Spotify - BTS Radio UK Weekly Playlist pt.2

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.

BTS songs that could be books

BTS have an amazing way of telling stories that reach into your soul and make you feel some stuff, emotional stuff. The way they intertwine stories, songs, music videos and everything else in their creative universe, to create a series of stories that combat hard and difficult situations but also love, growing up and just having fun.

You Never Walk Alone chosen by ARMY

Charlie: A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk alone tells a touching story of friendship. It summarises past struggles in the members’ lives, namely loneliness, tiredness, sickness and pain, but emphasises that there is a happy ending because they have each other to guide them through the path they’re on. I like to think of it as a sort of sequel to the Wings story - even after enduring temptation causing pain, it has a moral that “As long as we’re together, we can smile”. 

Eve: This song reminds me of coming of age books and films, it’s about people feeling alone and looking around them to see that actually they have a person holding their hand out to help them. They just have to take that hand, don’t see it as a weakness see it as a way to feel hopeful again.

Onomey: I was shocked in a way that this song got chosen but considering that the theme this week is to do with stories, it's probably not that surprising, considering that the song has the word story in its title. 

'A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone' is the final track on the 2017 album 'You Never Walk Alone'. From the title itself, it speaks of comradery, whether that is as BTS or ARMY and BTS or just family and friendship in general. 

The short song features verses from Suga, J-Hope and RM who all talk about different reasons they need to be encouraged or encourage others to get past difficulties or disabilities to continue whatever journey they have been on. 

From analysing the lyrics, they all seem to take different approaches on how to act on the phrase 'You Never Walk Alone'. For example, Suga suggests that you indeed will walk alone in life but there will be people there to help you along the way to cheer you up regardless of how much you annoy each other.

'At the end of this road, you walk alone

Will you step on it, whatever there may be 

Sometimes we may get tired or sick

That's ok, I am by your side

If you and I are together'.

RM suggests that he was destined to do the things he does in life and that there is no such thing as fate involved because it was created by him. 

'This is the path I choose

And even if they say it's fate

Because I created all of this

Even if they say it's the price

I must pay for this life'.

The boys make a point of mentioning the word smile after each verse with the lines 'We can smile', 'I can smile' and 'I can smile'. The final mention of the word smile is when each member of the rap line says 

'If you and I are together, we can smile'. To me, it is very clear what this means, that if they are together as a group, they will always find times where they will smile and that outweigh the times where they feel alone, which is a nice ending to the story told in this song.

Michayla: The poll choices were difficult this week and any of the songs would have been a worthy winner.
You'll never walk alone is very fitting for this weeks theme as it is quite literally the story of walking through life. It speaks about the fears of facing things alone and Hobi's verse, I find particularly touching as I feel he reaches out to ARMY.

'I want to fly though I have no wings
But your hands become my wings
I want to forget the dark and lonely things
Together with you

These wings sprouted from my pain
But these wings are going towards the light
Even if it's tiring and painful, I will fly if I can
Will you hold my hand
So that I won’t be afraid anymore?
If you and I are together
I can smile'

The whole album 'You Never Walk Alone' is a story in itself and if you haven't listen to it in full, I would highly recommend it, especially once you've read the lyrics too.

Source: YouTube

Boy With Luv - Marsha

No wonder BTS were asking #curiousaboutARMY questions! They did this at the launch of ARMYpedia and just before Map Of The Soul: Persona came out so the first lines from Jimin "I'm curious about you, how's your day?" Makes perfect sense. "I'm flying high up in the sky, with the two wings you gave me back then".
An ode to ARMY in every turn of this track.; it’s also likened to a love poem for a significant other, all the small things about the person that makes them A Boy With Luv. Let's not forget about Halsey! Halsey on this record was a move that paid off. Her voice and style fits the whole theme perfectly with her being a musical and visual chameleon. The way she interacts with BTS in a call and response way and within the video, shows a friendship that rings true to the lyrics.

Source: ibighit

Seesaw - Onomey

One of the main reasons why I fell in love with BTS' music, because of their ability to be able to create songs that take you on a storytelling journey whilst still creating a great sounding song. 

Seesaw is part of the three Trivia's on the Album Love Yourself: Answer. 

I never thought it could be possible, to sum up, the difficulty of a relationship within 4 minutes of music. It shows how great a songwriter Suga is and how much he has developed his skills.

The song was a shock to me when listening to it because it was vocal-heavy and seemed like a very upbeat pop song and it was not what I was expecting from Suga but it makes me appreciate the song all that more because it shows the range of his capabilities.

The story of this song through reading the lyrics seems to be about the struggles of being in a relationship that consists of a lot of up and down moments to the point where the couple are getting sick of each other. 

'Repeated seesaw game

Now, I'm so sick of this

Repeated seesaw game

We're getting sick and tired of each other'

The song goes through an analysis of the relationship the person was in to try and figure out where it went wrong and why they had so many 'seesaw' moments within the relationship but still stayed together even though it was clear in the beginning that it was never going to work.

'Were the petty arguments the start?

The moment I became heavier than you

Because there have never been parallels in the first place

Maybe it was my greed trying to match myself with you

If it was love, and this is what love means 

Is there really a need to keep repeating ourselves?

We're tired of each other, yet seem to be holding the same cards'

There are many parts of this song that are meaningful but the part that sticks out to me the most is the hook. It acts as an introduction to its mini-story of two verses to summarise how ending the 'seesaw' will work before finally ending with the same hook.

'(Hol' up hol' up) I walk on this seesaw without you

(Hol' up Hol' up) Just like the beginning when you weren't here

(Hol' up Hol' up) I walk on this seesaw without you

(Hol' up Hol' up) I'm getting off this seesaw without you'

It's not often people write about the serious complexities that can be in a relationship and whether or not it has become too toxic to stay within, which is why this song is a great story to tell.

Lie - Charlie

“Lie” is Jimin’s stunning solo from the Wings album. As I loved this album for the way in which every solo contributed a narrative from each member’s perspective, and made me appreciate that each member had a story to tell, I knew I had to write about this song. 

“Lie” isn’t clear-cut, nor does it tell an obvious story with a clear beginning, middle and resolution. Instead, it vaguely dances (no pun intended) around the subject of how harmful lies in general are, leaving the listener to speculate what lie Jimin is referring to. In the Wings comeback show, when asked to explain what the song is about, Jimin simply said “it’s about lying.” 

It could be a chapter that takes place after Boy Meets Evil or Blood, Sweat and Tears, because it seems to be about someone that has fallen into temptation and no longer feels pure and innocent because of the lies that they have told. 

“Caught in a lie

Find me when I was pure

I can’t be free from this lie

Give me back my smile”

In this way, it is a story of the category “tragedy”, about someone who once was a hero but now has fallen. It reminds me of the book, Demian (by Herman Hesse) which the Wings era constantly referenced - in that book, Sinclair was innocent but his troubles all started from telling one lie, which made him feel that he had “shaken hands with the devil” and led him into a circle of lies and a pattern of feeling like a sinner. 

From the first time I watched the Wings Short Films, "Lie" intrigued me for how haunting it was, with static noises interspersed with Jimin’s gorgeous vocals. I was instantly drawn into the story. And from the first time I heard the album version of the song, my jaw literally dropped when I heard the beautiful violins that introduce the song. I remember staring at my phone in awe. Jimin’s voice is strong throughout and his high notes are an unforgettable aspect of this song. The backing voices are also extremely eerie. The choreography of this song also adds to its message, as Jimin acts out feeling trapped. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve re-watched the Short Film Special of him dancing to Lie. 

As I said before, this song’s story does not have a resolution. Even when Jimin tries to run away from his lies, they catch up with him and he is trapped in an endless cycle. At the bridge of the song, the climax of the story, the music only builds, before all falling after his high note as if he has finally defeated the lie, but the music all returns again with force for the key change to show that he is still having this trauma. Therefore, like any story, it has a moral: Do not hide behind lies, or they’ll only get bigger. 

“Whoever it may be, save me, me

Save me

It continues even when I run away

I am caught in a lie”

Source: YouTube

Rain - Michayla

2014 was the year that brought us the album ‘Dark and Wild’ and the 6th track on it is Rain. In my opinion this song is regularly overlooked and definitely underrated but what a great song this is. 

‘Rain’ starts with a thunderstorm and the sound of rain falling which is a great touch, before a jazz style sounds comes in which is quite different from the other songs on the album. The whole feel of this song is quite melancholic and chilled with a steady, heavy beat. The sound of a piano can be heard throughout and I feel that you really could be sitting in a restaurant or bar listening to this in the background.

The reason I chose ‘Rain’ for this week’s theme is because I feel the lyrics not only tell a story, but that they could definitely be part of a bigger picture. 

First, you need to picture a rainy day in Seoul:

‘(The thick color of a rainy day in Seoul)

The racing cars, the squirming umbrellas all over the place

It’s cloudy and the air is clear’

Rain describes the struggles of someone who is lost and trying to figure out who they are, possibly someone learning to love themselves, perhaps?

‘(The rain stops and the reflection in the puddle)

With a light gray background, why am I standing here?

I don’t know if I have a lot of thoughts or no thoughts at all’

Namjoon (RM) talks about how he is struggling with writing a song, making up excuses as to why he can’t finish it. He is exhausted and when he looks out of the window, what he sees is also bleak. It is a tough situation to find yourself in when you are having problems with a task, perhaps a decision, you are tired and can’t figure a way through. Everything else around you looks dull and grey which magnifies the negativity in your mind.

‘I wake up when it’s just about to get bright outside

I brush back my hair when my exhausted hands

The memo pad with the song I couldn’t complete last night

I’ll finish it today as I shut my eyes and let out a sigh

What excuse can I give? I try to make something up

It’s unfinished anyway so I’ll just make anything up

Then I turned my eyes to the window and everything looks gray

Gray city, gray buildings, gray roads, gray rain

Everything in this world is slow’

Sometimes when life throws gloomy times your way, it is best to embrace it and make the most of the situation and this is exactly what Namjoon (RM) says in ‘Rain’. He turns the rain to his advantage and makes something positive out of it:

‘I think that I should just go outside

Without even an umbrella

I can clearly hear the rain hitting the earth

I smile, it’s the best background music

Like a crazy guy, I start to hum’

Rain is about finding the power and motivation to change a situation when it feels overwhelming and monotonous. I can imagine this being the basis for a book, characters whose lives are interconnected, facing struggles in life and fighting their own personal battles. Will they all end up on the same path or choose different ones?

The rain represents many things in this song, even tears but it shows the internal battle someone could be fighting in order to brighten their day. This song is so descriptive that I could see a character walking outside, in a storm, without an umbrella, the clouds above, dark and grey, stopping to look at the reflection in a puddle and wanting to change the image looking back at them.

‘I get up and when I feel sore, I look out the window

As if it knows how my body feels, the rain is falling

As I look at the raindrops welling up in the window, I felt it

The tears that were flowing down my heart

With that strange feeling, I look outside and it looks like my situation’

In my opinion, ‘Rain’ has the formula of being a great story, filled with angst, struggles, addressing mental ill health and the light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps ‘Rain’ is a journey of self discovery, a novel waiting to happen… what do you think?

Source: www.ibighit.com 

You can find this weeks playlist at the following link: Storytelling Songs by BTS

Angst

Do you have a ‘go to’ song when the world is treating you badly and you feel like screaming out loud? Here at BTSRadioUK we have put together a playlist for days just like that.

If you have any ideas for future themes, let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Persona chosen by ARMY

Charlie - When feeling frustrated about not being sure on who you are, or because of people giving you low self-esteem, this song is perfect to let out your frustrations. Namjoon intensely raps in old-fashioned BTS hip-hop style about how important all of your different identities are, and how important it is to realise the map of your soul. It’s a song I listen to whenever I am worried about myself and need Namjoon to snap me out of it and remind me not to pay too much attention to questioning myself. 

Eve - I have always loved Intro:Skool Luv Affair, RM’s part made my day with his husky voice taking over and reconfirming BTS sound is Hip Hop. 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.

What makes it even more perfect is the meaning behind the lyrics, RM reveals so much about his journey from the beginning

‘Hey, have you already forgotten why you even started this
You were just digging it that someone was listening’

Realising how he has changed, and how he has survived the turbulent hidden path that he has taken to reach the RM of today.

The song without this wonderful insightful message behind it, is still an incredibly catchy throwback feeling to 90's rap with a layer of rock guitar that makes the whole feeling raw and honest.

Michayla - Persona is a great song to listen to if you are clenching your teeth and feeling the frustration of life. Namjoon's voice is so strong and he raps with such power so the words hit home. 

Persona is a journey of self discovery… ‘Who the hell am I?’ 

