know that it is ok and we will support him no matter what.
Reflection - Charlie
‘Reflection’ is Namjoon’s solo from Wings, an album where each member included their own self-written and self-produced song. Not a song to fit the narrative of the albums, but one purely about something that the member wanted to share. Therefore, this song is an intriguing insight into the mind of Namjoon.
The song starts with some background noise of Ttukseum, the island where he wrote the song. You can hear the sound of strangers talking, maybe some running water, the ambient noise of the wind. I think it was a lovely choice for Namjoon to include these mundane noises, making the listening experience very atmospheric and like you’re in the same place and mindset Namjoon was when he was having these thoughts that he wrote about.
The song’s atmospheric feeling makes it a perfect song to listen to when walking outside on cold Winter days, as Namjoon has said. Therefore, the calm, cool feeling of the song makes me feel very nostalgic and wonderfully shows how Namjoon can capture the feeling of a season in a song.
“But you know, sometimes I really really hate myself
Actually, quite often I really hate myself
When I hate myself, I come to Ttukseom
I just stand here, with the familiar darkness
And the people who are laughing and the beer that makes me smile”
The lyrics are incredibly raw and discuss his honest struggle to like himself, while also mentioning trivial things that make Namjoon happy like beer and the sound of laughter. I appreciate that Namjoon is comfortable telling ARMY everything about himself, from little details to his darkest struggles. Seeing this song live would make me feel even more as though he was letting me into his world. I’d feel privileged.
On the subject of Namjoon struggling to like himself, the song ends with this repeated verse:
“I wish I could love myself”
During the Wings tour concerts in Brazil, the fans created their own fan chant (a rare event): they chanted “We love you!” after each line of the ending verse. By the end of the tour, Namjoon started to change the lyrics to “Oh yes I do love myself!”. This was a beautiful moment where ARMY helped to show Namjoon reasons he should love himself (Yes, that was an Answer: Love Myself reference there). Comparing these sombre lyrics of wishing they could love themselves to their current hit lyrics such as “You can’t stop me loving myself” is a perfect display of the love between BTS and ARMY. I would love to see this song live so that I could also yell “We love you!” and use the opportunity to tell Namjoon how loved he is.
I’ve included the clip of the ARMYs chanting to Namjoon, and no I am not crying as I rewatch it…
Source: YouTube
No More Dream - Michayla
‘No More Dream’ is an iconic song for a few reasons, the most important reason being that it was BTS’ first single. It was their first message to the youth of 2013 and encouraged them to follow their own dreams and not those set out by society.
The whole song is speaking out against the tough educational regime in South Korea and the pressure put on young people:
“Why don't you say anything? You don't want to study
You're too afraid to quit the school, right? See, you're getting ready for school
Grow up, don't just talk, You have a weak mind boy
(Stop!) ask yourself, when did you try hard”
You're too afraid to quit the school, right? See, you're getting ready for school
Grow up, don't just talk, You have a weak mind boy
(Stop!) ask yourself, when did you try hard”
Even in 2013, BTS wanted others to think and speak for themselves, to break away from the expectations set out by society and even culture to a certain degree. They had only just started their journey as BTS and had their own dreams as Suga said in his line:
“I wanna big house, big cars & big rings”
During BTS’ performance of ‘No More Dream’ as part of a medley on Christmas Day 2018 at the SBS Gayo Daejun awards, Suga dropped the first 2 words, singing “Big house, big cars & big rings” which was testament to how far they had come since debut.
In 2018/19 we have ‘Love Yourself’ and ‘Speak Yourself’. There were elements of that in the lyrics of ‘No More Dream’, particularly in the verse sang by V and J-Hope:
“What is you that you dreamed of?
Who do you see in your mirror, I gotta say
Go your own way
Even if you live a day
Do something
Put weakness away”
Who do you see in your mirror, I gotta say
Go your own way
Even if you live a day
Do something
Put weakness away”
I feel the messages in the lyrics are just as relevant today as they were in 2013, perhaps they will always be relevant. It is a message of empowerment and self belief which, if you look at where BTS started to where they are now, it shows you that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.
‘No More Dream’ was my first choice for a song that I would like to see performed live because it is such a strong song with so many elements to it. However, we can’t talk about ‘No More Dream’ live without mentioning Jimin’s abs and that dance break! For those of you that have seen it, you will understand exactly why this song is so iconic and should definitely be performed during the ‘Speak Yourself’ stadium tour. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see it, please search it up on You Tube!
Autumn Leaves - Sadie
When I was asked, which songs I would like to see live, the list was of course long, as we would all like to say, “all of them”, but let’s try and narrow it down. If I had a hand in picking a handful of songs to see live, I would pick ones that are emotional, ones that have amazing rap and vocals and a great beat. Yeah, you’re probably thinking, “so all of them?” And I would agree, but there are a few songs that just have that little bit more for me.
Autumn leaves 🍂 is one of those songs. The vocals are striking, and the flow of the vocals and transition from vocals to rap continues to amaze me. When listening to this song, I always react in the same way without fail, which is simply just “wowwww”
“I want you who makes eye contact with me
I want the you who wants me again
Please don’t fall
Please don’t collapse
Never, never fall
Don’t go far away
Baby you girl I can’t hold onto you
Baby you girl I can’t give up on you
Like the dead leaves that fell
This love, like the dead leaves
Never, never fall
It’s withering”
The chorus is possibly my favourite part of the song. The lyrics and the vocals are just breathtaking and they flow together flawlessly.
The theme of the song for me is one of longing and not wanting to let go. It’s trying to see only the good side of things. It’s the agony of not wanting to let go of something that you know is inevitable, but still choosing to ignore it and hold on.
“As if every autumn leaf has fallen
As if everything that seemed eternal is going further away
You are my fifth season
Because even if I try to see you, I can’t
Look, to me, you’re still green”
This is one of my favourite verses in the song. The lyrics show a love that was once incredible, but it has now begun to fall apart just like the autumn leaves that are destined to fall, but in his eyes he still tries sees things just as they were before. “You are my fifth season” is a line I always remember.
“Burn them brightly, whoosh
It was all beautiful, right, our path
But they’ve all faded
Dry leaves come down like tears
The wind blows and everything grows apart all day
The rain is falling and you’re shattering
Until the very last leaf, you you you”
The stunning lyrics, as well as the overall beat and tone of the song as a whole, give me an almost nostalgic, reminiscing sort of feeling.
If you haven’t heard this song, you should give it a listen. From the remarkable rap and vocals, to the incredible instrumentals, and meaningful lyrics, everything blends together with seamless fluidity. It’s awe-inspiring and I would definitely say it’s an underrated masterpiece, but that’s just my personal opinion.
You can hear the ‘Stadium Tour’ Dream Spotify Setlist at the following link: Stadium Tour - Our Dream Setlist
Workout with BTS
This week’s playlist is the one you need whilst working out, whether it be at the gym, at home or jogging through the streets. We have chosen the songs that we feel are the best songs to keep that motivation going while you get fit! Tweet us at @BTSRadioUK with the songs you like to workout to.
The song chosen by ARMY this week is Cypher PT. 3: Killer. Keep your eyes peeled for the next poll on Wednesday for your chance to vote.
Cypher PT. 3: Killer – chosen by ARMY
Charlie - The smooth, impeccable flow of the raps of Cypher pt 3 encourage you to be proud of yourself and stay motivated so you can flex about your success with this song, and it all leads up to an undeniably catchy English hook. Whenever this song comes on I can't help but wave my hands, jump, dab, yell along to the lyrics, everything. If there's one song that'll encourage me to be active, it's this one.
Michayla – Cypher pt 3 is a great song for this playlist based on the intro alone, in my opinion. When working out you need that feeling of ‘fighting’ and pushing yourself and I feel like Cypher pt 3 does that brilliantly. Even the title ‘Killer’ is appropriate because you definitely want to kill it with that workout and most people feel pretty dead after a good exercise session! I love using the attitude in the rap-line’s voices to keep me motivated and spur me on… fighting!
Eve - Cypher Pt 3: Killer is a powerful song. Full of attitude, each rapper RM, Suga and J-hope take it in turns to point out what people have said about them since BTS began, taking that negativity and turning it into a driving beat to keep them going in the direction that they are passionate about.
As for a gym song, it's perfect for me.... it's powerful with a heavy loud drum and aggressive lyrics that when I'm on the rowing machine I can use to keep moving and drive me through the negativity of the day.
IDOL – by Eve
If you’re looking for a song that will make you sweat you have found it. IDOL has that perfect drumming beat that you can get your HIIT work out done to, or in fact I’m going to my spinning class teacher to add IDOL to her playlist, feel those thighs burn!
IDOL is so much more than that though, it’s a celebration of Korean culture from the traditional to the modern all rolled up in one punch.
This song shouts from the first note I am here and and I am proud to be me.
You can call me artist (artist)
You can call me idol (idol)
No matter what you call me
I don’t care
I’m proud of it (proud it)
I’m free (free)
No more irony (irony)
Cuz I was always just me
BTS are embracing their status as IDOLs, originally for some of BTS this was a hard journey becoming an IDOL and leaving their underground musician reputation behind, and in the same breath are taking the haters down because how can they tear you down when you stand tall and proud, who cares what they think.
They point fingers at me
But I don’t care at all
Whatever the reason for your criticism is
I know what I am (I know what I am)
I know what I want (I know what I want)
I never gon’ change (I never gon' change)
I never gon’ trade
(Trade off)
Whenever I hear this song I just want to dance and sing, it’s fun and it’s infectious with its positive message of know who you are, be who you want to be, love yourself and don’t care what criticism comes your way you are better than that, you are better than them.
Ok, after listening to IDOL on loop to write this article I’m ready to do some sit ups, push ups, dance around my house and take on whatever else life throws at me.
Picture credit: Rolling Stone India
So What – by Marsha
What a perfect song to get you energised prior and during your work out regime. The lyrics themselves lend a hand, giving you energy to go out there and give it all you've got whilst having a sing/dance along in the process.
"So what
Don’t stop and worry yourself
It’s good for nothing
Let go
Although there’s no answer yet
You can start the fight"
This song tells you that whilst it's ok to think and be conscious of things that are important, it also tells you to be who you are, let go just for a little while and be free.
"We are, we are, we are
Young & wild & free
Your worries, worries, without no answer
Don’t fall into them and stay in them"
The melody and beat of the song is what will keep you running or pumping the iron. It's a consistent 130bpm which would be great for a cardio run or high interval training.
You could even do a cool down at the end of this song as the beat drops out to switch with a simple melody trace by a piano/synth for the final words by Park Jimin:
"Somebody call me right one
Somebody call me wrong
I’m not gonna care about it
Why don’t you not do so as well"
Outro: Tear – by Michayla
The strong beat in Tear is enough of a reason on its own to include it on this week’s playlist, in my opinion. Tear really makes me feel hyped even from the subtle, gentle start to the song, which leads into the first beat.
