Weekly Playlist 💜

Bringing you a new look weekly playlist


Absent Holidays

The pandemic has made holidays impossible, with many of us having to reschedule our plans and it is quite natural that we are thinking of the places we should be going to. Our playlist this week is all about those absent holidays, the songs to listen to while feeling all those emotions was our plan.

Add the absent holidays playlist to your Spotify at the following link: Absent Holidays 

Euphoria chosen by ARMY

Michayla - I was rooting for ‘Euphoria’ this week in the poll because it is the song that cures everything for me. It’s the song that I listen to on repeat particularly when life gets tough and life has certainly been tough this year. I should have been in Korea in April and receiving the refund wasn’t pleasant. Listening to ‘Euphoria’ is my happy place, it reminds me that happier days will come and the image of Jungkook flying over our heads during the Speak Yourself tour will be with me forever. This song reminds me to never give up because I saw Jungkook’s heartbreak caused by his injury at the O2 in 2018 and how much it meant to him to finally get to perform at Wembley. The song is my escapism, it is my utopia and I have definitely made good use of it in 2020.

Cheryl - I’m not surprised that Euphoria won the poll this week.  It is such a pretty song - the voice of Jungkook just compliments the melody so beautifully and it really does have a holiday feel, even if we are staying at home. This lyric “I don’t know what this feeling is, whether this is all a dream” to me, explains how I am feeling about the current time - - although dream may not be the right adjective! This song just transports me back to Wembley and a moment in time when I heard and saw it performed live. Happier times!

Charlie - Euphoria is a bittersweet song to me. Despite being about the joy of another person’s company, and seeing that very person as your utopia and happy place, or safe space, the music video suggests something quite darker according to the HYYH storyline. In the same way, this song brings up upsetting thoughts of missing the Love Yourself tour, era, and the Speak Yourself tour. It also might make us feel upset that we cannot experience such euphoria with our friends on holiday anymore. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful song, delivered to perfection by our golden vocalist, Jungkook, and if you are missing holidays and the like right now, think of Jungkook excitedly talking about how Euphoria is about the tingling feelings at the beginning of a new romance, and I hope that that will make you smile and look forward to your own happy beginnings. 

Onomey - I thought Stay Gold would win the battle between itself and Euphoria but in the end it was Jungkook's song that came out on top in this weeks poll. This is the time of year when most of us all go on holiday but unfortunately, that hasn’t been able to happen which I guess is why Euphoria was the winner. It is the perfect song for chilling in the sun relaxing and sunbathing. There are many references to the sunlight, the ocean and desert which are all things that remind me of being on holiday as well as the instrumentation that makes you feel like you are by the ocean. Words can’t describe how much I love this song. From the production side of things, I love that the song came from the simplest guitar riffs that we hear in the intro and the verses of the song with the notes D, C and A.

The song has the same feel about it as Begin emotion wise but it is clear that Jungkook has developed massively on how to control his emotional side when singing this song as he takes you along for the ride in the journey that he is on and it leaves you wanting more once the song is finished. The section of the song that highlights this the most to me is during the bridge because of the exaggeration in his voice is on another level during this part. Listen to this part and see if you notice more the rawness during this section and it will make you love the song that bit more. 

‘Even if the desert becomes cracked 

No matter who shakes this world

Don’t let go of the hand you’re holding

Please don’t wake up from this dream’

bangtan.official 

Seoul - Charlie

Seoul has been one of my favourite tracks from “mono” ever since its release in 2018. It is a calm song that feels to me like a sigh, as it is slow and soft as Namjoon reflects on ambivalent thoughts about the city of Seoul. 

Holidays, fun trips and making incredible memories with friends in new and exciting places seems to be so out of reach right now, and we are all resigned to staying trapped in our hometowns. Therefore, I found Seoul to be quite a fitting song, as it is about Namjoon seeming to be tired of the city in which he lives, of which he does not have nostalgic memories, and these thoughts culminate in the bridge of the song as he considers whether he wants to just leave the city, or if he loves it too much. 

“What holds me back by your side like this?

I don't even have anything to reminisce about you

I'm so sick of you now

That same old ashy face of yours every day”

Namjoon considers the fact that “seoul” and “soul” sounds the same, and wonders why this is, as he doesn’t see the soul of his city. As someone who loves nature, it is understandable that such an industrial city as Seoul would feel weird for Namjoon, which is why he also considers that maybe his feelings towards Seoul, love and hate, are the same too. His use of wordplay to describe frustrated and confusing thoughts about the very city that has given him his livelihood, is profound, as expected from Namjoon. 

“If love and hate are the same words

I love you Seoul

If love and hate are the same words

I hate you Seoul”

The song is relaxed despite its somewhat morose subject matter, and I find it interesting that as he seesaws from “I love you Seoul / I hate you Seoul”, he ends the bridge with “I’m living you” (rather than “I’m leaving you”), the last chorus with “If love and hate are the same words I hate you Seoul” and the outro with “I hate you Seoul”. It is like he has decided, out of love and hate, he hates Seoul more than he loves it, but he has accepted that he is living there, and not leaving it. Despite how much he may sometimes be desperate to leave, he still acknowledges that it is his home now, where he has made many new memories with his members, and he is happy to stay there. 