Most of us doubt ourselves and question who we are, our actions and where we are heading. On the days where this all gets a bit too much, listen to Namjoon because he has never been afraid to tell us where he started and how he feels on his personal journey.

‘The 'me' that I want myself to be

The 'me' that people want me to be

The 'me' that you love

And the 'me' that I create

The 'me' that's smiling

The me that's sometimes in tears’

Onomey - It was a close call this week for the poll but I’m glad that ‘Persona’ was the song that was chosen just ahead of ‘Fire’. 

‘Persona’ is the introduction song for Map of the Soul: Persona, it almost acts like a theme tune for the whole album. That is why I think the chorus was written to be almost like a chant which would be good in a live setting for the crowd to sing along with. 

‘Persona

Who the hell am I?

I just wanna go

I just wanna fly

I just wanna give you all the voices til’ I die

I just wanna give you all the shoulders when you cry’

The guitars used in this song create a rock vibe which is a genre known for songs related to teen angst or feeling angry with the world or yourself. Because of this, the hard spoken rapping lyrics by RM creates a perfect harmony and gives RM the space to show how great his rapping abilities are.

This song is perfect for when you’re feeling frustrated or angry, whatever the situation may be because it talks about self-reflection and the challenges we all face. This verse, in particular, is my favourite because when I am feeling angry at myself, it makes me reevaluate things and changes my point of view to a positive.

‘Someone like me ain’t good enough for music

Someone like me ain’t good enough for the truth

Someone like me ain’t good enough for a calling

Someone like me ain’t good enough to be a muse’

https://youtu.be/M9Uy0opVF3s 

What Am I To You - Charlie

What Am I To You is the intro to BTS’ first full album, Dark & Wild. It is rapped by Namjoon, and is about a boy declaring his love for a girl and wondering why she is not making it clear how she feels about him. 

The song kicks off with a very romantic tone as the introductory music that was also featured in the Boy in Luv music video plays. It is breezy and optimistic, and Namjoon sings sweet lyrics about being in love with someone. 

“Come here I’m bout to take u higher

We about to set this love on fire

I’ve never felt like this before

My mom couldn’t even stop me

I told you how I really felt

And in the end, I won”

However, as the song progresses, he sounds more and more desperate. Mirrored by the fact that the track is a solo, the song makes it progressively more apparent how one-sided Namjoon’s feelings are. 

“You always give short answers like yes, I’m sleeping, no

Your messages don’t exceed 10 bytes

You’re like a goalkeeper who has lost her will

I’m like Messi, running all over the place”

At the start of the third verse, Namjoon becomes more persistent, saying that “even if she is a fiery road, he’ll walk firmly on it” and thinks they should just draw up a contract of “x number of kisses per day, x number of texts per day”. His frustration is evident, and the backing music even sounds more and more intense, until he is practically yelling his lines. 

The angst of this song is very real; it speaks to an experience of not knowing how someone feels about you and being frustrated about your current situation. Even before I’d read the lyrics, I could already hear the emotion behind Namjoon’s voice. I could tell that the song was progressing from a collected and peaceful mood to one of bitterness. The emotionally charged nature of the song and the way in which it develops, like a story, Namjoon as its voice actor and writer, is fascinating to me. The way in which it is performed adds to its impact, so I invite you to watch a live version of it to appreciate it even more. 

https://youtu.be/pIGSfpMiyjM 

Spine breaker - Marsha

"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"

I think we have all experienced this in our lives. 

For me it was the Rockport Vs Nicholas Deakins - neither were tasteful but that was the trend at the time in my Academy.

Regatta jackets were in, bombers out and if you dare be caught still sporting a bomber, you would be labelled "uncool" or even as far as "poor".

Your parents would scrimp and save to buy you that overpriced Regatta jacket all because you wanted to "fit in" and you knew full well that you would get it as your parents wanted you to fit in too.

What exactly were we trying to fit into though?

"You won’t freeze just because you don’t have that jacket,

Fill your head with good sense before it’s too late"

This song represents everything that we did and didn't do to fit in, it knocks some sense in and teaches us that it really doesn't matter what clothes you wear, underneath you are still the same person and you don't need to cover yourself in designer brands to feel worthy - you should feel comfortable, worthy and "designer" in your own skin.

Have a listen to this song when you are feeling uncomfortable and angry. Remember that we've all been and will go there at some point - it's the realisation that YOU are worth more than the items you own or wear.

https://youtu.be/klDj_wqaNO8 

Come Back Home - Onomey

'Come Back Home' was released as a single on July 4th 2017 as a remake of the original, by Seo Taiji & Boys which was released in 1995. This song was released for the 25th anniversary of the song and did an awesome job of recreating it!

The song keeps most of the original beats and instrumentation whilst adding a more current feel by using a synth for the main bass line and trap beats especially during the hook that V and Jungkook. 

'Come back to my home, come back home

Come back to my home, come back home

(In this rough life)

Come back to my home, come back home

Come back to my home, come back home

(I will complete myself)'

The main bass line that starts the song off, automatically makes you want to start bobbing your head along with it. It sets the tone for the whole song as it has goes hand in hand with the dark tone of the lyrics that begin with Jin. 

'What am I trying so hard to find now?

Where am I continuously drifting to?'

Despite being an awful dancer. For some reason, when I’m filled with angst, I enjoy putting music on and dancing along to it. ‘Come Back Home’ reminds me of the ‘old skool’ hip hop and R&B music I listened to as a child when I loved to dance around the house with my siblings. This is why I love to put this song on, especially the live performances as the dance routine is amazing! 

I’m glad that the boys never made changes to the iconic chorus as the song wouldn’t feel the same without it. I noticed that they also kept the same choreography for the chorus as well which I thought was great. 

'You must come back home

Warmer than my heart which has left

You must come back home

In this rough life

You must come back home

Warmer than my heart which has left

You must come back home 

I will complete myself'

Ultimately, it feels good when I'm angry or feeling frustrated, I like to listen to this song and shout from around the house 'YOU MUST COME BACK HOME' 

https://youtu.be/2vJFn10XLQM 

Cypher Pt. 4 - Eve

As soon as you hear the opening electronic anthemic repeating opening notes and the deep beat drops over the top you’re hooked and then it drops out to make way for RMs opening rap.

The lyrics becoming legendary instantly, pointing out all the insults he and BTS have heard, making a list and apologising for each, but of course this an apology only RM can make, listing all the things he has heard against himself, he takes them and makes them into a list of I don’t care what you say I am going to carry on making the hits attitude.

‘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’

His voice has such a strong, raspy deep feel to it, it really conveys the strength of his feelings when rapping.

I have to say it was a shock, a good shock when I first heard this song, I originally started on the BTS immersion journey via DNA, Love Yourself: Her, so… Best of Me, Serendipity, dimple… when I got to the Wings album and heard Cypher 4 I was fully involved with BTS and the realisation that any genre of music was not a hurdle to this amazing group and I properly started to fully appreciate the talent of RM, J-Hope and Suga.

Out of all the cyphers, pt 4 is my favourite I love the sample that runs through the entire song, the rumbling electronic roar over the chanting hook

‘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’

Following on from RM’s rap in comes J-Hope with his melodic almost sweet, but serious rap that suits the song perfectly.  His tone is a complete contrast to RM, it flows up and down, in and out along with the beat capturing your ears.

‘I’m climbing up there, high high high
That’s right, my method is different
I take on the road no matter what
Sewing stitch by stitch
If you’re not able, put an end to it
There is no possibility
Of pronouncing “failure”
I love ma rule, the work that I do with my bros
Players in a league of their own’

J-Hope always references his hard work and dedication when he raps and with good reason, once he decided to be a rapper in BTS that was what he gave it, his everything.

To finish next up is Suga and sets off at his signature speed, keeping up with him when reading the translations is hard but worth it.  Suga has such a unique tone to his voice when rapping, the way he varies his speed and style but always sounding like Suga, unmistakable.  

He keeps his verse to referencing the work he had to put in before BTS, the hard way he became a part of the amazing force that is BTS and ends with the best come back…

‘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.’

https://youtu.be/nVHcXZK7pKs 

Intro: Nevermind - Michayla

Nevermind is 2 minutes 16 seconds of raw power and is the intro on the album ‘The Most Beautiful Moment In Life part 2’ released in 2015.

This song is primarily performed by Yoongi (Suga) but also features Hobi (J-Hope) and Namjoon (RM) too, effectively making this a rap line song.

Yoongi raps with a mocking tone at times, telling his story, his voice becomes more intense as the song goes on, rapping with purpose. This is the story of teenage angst, of how tough things are growing up and how the younger generation is affected by life. 

The teenage years go by so quickly and you only realise once you are passed those years and facing adulthood 

‘I only look forward and run

Without having time to look around’

Yoongi speaks about his own development as well as giving advice, urging youth to avoid being labelled and think about their choices with a mature head. Most ARMY know the struggles that he faced when rapping underground and the negativity he battled at becoming an idol. In Nevermind he says how important it is to make your own decisions and follow your beliefs. 

‘From the underground workplace in NamSanDong

My beat has been laid out until Apgujeong

The origin of youth

Everyone said it, don’t go overboard

If you act as if you’re a know-it-all and will be making music

You will make your home go broke

From that point onwards, I didn’t care

No matter what anyone said

I only lived how I wanted, guided by only my beliefs’

The message in Nevermind is so strong. Yoongi believes in pushing forward and continuing with your dreams, even when life throws obstacles your way. I get the feeling of using that fire in your belly to drive you forwards, using the angst to propel you towards your goals. 

Many times in life you will face negativity, have walls to climb and have to cope with defeat but it is vitally important that you pick yourself up and keep going. When you are young, mistakes are expected and life seems harder but this is the time not to dwell because you can’t change the past. You can, however, learn from your mistakes and make sure they aren’t repeated in future.

‘I can have a taste of failure and frustration and bow my head

We are still young and immature, don’t even worry about it

Moss surely grows on a stone that doesn’t roll

If you can’t return, go straight through your mistakes and forget them all

Never mind

It’s not easy but engrave it onto your chest

If you feel like you’re going to crash then accelerate more, you idiot

Come on’

The lines that Hobi and Namjoon sing are so poignant and straight to the point. Hobi’s lines reiterating the fact that you should push forward, even when faced with difficulties:

‘Never mind, never mind

No matter how thorny the road is, run’

Namjoon’s verse bluntly stating that there are always going to be situations that you cannot do anything about. There will always be factors that are out of your control and those are the times that you need not waste too much time letting it eat away at you. Sometimes you simply need to accept that a situation is the way it is and move on.

‘Never mind, never mind

There are lots of things in the world that you can’t help

You better’

As an adult, ‘Nevermind’ is relevant because it reminds me that at times I just need to put my blinkers on and keep going. The message in this song is important throughout any stage of your life and a great reminder when you feel you have hit a brick wall. 

‘Nevermind’ is a great song to listen to, loudly, when you feel frustrated with life and perhaps you have a decision to make or are unsure of how to push through. Yoongi delivers this song with passion and strength and that is something we should all take on board.

https://youtu.be/D36qgrplpTE 

You can hear this weeks playlist at the following link:
Angst by BTS 

The Spotify Team’s Personal Playlist

Every week we choose a theme that is usually relevant to what is going on in the world at that time. This week we thought we would take a personal approach and create a playlist that is full of our favourites, as well as having ARMY choose a song in the poll to add to it.

Do you have any ideas for a theme? Share them with us @BTSRadioUK

Awake chosen by ARMY

Michayla – Jin was the overall winner of this week’s poll by a big margin and who can blame ARMY for such a great choice? 

Awake is a beautiful song that showcases Jin’s vocals perfectly. This was one of the first songs to catch my attention when I listened to Wings and Jin’s voice never fails to deliver. That end note gives me goosebumps! 

I hope that today, nearly 3 years on, Jin knows that he is as good as the other members of BTS and special in his own right because the lyrics to Awake are to the contrary:

‘Maybe I, I can never fly
I can’t fly like the flower petals over there
Or as though I have wings
Maybe I, I can’t touch the sky
Still, I want to stretch my hand out
I want to run, just a bit more’

Charlie - Awake, Jin’s beautiful solo from Wings, has a special place in my heart. From the violins at the start, which build and build only to make way for Kim Seokjin’s revered voice. The verses are calming and make me feel a sense of pride, as do his high notes, which give me goosebumps every time I listen. My mind flashes with memories of the Awake short film and Jin’s live performances of this song. It’s a powerful ballad that holds many emotions. I remember walking home from school one day, the volume on my earphones pushed up high, and I focused on nothing but Seokjin’s voice. I remember suddenly being hit with how truly touching this song is, and how stunning Seokjin’s voice is. That feeling is unforgettable. 