Tear is a force to be reckoned with, especially performed live, with the rapline (RM, Suga and J_Hope) really showing their stage presence. The lyrics are quite dark and because of that I feel there is a darkness which gives Tear the power it displays:
To me, you were once my dear
But now you’re merely a bitter beer
My heart that’s stained with belated self-loathing
Becomes empty even with the passing breeze
At the end of my play where breakup was a lie
The price that I had to pay came to me
If someone said they would turn back the time for me
Would I have been able to be a bit more honest?
But now you’re merely a bitter beer
My heart that’s stained with belated self-loathing
Becomes empty even with the passing breeze
At the end of my play where breakup was a lie
The price that I had to pay came to me
If someone said they would turn back the time for me
Would I have been able to be a bit more honest?
Outro: Tear is about the ugly nature of love and dealing with a break up as told by Hobi (J-Hope):
Our end that two letters handed to us
That I won’t cry, that I won’t tear it up
I can’t say those kinds of words. In the future I, too
Breakup, incurable disease
You’re my beginning and my end, That is all
My meeting and my farewell
You were everything, step forward fear
It will be repeated, caused by you
That I won’t cry, that I won’t tear it up
I can’t say those kinds of words. In the future I, too
Breakup, incurable disease
You’re my beginning and my end, That is all
My meeting and my farewell
You were everything, step forward fear
It will be repeated, caused by you
The chorus is great for singing along to and this also spurs me on, pushing me to keep going:
You’re my tear
You’re my, you’re my tear
You’re my tear
You’re my, you’re my tear
You’re my fear
You’re my, you’re my fear
What more can I say?
You’re my...
You’re my, you’re my tear
You’re my tear
You’re my, you’re my tear
You’re my fear
You’re my, you’re my fear
What more can I say?
You’re my...
The vocals of each member really hit me in this song and all 3 are able to bring their own styles to the performances. The individuality of the 3 members combine to make Tear an explosive song full of passion and angst. This is a strong song which drives me to push myself and makes me want to do better. Whilst out walking, Outro: Tear makes me want to walk further with purpose!
Spine Breaker – by Charlie.
This song is always one that makes me hyper. If there is one BTS song that can make me get up and, God forbid, voluntarily exercise, then it is this one: Spine Breaker.
As a side track from the Skool Luv Affair album, that is rarely performed live and does not have a music video (until BTS blessed us with a homemade one complete with Jin’s meme-able choreography for BTS Gayo), it is somewhat underrated in my opinion.
In true BTS fashion, it has an important social message. It talks about poor students who beg their children to buy them expensive clothes to help them fit in, and as a result the parents have to bend their spines working hard so that they can afford to treat their children. BTS tells them that this shouldn’t be the case; fashion and looking rich isn’t what it important.
“Even after seeing your parents’ curved spines, you’re so coldhearted
You complain that all your friends have it and that they should buy it for you
(Ayo baby) stop being so immature
You won’t freeze just because you don’t have that jacket”
In this song, BTS rant about these children, and the class system that has made this happen. So at first listen, it sounds like a fun, enjoyable song to bop to, but after looking into the lyrics there’s another layer of appreciation for BTS’s critiques about how materialistic society is.
“Education goes over the hill and student identity goes over the hill too
The class system of the 21st century is divided into two
Those who have and those who haven’t
Those who wear the shoes and those who don’t
Those who have the clothes and those who don’t
And those who try hard to get those things”
As the verses are hard to rap to (especially for international fans), the chorus is the killing part for me as Taehyung’s voice is as deep as you’ll ever hear it, and the lines are undeniably catchy to sing along to. This is the reason why, for a while, this was my number one favourite BTS song.
“Wow, it feels good, putting on your dirty clothes
You’re something different, rockin, rollin, swaggin, swagger, wrong!
What is wrong with you? You’re crazy baby
That is what will suffocate your heart, dirty clothes”
If you still haven’t listened to Spine Breaker, give another watch of the homemade music video BTS made for it; it’s hilarious and is a wonderful example of BTS not taking themselves too seriously, just enjoying giving Spine Breaker the video it always deserved. Try not to enjoy yourself and have a mini rave when this song comes on, I dare you.
Mic Drop - by Sadie
When asked which BTS song gets you pumped for the gym, my answer was of course going to be Mic Drop. The beat and powerful tone of the song, teamed up with fierce lyrics make me feel like a bad ass!
This song fights back the haters, and it makes me feel like I can take on anything. When I’m working out, Mic Drop drives me to keep going, to push through self-doubt and exhaustion and push myself to do just that last little bit.
“You thought I was gonna fail but I’m fine, sorry”
Working out can be hard, not just physically but sometimes mentally. We are often our harshest critic and judge ourselves and our efforts. We also often worry about what others may think and that they may be judging us. This song makes me feel strong, to believe in myself and to say no to succumbing to the haters.
It’s another one of their songs that makes me feel like a boss, that makes me often overcome mental and physical hardships and reminds me that I’m great just the way I am and well, in yoongi’s words... “If you’re jealous, sue me.”
You can hear this week's Spotify playlist at the following link: Workout with BTS
Spring by BTS What better way to celebrate the recent anniversary of ‘Spring Day’ and the fact that the days are brighter, than to listen to a Spring themed playlist full of BTS songs? Magic Shop – chosen by ARMY
Charlie - This song perfectly describes how a lot of us turn to BTS for escapism when we feel down. No matter what kind of bad day you have, BTS will be there waiting in the magic shop for you to turn to, which is a comforting feeling on these cold, post-Christmas spring days.
Michayla – If I close my eyes, listening to Magic Shop, this is the song that is a sunny day, a light breeze on my face and the smell of fresh flowers. A spring day is calming and bright, full of hope and comfort after a cold spell and this is what Magic Shop is for me.
Sadie - Magic shop is a perfect song for this playlist. It’s a song that tells us to pick ourselves up, one that tells that we can do it, tells us we are loved and that there are people out there who believe in us and want to help show us the best of ourselves. It tells us, that if we look into our hearts we can find it too, our happy place, our magic shop.
Eve – BTS’ second song for their fans, their Army. It speaks about the bands uncertain feelings of wanting to be the best, or did they just want to do their best and comfort us. They understand the feelings we all have and this song is the song we can sing together when we feel alone in a huge crowd of people.
Outro: Wings by Michayla Outro: Wings is a song that gives me hope and so many good feelings and because hope is a word I attribute to Spring, I felt it was a perfect song choice for this week’s playlist. The first thing that strikes me about Wings, is J-Hope’s voice after the intro by Jungkook and RM. He has such a beautiful tone to his voice and it hits me right in the chest. J-Hope’s first verse, for me, is simply about the belief he had as a child that he could achieve his dreams and as he grew, the achievements (feathers) formed his success (wings):
I remember my childhood Because I had no big worries I knew these small feathers would become wings I knew the wings would make me fly I had that faith Along with laughter
On a day when perhaps life is throwing some negativity my way, I focus on RM’s words because this verse is about following your heart and doing what you want to do even against better advice. We learn through our mistakes and at times, the more difficult paths, the hurt and the mistakes make us stronger and lead us to succeed:
I went on the road that I was told not to go I did things I was told not to do I wanted things I couldn’t want I got hurt and hurt again You can call me stupid Then I’ll just smile I don’t wanna succeed By doing things I don’t wanna do I’m pushing myself Word
Suga’s verse is reinforcing the opinion of choosing your path and standing strong in your choices even against adversity. It’s about believing in yourself and even if you fail, you can try again:
I believe in myself My back hurting is for my wings to come out I believe in you, even if things are bleak right now The end will be great Fly, fly up in the sky Fly, fly get ’em up high It’s the path you chose, dude don’t be scared This is just the first flight
Outro: Wings is such a positive song to give you encouragement on days when you are unsure of your choices and the road that you are following. Wings is about never giving up and having faith in yourself, standing firm in your choices until you achieve the success you desire. Spring is a new beginning, flowers bloom, the earth reawakens, the sun shines bringing with it brighter days. Spring is a vibrant season and whilst walking through a meadow of flowers, with blue skies above, a light breeze blowing, I could quite easily imagine Wings playing as the theme tune for this scene. In my opinion, Wings is ideal for a spring day.
It’s a song of adoration, admiration and longing. This song is about wanting to be with someone that you can’t be with, but you just want at-least one day to be able to be with them completely, before saying goodbye.
“Just One Day” is a beautifully bittersweet serenade, that really gives me those spring time vibes.
The first part of the song is a beautiful opening by Suga, about being completely and utterly fascinated with someone.
“I want to peacefully fall asleep
intoxicated with your sweet scent
If there’s a chance in my busy schedule
I want to put my body in your warm and deep eyes
I like that, your long, straight hair
Your breathtaking neck when you
put it up and the strands that fall out”
The melody, like the lyrics is sweet and warm and the lyrics show how enchanting and enticing love can be.
“I appreciate the masterpiece that is you because your existence alone is art”
This is a powerful and stunning lyric. To say that someones existence is art, is a striking and breathtaking statement. Its awe-inspiring to say such a thing of someone.
Right after, those lyrics are followed by;
“I imagine this all night every day
Because it’s a meaningless dream anyway”
The lyrics show such love and devotion, but also such longing, and this is how the lyrics take a bittersweet turn.
Spring is often seen as a time for new beginnings, but just as every season ends, so must spring...
“But still, if you see me some day, smile
Maybe you resent me a little or no, a lot
I know, I couldn’t look at you more because of my dream
Then just give me one day
Even if it’s in my dream, just one day
Out of all those words I had to swallow
Because of the excuse of reality
I’ll pick one and tell it to you for sure
Let’s meet when the lilies bloom
And say goodbye when they wither” - RM
...and sometimes not everything that blooms in spring lasts, but there is always hope that it will.
“It’s not over yet, in the middle of a beautiful night
I’ll confess to you, with the moon as our light
All of these things tell me,”
I love J-hopes bridge. The lyrics say to me that, even though I know we probably can’t, and even though we may not be meant to be, I still want just one day with you, one chance, to tell you how I feel;
“If I have just one day, it’s possible”
Source: YouTube
Outro: Propose by Eve
Propose is taken from BTS’ EP Skool Luv Affair released in 2014. It is sung by Jin, Jungkook, Jimin and V.
As the title of the album suggests the subject of young love is one of the main focuses of the album and propose takes all of those first love awkward feelings and turns them into a cute song.
Propose is about crush at first sight and telling the object of your affection how you feel, hoping they will feel the same.
From the opening chorus:I give it to you although it was a bit awkward, I want to give it all to you I give it to you To me, who sometimes cries and laughs, it’s only you For you
I first heard propose when I initially discovered BTS and went on a mission to listen to all previously released songs and albums, on first listening I skipped, second time I played it all the way through looked up the lyrics and fell in love. I love the light hearted feel of the song, it has such a nice dreamy feel that reminds me of spring which makes it perfect for this week’s playlist. I want to listen to Propose while walking through the park when the spring flowers are appearing and it’s sunny but still a little bit chilly. The music has a cute retro feel that reminds me of R ‘n’ B boy groups dancing in a line in perfect synchronicity, again showing how diverse BTS' music can be to cover so many different genres.
Source: YouTube
That's it for this week, follow us on Twitter for your chance to have a say on the song you would like to see on our next playlist @BTSRadioUKMeanwhile you can listen to this week's Spotify playlist at the following link: Spring by BTS
Soothing Uplifting by BTS
Feelings, everyone has them and sometimes those feelings need to be calmed or boosted so this is our playlist to do just that. Whether it be anxiety or perhaps you are feeling blue, there is bound to be a BTS song to help. These are the songs that we feel help us… do they strike a chord with you?
Boyz With Fun - Charlie
When I’m feeling down and need something to uplift me, there’s one song that I turn to to help me see that things aren’t so bad, that it is better to throw my worries away and be happy. And that is “Boyz With Fun” by BTS.
“This is so fun, all fakeness has gone home
So even if you’re tone-deaf or rhythm-deaf
It doesn’t matter, throw your timidness away
We’re having fun, fun fun fun
Come gather here, I see your shoulder dance”
This is the song that makes me want to jump around my house and chant along to it. It’s happiness in a song, and that is further shown by the live performances. Whenever I’m sad, I love to watch how much fun BTS have on stage to this song, jumping around to this song, especially when Taehyung improvises the chorus dance and the members all have to copy him and laugh at whatever he’s come up with that time, it just looks like they’re enjoying the song so much. It’s so natural and funny, and it makes me want to grab my friends and pull them on stage and dance with them. It’s one of those anthems that’s easy to sing along to, making it very easy listening.
We’re here, the fun boys
Here, here, the fun boys
We’re here, the fun boys
Fun, fun
I don’t even know myself
One thing that I really love about the song is how much it demonstrates that BTS aren’t taking themselves too seriously in the moment. The lyrics have bits in it that are a conversation between the members, which further makes me view it as a fun anthem to sing together with friends.
“Yo my name is V
I set the tone for the competition
Hey hey hey stop stop!
Take your pick, take your pick, Hoshik, take your pick
If hope is with us, we won’t know time is passing
Let’s wash ourselves with sweat
Today, I’m it, mini miney mo
Stop saying nonsense, you’re draining my energy
Don’t even think about talking behind my back, I’m quick”
Overall, the song is very carefree and happy, and whenever I feel stressed about something, live stages of this song help me to stop taking life so seriously, and enjoy living in the moment. Once you watch it, you’ll see what I mean!
Mic Drop - Michayla
The theme this week, for me was quite difficult because I have several songs that help me through a variety of emotions. One song that is guaranteed to put a smile on my face and distract me completely is Mic Drop.
This song is fabulous on so many levels. It is a song aimed at the haters, telling them where BTS started and what they have achieved. The fact they mention ‘Billboard’ and ‘worldwide’ is a huge nod to their success after starting with nothing and the struggles to even debut.
Mic mic bungee
Bright lights, going forward
You thought I was gonna fail but I’m fine, sorry
Sorry, "Billboard"
Sorry, "worldwide"
Sorry mom, your son’s too hot
I’m being a good son in place of you
No cons in our concerts
I do it, I do it, you’re a tasteless ratatouille
If you’re jealous, sue me
Sue it
Bright lights, going forward
You thought I was gonna fail but I’m fine, sorry
Sorry, "Billboard"
Sorry, "worldwide"
Sorry mom, your son’s too hot
I’m being a good son in place of you
No cons in our concerts
I do it, I do it, you’re a tasteless ratatouille
If you’re jealous, sue me
Sue it
The part sung by V and Jungkook is about all of the awards they have won and during recent live performances at the end of 2018, lyrics had been altered to update it and speak about how successful they are. This verse is one of my favourite parts of the song:
Did you see my bag
Did you see my bag
My bag’s filled with trophies
How you think bout that
How you think bout that
Haters are already giving up
My success is already so golden
I’m so firin’ firin’ like a torchbearer
You’re rushing to run away
How you dare
How you dare
How you dare
Did you see my bag
My bag’s filled with trophies
How you think bout that
How you think bout that
Haters are already giving up
My success is already so golden
I’m so firin’ firin’ like a torchbearer
You’re rushing to run away
How you dare
How you dare
How you dare
Part of the reason that Mic Drop makes me smile is purely because of the fact that it is laughing in the face of the haters and it makes me so proud as ARMY. Also, it inspires me on days where life is getting on top of me, I know I can overcome anything and obstacles are meant to be climbed over.
The choreography is something else that makes Mic Drop so special. If you have seen the MV you will know that the dance moves are an iconic element to the song, along with the clothing. Even whilst driving I find myself moving along to Mic Drop and doing the arm movements (I have an automatic car, so this makes life easier).
For me, Mic Drop has all the elements of a song that cannot fail to make you feel upbeat and positive. It is the story of success, at the very least! No matter what life throws at you, no matter who is against you, no matter how high the hurdles are… you can overcome it and be successful in your own way. The next time you listen to, or watch Mic Drop, think about that because you too can achieve anything.
Source: ibighit
For this weeks theme of feelings ‘I’m fine’ was one of the songs that has been selected.
In my personal opinion, ‘I’m fine’ is all about how someone is finally able to let go of someone’s guidance and support and go their own way. It’s very effective in portraying this because of the lyrics below:
‘I'm feeling just fine, fine, fine
I'll let go of your hand now
I know I'm all mine, mine, mine
Cuz I'm just fine’
These lyrics sung by Jungkook and Jimin evidently express the idea of realising you are your own person and that they finally know how to deal with things. For their lives it may be the stress of the work or even just the little hate comments they receive.
‘I’m so fine, you so fine
All of the sadness and scars
Became an old memory now
So let’s smile and let go, we so fine
I’m so fine, you so fine
Our future will only have happiness
So put away your fear
Enjoy it, you worked hard, we so fine’
Once again, I find that Suga (Min Yoongi) plays a key part in expressing the meaning of the song due to his past experiences. He is telling ARMY that no matter what happened in the past we can overcome it with each other and that it’s been and done, meaning it can’t be changed.
The song makes me personally feel very hopeful and inspires me to be more independent and confident that I make the right decisions, also that I have people around me that can help me is I can’t cope with myself only. I feel that it’s very important that it belongs here because ‘Feelings’ can vary from how the song makes you react and what thoughts actually go through your mind. Personally, the upbeat music makes me feel very happy and emotional at the same time, especially after hearing this song live it definitely gave me a whole new emotional attachment.
Source: BangtanTV
Paradise – Eve
This week's theme of feelings means I can write about this underrated song and I am so happy!
Paradise is one of my standout tunes from Love Yourself Tear, without understanding the lyrics I could instantly feel that this was going to be one of my favourite BTS songs.
From the opening sweet notes played with Jungkook singing over them I was instantly in love, and when Jimin and the electronic beat dropped in I was hooked.
The fifth song on the amazing Love Yourself Tear was written for BTS by MNEK and producer Lophiile you can really feel their influence coming thorough in the musical arrangement and beat.
The song is an uplifting ode to living the marathon of life at whatever speed suits you, some times you run towards your dreams at full speed, sometimes you walk and take in the scenery while you fully realise what your dreams actually are.
When I listen to this song I smile, it feels like a hug from a friend telling you forget what anyone has to say to you, it’s ok to do what you want to do.
It’s alright to stop
There’s no need to run without even knowing the reason
It’s alright to not have a dream
If you have moments where you feel happiness for a while
It’s alright to stop
Now we don’t run without knowing the destination
It’s alright to not have a dream
All the breaths you breathe are already in paradise
There’s no need to run without even knowing the reason
It’s alright to not have a dream
If you have moments where you feel happiness for a while
It’s alright to stop
Now we don’t run without knowing the destination
It’s alright to not have a dream
All the breaths you breathe are already in paradise
The more I listen to it, the more I want to embrace their message and I hope that they are able to live the way they want us to be able to.
Of course, the amazing lyrics from RM, Suga and J-Hope really speak to the listener, if every child in the world was given these lyrics to read and absorb while they were going through school I think we would see such different world right now, it could be full of happy, kind people listening and supporting each other through their problems.
The end Bridge that all seven members sing makes the hairs on my arms stand up, the feeling they put into their singing to put across the positive message to “stop running for nothin’ my friend” just sums up them as people, they care a lot.
You can hear this week’s playlist at the following link:
Valentines by BTS
The theme for this week’s playlist is Valentines. With Valentines day around the corner and love in the air we wanted to create a playlist with songs that either are about love or simply that we love those songs. Which songs would you have on your Valentines playlist?
First Love by Charlie
First Love is the sixth song from BTS’ second Korean studio album, Wings, on which every member produced and sang/rapped their own solo song. First Love is Yoongi’s solo and despite the title, it does not discuss romance, but Yoongi’s love for the first piano he played, representing his love and passion for music as a whole and how significant it is in his life.
In his usual relaxed, quiet tone, he raps about how when he first played the piano, he instantly enjoyed it but did not realise it would have such an impact as it does today.
“I feel so nice mom I feel so nice
I played the piano wherever my hands took me
I didn’t know your significance back then
Back then I was content with just looking at you”
Yoongi uses the metaphor of a romantic relationship, beautifully rapping about how as he got older, he neglected the old piano. As he does - and this is what always strikes me about the song and makes me get more and more emotional at the same pace he does - his voice gets more strained, loud, frustrated even, and he puts so much emotion into his voice that even if you did not know the translated lyrics, you would still hear the regret and sadness in his expressive voice.
“Don’t worry even if I leave
You’ll do well on your own
I remember when I first met you
Before I knew it you grew up
Though we are putting an end to our relationship
Don’t ever feel sorry to me”
The shift in the song (in a similar fashion to What Am I To You) from a more relaxed tone to a progressively more frustrated voice really makes the song stand out to me, and made me appreciate Yoongi’s ability to convey emotions. His love for music and how it saved him when he went through hardships also is wonderfully represented in lines such as:
“When I was fed up and lost
Back then when I fell into a pit of despair
Even when I pushed you away
Even when I resented meeting you
You were firmly by my side”
Please watch it live (with English subtitles!) to appreciate this story of Min Yoongi’s love for music:
Source: YouTube
Answer: Love Myself by Abbie
Love Myself for me is one of the most emotional songs that I have listened to from BTS. There are many other songs but this one really stands out to me. With its soothing beat and meaningful lyrics this really does make a song special.