Onomey - Wooo! I'm happy that ARMY chose the song I picked out for this weeks poll. I love listening to this song when I'm in all kinds of different moods. 

Jin's vocals are something else in this song. The emotion pours out of every note that he hits which makes it a great example of a song that transcends language. 

When looking at the lyrics, it made me sad that he thought of himself so lowly, that couldn't be amazing at many things; but it made me happy that despite thinking these things, he still wanted to fight to improve on the things in life he believes he isn't as good at. My favourite part of the lyrics is the chorus as it’s something that all of us humans feel in many points in our lives, but it’s what we do to become better versions of ourselves that makes us special.

'Maybe, I can never fly

I can't fly like the flower petals over there

Or as though I have wings

Maybe I, I can't touch the sky

Still, I want to stretch my hand out 

I want to run, just a bit more.’

Source: ibighit 

Paradise - Charlie

As soon as we decided on this week’s theme, I immediately listed Paradise as one of my top choices. BTS have certain songs that describe my mood or state of mind perfectly, and Paradise is one of those songs for me. I have specific memories of feeling like I don’t know where my life is going, and feeling pressured to decide on what my life goal is, and listening to Paradise to calms me down and make myself feel grounded. 

Paradise, a track from Love Yourself: Tear, is addressed to people who worry about the future and are concerned that they don’t know what their life’s ambition is. In a 180-turn from their debut song, in which they berate people for just wanting to study without knowing yet what their dream in life is, this song is about it being perfectly fine to not know what your dream is yet. Simply enjoying life and experiencing happiness is enough; there is no need to compare yourself to other people. 

“If having a future is the only dream existing

Then what is the dream you had last night in your bed?

It’s alright if the name of the dream is different

Be it buying a laptop next month

Or just eating and sleeping”

The song starts with Jungkook’s dreamy vocals, and the song maintains this relaxing, easygoing  mood throughout. However, at the same time, it is not too laid-back to get its message to its audience. When Jimin sings in the pre-chorus, there is something purposeful in his voice. It is like he is mimicking how dynamic and fast-paced the world is in the way it makes you believe that you have to have your future sorted out straight away, without having time to appreciate the scenery around you.

“But the real world is

Different from what’s promised

We need to run, we need to step on it

If you shoot a flare

You don’t have a destination

There’s no sceneries at all”

Similarly, Yoongi’s rapid-fire verse outlines his own struggles. It is as if he is sitting you down and quickly saying, “Look, I don’t have a dream either and even just surviving is exhausting; I know how you feel, so listen to me.” I also love how the tempo of his verse mirrors his lyrics about the world being so overwhelming that it can be hard to breathe. 

“To breathe, is sometimes too much to handle

Saying this person’s living like this, that person’s living like that

The world’s hurling at me”

This verse, and the forceful emphasis of BTS’ commands to “Stop, running for nothing, my friend” and “You need to, you need to,” make this song sound like BTS are making you listen to what you need to hear, as if they are giving you life advice as a friend. 

This song combines heavenly vocals reminding you to appreciate the paradise that is already around you, with purposeful raps to make you actually listen to the message and change to a more positive way of thinking. Sometimes, the lyrics of this song are exactly what I need to hear. 

Source: ibighit.com 

First Love - Onomey

If you've never listened to this song then prepare to get emotional. I love to listen to this song because as a musician I can relate to how Suga feels about his relationship between his piano and the journey they went on together. The song goes on a journey of emotions which is felt whether or not you understand Korean.

'The corner of my memory

A brown piano settled on one side

In the corner of my childhood house

A brown piano settled on one side.'

Even though the hook only features twice in the song, at the beginning and the end, it creates two different types of emotions though the same lyrics are used. The first time reading the lyrics for the hook used, I feel happy because it reminds me of the first time as a child I saw the guitar that my parents had bought me and how amazed I was this instrument that was bigger than myself. 

I like how the song transforms into the hardships of falling in and out of love with something he loves so much, especially in his teen years. Again, I too as a teenager rejected the guitar and how important it was to me because I thought it would be the cool thing to reject something I was good at to fit in when I shouldn’t have. 

‘I remember back during my elementary school days
When my height
Became taller than yours
I neglected you when I once yearned for you so
On top of the white jade-like keyboard
Dust is piling on
Your image that has been neglected
Even then I didn’t know
Your significance
No matter where I am
You always defended that spot
But I didn’t know that would be the last
You say don’t leave like this.’

I could go on and on about this beautiful song but I think I'd be writing forever, this is definitely a song that is always on my playlist and is very sentimental to me. If you feel like a good cry then you need to play this song on repeat!

Source: ibighit

Young Forever - Cheryl

So last month this happened - on 2nd June 2019 ARMY surprised BTS by singing Young Forever to them - I’m sure everyone is aware (it’s been viewed over 3.4M times).

I was one of the lucky ARMYs who got to witness it first hand.  

When it was first announced on the screen as a surprise - there appeared to be stunned silence.  Then I don’t know about other people, but I panicked - I didn’t know enough of the Korean words to sing the song to BTS!  Then I spent ages on my phone trying to find the phonetic translation so I could join in - I really didn’t want to miss out - I wanted to be part of this huge opportunity, to be part of something truly special.

The internet was painfully slow and I just couldn’t find it - to say I wasn’t calm was an understatement!  

BigHit had all bases covered when the time came - the words were up on the big screen for those like me who didn’t know them off by heart - to join in and sing our hearts out.

Then, when the screens showed the genuine teary eyes of all of BTS enjoying and trying to join in (emotions were high!) I cried too!

The song was always a special one for me - maybe because I consider myself an older Army and maybe I am enjoying recapturing a bit of my youth.  Also, when I was enjoying concerts I would wonder what it would feel like for the performers after experiencing such an extraordinary feeling of warmth from the audience - how would they process their emotions.  The words of this song express these emotions and made BTS appear more real for me.

‘The curtain falls and I’m out of breath

I get mixed feelings as I breathe out

Did I make any mistakes today

How did the audience seem ...

I stand in the middle of the hot, empty stage

And suddenly I feel so afraid of the void

I pretend to be careless

This isn’t the first time, I better get used to it’

But now it means so much more and watching their reactions again this morning just fills me with emotions and pride.

Like Namjoon said “Let’s stay young forever, together”.

Source: YouTube 

Singularity - Michayla

This week, there were so many songs to choose from but for me, I just had to choose Singularity, both to add to the playlist and to write about. Singularity was released as a teaser for the album, Love Yourself: Tear in May 2018 and featured again on Love Yourself: Answer in August 2018. Taehyung’s solo song is a gem and one of the many words that comes to mind when I think of it is ‘mood’ because this song is a whole mood!

Singularity is a haunting ballad from the second it begins. The feelings I get from listening to it before I understood the meaning were 2 different things. Prior to reading the lyrics and reading more into the theories, I found it to be a sensual, calming song. However, once my mind was infiltrated with the Notes, theories and the translated lyrics, I had a much darker feeling.

This MV for Singularity has strong links to Greek mythology, in particular, Narcissus, the son of the Greek God of the river, Cephissus. Narcisuss fell in love with his reflection because he was a handsome man, however he treated people badly so was punished. He killed himself when he realised that he had fallen in love with his reflection and nothing could come of it. 

‘Or have I gained you
I suddenly run to the lake
There’s my face in it
Please don’t say anything’

Singularity makes reference to a monotonous, never ending cycle using the metaphor of ice during winter, which will always melt and give way to spring. This could be seen as a means to coping with negativity because no matter what is going on in your life, no matter how bad you feel things are, if you can hang on in there, the spring will always come, better days are around the corner.

‘Reach my hand out to cover the mouth
But in the end, spring will come someday
The ice will melt and flow away
Tell me if my voice isn’t real’

This verse in particular leads me to the most obvious element of Singularity, which is Taehyung’s voice. The second this song starts, you are hit with a voice so deep and smooth that I get a mental image of chocolate fondue. The tone is sultry and silky, leading you to get lost in the sound. I’m not sure there are many artists out there who could lend their voices to Singularity, with the same impact that Taehyung’s voice has.

I adore Singularity and everything about it. The MV is pure magic and incredibly mesmerising. I have been fortunate enough to have seen Taehyung perform it 4 times in 3 different venues and each time it has felt like the first time. His performances are hypnotic and even when I watch the MV I feel like I am under his spell, lost in the visual and his voice. 

Singularity is my calming song, the song I listen to every day when the world around me is moving at a million times an hour and life is just too busy. I can close my eyes and get lost in the vocals and even though it is a dark song, I find an overwhelming sense of peace in it. 

Source: ibighit 

You can listen to the playlist at the following link:
The Spotify Team Playlist 

An Introduction to BTS

We all have that one friend or relative who hasn’t heard of BTS, who you would love to make ARMY because you know that once they have heard their music or watched the MV, they will have their heart stolen. 

This week we have put together a playlist of those songs that we feel make the perfect playlist to introduce that person to BTS.

If you could play one song to someone who has never listened to BTS before, which song would you play? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Euphoria chosen by ARMY

Michayla - I actually found this week’s poll, a tough choice because I love all 4 choices and would play them all to someone. I was so pleased that Euphoria won though because I adore this song and it is usually on repeat. This is a song I feel really strongly about so I would love to use it to introduce someone to BTS because if Jungkook’s beautiful vocals did not entice them then I could tell them how stunning the performance was at Wembley and back it up with video. 

‘Euphoria
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria
Euphoria
Close the door now
When I’m with you I’m in utopia’

This verse is how I feel about BTS and how Euphoria makes me feel, especially on those days where life gets a bit much. I remember getting so emotional during the performance at the O2 and the moment Jungkook sang this verse, my daughter reached for my hand. I could talk to someone about Euphoria for a long time especially once the theories come into it.

Cheryl – Such a pretty song - the voice of Jungkook just compliments the melody so beautifully.

If I was to introduce a friend to BTS using this song, which video would I choose - would it be the one of Jungkook flying around Wembley Stadium or the one where the other members have filmed little clips of him - impossible for me to choose - so I would show them both.

“I don’t know what this feeling is, whether this is all a dream” to me this explains how he feels when he is looking out across the ocean of fans and Army bombs.  

This song just seems so personal, it really captured a moment for me when I heard and saw it performed live.

Charlie – Euphoria is a stunning song with heavenly vocals served by Jungkook. It has enough of a pop-song feel to reel in casual or curious listeners who want happy, joyous music, but the song is so evidently well-produced with heartfelt lyrics that mean something different to ARMY who take into context The Notes, previous music videos and the Save Me webtoon. And once they watch Jungkook fly through the air at the Speak Yourself tour while singing this, they will see BTS to be a group on a different level. 

Eve – What can I say about Euphoria?........It was one of the most talked about, tweeted about, solo songs I can think of.  It was teased as the theme of Love Yourself: Wonder in 2018, a video that looked back over the BTS Universe of music videos that are all connected.

Euphoria was the bright pop song sung by Jungkook, beautifully of course, sandwiched between the haunting Clair De Lune by Debussy.

This teaser only whet BTS’ fans anticipation for this song even more and when it was finally released as part of the Love Yourself: Answer album it was an instant hit, even though it wasn’t the main song from the album.

This song has, as its name agrees, a euphoric feeling about it.  It’s a pop song made to make you feel like you are on top of the world, people who don’t know BTS can listen to this song and absorb the positive feelings that BTS send out into the world every day.

Source: ibighit 

I Need U - Michayla

‘I Need U’ is a successful song and is perhaps bigger than people realise. It was released in 2015 on the album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: part 1 and there are several versions, including a Japanese single released later on in that year.

This song will always be special because it gave BTS their first music show win since debut as well as peaking at number 4 on the US Billboard. BTS also won ‘best male dance’ in 2015 with ‘I Need U’ awarded by Melon. 

This song is about a love that you need to let go of, because you know it isn’t good for you but you can’t bring yourself to do it. I would say that ‘I Need U’ is perhaps, the classic story of ‘heart versus head’. The relationship is not having a positive impact on you and you know that ending it is the best outcome, but your heart aches for that person because you love them.