It is clear that this song is to allow ARMY and other people that listen to the song that loving yourself is very important when it comes to loving others around you.
‘Loving myself might be harder
Than loving someone else
Let’s admit it
The standards I made are more strict for myself
The thick tree rings in your life
It’s part of you, it’s you
Now let’s forgive ourselves
Our lives are long, trust yourself when in a maze
When winter passes, spring always comes’
Than loving someone else
Let’s admit it
The standards I made are more strict for myself
The thick tree rings in your life
It’s part of you, it’s you
Now let’s forgive ourselves
Our lives are long, trust yourself when in a maze
When winter passes, spring always comes’
As SUGA (Min Yoongi) raps this verse, a lot of passion is put into it and the lyrics prove that in order to love others you must love yourself. He himself has had to come to this realisation during past experiences and this therefore makes the lyrics more meaningful and relate-able for others around him as well as himself.
‘Maybe there’s no answer
Maybe this isn’t the answer either
It’s just that loving myself
Doesn’t require anyone else’s permission’
RM (Kim Namjoon) is one of the most influential members and these lyrics allow others to realise that no matter what you can love yourself despite what other people may think of you. The lyrics I have mentioned are the most important to me because they really prove that despite anything that happens if you are able to love yourself then it is the most important thing.
This fits in with our theme of ‘Love’ very well as the song is all about loving yourself and even learning how to love yourself. Even BTS, the world’s most loved Kpop group are still learning how to love themselves. RM has even begun therapy to help him learn and get ideas which is also another way of how the song is very meaningful.
During my experience of the ‘Love Yourself’ concert I was personally brought to tears and just utter love for the members. Hearing it live brought a whole new element to the song as I saw people around me singing it to one another and even holding each other as they swayed and chanted along. It is an experience I'll never forget and not only does it make me want to love myself, but to love as many people around me as I can too.
Source: aminoapps.com
I chose this song for this week’s Valentine’s playlist because firstly, I love this song! Secondly because it is a song about loving someone no matter what.
‘It’s definitely you’ also known as ‘Even if I die, it’s you’ is a song from the K-drama Hwarang, sung by V and Jin. The connection between Hwarang and BTS, for those that do not know, is that V starred in the drama under his real name. As well as being on the Hwarang soundtrack, it was performed as part of BTS’s Prom Party in 2018.
The meaning of this song, for me, is about a love so strong that no matter what that person does to you, you still crave their love. As much as I feel there is a sense of hurt and heart break, I also feel that this sort of love is so beautiful when reciprocated.
In my cracked heart
Your cold sighs
Like a slowly withering flower
Fall onto my heart
This damn love, because of you
I can’t move even if I’m hurt
Even if I die, it’s only you
Without you, tears fill up my heart
It’s just black hell
To me, that’s who you are
Your cold sighs
Like a slowly withering flower
Fall onto my heart
This damn love, because of you
I can’t move even if I’m hurt
Even if I die, it’s only you
Without you, tears fill up my heart
It’s just black hell
To me, that’s who you are
The vocals are superb with both Jin and V having such unique, smooth tones to their voices. As a duet, they sound perfect together and I would love for them to do more as a sub unit. The highlight of the song has to be Jin’s part at 2m 54s in the video with Jin really going for it and V’s vocals maintaining the composure of the song.
I wouldn’t say this was necessarily a slow song but it is 100% a song that you can’t fail at tapping your foot to the fantastic beat. The instruments are quite simplistic but the beat is strong and this means you focus on the voices of V and Jin.
The performance for Prom Party was brilliant, who’d have thought that 2 men standing in front of microphones could be so mesmerising? Jin and V certainly pulled it off with their facial expressions, clothing and incredible vocals.
‘It’s definitely you’ may not be a song you have heard before, especially if you haven’t seen Prom Party or know about Hwarang, but I would highly recommend it.
Source: BANGTANTV
To hear the Valentines playlist click on the following link:Spotify - Valentines by BTS
Shock and Awe – by BTS
Apart from making amazing music and inspiring us to better ourselves every day, BTS have this epic talent of leaving us staring at them, their music videos and everything else they put their minds to. Shook with shock and open mouthed in awe these are the BTS songs that have affected our Spotify team.
Dope by Michayla
As soon as our theme had been decided this week, there was one song that was at the top of my list and that was Dope. The reason that Dope belongs on this weeks playlist is because it is the MV that made me ARMY and the first time I saw it, I can honestly say that ‘shock and awe’ were two words that describe my reaction very well.
Dope is on the album ‘The most beautiful moment in life pt 1’ which was released in 2015 and the song is about the tireless work BTS have put in to get to where they were at that point. This of course, nearly 4 years later is even more poignant and they still work tirelessly. BTS talk about their struggles, where they were, where they are (in 2015) and where they want to be.
We're drenched, drenched, drenched
In sweat, in our practice room
Look, my great, great, great
Dance moves prove it all
All the weak, loser, whiny idiots
They have nothing on me
Cuz i'm full of hope haha
In sweat, in our practice room
Look, my great, great, great
Dance moves prove it all
All the weak, loser, whiny idiots
They have nothing on me
Cuz i'm full of hope haha
RM is the first member we see in the MV as he says ‘Welcome, first time with BTS?’ which of course for me, personally is extremely relatable. I was hooked because of the outfits, choreography and of course the song itself which is great to sing along to, most ARMYs can probably sing the parts of RM and Suga and when BTS perform Dope live, they often hold their microphones up to let ARMYs sing those parts.
The concept for the MV was Jimin’s idea as he explained in a Bangtan Bomb behind the scenes of the Dope MV set. Each member is representing a different occupation from J-Hope as a racing car driver to Jungkook as a policeman. The choreography is fast and quite complex, the MV being filmed in one day which is a tough schedule and a very long day. You can watch the MV for the first time or the millionth time.
Dope will always hold a special place in my heart… which BTS song or MV would be the top of your list this week?
Source: 1theK
Fake Love – Eve
I absolutely love this song, I could and have listened to it over and over and over.
It’s such a dramatic song, it builds and builds throughout to get you to invest your emotions into every word.
The opening chorus sung by V and Jungkook instantly introduces you to the dark and serious undercurrents of the songs theme.
Love and the imperfections of it, how it is your everything but at the same time it makes you lose yourself. Fake Love takes you to the moment of realisation of what has been happening but it still leaves you wondering about this relationships outcome did they lose themselves completely or did they end this toxic relationship.
There are so many beautifully written lyrics in this song:
“I wish love was perfect as love itself
I wish all my weaknesses could be hidden
I grew a flower that can’t be bloomed in a dream that can’t come true”
These lyrics hit me and stuck with me.
But this is only the beginning, the next moment my jaw hit the floor was when I first saw the Fake Love music video, it perfectly reflects the feelings that are spun throughout the song.
From the silhouettes in front of the huge engulfing hands and the following scenes involving each member of the group. Whether it is tying into a bigger picture or expressing the emotions of this song, the video is second after second of…….. WOW.
I think this song is going to stand the test of time and people in 50 years will listen to it around the world and will love it as much as me.
Source: ibighit
You can hear our Shock & Awe playlist at the following link:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57XuF1VSl5F5L6oJul2hR5 Love Yourself - by BTS
This week’s theme for our playlist is the Love Yourself Tour to celebrate the cinematic showings of Love Yourself in Seoul. Immerse yourselves in the songs from BTS’s sell out world tour including all the medley songs too.
Anpanman by Michayla
This song is a great song from Love Yourself Tear, the beat alone is sunshine on a cloudy day. Anpanman is such an upbeat song that you can’t fail to move and sing along to it. This is a fun song but as always with BTS there is a thought provoking message behind it with great lyrics.
Anpanman is a Superhero from a Japanese cartoon series who saved people through kindness rather than strength. BTS’ message is about being a hero, even if you aren’t strong, you can still be a hero if you believe in yourself, don’t give up:
Keep spinning and spinning my Anpan
Keep ballin’, ballin’ still Bangtan
As I open my eyes, I’m a hero, but still in maze
That young man, young man, young man
Keep secretly, secretly getting covered in bruises
But ballin’, ballin’ still Bangtan
Even if I’m hurt, I’m a hero, Put the fear behind
Anpanman, panman, panman
Keep ballin’, ballin’ still Bangtan
As I open my eyes, I’m a hero, but still in maze
That young man, young man, young man
Keep secretly, secretly getting covered in bruises
But ballin’, ballin’ still Bangtan
Even if I’m hurt, I’m a hero, Put the fear behind
Anpanman, panman, panman
V starts the song with ‘Waiting for you, Anpanman’ which, with is a unique introduction in a similar light to Fake Love. All 7 members have roles to play in this song and all the live performances of it are always bright and fun, almost animated!
The tempo constantly changes and the choreography is more than just a dance because it tells a story, for example when RM hands Jimin something which he eats… this represents the fact that Anpanman’s head was made out of a special bread which he used to feed poor people. The choreography also has many movements that are easy and fun to learn along with the fact that Anpanman is one of those songs you just can’t help but sing to.
Source: YouTube
I always find myself copying the dance or singing when I hear it and seeing BTS perform Anpanman at the O2 in October was wonderful, ARMY bombs waving and changing colour, everyone singing and moving. During the tour, Anpanman was performed after ‘So What!’ As one of the last ‘party’ songs before the goodbye song ‘Answer: Love Myself’ which I think speaks volumes about the song itself.
I’m Fine by Charlie
I’m Fine is the 14th track from BTS’ Love Yourself: Answer album, and it mirrors their 2016 song Save Me. It comes from the Save Me/I’m Fine ambigram that is used for mental health campaigns, and its lyrics reflect and give an opposite message to Save Me.
Even though the songs were released 2 years apart, turning Save Me’s message on its head and giving a more positive worldview is genius.
Where Save Me starts with: “I want to breathe, I hate this night,” I’m Fine starts with “I open my eyes under the cold blue sky / The pouring sunlight makes me dizzy”. Both use images of the sky, but I’m Fine sees it in a more positive way.
Where Save Me is about depending on someone and calling out for them because you need them in order to survive: “Listen to my heartbeat, it calls for you whenever it wants to”
I’m Fine is all about learning to survive on your own, because you have learnt to love yourself and no longer need to turn to others for showing you what’s good in the world:
“It’s alright, even if it’s not us”
“It’s alright, only I am my own salvation”
“My cold heart has forgotten how to call you”
The beautiful, symbolic dance to this song further displays its positive message that’s so needed by the millions of people that attend BTS’s concerts to listen to their messages of self-love. The boys fall to the floor, as they did in Save Me, but help to pull each other to their feet, before they can stand on their own.