‘Because of you, I’m becoming ruined
I wanna stop, I don’t want you anymore
I can’t do it, this sucks
Please don’t give me any excuses’

The lyrics are quite harrowing to read, the emotion comes through and the inner turmoil is evident, particularly in the chorus and a verse sang by Taehyung and Namjoon:

Chorus

‘I need you girl
Why am I in love alone, why am I hurting alone
I need you girl
Why do I keep needing you when I know I’ll get hurt?
I need you girl, you’re beautiful
I need you girl, you’re so cold
I need you girl I need you girl
I need you girl I need you girl’

Verse

‘It goes round & round, why do I keep coming back
I go down & down, at this point, I’m just a fool
Whatever I do, I can’t help it
It’s definitely my heart, my feelings but why don’t they listen to me
I’m just talking to myself again, talking to myself again
I’m just talking to myself again, talking to myself again
You’re not saying anything, please, I’ll treat you well
But the sky is blue, the sky is blue’

The MV that accompanies this song is available in 2 versions because it needed to be edited before release to bring the age restriction down from 19+ to 15+ but they later released the more graphic version as well. The MV became their 10th song to reach 100 million views in November 2017 which is an amazing achievement and of course, they have continued soaring, since.

The MV shows troubled youth and is embroiled in the webtoon theories of BTS universe so the story can get pretty complicated and it is all mind blowing if this is something you are particularly into. It feels like there is so much to the MV story and I, personally found it difficult to watch when I first became ARMY because I didn’t like to see the 7 members as they are portrayed which is a direct contrast to the people we know them to be. Once you start reading ‘The Notes’ and get into the characters, it explains a lot more but prior to this I wasn’t so keen on seeing them in the turmoil.

I can’t talk about ‘I Need U’ without mentioning Jimin’s high note at the end. All 7 members are represented so well vocally and I could talk about the individual parts for ages. It is for all these reasons that I chose this song and would definitely use it to introduce a friend to BTS.

Source: 1theK 

Serendipity - Charlie

As the very first song that BTS released as part of their Love Yourself series, Serendipity is a perfect song to introduce someone to a recent era of BTS’ music. BTS album introductions were usually served by one or all members of the rap line, with a true hip hop feel, but Serendipity (the intro to Love Yourself: Her) is a complete tonal shift as it is a romantic ballad sung by Jimin. 

The first word that comes to mind when I hear this song is, “soft”. It’s a truly tender song, which Jimin’s angelic voice suits perfectly. With a mellow drum beat paired with gentle vocals, breathy and effortless, it sounds like what it feels like to lie on soft pillows and hold someone’s hand. Yes, cheesy, but it is a hopelessly romantic song. 

“When you called me

I became your flower

As if we were waiting

We bloom until we ache”

“Serendipity” is one of my favourite words. It means, “to come across something beautiful by accident,” and is a hint of the fated love that is later sung about in DNA, the album’s title track. It is about feeling as though it was destiny for you to meet the person that you love, and it must be the will of the universe that you found this person (I did say it was hopelessly romantic). 

But this isn’t just a generic song about love; it makes a reference to penicillium, the life-saving drug (penicillin created from the blue mould) which was created by accident, suggesting that beautiful things have been created by chance before, so maybe love could be the same. Furthermore, as penicillium saved people’s lives, it could lend an even deeper meaning to the song that love can save someone’s life. With such deep meanings and symbolism littered throughout the song, it would surely make new listeners of BTS curious about what other symbolism and connections they have discovered in the world. 

“The universe has moved for us

Without missing a single thing

Our happiness was meant to be

Cuz you love me, and I love you”

This is a beautiful song which demonstrates that even without much of an upbeat danceability to a song, BTS can still produce beautifully simple tracks that are so lovable even years after being released. I feel nostalgic whenever I hear this song, like I’m going home. 

If the song on its own doesn’t make the person immediately fall in love and want to hear more voices from BTS, the music video and live performances will. The music video is rife with a gorgeous pastel palette of yellows and blues, and Jimin’s soft features as he sings into the camera will captivate even the most critical of listeners. It’s such an adorable video.  In terms of the live performance, Jimin’s energetic and slick moves will come as a shock to anyone who only sees this is a slow song. Every aspect of it, from the choreography, to Jimin’s voice, to the sincere lyrics, is stunning.

Source: ibighit 

Magic Shop – Cheryl

Why I would introduce BTS to a friend using their song “Magic Shop”?

Firstly, there’s the catchy phrase/chorus of So Show Me, I’ll Show You and then they repeat You gave me the best of me, So you’ll give you the best of you - which I believe is where people bring out the best in each other.  Also, it’s a special bond between BTS and Army - they say things like Army’s pride is their pride, or Army’s strength is their strength during their interviews etc.

Secondly the words of the song are so inspiring - I won’t say cliched things like “have strength” I will just listen to you, listen - how powerful to just have someone hear what you have to say.

“Days when you hate that you’re you. Days when you wanna disappear - Let’s make a door in your heart, If you open that door and go inside, this place will be waiting for you” - the Magic Shop ... I found this verse so empowering as ‘you’ have to be willing and want to open the door at a time when you may want to disappear and are not happy.

The melody and their voices seem to just caress the mind and lift your mood - it’s just such a pretty, hopeful song - so come on in to the Magic Shop, let it comfort you with a warm cup of tea (so British) and look up to the stars.

Magic Shop may not have the powerful video like Blood Sweat and Tears, or Fake Love but the song sure has a lot of content, with the catchy chorus and the ending repeats. Plus, the very down to earth, heartfelt verses.

Source: soompi.com

Anpanman - Onomey

When trying to introduce people to the magic that is BTS, it’s always difficult to decide on what song to show people first. Do you go with a slow and emotional to show off the vocals? A fast, upbeat song that shows off the boys dance moves? Or a song that is based around the rappers of the group?

I find that when introducing people to BTS, they aren’t really too fussed on the meanings behind the lyrics at first, it's when you find that individual song that blows your mind that motivates you to research further. If you’re new to BTS then definitely check out a video performance of ‘Anpanman’.

‘Anpanman’ is the 9th track on the album Love Yourself: Tear and is also on CD B of the album Love Yourself: Answer. It's a fun, bubbly and upbeat song that was inspired by the Japanese cartoon character ‘Anpanman,' a mundane superhero with the head of an ‘Anpan’ (a red bean filled pastry roll).

The thing that I love about this song is that it was filled thought-provoking lyrics behind the song which is rare in music that is upbeat which makes the production of this song very clever. The song is a powerful synth and bass-heavy song that has a very honest view about BTS being a hero for people and how they will try but they don’t have superpowers like other superheroes. This is shown from the very first verse with J-Hope when he says:

‘I don’t have biceps or pecs

I don’t have a supercar like Batman

The ideal hero is my fantasy 

But all I can give you is Anpan’

I used this song to introduce my sister to BTS and she fell from the first intro line by V and it had her trying to sing along with the lyrics halfway through the song. When we recently went to the Speak Yourself Tour concert in Wembley, she was screaming from the top of her lungs ‘Waiting for you Anpanman!’ and was trying to do the dance routine despite BTS not performing it, that didn’t stop her one bit. From this, I can confirm from my experience that it's definitely a great song to introduce a first time BTS listener to.

Source: MNet 

A Brand New Day – Eve

After the release of Dream Glow, I was eagerly anticipating the release of the next BTS World soundtrack song.  The morning of the release it was announced that V and J-Hope would be singing with Zara Larsson, I have always enjoyed her songs and her voice. 10 am came round and as soon as I heard the opening wind flute instruments, which I have now found out is a Haeguem a traditional Korean instrument, and their delicate song and melody I was hooked.

The whole feel of the song has a traditional delicate feel about it combined with a modern beat to create an amazing song.

J-Hope came in with his signature melodic rap, accompanied by the dropping of what I think are steel drums followed by V’s smooth soulful emotion filled voice.

The beat building but in such a subtle way combined with the wind flute, I can just imagine driving in a soft top car in the sun along some long highway in America blasting this out of my speakers or sitting around the pool with a cocktail moving my feet to the beat, it is the perfect summer song.

Zara has such a complimenting voice to V and just increases my love of the entire song with her adlibs and soaring notes.

J-Hope chanting A Brand New Day and We Know the World catches the listener’s attention and brings the fun into the feel of the song along with his little chuckle after his bridge.

V just gives me goose bumps with his voice and the way he accompanies Zara in her chorus, giving her the perfect amount of musical support.

The song of course has the perfect message behind it for their fans and everyone else that has ever felt the way they are describing in the song.

The song is about persevering every day in order to accomplish your dreams & aspirations.

‘As if hypnotized
Pulled me and led me through
As if in a trance
I became able to listen to the voice inside of me’

V tells you to listen to the voice inside you telling you to keep moving and keep dreaming.

‘Oh yeah, though I was fearful, I didn't lower my head
Though I was dreadful, I just ran ahead
Because I believed in myself even at crossroads of persecution
Going my way, choices that are like mine (I heard)
Voice getting louder, the sound of breathing from happiness
I suddenly realized, I would make my dream come true, haha’

J-Hope tells you to be confident in you and your decisions, whatever happens good or bad you will eventually reach your dream.

This song deserves to be on the “introduce your friends to BTS” playlist, it has the feel of a summery relaxing pop song with a beat to hypnotise and has the inspiring story behind it to capture anyone’s attention and take them down the BTS rabbit hole.

Source: netmarble 

You can hear the playlist at the following link:

An Introduction to BTS 

Muster from the beginning

After the excitement of 5th Muster recently, we thought it would be a great idea to have a Muster themed playlist. The songs are all the ones performed from 1st Muster through to 5th that were available on Spotify. 

In the poll for this week we asked which song ARMY would like to see performed at 6th Muster and the resounding winner was ‘Mikrokosmos’ which for many who attended the Speak Yourself tour, is firmly etched into our hearts.

Which song is your favourite from this week’s playlist? Tell us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kvULVIl8Ka7eM3R7bEnaF?si=NhxonXgtSoOHSxNtL_km9Q 

Mikrokosmos – chosen by ARMY

Cheryl – Hearing BTS end their ground breaking Wembley concerts in June with this song was just so magical. The song is about dreams, ambition, rebellion and that we are saying the same thing.  I wonder if the same thing is being said between the 7 of them or them and Army together.

Hearing the massive crowd of Army's sing along with BTS made me think it would be an even more emotional experience to share at Muster.

Eve – BTS gave us another melodic feet stomping chanting song all about the love they have for each other and their fans.

You got me
I dream while looking at you
I got you
Inside those pitch black nights
The lights we saw in each other
Were saying the same thing

Its building beat and chorus draw you completely into the song, it delivers strong vocals and quiet moments letting you catch your breath before the build up brings you back to an undeniable heart warming conclusion.

This songs music video would lead you on the same journey, a twisting turning feeling BTS created to show we are all worth so much and that we should all recognise our worth in the vast cosmos.

Charlie – I’m not surprised this song was chosen by ARMY in our poll; this song is guaranteed to make us get emotional and shed tears, and for some of us it gives us flashbacks to hearing this at the Speak Yourself tour. I can tell it is also special to the BTS members themselves, with both Taehyung and Jungkook having stated that it is their favourite song from the Persona album. It is a soft song that fills me with butterflies every time. I could be listening to it on a hot day, stood on a boring street with cars racing past, and I’d still feel like I was stood in an empty field, staring up at a gorgeous night sky with fireworks going off. I would be transported. 

Michayla – Mikrokosmos was already one of my favourite songs from Persona but hearing it performed in London and Paris took it to a whole new level. It is because I know what this song looks and feels like, performed on stage, that I think it would be perfect for 6th Muster. 

There is a verse in Mikrokosmos that I can apply to every time I have been lucky enough to see BTS perform because there is nothing more beautiful than how I felt linking arms with fellow ARMY sharing the same air as the 7 members of BTS.

‘Perhaps the reason this night looks so beautiful
Is not because of these stars or lights, but us’

Onomey - I don’t know about anyone else but I get emotional just by people mentioning Mikrokosmos. 

With Mikrokosmos meaning microcosms, it makes me think about us humans being tiny microcosms in this universe, or even how we ARMY are microcosms of something much larger than us as individuals. This is why the line ‘don’t disappear ‘cause you’re a big existence, let us shine’ stands out to me. 

When listening to this song, I picture all of the twinkling stars in the sky at night which is why I think it would be a fantastic performance with the help of thousands of army bombs. This song is truly beautiful and suits being another anthem for BTS and ARMY because of the beauty of the relationship between us all.

https://bts.ibighit.com/eng/discography/detail/map_of_the_soul-persona.php 

Just One Day – by Cheryl

I gave the list of songs to my daughter and she chose this one for me to write about - I am so happy that she did!

When I first got into BTS this was one of the first songs that I fell head over heels for.  Such a sweet song about the dream of spending just one day and one night with that special someone.  Every time I hear it, I smile and my heart swells.  The video is so simple and tender and the dance practice where Tae has the giggles and Jin throws a Mario toy - is just the cutest, how the members try and manage to keep their composure (mostly) I find intriguing.