“I’ll let go of your hand now
I know I’m all mine, mine, mine”
This song gives me such a positive feeling, as it’s so upbeat and assures you that everything will be okay. It makes me want to dance and yell that everything’s fine. The boys repeat to themselves and us throughout the song that they’re fine, even if they go through hardships. I think “I’m feeling just fine, fine, fine / I don’t want to be sad anymore” are beautiful, comforting lyrics to repeat when you’re in a dark place. Hearing this song play at the O2 arena as fans of all ages yelled along “I’m feeling just fine, fine, fine” was so beautiful to me.
Source: YouTube
The Truth Untold by Eve
When the playlist for Love Myself Answer was released The Truth Untold was one of the most anticipated songs on the album, a song with Steve Aoki, there was only one way it was going to sound heavy bass and electronic sounds mixed with BTS vocals.
Day of release and this song was the biggest surprise, instead of the electronic dance vibe Steve Aoki is famous for we were gifted with one of BTS’ most emotional and heart-breaking songs to date.
Without knowing the lyrics you can feel the raw emotion through the voices beautifully layered over the piano that follows their voices in a dance leading to the introduction of the guitar and beat that seem to add to the desperate story BTS are telling.
Once I looked up the lyrics the level of emotions sent out into the world by the song were amplified 100 fold.
The Truth Untold to me is a song about loving someone, but not being able to show that person the true you, wearing a mask to hide their true feelings, personalities.
“You know that I can’t
Show you me
Give you me
I can’t show you a ruined part of myself
Once again I put a mask on and go to see you
But I still want you”
There are lots of other interpretations of this song, it could be based on an old story of an old grotesque man that watches a girl that picks his flowers but he is too scared to speak to her because of his appearance, he creates a flower just for her but she never returns and later he learns he was too late.
It is also thought that BTS are singing about how they can’t show Army their true selves, they understand their lives as idols and they have to hide behind it, but still want us to love them.
Source: YouTube
As this playlist is based on the Love Yourself Tour song list I wanted to write about the live performance of The Truth Untold, having not seen BTS live myself yet I watched some of the live videos available on You Tube and all I can say is wow, the emotion V, Jimin, Jungkook and Jin portray throughout the performance is amazing and to hear the fans singing along is amazing.
Source: YouTube
Singularity by Michayla
Singularity is, without a doubt, one of my favourite songs and the MV is breath taking, I would even say that the MV is iconic. When V performs Singularity live, he uses the coat stand and jacket, his own arm providing the illusion and his great acting skills complete a mesmerising scene.
The MV has a strong link to Fake Love with its masks and the flower and is V’s solo song, an intro on Love Yourself Tear.
Singularity is a song with many interpretations, but my interpretation is that it is a song about reflecting on the person you are and the many persona’s you have. In my opinion it is an inner monologue, and the fact that V is seen looking into water, I believe supports the reflection theory.
A thick ice has formed
In the dream I shortly went into
My agonising phantom pain is still the same
Have I lost myself
In the dream I shortly went into
My agonising phantom pain is still the same
Have I lost myself
Or have I gained you
I suddenly run to the lake
There’s my face in it
Please don’t say anything
I suddenly run to the lake
There’s my face in it
Please don’t say anything
The MV, released on 18th May 2018 is so vibrant in colours and choreography but there is also a dark sadness there too. During the Love Yourself Tour, BTS showed a ‘V focussed’ VCR before the performance of Singularity and it was such a beautiful video, showcasing clips using the same elements as scenes in the Singularity MV.
Source: ibighit
The choreography is simple yet powerful especially when the backing dancers are holding the masks. There are 8 masks which could represent the different persona’s because they appear after V has held his head and since it is only V and the masks that are visible on the black background, it gives the impression that it is a representation of the mind.
Singularity as a song, live performance or the MV are all equally stunning; if you haven’t had the opportunity, I would also highly recommend watching Singularity performed live of which many video’s can be found on You Tube because V is simply mesmerising.
Trivia: Love by Emma
What better song to be included in a Love Yourself playlist than a song describing the emotions of love itself? RM’s Trivia: Love was the 6th track on Love Yourself: Answer, the final instalment to the Love Yourself Trilogy.
The song starts by expressing the uncertainty over emotions involved with love. Just as in a fan cafe post, RM often writes thoughts on the topic: “What is the real definition of love and how many colours of love are there?”. Within the song, he describes love as being complicated and complex, something that changes from person to person as well as over time.
Within the lyrics, RM notes that he doesn’t particularly notice changes, he just feels it. Most of us do not notice our fingernails growing or trees shedding their bark, it just seems to happen. I believe Namjoon is trying to explain how love is a gradual change, we rarely notice it until it has already happened. Then all of a sudden, we begin to realise that spending time with this person brings us a lot of happiness, and we begin to place weight on the memories gained with them.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Namjoon song without clever wordplay, which is exactly what you’ll find within the lyrics:
Within the Korean language both person 사람 and love 사랑 look similar. Namjoon uses this to describe how before, his life was consisting of straight lines only (like the end character in ‘person’ = ㅁ), but this person has eroded his edges and changed him into a love, making the square character into an ‘ㅇ’ to turn 사람 into 사랑. He uses this wordplay frequently within this song.
Some may not know that the catchphrase of this song ‘I live so I love’ originates from a well-known philosopher, Rene Descartes theory of existing, ‘I think, therefore I am’. By Namjoon chanting, ‘I live so I love’ you may interpret this as ‘I live, therefore I love’. Some can interpret this as Namjoon thinking if he doesn’t love others, or more matching to the theme, love himself, he doesn’t believe he is living right.
Overall, this song is very heartfelt, and as expected, beautifully written. This bouncy hip-hop track is perfect to sing and chant along to, play on a road trip or in the evening. A highlight of this song is when he displays his beautiful singing voice in the bridge. Just like the lyrics at the end of this song, my love for this song will not just pass by like the wind, it is here to stay and what better song to play and sing along to within a love yourself playlist, than a song entirely about love.
Whether the memories are from the concerts themselves or from the film, this is a great playlist to have and you can listen to the playlist here:
Winter playlist
Guess what?…it’s winter. What more could you want to get you through the coldest part of the year than a new BTS playlist, and we have one right here for you.
Crystal Snow by Michayla
This song was destined for a winter themed playlist because of the title alone. Crystal Snow is the 9th track on BTS’ album ‘Face Yourself’ which is a Japanese album and includes Japanese versions of songs including Spring Day and DNA.
Crystal Snow is quite simply, a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics with the most beautiful vocals. It is a song about love, possibly unrequited love because the whole feeling I get is that the love is either not returned or is going to disappear… melt away.
I want to hold you one more time before you disappear
Ah, crystal flies high wherever it goes
Hey, there’s nothing else I want, I just want to feel a little more
Can I touch your heart？
I want to touch it but it keeps slipping through my fingers, someday, someday
Your little smile somehow hurts me
How can I be closer uh uh?
Why can’t I find an answer for this love?
How am I gonna find it? How?
Oh, let me know
On a cold winter’s day, sitting in the warmth of your home (or car), Crystal Snow is bound to warm you from the inside. The vocals of all 7 members are so pure and perfect and hearing the rap line almost sing softer lines than usual really allows you to hear their voices.
Namjoon’s line: ‘I watch you shining and reflecting on every single sparkling thing
I’ll wait for you no matter where’ is such a heartfelt line.
Crystal Snow is taken to a whole different level when Jin literally belts out his line towards the end ‘The warmth of love started melting, This genuine warmth, please stay forever’ and the vocals that follow from the vocal line are magnificent, including a high note from Jimin. I cannot speak highly enough about this song because it has such a warming, emotive vibe and I definitely feel it isn’t spoken about enough.
How does Crystal Snow make you feel?
Forever Rain – Eve
Forever Rain was the first track from RM’s 2018 released playlist Mono.
It tells the story of someone alone in the world, the feelings of isolation come across in RM’s lyrics beautifully.
Cuz the umbrella would cover the sad face
Cuz in the rain people are busy minding themselves
Gonna breathe a little slower
Cuz my life and my rap, they’re usually too fast
Now everything goes back to its place
My shadow’s reflected on the sky
I’m standing on the darkness
Head down, to my heels
Cuz in the rain people are busy minding themselves
Gonna breathe a little slower
Cuz my life and my rap, they’re usually too fast
Now everything goes back to its place
My shadow’s reflected on the sky
I’m standing on the darkness
Head down, to my heels
I love this song because of the calm way his feelings are given to the listeners, it’s a gift of recognition. RM knows us and feels how we feel, to me it’s a hand outstretched.
How many of us walk down the street thinking we are the only ones that aren’t seen by others, you’re not alone and that is the whole message of Mono. We’re all in this together.
It fits in to this week’s playlist theme so well, Winter in itself can be the most isolating season, because people tend to hide away from the dark nights and the cold weather.
MAMA years – by BTS
Inspired by the amazing performances that we had anticipated for weeks, the Spotify team have put a full list of MAMA nominated, winning and performance songs from 2013 to now. It’s a bumper playlist of 71 songs and we have picked our favourites to write about and let you know just how much we love them.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3eZtw5CCpwDswhXLhV2nkH
Michayla – Blood, Sweat & Tears The Wings album from 2016 brought us this amazing song about putting everything on the line for love and a stunning MV also came too. Blood Sweat and Tears is a fantastic song which is magnified when performed live and BTS lit the stage up at MAMA in 2016. There are so many elements that work together to make Blood, Sweat & Tears, so amazing, from the costumes to choreography, it really is quite a theatrical performance. This song has many interpretations from the idea of losing yourself in love and giving yourself completely to someone, to the overwhelming desire of temptation: It doesn't matter if it hurts Make it tighter so I can't escape Hold me tight and shake me So I'll be unconscious Kiss me on the lip, lips This is a secret between the two of us I am addicted to the prison that is you I cannot worship Anyone else besides you I knowingly drank from the poisoned chalice Temptation and love are represented in the MV which shows Jin selling his soul to the devil as he gives in to temptation and kisses the statue that is representative of the fallen angel. At the end of the MV, Jin’s face starts to crack which shows that he is crumbling and should have remained strong, not given in. The MV is set in a gothic style mansion with each member having an individual part to play in the story. The choreography is quite sexual which implies the seduction of temptation (whatever form the temptation comes in). Blood, Sweat & Tears is one of my favourite songs because I personally love the haunting, dark element to it. The outfits worn each time it is performed are so well chosen and usually gothic / old romantic / almost Victorian in style. I love that Taehyung represents the fallen angel and the wounds on his back are where his wings once were. During the 2016 MAMA performance, Tae is seen walking on stage towards Jin who is kneeling, before dropping his jacket off his shoulders to reveal the wounds which certainly got a reaction from ARMY in the arena. I was also incredibly lucky to see Blood, Sweat & Tears performed on 10th October 2018 in London and even though it was just a part of the medley, it was still fantastic and I was thrilled to have seen the iconic choreography for myself, live.