Trying to choose my favourite verse is impossible - so here are some favourite lines from each verse starting with:

Suga – ‘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’

RM – ‘I didn’t think I’d get over you easily but
Is it selfish of me to hope you are the same?
You are standing in the center of my life’

J-Hope - ‘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
“If I have just one day, it’s possible”

The song was released in 2014 from their Skool Luv Affair album.  It was also featured on their Debut Japanese album Wake Up.

https://youtu.be/zNJMa43UVs0 

Ma City – by Charlie

I’ve been listening to this song a lot lately, and hearing a new live performance of it from the 5th Muster livestream made me fall in love with it again as if hearing it for the first time. The way Taehyung yelled out his lines in his growling tone had me in utter shock; his attitude was to throw himself completely into the song. I can say the same for Jimin and his high notes in the song. Every single member looked like they were having the time of their lives performing Ma City, and I can see why: it is a wild, throw-your-hands-in-the-air party anthem. And it’s not about a typical topic like parties or relationship; it’s about the boys’ passion and pride for their respective hometowns in Korea, which may be lesser known than Seoul but are still special to them. 

The song starts as it means to go on, with a rising instrumental and some beautiful high notes from Jungkook. It immediately signifies that it is going to be high energy and flaunt the members’ vocals. The electric guitar sounds almost give me a pop-rock feel, which is emphasised by Namjoon’s husky, gorgeous voice in the first verse. 

All the boys demonstrate their love for their hometowns in their own ways in their respective verses: Namjoon expresses that even though Ilsan is not as big as Seoul, “the city of flowers” still means everything to him, and he’s proud of how much the place shaped his childhood. 

“Me, who likes the Ilsan Lake Park more than the Han River

Will hug you much more warmly, even though we’re small

When I feel like I’m forgetting myself

In that place, I find my old self”

Hoseok expresses what a fiery and passionate place Gwangju is and how it made him the spirited person that he is, even pointing international ARMYs to learn more about the history of Gwangju by sneaking in a reference to the Gwangju May 18th Uprising of 1980, by asking you to dial “062-518” at the end of his verse. 

“My life is hot, the heat of the south

There’s no such thing as giving up on the law of this fierce heat

I put on a KIA and I turn on the engine

Bounce like crazy”

Yoongi, alternatively, says that he is the pride of Daegu, where he is from, adding a cheeky spin on the theme of the song because one can relate to the feeling of being fond of your hometown even if you don’t think it’s anything special, because it’s where you’re from. 

“Honestly speaking, in Daegu

There’s nothing much to boast about

My birth is in itself, Daegu’s pride”

The chorus has an up-tempo rhythm that makes me immediately imagine a stunning city skyline. It sounds euphoric and joyful - I cannot stay in a low mood when I listen to this chorus. Jungkook’s soft yet upbeat vocals are punctuated by Taehyung’s yells of “city” that just increase how hyper and energised I feel when listening to this song. It affects me to the point where I want to go on a road trip with them to these picture-perfect cities they’re gushing about. The signature BTS “lalalalala” is also present in the chorus for maximum “sing along to this on a road trip” vibes. 

https://youtu.be/LI_mdhfR3wM 

Paldogangson (Satoori Rap) – Eve

Originally released 2011 with only J-Hope, RM and Suga on the track, the song was first recorded before the rest of BTS had even auditioned for BigHit.

The whole premise behind the song is a rap battle between J-Hope and Suga who rap in their regional Korean dialect, so what could be called an accent.

They rap about the differences between the different provinces of Korea that they are from and RM come in at the end to rap about his standardised Seoul dialect.

Once BTS were formed and had debuted in 2013, Paldogangson was rerecorded and released as part of the O!RUL8,2? album with all members having a part.

The song speaks not only about the differences in dialect but also assumptions of peoples characters because of their accent, of course BTS bring in the message of being different doesn’t mean we can’t all get along.

‘Once I start to use it, I get all happy
Why keep fighting
In the end, it’s all the same Korean
Look up, we are all
Looking at the same sky
This may make you cringe a little
But everyone is awesome
We can all communicate
From Moonsan to Marado’

I found a YouTube video of BTS performing Paldoganson and it is pure fun, they are dancing around and acting out some kind of a rap battle between two groups within BTS, V, Jungkook and Jimin get the chance to rap some of Suga’s original lines.

https://youtu.be/b5hIDVPc768 

24/7=Heaven – by Michayla

24/7=Heaven is the 11th track on the Dark and Wild album and in my opinion, is one of the most underrated BTS songs. This song was performed at 3rd Muster entitled ARMY.Zip in Seoul, Korea on 12th and 13th November 2016 and then as the opening song for 4th Muster: Happily Ever After on 13th and 14th January 2018.

This song is a song about the type of love where that person is on your mind 24/7 and you spend the days counting down the hours until you get to see them. The lyrics ooze ‘young love’ and you can feel the anticipation tinged with excitement, perhaps some frustration too, because time does not move as fast as you would like it to, as the first date approaches.

‘24/7 all day, I only thought of you
Our first date that I’ve been waiting for
I think it’ll be a special day, I can be a gentleman
Cause I’m your boyfriend
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
Ever since I started dating you, I’ve been feeling up’

I am 40 years old so I can look at the lyrics, somewhat reminiscent of when I was in that position, where you have the first date planned and spend hours thinking over what you are going to say to that person. A time when that person is the centre of your universe and love is so pure and uncomplicated. 

First dates are exciting and nerve wrecking no matter what age you are though and most people can relate to that feeling of now knowing what to wear or what to say. How many people have lay awake at night, before a date, running through different scenarios in their heads? What if the other person doesn’t like me? What if I spill something on me? What questions should I ask? And that feeling of excitement tinged with nerves when the day arrives and you feel on top of the world.

‘Tomorrow is the date I’ve only dreamed about
The stars are so pretty and the moon is so pretty
The light that shines on me, the world seems like it’s made for me even more today, right?
Tonight, I’ll be a plan man, it’s all for you darling
If time is a stock called you, I would invest
The clothes to wear with you, choice, surrounding my closet
My heart is filled with noise, I hum with excitement
All day, I only thought about you
I won’t be able to sleep at fantasies of you
Alone’

24/7=Heaven is a great song, it has the most beautiful catchy beat and the melody at the start is so alluring. This was the perfect song to start with at 4th Muster because it has such a gentle, sparkly feel which fit perfectly with the ‘Happily Ever After’ theme. BTS were dressed in outfits that resembled school uniforms for 4th Muster and they looked amazing coming out of a giant ARMY bomb as 24/7=Heaven started. Each of the members vocals are showcased in this song and listening to ARMY sing a long is just magical, as always:

‘My first date with you, my heart keeps pounding like a kid
These days, Sunday, the sun called you is rising on Sunday
My first date with you, my heart keeps pounding like a kid
These days, Sunday, the sun called you is rising on Sunday’

Source: Youtube

Songs that should have an MV

This week’s theme was decided because there are so many amazing songs that we feel would be perfect for an MV or the songs that simply deserve one. Have you ever imagined what the MV for Mikrokosmos, So What, or Tear, would look like?

Which songs would you like to see accompanied by an MV? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

The Truth Untold chosen by ARMY

Michayla – I wasn’t expecting the poll results to be as close as they were even if I did suspect this song winning. The Truth Untold is a beautiful song, there are no two ways about it. My daughter usually cries when she sees it performed live or on DVD but as emotional as I am, it doesn’t have the same effect on me. It does, strike me in the heart though.

The vocal line are simply breathtaking when they perform this live and I can only imagine the MV that would go with it. The Truth Untold is a love song about being so afraid of losing the person you love, you hide who you really are. It is a tragic story sung by 4 incredibly angelic voices and it is with a doubt, one of my favourite songs.

If it were to have an MV, I imagine Taehyung, Jin, Jungkook and Jimin, stood in a meadow, surrounded by the most beautiful wild flowers on a bright, spring day. Perhaps the Smeraldo flower would make an appearance? The Truth Untold mentions wearing a mask and sand… a link to Fake Love or Singularity, with cryptic clues in an MV, perhaps? The mind boggles, as always and I would fully expect the MV to make many ARMY shed a tear or two.

Charlie - The Truth Untold is a devastatingly good song. Every time I hear the first note, my brain either goes “No, I’m not ready to hear this, I’ll cry” or “Okay, I need a good cry”. I immediately feel a burst of emotions from the first note, even if I’m in a good mood. I’ve been in an arena - and then a stadium - listening to people cry as they attempt to sing along to it. It has a sadness to it that transcends language and makes everyone understand its message no matter whether or not they understand the lyrics. I imagine a music video to this song would be just as stunning and beautiful, like a film that makes you cry every time you watch it. It’d be a cinematic experience, I can already imagine.

Eve - When a song doesn’t have a music video I have a habit of listening to it on Spotify first, then I head over to Genius translations and read the lyrics while the song is playing. This makes my imagination kick off big style.

The Truth Untold is one of those songs that you can’t help but feel there is a story to tell behind the amazing singing and perfect lyrics, a story that needs to have a music video.

You’re not going to get a high powered dance routine, this music video would be drama filled and highly addictive.

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.

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 your true feelings, and personality.

“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”

Source: YouTube

Home - Michayla

This week’s theme is one for your imaginations to run wild and think of the endless possibilities when it comes to creating an MV for a particular song. I chose ‘Home’ this week because it is a song ARMY feel connected to, being the ‘Magic Shop’ of the album Map of the Soul: Persona, released in April this year.

The very idea that BTS feel that ARMY are their ‘Home’ is simply beautiful and the saying ‘home is where the heart is’ comes to mind. We know BTS love their fans and they show it time and time again through songs, VLives, during speeches on tour and through many other channels.

They also have families and friends at home in Korea and the lack of time they get to spend there, comes through in this song, along with the acknowledgement that the whole world is also their home because in every country ARMY are there and increasing in numbers.

‘I'm exhausted man
Oh, guess what?
I just want to go home

In this excitement that's driving me crazy
I wasn't even able to greet you (yeah, right)
Yeah I´m going out baby
The whole world is my home’

Home is something that is subjective and personal to the individual, it doesn’t have to mean a physical building, as the saying I mentioned earlier, suggests. BTS using the Spanish word for home shows that ‘home is home’ no matter what language it is.

‘That place is probably Mi Casa
With you I'mma feel rich (yeah)
That place is no other than Mi Casa
Turn it on, your switch (switch)
Yeah’

My favourite verse in the song is this one, because it expresses the fact that home is anywhere you want it to be, in whichever form you want it to take, be it a person, group of people, a song, a memory…

‘It's comfortable even as you say nothing
With you, anywhere will be my home
You know I want that
Home
You know you got that
Home’

The MV for ‘Home’ I think would perhaps show a selection of different tour venues, ARMY banners and purple oceans. I think it would also show elements of what ‘home’ means to each member and incorporate images of Korea. Perhaps unseen footage of video’s the members took themselves in various cities around the world?

I don’t think it would necessarily need to tell a story, but instead, show the definition of ‘home’ through the eyes of BTS, which would be special, personal and unique.

Source: ibighit

Am I Wrong - Charlie

‘Am I Wrong’ is one of my favourite BTS songs for its political message accompanied by an addictive beat. It is the 12th song from the Wings album, and is a song about how BTS believes the world is going crazy and wrong, and those who believe that the world is fine are those who are going crazy.

“If what you see on the news is nothing to you

If that comment is nothing to you

If that hatred is nothing to you

You’re not normal, you’re abnormal”

From the first time I watched the comeback stage of this song, I fell for it. The boys all wore bright-coloured jackets and their facial expressions throughout the performance are just as vibrant and expressive. I have fun while watching it, and immediately have the urge to replay it. The performance is slick yet full of fun, and to see all of this translated into a music video would be a gift. The boys look like they’re having fun while they’re performing it, and I would definitely have fun watching it as a music video.

“That’s right kid you gone crazy

The fact that you’re not crazy in a crazy world is crazy

The earth and sky and all around (HELL YEAH)

Online offline (HELL YEAH)”

Another reason why this song would have a brilliant music video is its political message. Yoongi’s lyric, “We’re all dogs, pigs, become dogs because we’re angry,” was believed to have been a reference to a Korean politician who stated that “The public people are like dogs and pigs.” However, the song as a whole can be generalised to be about many different political issues; it was relevant in 2016 and is still relevant today, and it would be amazing to see its message interpreted in a music video.

In my opinion, this is a song which highlights the strengths of each member. The vocals are smooth, the rappers deliver a tone which highlights how frustrated and angry they feel with the world without making it feel like a sad song, and Jimin’s high note made me stop what I was doing and stare at my phone when I heard it for the first time.

Source: YouTube

House of Cards - Eve

Before I get carried away typing about this song, here are some facts….

"House of Cards" is a song by the vocal-line of BTS. The full length edition of this song was featured as the fifth track of CD 2 in the compilation album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever.

How to describe this song, dramatic, orchestral, smooth, deep, classic, intense, sensual, jazz, perfect, building, emotional, heartbreaking I could go on.

Just from the music you can tell this is a sad song, it starts with a delicate piano, then the introduction of the strings combining with the deep slow beat, it’s beautiful and catches your imagination and feelings from the beginning.

The earnest emotional pleading singing from Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook conjure up feelings of despair and loss.

The lyrics are just as emotional, the story of a love that is always at risk of falling apart like a precariously balanced house of cards.

A house made of cards, and us, inside
Even though the end is visible
Even if it’s going to collapse soon
A house made of cards, we’re like idiots
Even if it’s a vain dream, stay like this a little more

The main characters all too aware of the inevitability of the situation but aren’t ready or willing to walk away even when they know it’s destructive and futile

I say it like a habit
We won’t work in the end
Even so, I keep hoping
As long as I’m with you in the end as well, I’m okay

The whole drama filled premise behind the song, lends itself perfectly to a music video, a long extended music video to help the listener visualise and live the emotion that the lyrics, music and vocals create.

Who am I kidding you could create a full film around this song, a romance full of drama, but would it have a happy ending?

Source: YouTube

You can listen to and imagine the MV's for this weeks Spotify playlist at the following link: Songs that should have an MV

Feel Good with BTS

We have had an emotional time recently, ARMY, many of us suffering with post concert blues after the most amazing shows in London. What better way to boost your mood than with a BTS playlist full of songs to make you feel good?

Which BTS song makes you feel good? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Best of Me chosen by ARMY

Sadie - This has been one of my favourite songs since discovering it and I honestly think it always will be. This song for me showed me a different side to BTS, I don't know why or how but it just did. It's honestly a beautiful song and will make anybody feel good. Its sweet and pure and heartfelt and it holds a special place in my heart and it belongs in our Feel Good playlist without a doubt (even if it does sometimes make me cry).

Charlie - ‘Best of Me’ is a much-loved BTS anthem for a reason. It’s a song about friendship and being grateful for the people around you. Even when times are tough, the song reminds you to thank other people for bringing out the best in you. Everything from the non-stop party-style beat to the choreography is exciting. The music sounds bittersweet to me; I can hear many emotions in the boys’ voices and it seems like it could easily be a song about their friendship.

Eve - Best of Me is one of those BTS songs that is a staple for most playlists, it’s strong and perfectly put together.

This song is a collaboration between the American DJ/production duo, 'The Chainsmokers' and BTS and you do get a slight Chainsmokers vibe from the song, but as usual the boys take their collaborations and make them their own.

It’s a feet stomping electronic dance beat declaration of love, love for an individual, each other, their fans, whomever it’s directed towards it’s a love they don’t want to lose.

Even after trying to work out who they are singing for, it is a given that the lyrics are perfect;

When you say that you love me
I walk above the clouds
Tell me of eternity, just one more time
When you say that you love me
All I need is that one phrase
That you’ll never change, just one more time

One thing I don’t think BTS’ get enough credit for, this is just my opinion, is that they are breaking the barriers of men not only having feelings but expressing those feelings.

Yes they started speaking and singing about how hard growing up is and they have grown with their fans, but as they are now men in a world that still expects men to be silent with their feelings to keep things bottled up and to be the strong silent figures in society, they are a prime example of how men sharing their feelings about life and working through them with help is a positive thing, a movement that needs a lot more said about it to make a difference in the world.

Michayla - I love ‘Best of me’ and now, thanks to the Speak Yourself tour, I have had the privilege of seeing it performed live. From the lyrics to the choreography, this is a total bop!

‘Best of Me’ is on the Love Yourself: Her album, and the lyrics are so emotive and heart felt. My view on the meaning of the lyrics is that they are about loving someone so much that you almost struggle to find the right words. It is about the type of love where being with that person makes you feel like you are a better person because of them. The type of love that makes you feel whole and invincible, to a certain extent.

‘So take my hand right now
I don't believe that I'm like this
The words I've said to myself a million times
Please, don’t leave me
You got the best of me
You got the best of me
It's not important if it's a dream or reality
Only the fact that you're by my side
Thanks’

This song can’t fail in making you feel good and it is no surprise that ARMY voted for this as the winner of our poll. It is a popular song and a worthy addition to any playlist.

Source: YouTube

The Stars - Eve

I was really new to this song when I picked to write about it for our “Feel Good Playlist”.  I had listened to the odd song here and there on BTS’ Japanese albums, but I had never really given the full Japanese discography the attention it deserved if this song is anything to go by.

The Stars is the 2nd song from BTS' Japanese album debut Wake Up.

The intro from KM-MARKIT - BTS' producer and lyricist for many of their Japanese tracks really took me by surprise, at first I thought it was Suga.

The whole song overall has a summery beat and feel about it that lends itself to the theme of the playlist perfectly.  I can imagine playing this song at full volume, with all the windows down in my car on one of the odd sunny days we have in the UK.

Released in 2014 The Stars has the old school BTS feel that they were originally known for, lots of growly vocals and high notes.  RM, Suga and J-Hope vocalising the feelings of the youth they aimed to support through the same hardships they had felt while working their way to join BTS, but also the hardships they were still feeling at the time of the release of this album.

The catchiness of this song is undeniable, V’s chanting and Jungkook’s sweet but gravelly voice combine perfectly to make the listener unable to not join in;

ALL NIGHT LONG
The overlapping MOON LIGHT
The throbbing GOOD NIGHT
ALL NIGHT LONG

ALL NIGHT LONG
The overlapping MOON LIGHT
The throbbing GOOD NIGHT
ALL NIGHT LONG

Of course the group have written lyrics that meant to inspire and encourage their fans to embrace the rough with the smooth, life is hard but the tough times are just as valuable as the smooth times, they shape us and make us the people we become. Use the times you want to give up to give you strength.

HOLD UP! The surges to give up
That life is more valuable than you think
Let’s start with small steps
Even so, why is the thorny road wrong? HUH
There are unpleasant things sometimes
BUT if we’re together, it’s like a harmony surrounds us
Our warm hands together, hugging our
Chest and hopes, all the way to our hearts
Understanding each other THAT’S RIGHT We’ll change to a super positive MIND

Intro: Skool Luv Affair - Charlie

When I first heard this song, the intro to BTS’ 2014 ‘Skool Luv Affair’ album, I knew that BTS were a group with unique colours. The song is like a conversation between the rap line as they argue about how best to make a song about love.

Yoongi starts it off with a heartfelt verse about how he wants all of his “firsts” to be with this girl, and how hopeless he feels that words cannot express how in love he is. He even references the “good house, good car” from the 2013 song ‘N.O.’ (“a good house, good car, will those bring happiness?”), claiming that even though they still won’t bring happiness, he wants to give them to her.

“I have an eating disorder, whatever I eat, I’m still hungry

For you. The word “addiction” can’t express all of this

Describing a girl like you is impossible

It transcends the poetic”

However, these deep lyrics are too serious for J-Hope, who interrupts Yoongi’s spiel with a skit about how songs about love should be hopeful and happy. The skit then seamlessly merges into J-Hope’s rap verse, with careless and whimsical lyrics about how he knows he is blinded by love, and he doesn’t care as he knows his future will be bright with this girl.

“If it’s for you, I’m the type to sacrifice my body

I’ll always shine the light on you girl

This is a love stage for you and me

We’re blinded by love, sweet and playful

Our future is bright and dazzling, colorful”

The song then halts to allow for yet another skit, this time with all 3 members of the rap line because RM joins in and says that their verses are not quite BTS enough. They need to be more hip-hop. And so begins the main part of the song: Namjoon’s upbeat, forceful rap about how special love is.

“RM, so now I’m telling you the story

I loved this much before, how about you?

This is just an intro shouting bout

My whole mind and body”

The song then concludes with the rap line chanting together about love and passion and, above all, the “Bangtan style” way of singing about love. It is a bright, quirky song about how love should be sung about in a hopeful, “hip-hop” way. The way that the song blends skits, humour and arguments with rapping and an addictive, upbeat backing track really makes this song special to me, as does the meta style of how it’s a song discussing how songs should be written. It also made me realise that BTS are willing to experiment with their music and not only make songs with a straightforward structure; they will play around with them. Furthermore, each verse reflects each rapper’s style; Yoongi’s is serious and somewhat morose, J-Hope’s is happy and carefree, and Namjoon’s is aggressive and meaningful.

Source: YouTube

DNA - Sadie

"At first sight, I could recognize you
As if we were calling for each other
The DNA in my blood vessels tell me
That it’s you I was looking all over for"

Ah DNA, the catchy, colourful, funky, track that broke records and made all of us want to dance. It was the second BTS song I listened to and I often feel nostalgic when I do. The vocals, visuals and vibrancy of the music video, are insane. I'd never seen anything like it and neither had most people. It was the coolest most aesthetically pleasing video I'd ever seen. It filled me with excitement and still often does. It’s one of those things that never fails to make me smile and it definitely deserves a spot in our Feel Good playlist.

"From the day of the universe’s creation and beyond
Through the infinite centuries and beyond
In the previous life and maybe the next too
We’re eternally together
None of this is a coincidence
Because we’re the two who found our destiny
DNA"

I love how sweet the lyrics are but also how deep and meaningful they are. The way the lyrics talk about fate and destiny and how being together is the plan of the universe, is awe inspiring. To feel such a strong connection to someone is a powerful thing. It's not often you would hear anyone make such comparisons. Its like something you expect to read in a novel.

"I want it this love I want it real love
I only focus on you
You steer me a little harder
The DNA of the genesis wants you
This is inevitable, I love us
We are the only true lovers"

The vocals and rap come together seamlessly in this upbeat dance track and everything just flows together perfectly. I found It was one of those songs that when you first listen to it you really don't know what to expect and every verse has you saying "ooh, wow, whoa". It was definitely not predictable and left me more and more gob smacked. 

"Don’t worry, love
None of this is a coincidence
We’re totally different, baby
Because we’re the two who found our destiny 
From the day of the universe’s creation and beyond
Through the infinite centuries and beyond
In the previous life and maybe the next too
We’re eternally together"

As well as the cinematic aspects of the music video, and the stunning vocals, there is also the choreography which definitely deserves a mention. There is a ridiculous amount of skill put into this dance from the way they are all so in sync (as usual) to the level of energy and coordination such dancing takes is astounding. I'd get tired dancing to the pre-chorus let alone the whole track! Watching what they do is truly inspiring. 
The outro to DNA is something that had everyone who watched it left open mouthed or jumping around. The last bit of choreography Is striking and powerful, as the dance king J-Hope takes centre and you can really feel the passion and energy in every move. 

There was nothing even on the same level as DNA when the music video was released and it left every ARMY and so much of the general population shaking. People wanted to know who these 7 men were and how they did what they did, and I was on of them. 

"La la la la la
La la la la la
Because it’s not a coincidence
La la la la la
La la la la la
Because it’s not a coincidence
DNA"

Source: ibighit

Hip Hop Phile - Michayla

Dark and Wild is the album that houses Hip Hop Phile, which is also known as Hip Hop Lover and was released in 2014. Dark and Wild is a great album with so many feel good, powerful songs on it and in my opinion, Hip Hop Phile is one of them.

Within the first second of this song starting, it makes you want to start moving along to the catchy beat. Hip Hop Phile is not your average K-pop song, it is a contrast between the soulful voices of the vocal line and the angsty passion of the rap line.

This song is the story of why Bangtan love Hip Hop, they explain by talking about the past and present (in 2014), listing artists that have influenced them and answering the question:

‘Why you love that HIP HOP shit?’

Both Namjoon and Yoongi have faced hate and criticism for their links to hip hop and they have always used their songs to retaliate and put their point across in the way they know how. Namjoon tells the story of how writing lyrics made him find himself, how he felt at ease once he wrote songs and let’s face it, the fact that Namjoon put pen to paper is something most of us are grateful for.

‘I had so much to say that it
Wasn’t enough with what other people told me
First, I forced it
Layer after layer, calling it lyrics
And that was it! uh that was it
When I became me
On the white paper in between my textbooks
I put myself
And I erased it, emptied it
I was free on top of the beat
Seven years ago or now
It’s the same, this is the most me’

The pre-chorus has lyrics that I feel are a direct message to and about Hip Hop, delivered by the beautiful high tone of Jungkook’s voice and by Jimin later on in the song, which sounds almost angelic after the verses from the rap line.