Run – Eve To me Run is a song about unrequited love. You’re my sun, one and only in this world I bloom for you, but you make me thirsty RM opens the song with these heartfelt lyrics of feeling you have found that one person that makes your world perfect, but they don’t feel the same way. This person makes him feel like a better person, a more complete person, but he is deprived of their reciprocated feelings. The group sing about chasing after these perfect feelings but they never manage to catch them. V’s pre-chorus really brings the painful feelings of this kind of one sided love; Make me run Make me run more Let my feet rip apart with wounds At least I can I smile when I see you You will go through the worst pain and heartache just to see this one person and smile with them. I love how BTS can take these issues that everyone at some point in their lives and turn them into these songs that make you feel like you’re not on your own. Their words are sincere and touch your heart. The Music Video takes the song on a whole other journey, a story about a group of boys travelling through their youth together taking the wrong turns, having fun, falling out and discovering that they will have to grow up. There are hundreds of theories out there on the internet about hidden meanings in BTS’ music videos and Run takes centre stage in some of those theories. Have a look but be prepared to fall into a deep pool of wonderful, confusing thoughts. My write up about Run wouldn’t be complete without looking at the MAMA performance 2015 of Run, the performance is perfect and showcases their complete synchronicity on stage perfectly. https://youtu.be/-kp2-7X4pBU Spring Day - Amber
With this song, it is mainly about friends not being there and then making it feel like its winter. This could be because winter is cold and that's probably how they feel when their friend isn't there so like lonely and cold like winter. But then what is said is that they want the winter and coldness to end and travel back to spring and be with their friend again. The rest of the song also carries on to talk about this friend that they miss and through the lyrics of the song it could be like that they drifted apart because of something important. The whole song is all about living without someone that they love and miss a lot they are ready to emotionally connect and bring this person back into their life, as they couldn't live without them. If this person was to leave them i don't think they would be able to function with the change there is a lot of this in the song and the lyrics especially. More towards the end of the song they do talk a lot about hatred to their friend that left them but that goes away because they love them so they choose to forget it.
Happiness – by BTS
Ma City – Eve
Ma City has always been one of my favourite BTS songs with its opening build up of Jungkook's high notes leading into RM’s rap. It’s such an uptempo song with so many different kinds of musical influences. It’s fun beat runs all the way through along with the guitar keeping the tune quite retro in its feeling.
I love how this song gives some members the opportunity to sing and rap about their home towns, this makes me feel even happier when listening to it.
Hearing the love they have for their home cities and the enthusiasm they put into singing this song, the heartfelt rap verses and the riffs added to show how much they love the tune that is a tribute to their homes.
The chorus sung by Jimin, V, Jungkook and Jin is so catchy and with the repeating la la la la la and the fun 'shouty' way they sing it.
It makes me feel summery and happy, it really is one of my favourite BTS songs and it has one of the most perfect endings, V’s laugh. What more can you say.
Boy in Luv - Michayla
I had difficulty deciding which song to write about this week because all BTS songs make me happy in one way or another. My reason for including Boy in Luv on this week’s playlist was largely driven by my daughter because it is her favourite song and is constantly on repeat in my house. The happiness aspect comes from two angles… firstly, seeing the joy this song and MV brings to my daughter, definitely makes me happy and secondly… on a personal level it makes me happy because I can sing along to it, I love the high notes and I was fortunate enough to see it performed live in London.
Boy in Luv is the second track on the Skool Luv Affair album from 2014 and is predominantly a teenage angst song. Tae’s chant at the start is something he has a lot of fun with when performing Boy in Luv live, his deep vocals practically growling as he says:
Why are you shaking up my heart?
Why are you shaking up my heart?
Why are you shaking up my heart?
Why are you shaking up my heart?
Why are you shaking up my heart?
Boy in Luv is a journey through the feelings you experience when you have a crush on someone but do not know how to deal with that or how to act. It is the battle between how you want to act but how you actually act when that person is around:
You make me so angry and mad for no reason
I’m serious but you make me into a loser, who picks fights with you
Why do I care so much about you?
You’re making a big boy act like a little kid
But I’ll turn things around
From just knowing each other to becoming lovers
I’m serious but you make me into a loser, who picks fights with you
Why do I care so much about you?
You’re making a big boy act like a little kid
But I’ll turn things around
From just knowing each other to becoming lovers
The MV for Boy in Luv is great! All 7 members dressed in trousers, shirts and ties which change towards the end of the song to t-shirts and leather jackets. The MV is, of course set in a school, from a classroom setting to a basketball court and as always there are iconic elements to the choreography.
Source: YouTube
One of the highlights of Boy in Luv is the part where Jungkook, Jimin and Jin confess their love to the girl, followed by intense high notes by Jimin and Jungkook which leads to the explosive ending of the song. This song takes me through a journey of emotions as the vocals and beat changes which definitely makes me smile! Once again the mix of the rap line and vocal line makes Boy in Luv a great song which is still going strong 4 years after its release which is another reason it belongs on this week’s happiness themed playlist.
So What - Amber
I think So What fits the Happiness theme really well, when I listen to the song all I want to do is smile and sing along. I also think because of how upbeat the song is it makes people really happy when they are listening to it.
From the English translations of the song, I can see they are facing their fears and basically saying "So what", I’m different, so what, I’m afraid and that I shouldn't care which I really agree with. This message would make people really happy and feel like they wouldn't be ashamed of their problems.
I really like the beat to this song because it gives you a real bop along beat and makes you want to sing along and make you extremely happy.
Source: YouTube
For this weeks playlist click on the following link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xf6u5jMJ7PtIwURKy1hMh
Drive Time – by BTS
I wonder if you can guess what has inspired this week’s Spotify playlist?.... I’ll tell you. BTS’ recently announced they were the global ambassadors of the brand new 'Hyundai 2020 Palisade’ and we wanted to get together our favourite drive time songs we would be listening to while driving.
Baepsae - Gabbii
If there is one song you have to listen to whilst driving, it has to be Baepsae.
It is perhaps one of the most iconic songs by BTS and for good reason as the beat and chanting are performed with such high energy that even if you are stuck in traffic you can easily dance along to the beat. Alongside this, the chorus is repeated so many times that it will stick in your head for days, and if you’re anything like me then you will be bouncing in your step as you remember such an upbeat song. Even though this song was released in 2015, it reminds me of their earlier songs, such as No More Dream and Boy In Luv, as the breakdowns and tempo shifts in this song makes it almost seem like a medley, but the loud and punchy chorus makes a long journey so much better.
Euphoria - Michayla
This week I am writing about Jungkook’s solo… ‘Euphoria’ because it is a song that I turn up really loud in the car and quite honestly have on repeat. Euphoria is the first song on the album Love Yourself Answer, the teaser music video was released in April 2018 and the song was released with the album in August 2018.
Euphoria is a song that is great no matter what mood you are in. If I am low it makes me smile, if I am sad it brings me comfort, if I am happy it makes me feel uplifted. The song is about finding someone who makes you happy and who you never want to let go of. That person could be a friend, lover or family member, but that person who makes the world a better place, just by being in it.
Euphoria
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Even if the desert becomes cracked
No matter who shakes this world
Don't let go of the hand you're holding
Please don’t wake up from this dream
I hear the ocean from far away
Across the dream, over the horizon
(Please don’t wake up from this dream)
I’m going to the place that’s getting clearer
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Even if the desert becomes cracked
No matter who shakes this world
Don't let go of the hand you're holding
Please don’t wake up from this dream
I hear the ocean from far away
Across the dream, over the horizon
(Please don’t wake up from this dream)
I’m going to the place that’s getting clearer
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Jungkooks vocals are angelic and he showed this during the London concerts in October when he had to perform Euphoria whilst sitting in a chair. He reduced me to tears through his vocal performance alone and the high note towards the end of the song takes emotions to a whole new level. Euphoria is that song I can listen to whilst driving to calm me and sing along to. It is great full blast and just as great on a low volume in the background on a long journey. I always put Euphoria on between the school and work after doing the school run, to set me up for the day.
ARMY, how does Euphoria make you feel?
Don’t Leave Me – Eve
When I’m driving I love a song with a loud beat, a build-up and a chanting chorus. Don’t Leave Me has all of those things.
V’s quiet intro leads you into listening closely to the slow tempo and how he delivers the start of the song.
The beat really kicks in the chorus:
“Don’t leave me
I believe, start running
No ending… you’re my heartbeat
No matter what, rain falls
No matter what, darkness erases
I’ll definitely save you
You are not alone”
This is where I always find myself singing along at the top of my voice and joining in with Suga, J-Hope and RM’s rap.
I especially love the string instruments that just make this song soar.
My interpretation of the meaning behind Don’t Leave Me is that they are stood as individuals, frozen in a point of time. They are looking at their past and their future, they see the way they are changing from the people they used to be and becoming the people of their future. They want to know the answers to their story and are reassuring themselves that even though they will change a lot they will always be true to themselves.
Boy Meets Evil - Amber
This song goes with the theme very well for this week as it has the deep and somewhat dark vocals of J-Hope. I think with J-Hope's bright and big personality this song is very loud like him.
This is definitely something you can sing along to in the car and you could definitely enjoy yourself too, also the beat of the song goes from quiet to a really powerful beat to go along with his vocals.
I think then you also look at the dance to this song you can tell that they were going for this really big and extravagant, performance when it comes along to this.
In conclusion to the whole song, I think it really fits with the loud theme and gives off the same vibe and this will make people want to sing along in their cars while they are stuck in traffic or something, because the beat will make you jump around.
You can find the Drive Time playlist on our Spotify at the following link:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NByUXcgsNS9cJ8UKEmQjx
Until next time.
Burn the Stage Soundtrack
Recently you may have noticed a little film had a limited release around the world, the film I’m referring to is Burn the Stage: The Movie. This film has gone on to break box office records and taken the world by storm so the Spotify team decided to gather the soundtrack together and pick their favourite songs to talk to you about.
Sea (Orchestra ver.) - Gabbii
For me this was the most memorable piece in the entirety of the film. Not just for the montage and the words that were said over the top, but Sea is a song that originally told us how far BTS had come and all the issues they had to suffer, but in this scene, it showed how they were still working hard but achieving so much as they performed around the world, and how they were still smiling. For me this was a beautiful score, with a much faster tempo than the original song, and I honestly wish that this would be released as an alternative version.