‘I’ll be down for your rap
I’ll be down for your rhythm
It still makes my heart pound
It makes me be the real me
Yeah I love this’

J-Hope similarly talks about what rap and hip hop means to him and those that have made an impact on him. The fact that BTS were influenced largely by Western artists, helps explain why their music sounds the way it does and has been accepted so readily outside of Korea by international fans. If you have seen him perform his solo ‘Just Dance’ you will know whether it be rapping or singing, his voice is amazing, his dancing is mesmirising and his stage presence is out of this world.

‘My life’s borders that went crazy every day
Endless diction, all right, my instincts choose
Whatever rap it is, whatever dance it is
My response is sensual
Now my life melts with hip hop
Today, I’m wild for the night, my body
Feel like A$AP A$AP’

Yoongi’s verse is really poignant and bare, I feel. He has faced the haters many times, especially early on about him being an Idol and a rapper. He has always answered his critics through his lyrics and Hip Hop Phile is no different, his verse feels like a story, with the last part being quite definitive in his feelings about the genre.

‘All night, I sharpened my blunt pen tip
At the end of my efforts
Instead of having a language marks for school
I filled up my rhymes
Which made my dreams come true
Everyone asks me, what is hip hop?
Then I confidently answer, my everything
As a result, my life has buried itself into music
If loving this culture is a sin
I’ll die over a hundred times’

I could spend ages discussing Hip Hop Phile because there is so much to it, it feels like an onion with so many layers. Explaining my thoughts on the lyrics and the meaning behind them is one thing, but because each rapper in particular, shares their stories I feel there is so much more to discuss.

This song is so personal and BTS take you on their journey, back to their roots. This is the story of BTS’ relationship with Hip Hop. I feel good when I listen to it because of the music, because I know BTS are doing what they love, regardless of the obstacles they faced.

Source: YouTube

You can listen to this weeks Spotify playlist at the following link: Feel Good with BTS

No Longer Left Out

This week’s playlist is made up of all the songs that for one reason or another, seem to get overlooked. These songs are special too, so here they are, with their own playlist.

Which one of these is your favourite? Listen to the playlist and let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Outro: Blue Side chosen by ARMY

Charlie - Blue Side is a very simple, short song, but somehow it makes me feel emotional whenever I hear it. The piano chords immediately set me off, as do the small chimes which sound like a lullaby. The mixtape started with hopeful, upbeat songs and a daydream, and it ends in a way that soothes you to sleep. Then I hear Hoseok’s calming voice, but it doesn’t sound like enough because he is only repeating the song title, and I know the mixtape is coming to its end even though I want more. It sounds like a goodbye. This song proves to me what a talented producer Hoseok is, as it doesn’t need a lot of lyrics to make me feel emotional in a way I don’t even understand.

Michayla – I think that Blue Side is a hidden gem amongst Hobi’s Hope World. Being just 1 minute 34 seconds long, it is simple yet leaves its mark. It has such an amazing beat and tune, with Hobi’s stunning voice simply repeating ‘Blue Side’ - so simple yet so effective. The overall feel to this song is quite chilled out and I always feel myself nodding my head along to it. A great outro after the rest of Hope World but I find that I always feel sad when it finishes as it just doesn’t feel long enough which is complimentary to Hobi.

Eve - I have to admit I was a bit late to the party when it came to J-Hope’s mixtape Hope World, once I sat and listened to it, it was tropical and fun and perfect.

Blue Side started and I was transported to a beach with a cocktail, relaxing in the sun.  You can hear the waves in the music, lapping at the sand.

I love it.

The lyrics paint a different picture and for such a short song they really pack a punch that leave you wondering if there is more to the story;

“Inside my blue dream

I want to contain you

Even if you say no

Inside my eyes

Inside my blue dream

I want to hold you

Even if you say we can’t

Inside my embrace”

I interpret it as lost love, a break up song.  The lingering feelings for someone that has already moved on…………

Sadie - Blue Side is a beautiful outro. It’s short but sweet and is everything it needs to be.  J-hopes vocal range and depth is shown well in this short melody. The low echo, soft wind-chimes and romantic lyrics really give it that charming and nostalgic feel. 

Source: Soundcloud.com

Uhgood – Eve

When RM’s playlist was released and I heard Moonchild first, I knew this was going to be a momentous occasion.

When I sat down to listen to the full playlist and uhgood started I fell instantly in love with the electronic melody that opened the song, and then the deep rumbling drum just took over my senses.

The backing music perfectly lends itself to mixing and supporting RMs deep soothing tone that one minute takes you from his soft singing voice to moments of shouted rap that are melodic on their own.

This all hit me before I understood the story behind the song; it explains the feeling that RM has of disappointment and doubt that fill his head and effect the way he feels in the world;

“Honestly, I trample myself (trample myself)

Do you only amount to this? (do you only amount to this?)

Need to do so much better (need to do so much better)

You need to be so much cooler (you need to be so much cooler)

If you’re going to be defeated, might as well die (if you’re going to be defeated, might as well die)

You have to win, you, you, you”

These are feelings that the majority of us feel at some point in our lives, I know I do and I know that I let these feelings affect me in a negative way.

Listening to this collection of songs made me feel normal and having that feeling gave me the boost to stand up and fight, fight for the person I know I can be.

“To be out of place, it hurts so much

If you don’t experience it, it cannot be know

My ideal and what is reality

They’re s far, far away

But I still want to cross the two bridges

To reach myself

The real me, yeah yeah”

Apart from the whole message behind the song, it’s an amazing tune that with the dips and lifts in the music can make you have goose bumps and tears springing to your eyes.

Source: rappler.com

EverythingGoes – Sadie

“It all passes

Someday

For sure

Certainly”

EverythingGoes... If any song can make you feel like you are weightless and as though things will be okay, it’s this. Even just the passion in the lyrics made me want to cry with relief before I even read the lyric translation. 

EverythingGoes is the 6th track on RM's album Mono. Another beautiful track to add to an already stunning album. This is the song that gets to me the most. It is definitely an underrated masterpiece. RM's lovely vocals, and his strong, passionate rapping are really showcased in this track. I love the way the song rises and falls, being mostly slow until towards the end where it picks up and the emotions really hit you, before falling back to its previous slow beat at the end of the song.

“Just like the night leaves and the morning comes

The spring leaves and summer comes, but

Just like the flower wilts and the fruit grows ripe

Everything needs to go through pain

Embrace the world and suck in a breath

That prickling air that fills up your lungs says everything

Yeah, back when I wished to drink it in innumerable times

Underneath those old times when I, a fool, grew dull”

I love the analogies in this song, the beautiful comparisons often made between situations and feelings and the change in seasons; I personally feel it can make us feel a little more beautiful and a little more human when these comparisons are made. It says that the rest of the world goes through changes and difficulties too, but we will all get through. This song reminds us that we all go through hardships, but those hardships, just like the seasons, will pass. These lyrics say to me that everything needs to go through pain, so embrace it. 

“(Everything, everything, everything goes

Everything everything else goes)

It passes”

When I listen to EverythingGoes, it feels like I can physically feel the weight lift from my shoulders and my chest, and everything feels so much lighter. I feel every word, and it almost gives me a lump in my throat. 

“Everyday I pray (everyday I pray)

That I may become a slightly better adult

And everyday I stay (everyday I stay)

Since both people and pain will all die one day

If you want to become dull, you need to go out into the wind

Because in dreams, things can’t last forever

Instead of words like ‘cheer up’, instead of lies like ‘everyone is the same’

Simply after staying like all this wind, wind”

RM is constantly wanting and trying to be a better person, even though he is already one of the most amazing people out there, and that is admirable. I wish I could tell him that he is doing an amazing job, that he is a brilliant person. 

I love these lyrics, “And everyday I stay, since both people and pain will all die one day.” I don’t know how it feels to other people but the way this line resonates with me is that life is too damn short to be worrying about menial things. One day none of those things will matter, the bad things pass, as do the good things, so let them pass and make the most of the good things we do have, because it wont last forever. I think we are often our harshest critics, and that we should all be a little kinder to ourselves and give ourselves a break.

“(Everything, everything, everything goes

Everything everything else goes)

It passes

It rains

It rains

Everything

Passes”

Source: apple.com

Could you turn off your cell phone – Michayla

This week it was great to have such a variation of songs that usually get left out for one reason or another, especially when one of those songs is so underrated, like 'Could you turn off your cell phone'.

This song is the 9th track on Dark and Wild and is about society's love for the virtual world, reminding us that sometimes it takes over and we forget about reality. 'Could you turn off your cell phone' has a really important message as well as having a great sound but it often gets overlooked, sadly.

The chorus describes our need for likes on social media and the belief that spending so much time in cyber space is making us unaware of reality:

'Could you turn off your cell phone?
Everyone says it’s smart
But we’re all getting dumber
Could you turn off your cell phone?
Look at my face and give me a mention
I don’t need a Like'

The truth is that most of us are guilty of spending a great deal of time on our phones and we share so much information online. BTS use this song to remind us that we shouldn't forget our friends in real life and it doesn't hurt to put our phones away while spending time with them. The virtual world will always be there and can wait because we shouldn't forget the people that are physically present in our lives.

‘You use your phone to even tell me you’re going to the bathroom
You give me a slight smile as if you think you’re smart
It’s not funny at all, I’ve seen you for the first time in months
Why are you pretending to be popular? Did you win the lottery or something?

What do you mean the lotto, snap out of it, I switched to a new phone, friend
It’s the Information Age, as you know half the population of Korea
Are part of the smart 21st century
Talking face to face is an old story now'

We live in an age where most of us communicate via text or via social media and sites like Twitter are important to ARMY especially as that is how we receive news and updates from BTS themselves. The virtual world is a world that we can't escape but there is a time and place for everything so when with friends on a night out or with family in a restaurant, remember 'Could you turn off your cell phone' and live in the moment with the people you are with.

‘Are you eating with your eyes like girls do?
Stop taking pictures, I’m losing my appetite
You’re busy updating again, on Facebook or Twitter
Life is 3D, twitter at me at my face’

I love everything about this song, the message, the melody, the beat and the mix between the rap line and vocal line. If you've never heard this song or perhaps you haven't listened to it in some time, which is understandable with all the new material recently, I would highly recommend it and the best thing is that you can listen to it on our playlist this week.

Source: ibighit

Tokyo – Charlie

Tokyo is a solemn-sounding track from Namjoon’s ‘mono’ playlist. It is the first song on the album and sets its tone as a deep, introspective look on Namjoon’s thoughts and feelings.

“Why do love and hate sound just the same to me?

I can't sleep

Home sick

But I just wanna

Stay right next to you”

One thing that I really appreciate about Namjoon as a person is how honest he is about his thoughts with ARMY. He will be completely honest and transparent with us, and trust us wholly. A playlist full of songs about his inner thoughts is so perfectly Namjoon, and therefore a song like Mono is perfect to start the playlist off. The song is made up of a calm, relaxed instrumental and few lyrics, making the song sound short, so that it ends too soon for me and exiting the song is like pulling away from an embrace.  

The lyrics themselves seem to jump from different streams of consciousness; he floats from discussing missing someone, to the more permanent topic of the future and death. It reads just as how, when someone thinks to themselves, their mind will float from topic to topic. It feels natural, organic, seamless.

“And ash is a thing that someday we all should be

When tomorrow comes

How different it's gonna be?”

When the song does end, all the music dissipates, even the soft piano keys, and  an eerie whistling sound of quite a haunting rhythm can be heard. It is the same rhythm that Namjoon hums earlier in the song, but it is more stripped back without the airy instrumental behind it. It reminds me of the whistle that was present in the Wings short films in that it feels like a warning, and the fact that it is so isolated makes it sound like it is coming from far away. It makes me feel emotional in a way I simply can’t explain.

Don't leave any of these tracks out by adding it to your Spotify playlist at the following link: No Longer Left Out

Summer with BTS

The sun is shining and the warmer days are here, which means spending more time outside, enjoying the weather. What better way to celebrate Summer than with a BTS playlist?

Which songs make you think of summer? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

So What chosen by ARMY

Michayla – This poll was so close, with all 4 songs in with a chance of being victorious, as it closed. So What is one of my absolute favourites because it is such a feel good song. I am lucky enough to have seen it performed live and the energy is so high. ‘So What’ is a fantastic summer song because it makes me want to be active outside and makes me feel like I could accomplish anything. Singing along whilst in the car on a bright day is also another one of my favourite things to do because ‘So What’ is amazing when played with the volume turned up!

Eve - This song is a rave, a full on rave in Ibiza all by itself. Bounce around, chant, drop the beat and build that euphoric feeling right back up again.

Summer would not be complete without this song being played in the background while I’m sat in a beer garden with the sun shining with a glass of something sparkling, one of my perfect moments.

And again, the amazingly positive, uplifting message that BTS can’t help but send our way, in so many forms.

Suga is my spirit animal in this song, his verse is perfection.

Charlie - ‘So What’ is one of those typical summer anthems where you can imagine yourself listening to it at a rooftop party, throwing your hands in the air and jumping around without a care. It starts with some isolated vocals which then build up into an incredibly energetic chorus, and then slows down again to the same lines near the end before going right back into the chorus. Just when you thought it was ending, it picks right back up again; showing that this song is for people who don’t want the party to end.

Source: Last.fm

2nd Grade - Michayla

It’s that time of year when I feel that music takes on a different meaning, headphones in, long walks in the sunshine or on a picnic in the park. There are so many BTS songs that I love blaring out of my car with the windows down or in my home with the windows and door open on a bright summer day. Second Grade is a great song to play in these situations, with it’s fun beat and the fact you can sing along too.

This song is the 13th track on the album Dark and Wild, it describes Bangtans second year in the industry after debut. During the 2018 Festa celebrations, Namjoon (RM) changed some of the lyrics and they sang ‘fifth grade’ instead.

Second Grade talks about the success of their debut year but also how they haven’t changed as people:

‘Nothing’s really changed baby, it’s my second year of kpop
I’m still 181 baby, only my heart grew taller
I’m the first in my class baby, I even got the rookie award
Going around the halls, I even get greeted by new juniors
I think I know what’s going on now, rehearsals going smoothly
I have juniors a year below me and I think I’m doing well now’

The speed at which their debut year passed by is the subject of one of the verses but also recognising that they still need to work hard, which is something BTS have always spoken about. Even now, into their 6th year, they always mention their desire to work harder and show the best of themselves as much as possible.

‘I’m already in my second year (oh no)
At the blink of an eye, time is so fast (go go)
Work hard play hard right
A year passed like a miracle bye
But what to do? I’m getting worried
I might be a bit more comfortable but there’s still so much to learn’

Second Grade has a great feel to it and is definitely a song that gets you moving and humming along. At one point during the song it sounds like a snake charmers flute playing which always makes me laugh because I feel like I have been charmed by BTS!

The chorus is great and repetitive, something I can sing along with and dance to, especially the part with the gunshots to represent the ‘bang it, bang it’:

‘At the blink of an eye, I went to grade 2
Pulling on my chains again cause time flowing fast
(Still everyday) Bang it bang it, bang it bang it
(Still everyday) Bang it bang it, bang it bang it
At the blink of an eye, I went to grade 2
I only chased my dreams but now I’m setting the stage on fire
(Still everyday) Bang it bang it, bang it bang it
(Still everyday) Bang it bang it, bang it bang it’

On a bright summer day, ‘Second Grade’ is just the song I will be blasting out because it is a feel good song and when BTS perform it live, they always look like they are having lots of fun!

Source: YouTube

Outro: Wings - Eve

How could you have a summer playlist without Outro:Wings Well you can’t, it has the perfect summer feel about it, light summery beats with an anthemic chorus that you can’t help but dance and sing to.

Spread spread spread my wings
La la la la la la, la la la la la la
Spread spread spread my wings
La la la la la la, la la la la la la
Wings are made to fly fly fly
Fly fly fly
If my wings could fly

Wings has such an uplifting message too, it’s the kind of song you put on when you’re having a bad day and it turns your mood upside down.

I really identify with J-Hope’s verse, I’m of a certain age where I feel completely unsatisfied with my job, I want to take the leap and find that one job I will run to each morning with a huge smile on my face.  But responsibilities make that seem so so far out of my reach, little did I know that I was going to be inspired to follow my dreams.

Now I know
I’m breaking up with regretting with age
I made a decision
I will have unconditional trust
It’s time to be brave
I’m not afraid
Because I believe
Because I’m different from before
I won’t cry on my path
I won’t hang my head low
That is the sky
And I’ll be flying there, fly

This song on loud, me in the garden, sat in my favourite chair in the garden, a blanket (I live up north, the sun doesn’t last long) perfect!

Source: YouTube

Where You From - Charlie

‘Where You From’ is a fun, lighthearted track from the Skool Luv Affair album. In it, BTS sing and rap about how pretty and mysterious a girl is, and how they want to know where she came from.

“Where did you come from?

Won’t you tell me your name?

I’m so eager to know

So very curious to know”

The lyrics describe the excitable feelings of love (perhaps Summer love, if you interpret it according to our playlist!) as the boys nervously attempt to ask out the mysterious girl.

“Have you eaten? I’m not just flirting with you

Wanna get some coffee? Is coffee okay?”

The cheesiness and pure blanket-kick style nervousness of the boys’ mindsets is continued in such adorable lines as “Are you older than me? You aren’t? Then I’m your oppa!” and “You look fresh like a salad, so smooth”. And those examples are just from the first verse. These silly lines are a nice break from more serious tracks on the album such as ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Spine Breaker’, and show BTS having fun with a cheesy romantic song that isn’t taking itself too seriously. It also has a very sweet message which is made clearer in the chorus: that even though they may be from different places, people from different parts of the world are still the same and can fall in love with whomever they want from anywhere else.

“I’m from Busan, and you’re from Gwangju

But we’re alike

Even here in Seoul, even there in Jeju Island

Everyone’s in love, oh yeah”

Lyrics aside, this song is perfect for a summer playlist as the backing music is very tropical-sounding throughout. It makes me instantly feel like I’m at a little bar at a beach. It sounds very fresh (much like the smooth salad Yoongi was rapping about in verse 1). Accompanied with the members’ breezy vocals, it is a fun and perfectly summery song.

Source: ibighit

Lets celebrate Summer and bring some sunshine into our lives on the following Spotify link - Summer with BTS

Get Motivated with BTS

We all need to summon some motivation from time to time whether it be to study, finish that essay, some spring cleaning, walk the dog or simply get out of bed. These are the songs that inspire us to get moving when it seems that our motivation has disappeared.

Is there a particular BTS song that motivates you? Tell us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Pied Piper chosen by ARMY

Michayla - This was a surprise winner this week and it was a close call between Pied Piper and Persona. I find this song motivating because the beat for the chorus is one you can hum along to, it's very catchy. Pied Piper is a song encouraging you to work hard and urges you to focus on the positives… this is a song about being determined.

Charlie - Whenever I find myself looking through BTS videos when I could have sworn I was halfway through an essay or cleaning just a moment ago (which happens very, often), I listen to this song. It may be BTS roasting us for spending too much time on them, but it’s also a reminder that they want us to succeed, and the videos and pictures of them will still be there for us to reward ourselves with after we’ve worked hard. This is probably a very relevant message for any ARMYs going through exams right now, so listen well - right before you get back to working hard and making BTS proud.

Eve - The tongue in cheek song about the listener’s obsession with BTS, they know their fans so well and they know all about the fabled BTS black hole that awaits every willing BTS newbie, pulling them in and releasing them as ARMY and this song is their way to let them know, take a break, they’ll be here when you have gotten through life's tasks. We’ve all been there an hour, couple of hours later waking up completely fulfilled with the content you have just watched but in an absolute loss as to how those hours passed so quickly.

I love this song, it’s so catchy and again when I’m driving along blasting the song out of my speakers I can’t help but join in the chorus.

Source: BigHit

Danger - Michayla

From the second this song starts, it starts a fire in my belly and pushes me forward, this is the reason that Danger was one of the songs I chose for this motivational playlist. Danger is on the album, Dark and Wild and also has a Japanese version, both with accompanying MV’s.

This song has attitude and is essentially about the unfairness of being in love where one side has stronger feelings than the other. Danger is a teen angst song with Namjoon’s (RM) first verse asking questions of his lover and the need for answers to the injustices of their relationship:

‘You treat me like this everyday
You only care about yourself like you are just you
I am just I, that’s your kind of formula
Does your phone work right? Really?
Am I really your boy friend? I’m sick of this!
Why are you holding back your expression of love like you put off your homework?
Is it like a business relationship for you? Or Do you hate me or what?
Don't don't dig it, don't don't
Please be more affectionate! I pray for it again today’

You need drive and motivation to want a relationship to work and this has to be equal on both sides if it is to be successful. In Jungkook’s verse he describes the relationship as being ‘parallel lines’ which certainly suggests that they are 2 very separate people, with no crossover. It also addresses the fact that he feels that the love is stronger on his side:

‘We are like parallel lines. We are so different though we both are looking at the same place
You are the only one that I got inside but I feel like that I’m outside of you
Whenever I turn sulky you ask me, “Are you mad at me?”
Have you ever really done something to me?
You are a sweetie! But I’m just a poor boy
I wish the miracle would happen that you love more than I do’

My favourite part of ‘Danger’ has to be Taehyung’s (V) growl in the middle as he repeats the lines:

‘You hurt me so!
You hurt me so!
You hurt me so!
Don’t get me twisted
You are too bad to me!
You are too bad to me!
You are too bad to me!
Don’t get me twisted’

Taehyung almost ‘shouts’ the words and in the MV he sings it with such attitude which is a direct contrast to the gentle vocals of Jin and Jungkook. Hearing the angst in Taehyung’s voice is a great motivator and definitely urges me forward, driving me to complete whichever task it is that I may have started. I was listening to this song whilst out walking my dogs and it certainly motivated me to walk with purpose.

Source: ibighit - YouTube

Tony Montana - Charlie

‘Tony Montana’ is the sixth track (and one of my personal favourites) from Yoongi’s AGUST D mixtape. From the eerie guitar sounds at the start, to Yoongi’s gravelly, slurring voice throughout the song, it is an intimidating song for me because of its lyrics.

Tony Montana is the name of the main character from the 1983 film ‘Scarface’, whose greed for more money results in his downfall and him becoming a monster. This song reveals parallels between that film and Yoongi’s hope that he does not become blinded by greed from being an idol, and he does not also become a monster. It is a song about how even though ambition is important, you must remain focused on your goals and not let them ruin you.

“I pray

I tell myself I won’t hope for other’s failure

My family and fan, and my team are my top priorities

That’s right, let’s earn money

My grand ambition is quite high

The world is yours

Now the entire world is god damn in my hand”

This message is perhaps a different kind of motivation to the others on this playlist; it displays the dangers of letting hopes of success get to your head, and it emphasises the importance of always ensuring that your motivations are good.

“I want the money to chase me but I hope

I don’t become the monster chasing only money”

The refrain of this song is catchy in a creepy sort of way; Yoongi carelessly says he has no problems and repeats that he feels like the character in the film as he laughs to himself, and an ominous “bang bang bang” can be heard in the background, signifying the violent lengths Tony Montana goes to.

“Sorry I have no problem shit

Mo money mo problem shit

I know, feel like ha Tony Montana

I know, feel like ha Tony Montana

I know, feel like ha Tony Montana

I know, feel like ha Tony Montana”

The song motivates me - it motivates me to be true to myself and remain focussed on my goals in a healthy way, as Yoongi is trying to do and is telling his listeners to in the song. On a lighter note, the song surely gets me pumped to get work done when I watch the live version featuring Jimin’s fun and lit rap.

Source: YouTube

N.O - Eve

This is the lead song from BTS’ album, O!RUL8,2? released in 2013. The song has a strong message of saying no to the expectations put on you, recognise what the path other people have placed on your life, have done to you as a person, and leave it behind.

Suga’s verse sums it up perfectly:

Who is the one who made us into study machines?
It's either number one or a failure
They trap us in borders, the adults
There’s no choice but to consent
Even if we think simply, it’s the survival of the fittest
Who do you think is the one who makes us step on even our close friends to climb up? What?

Be who you want to be.  It’s such an important message to give to people today who find themselves falling into unfulfilling paths. I love the way this song starts with the building strings and the building beat, gets me in the mood to take on the world.

I need a lot of motivation to not only get to work but to stay there once I arrive, putting this song on in the car on the way there gives me the fight to go on with the day.

Everybody say NO!
It's not going to work anymore
Don't be captured in others dreams

Having said that I love to listen to this song while I’m dusting, ironing and vacuuming, they are the things after work I need the most motivation to set about doing and sticking on BTS on my earphones while I’m powering through the house, ignoring the kids that seem to be following me, making the exact same mess I am trying to clean up, but who cares when you have BTS and their music blasting in your ears.

It took a lot of courage for BTS (with some encouragement from their agency) to step up and write and sing songs about these kind of feelings and situations, and it’s one of the reasons their fans have grown and learnt with them about becoming the kind of person they want to be, not what the world wants them to be.

Source: YouTube

Find your motivation with BTS at the following Spotify link: Get Motivated with BTS