Sea is originally a hidden track from Love Yourself: Her, and as previously stated, tells of the hardships BTS had to face as they climbed to become as successful as they are today. This is shown in lyrics performed by Suga, which tells both ARMYs and other listeners how their company was considered “too small” for the boys to be able to debut and stay as rising stars, due to BigHit being considered a small label back then, but also how the seven members had to all sleep in one room, which fans see in previous reality shows and Bangtan Bombs.
BTS have always been known for their message-driven songs, but this one has always been my favourite, as it really shows how far they have come, and it’s not the first time they have written about their struggle to fame. Sea for me, and especially this orchestral version, is the most memorable song for BTS fans to really take away from this film, for a song that was once reflected as the negativity was shown as positivity throughout this film, and I think it really shows that they’ve turned their sadness into their passion, and it needs to be projectiled more into the mainstream media.
Stigma - Michayla
Stigma, from the Wings album is one of my favourite songs. As the definition of the title suggests, this is a song with a dark meaning:
‘a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person’
It is a song about emotional and physical pain but is literally brought to life by Taehyung’s amazing vocals. Someone who is well known for his deep, smooth voice who then hits a high note in Stigma that makes me shiver.
The lyrics are powerful and for me I feel it is an internal monologue when you are in mental anguish:
I’ve been hiding it
I tell you something
Just to leave it buried
Now I can’t endure it anymore
Why couldn’t I say it then
I have been hurting anyway
Really, I won’t be able to endure it
I tell you something
Just to leave it buried
Now I can’t endure it anymore
Why couldn’t I say it then
I have been hurting anyway
Really, I won’t be able to endure it
Someone tormenting themselves both emotionally and physically in order to find a release. I really feel this could even be a teenage angst song because of the turmoil.
Stigma was performed live as part of the Wings tour and Taehyung was so captivating as he sang. No dance moves were needed, just V, a microphone and a spotlight!
This week’s playlist was set by Burn The Stage The Movie, so we didn’t technically choose the songs ourselves but it was great to have Stigma as part of it because it isn’t always appropriate for other themes. In the movie, it is actually J-Hope who performs it during practice for the show and wowed audiences with the high note not many people knew he had in him!
Wings is a fantastic album and Stigma is a great solo song, deep, meaningful and sultry.
Not Today - Amber
The song Not Today has the message that there might be things you will worry about but we should push them all aside and only focus on today.
They say that whatever we do we do it together, and we help each other out. while looking at the song I think that the chorus and the pre-chorus that Jungkook, Jin and Jhope sing really adds to the power. So will Jungkook's softer voice and Jin's more deep voice makes this sound full of life, power and emotion. Then with Jhope's vocals that are always quite hidden gives it that more bounce vibe.
The whole song itself makes you want to get up and dance (even if you can't dance), and also help you forget your problem maybe just for today so you can be happy and smile and not have to worry about anything.
They are that even though you are strong but the life that you live is fragile there is always a way around it, maybe not today, but someday there will be.
So this was a great song to have on Burn the Stage as all the boys were getting injured a lot and there were problems but they didn't have to worry about them while they were on stage and they could just focus on getting the show done with no problems.
All the hardships we may feel in life someone will listen and you don't and shouldn't have to worry about them all the time just enjoy your life while you can.
Source: ibighit - YouTube
I Need U – Eve
I Need U has always stood out to me as one of my favourite BTS songs, mainly in the beginning for the tune. The way the song opens with Jungkook’s opening with his breathy fall, fall intro. It leads into a building a tune with Suga rapping to a building rhythmic beat that makes you feel the urgency of the feelings behind the song. The backing sweeping notes that are present at the beginning of the song give the song a deceivingly light-hearted feel, which, combined with the strong building and dropping beat over the top brings you in and out of the emotions of the song.
The song is about a situation most people can relate to, the feeling of knowing that the relationship is over, it hurts but you want to go back and be with them. The only way to move on is to hear the other person say it was never real, it was never love otherwise those feelings will always be there lingering in memories.
My favourite lyrics of the song are J-Hope’s verse:
You can’t do this to me
All of the things you said are like a mask
It hides the truth and rips me apart
It pierces me, I’m going crazy, I hate this
Take it all away, I hate you
All of the things you said are like a mask
It hides the truth and rips me apart
It pierces me, I’m going crazy, I hate this
Take it all away, I hate you
His verse really encompasses the intense feelings of hurt and despair over this failed relationship.
The original 5 minute long music video for I Need U has a more serious tone to it, showing the group in happier times together, then something happens which sends each one into an emotional spiral sending them off into different directions and types of human reactions to tragedy.
*Note this version of the music video has an age rating of 19.
Source: ibighit - YouTube
Looking at how this song fits with the message of Burn the Stage, it doesn’t really apart from to illustrate the musical journey the group have been on through the Wings era.
You can find the playlist here:
Track listing:
Not today
No more dream
Blood Sweat & Tears
N.O.
Ma City
Lie
21st century girls
Sea (Orchestra version)
Look Here
P.O.P
Run
Begin
Reflection
Stigma
Awake
First love
Wings
2!3!
I need u
4 'o' clock
Pied Piper
Spring day
DNA
Mic drop
You Never Walk Alone
Road/Path
Paradise
National Kindness Day
This weeks Spotify Playlist theme is #NationalKindnessDay, we really wanted to emphasise the kind nature of BTS. They have so many songs promoting kindness, understanding, tolerance and respect. We are coming out the other side of another tough period for BTS and ARMY and because of these songs and messages we are still standing firm side by side.
Eve - Begin
The concept behind this song is to look through Jungkook’s eyes and his journey of growing up in the limelight as a member of BTS.
Jungkook was 15 when BTS had their debut; he had to grow up in front of the flashing lights and in the whirlwind of being an Idol.
Begin credits his six brothers with making him, they helped him discover emotions and grow to the man he is today. Their kindness and willingness to help him be comfortable and grow and still have a childhood are what make him, him.
He also goes onto to explain how his weakness is seeing them in pain and that is when his pain is the greatest, when they cry.
The song has a bouncy euphoric feel to it that gives you the feeling that even though Jungkook is singing about pain, he is also singing about his inspirations.
Amber - Hope World
I think this song fits the theme this week, along with Jhope's sunshine-like personality. In this song he shows us more of his happy and bubbly side when we listen to the song you can tell that he has gone for a very happy (hopefully) side of everything.
The whole mixtape including the artwork has bright and bubbly colours, I think he's saying that the album is just like his personality. Even though he may have bad days, his bright personality gives off all the strength he needs to get rid of the bad things, I really like the lyrics to this song.
"Now meaningfully, firmly; like that of an optimist"
In this line, the word optimist means someone who is hopeful and happy, which really describes Jhope and also, they believe that this world is the best place. which might be where get got the idea 'Hope World' from.
Michayla - 2!3!
2!3! is the 14th song on the Wings and You Never Walk Alone albums from 2016 and has become a symbol of love and kindness between ARMY and BTS which is why it is perfect for this week’s kindness themed playlist.
It has a really mellow, chilled vibe as RM starts the song and even when Suga raps his part, the song remains relaxed. The vocal line and rap line all have parts to play and blend together perfectly. Between Suga’s rap and Jimin’s high notes, 2!3! never loses its’ overall relaxed feel.
The message of 2!3! for me is about support, kindness and moving forward. It’s about believing in someone enough to say: let’s forget about the past and move forward together.
It’s okay come on when I say one two three forget it
Erase all sad memories hold my hand and smile
Erase all sad memories hold my hand and smile
It’s okay come on when I say one two three forget it
Erase all sad memories
Smile holding onto each other’s hands
Erase all sad memories
Smile holding onto each other’s hands
BTS performed 2!3! during the Wings tour in 2017 and famously during the 3rd Muster in November 2016 where ARMY sang the song and BTS stopped to listen. The sea of purple ARMY bombs as they sang the last few lines of 2!3! visibly moved BTS as they held their microphones up and listened. It was after this that V gave the colour purple its’ iconic definition so 2!3! will forever be linked to the love between BTS and ARMY thanks to the Purple Ocean project.
Believing in someone like me
Dealing with these tears and wounds
So thanks
For becoming my light
For becoming the flower in the most beautiful moment in life
Dealing with these tears and wounds
So thanks
For becoming my light
For becoming the flower in the most beautiful moment in life
More recently ARMY used 2!3! once again to show love and support for the band when there was a lot of negative press. ARMY acted and #ProjectBuy23 was created, buying and streaming 2!3! which put it straight back into the top slot on iTunes in many countries worldwide, in the ultimate act of kindness.
You can find this weeks Spotify list here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5A66MYIB85I08NzD12i1up
Anti Bullying Week
This week BTS Radio UK Spotify team are supporting the Anti Bullying Alliance’s Anti Bullying Week (WC 12/11/2018) theme of ‘Choose Respect’ with our playlist choices.
#antibullyingweek #bullying #chooserespect #choosekindness
It seems that most people suffer from bullying at different stages of their lives, at school, at work, in life, in general. No one should have to suffer on their own, please find help, and find people to talk to. (See bottom of blog for suggested links)
We know our playlist won’t solve bullying but if it brings any kind of support we have done our job right. We have picked empowering anthems, and comforting uplifting songs, please remember to #loveyourself and #speakyourself.
Michayla
So What
This week’s playlist theme caused a careful selection of songs and I felt that this song fits right in. A victim of bullying goes through so much and to get to the point where they can say ‘So what?’ to bullies would certainly be a moment of empowerment.
‘So What’ is the 10th track on Love Yourself: Tear and has an amazing feel good vibe and was definitely one of the highlights of seeing BTS live last month. This song is a great dance track, with a great beat and all 7 members have their part to play.
The message I get from ‘So What’ is that no matter what people say, when people bring you down, don’t listen, shrug it off and ‘so what?’. Yes you have worries and life isn’t always going to hand you good cards but you can get through it.
I feel that ‘So What’ is about standing tall and making yourself heard which is such an important message for anyone being bullied, as well as for life in general:
In a sigh, lots of worries are hiding
Stop thinking about it, You already know it all
In the middle of the road, in the moment you want to give up
Shout out louder
So what, what, what
Stop thinking about it, You already know it all
In the middle of the road, in the moment you want to give up
Shout out louder
So what, what, what
The feelings this song evoked when BTS performed it at the O2 were euphoric and everyone was dancing. It was this moment that made me feel like I was partying with BTS! When I listen to it at home or in my car I instantly feel good. ‘So What’ gives you the feeling that you can conquer the world and feel great whilst doing so.
‘So What’ is the ultimate party song and you get to hear 7 amazing voices… does it get any better than that?
Eve
Intro: O!RUL8,2?
One of the shortest songs on the O!RUL8,2? Album at 1 minute 10 seconds doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a ton of feelings into it.
RM is telling the listener about a moment in his life where he realised he was living someone else’s life and he doesn’t know how it happened. His passionate rap really makes this intro so moving and exciting.
He tells you to stop and recognise that you only have one life, and you should live it your way, not anyone else’s. Whether that’s your parent’s, your friend’s, your bully’s, your teacher’s, whoever you must live for yourself and your dreams and it’s not too late to make that change.
When I listen to this song I feel empowered and ready to take life by the horns and to teach it a lesson.
RM used a line from this song in his recent speech in front of the UN to promote BTS’ partnership with UNICEF, part of the global initiative, Generation Unlimited and the #EndViolence project.
"In an intro to one of our early albums, there's a line that says, "My heart stopped when I was maybe nine or ten." Looking back, I think that's when I began to worry about what other people thought of me, and started seeing myself through their eyes. I stopped looking up at the night skies, the stars, I stopped daydreaming. Instead, I just tried to jam myself into the moulds that other people made. Soon, I began to shut out my own voice and started to listen to the voices of others."
Source: YouTube
Amber
Answer: Love Myself
The theme this week is to stop bullying as anti-bullying week is coming up. I think this song fits very well for the theme as I think when people get bullied they will be feeling low and sad. This song will show them that they shouldn’t care what people would think and they should love themselves.
The message behind the song and the lyrics ‘you’ve shown me I have reasons I should love myself’ I can really relate to it and I bet most people can. So to say BTS have shown us that we should love ourselves and that no matter what people might think, we all should love ourselves and no one should tell us we can’t.
Also if you are getting bullied you shouldn’t bottle it up, if you keep doing that and keep building it up and up, it will really make you feel rubbish about yourself. Always tell someone, there is always someone who will listen.
Gabbii
A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone
You Never Walk Alone is perhaps one of my favourite songs ever written by BTS, as almost a year later they released the ‘Love Yourself’ campaign. This song is all about never thinking that you are alone when in pain, and that you can get through it with the reliance of others around you. This low-fi hip hop song proves to all ARMYs, even those who aren’t, that we are here for a reason and that we can love each other, as well as ourselves, and if we need a shoulder to lean on then we have one another. As well as that, this song sounds as though the members are speaking out to the world, no matter who you are, to tell you that they are there for you, and that there is someone out there willing to support you. I believe this song really fits in with ‘choose respect’ as the theme of loving one another really shines through this song, and the change in the tempo going from slow to somewhat upbeat suggests that you may start off sad and alone, and insecure, but as the beat progresses, that things are getting better and that you as a listener, if you’re in that sad place, can keep going and that all will get better. For me I love this song because of the harmonies, the piano at the beginning, and the ending line, where there is no backing track and the simple words of ‘If you and I are together, we can smile’ which are repeated throughout the song as a constant reminder that you are not alone. I just wish this song had been promoted more and extended as this could be the voice of their Love Yourself campaign, which encourages helping others and not being alone.
Find this weeks Spotify list here:
If you a victim of bullying, or know someone who is you can find information at the suggested links on what you can do:
Fireworks & Frights
This week we have gone for amazing strong beats that a firework would be proud to be set off to and frights the spooky songs that pull at your emotions.
Michayla
Fake Love
Love Yourself Tear gave us the haunting track Fake Love in May 2018. Everything about this song is great, from the vocals to the choreography. V’s sultry voice starts the song followed by Jungkook for the intro. All 7 members have a vocal part to play and inject themselves into Fake Love.
The lyrics, to me, tell the story of someone changed by being with someone. That moment when you question whether love is real because you are trying so hard to please the person you are with. The desire for perfect love makes you doubt the sincerity of the feelings that you do have.
For you, I could pretend like I was happy when I was sad For you, I could pretend like I was strong when I was hurt I wish love was perfect as love itself I wish all my weaknesses could be hidden I grew a flower that can’t be bloomed in a dream that can’t come true
Fake Love belongs on any playlist but I wanted it on Fireworks & Frights because of its spooky, haunting feel. The official MV has that Halloween haunted house feel to it with a gothic, dark element to it. I get a sense of anguish from the choreography throughout the MV particularly as Jungkook runs through the house and the floor falls away behind him.
The song feels like it has a deep, hidden meaning which is personal to the individual listening to it. This was clarified when I found out that Fake Love strikes a special chord with 2 of my fellow ARMY friends. It was the first song by BTS that both my friends heard and when I asked them what it meant to them they said:
‘Fake love touched something personal to me, deep inside my heart’ and ‘It’s a song that makes me feel’.
What does Fake Love mean to you?
Eve
Boy Meets Evil The meaning behind this song can be interpreted in different ways, but it comes down to the eternal struggle of which path to take. The good or the bad in this case. When I listen to the song and read the lyrics I see J-Hope being drawn to evil, a relationship that no one approves of but he ignores their concerns and runs towards the danger. He knows it's not good, but the sweetness of what is anticipated and expected draws him in and even through this internal tug of war he keeps turning away from the warnings. It's a dark subject that could be about a girl or about the pitfalls of becoming famous and being drawn to the evils of fame. The song lyrics were written by J-Hope and RM and it shows the maturity of their song writing skills to take such a subject and make is so relatable to the life of their fans and their own struggles. This love is another name for the devil Don’t hold her hand I shouted but turned away from my conscience I feel the sharp reality more every day There’s red blood from being torn apart by reality I never thought that The greed would become the trumpet heralding hell Breathe The overall feel of the music in Boy Meets Evil is dark, the instrumental build up to J-Hopes breathy first words to his emotional voice shouting how strong and hard this decision has been to make and the anthem of "It's too sweet, it's too bad, it's too evil"; making it into a mantra telling himself to not only make a decision but to make the right decision. If the contents of the song on its own weren't enough to stir your hidden deep emotions, the video finishes you off.
Source: ibighit - Youtube
Released as a teaser trailer for Wings, the whole of the fandom was left struggling for breath after watching J-Hope bring out his dark and tortured side, fighting his way through his demons to come out the other side with his angel wings.
Amber
Come Back Home
Come Back Home fits with the fright
night theme as when the song starts you get this really spine-chilling beat
that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, it also goes along
with the soft vocals from Jungkook at the start adds more to the theme. RM'S
deep vocals at the chorus make the fright theme so much more.
I also think when talking about
fireworks you could also say while the song starts slow and not much going on
to when the beat drops and makes it sound like a big firework going off that
will make the adrenaline in your body rise and make the song more enjoyable.
Also, make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Source: YouTube
Playlist link Fireworks and Frights by BTShttps://open.spotify.com/user/suj7am2j0m44659ba2ulrmae5/playlist/03FsRwF5xfhnNoarN5t3Lm?si=xVQ9HU6fQi-85sE-vwcIWg
Autumn
This week we decided on an autumn theme, expect warm, fuzzy, cosy and hot!
Amber
The Truth Untold
We have chosen the truth untold as part of our autumn playlist, you may be asking why? One of the main reasons this song is perfect for autumn is the relaxing soothing sound it gives off. You could just sit there and shut yourself off from the world and release all the negative things that might have happened that day and just forget about them. I think that the message of the song is emotional, so it could really help when trying to express your feelings and make them be known. Taehyung's amazing deep vocals will make you feel relaxed and at ease, Jin’s vocals show a lot of power when singing especially in this song. Jimin and Jungkook have really angelic vocals that are soft and gentle. All the boys show a lot of emotion while singing this song, which makes the song sound amazing and really shows the story they are wanting to tell.
Eve
Serendipity
From the opening notes of Jimin’s sultry tones and the music creeping in you get a full on cosy feeling. The softness of the song reminds me of autumn and the feeling sitting by the window in my fleecy pjs, and big socks with a big mug of coffee watching the wind blow around the people outside trying to go about their day. How cold it is outside and how warm and comforting it is inside from my spot by the window. The music video with Jimin embodies the feeling of being at home with someone you love sitting on the couch watching the tv and cuddling. The lyrics give the same feeling, wanting to hold someone close and let them know that you love them, perfect on an autumn day. Jimin’s emotions are out there for everyone to hear in his vocals you know he is feeling exactly what he is singing and every word is true. I think Serendipity is the rare bright day we have, when the doom and gloom of the UK weather lifts, just for a few hours and shows us how beautiful everything can be.
Gabrielle
War of Hormone
One of my favourite songs for the Autumn time is War of Hormone, purely because whenever I listen to the opening I think of the music video and the shoulder drops to the beat. Not only that, the music video of this song turned 4 years old at the start of this month!
I really like this music video especially for the colour grading, the ivory wash over the music video created a warm feeling for us to see, and despite it being a song about controlling your feelings when seeing your crush, this is an old but amazing song that can never be skipped.
Fire - Michayla
Released on 2nd May 2016, Fire is the 10th track on the album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life. Burning Up (Fire) is a song that is full of energy and has an MV to match. Fire starts with Suga’s intro, ‘Bultaoreune’ which means ‘Burn it up’ and this has become iconic. The choreography is also iconic and very energetic. Fire, for me has autumnal connotations because it reminds me of days when the sun is out but there’s a chill in the air. This is supported by the MV which starts with several of the members in shorts, sunglasses and jackets. The type of weather where you enjoy being outside, but the days are drawing in and you need to warm up.
Autumn is rich colours… oranges, reds, browns, khaki and this is reflected in the MV with many of the members wearing clothes in these colours, even hair colour. I like that the MV is filmed outside and has that dark feel to it. Towards the end of the MV there is a scene of fireworks which links to bonfire night and for me confirms it’s autumnal status.
The whole song gives me a sense of warmth and excitement. I love that I can sing along to it and feel the energy it emanates. RM and J-Hope have a particularly meaningful verse (translated by genius.com):
Hey, burn it up
Like you’re gonna set everything on fire
Hey, turn it up
Until the dawn is gone
It's ok to just live because we're still young
Who do you think you are to say otherwise
Stop comparing, I'm just human
(So what~)
Like you’re gonna set everything on fire
Hey, turn it up
Until the dawn is gone
It's ok to just live because we're still young
Who do you think you are to say otherwise
Stop comparing, I'm just human
(So what~)
The message I get from Fire is about living your life to the fullest and that it is okay to do this especially in youth. Fire is about getting that fire in your stomach and living. Fire itself feeds off the air and gets bigger and hotter which is the overall feeling I get from the song because it makes me feel energised and alive.
Enjoy the beauty of the season on Spotify at the following link: Autumn by BTS
There you can download for free, see the first of these data. spotify playlist promotion
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