Big Hit Labels 

Jamais Vu - Cheryl

Jamais Vu in French translates as “never seen” and whilst researching this song on YouTube I came across Namjoon’s VLive where he explains that Jamais Vu is where you experience the same thing as before but it all feels unfamiliar.  He resembled it to visiting a street in South Korea and although he had been there many times, he would still get lost because it would feel as if he hadn’t actually been there before.

Namjoon also said that this was a sub-unit we had not seen before, which personally I found very exciting. In some ways, as they have been together for 7 years I’m surprised but relieved that there are units that have not been put together yet. I feel very excited for forthcoming songs and sub-units.

I am curious about how the sub-unit was orchestrated.  Namjoon said he wished he had J-Hope’s parts and that the other members wanted parts too - I wonder if they experiment with how a song sounds before choosing who sings what? That would make an interesting behind the scenes video!

Reading the translated lyrics of Jamais Vu I got the sense that Namjoon (he wrote the song) is comparing their life to a game and how with games if you lose and it’s all over you can just start again, or be given the necessary tools to achieve the next level.  Also, you can stop the game where you are and restart at the same level - pause it. 

As we know, life is not a game, there is no pause button and if it’s game over, well then that’s kind of it!  But, like a game we can learn or obtain the next set of tools to expand our horizons and take on new challenges.

I believe Jin’s chorus is an example of Jamais Vu:

I'm fine but I'm not fine

I told myself I was used to it

It always hurts like it's the first time

Personally my favourite part of the song is the outro:

Please give me a remedy

(So is this success, I came back)

A remedy that will make my heart beat again

(I'll concentrate on reaching you no matter what, falling, stumbling)

What should I do now?

(This familiar pain seizes on me again)

Save me

(It's not easy this time either)

Please give me another chance

(Am I giving up? No, no never)

I won't give up

I just love how this beautiful sad song ends on a positive note of never giving up!

bangtan.official 

Outro: Tear - Michayla

I feel for everyone who had holidays booked and have had to apply for refunds this year, for many it was their only chance of a break. I was due to fly out to Korea in April so I certainly did shed a ‘tear’ when the refund for the flights and hotel finally came through. 

Many of the songs chosen for the playlist this week were somewhat ironic with many of the titles speaking for themselves, ‘Tear’ being one of them. 

‘Tear’ is my favourite rap line song, it punches hard and is absolute fire when they perform it live. I can honestly say that I feel a little sad at the prospect of never seeing it performed live ever again, even though I am sure ‘Ugh’ may give it a run for its money.

This is a dark song with a beat that makes you move with it whether you like it or not. There is so much angst in ‘Tear’ that it is perfect for the days when you’re thinking about the beach you should be laying on or the theme park ride you should be on. The lyrics are strong and punchy, laced with emotion as they talk about saying goodbye to a love and the end of a relationship.

Hobi’s voice really hits me hard and the way he performs this song just adds to all the many reasons why I love it. Hobi’s verse with Yoongi talks about how two people can be on the same path but then things go sour and you have to come to terms with the fact that your relationship is over. It’s that time when the situation becomes bitter and negative, when you have to deal with the reality that all your joint hopes and dreams won’t be going any further and you have to find a new path because the one you were on together has divided, with you both going in different directions.

‘We walked towards the same place

But this place becomes our last

Although we used to talk about forever

Now we break each other without mercy

Although we thought that we dreamed the same dream

That dream has finally become a dream

My heart is torn, please burn it instead

So that pain and regret, none of that would be left’

2020 has most definitely taken a different path to the one that many of us expected at the start of the year so ‘Tear’ seems to fit in with this week’s theme very well. I think that many of us had things to look forward to, that we haven’t been able to experience but we will get there one day and BTS have taught us that it is okay to feel the way we are feeling as long as we hold onto the hope that brighter days are coming… fighting!

 

bangtan.official 

Run - Onomey

I chose to write about Run just so I could finish telling the story I mentioned to our team meeting about something that happened when I was on my way to Thailand on holiday. So the story is, on the trip to Thailand with my sister, her boyfriend and my mum, we had to stop at Dubai airport to change planes to get to Thailand. The gap between our next flight was hours away so we walked to a bar that we thought was near our gate whilst we watched the rest of the Liverpool match that was on at the time. As a bit of time passed by we decided to start heading to the gate as from the signs, it was right next to the bar we were at, or so we thought. We start walking and walking, whilst realising that the gate is way further than we first thought. We ended up making the flight in the end by a minute or two because it turned out that Dubai airport is huge and we had to get two lifts, a 10-minute train ride and a long walk which we ran and it still took us 30 minutes but felt like an eternity. We nearly missed the flight completely because when we were figuring out where to go, we asked a member of staff but she clearly didn’t understand us and was pointing in a completely different direction to where we needed to go which nearly made us miss the train we needed to get. 

During all of this chaos, I happened to have Run on repeat which is why it reminds me of being on holiday. I’m convinced that it was down to BTS in my ears that made us reach that flight in time as it motivated me to keep going. 

With Run being about the more outgoing and daring side to being young, it makes it a great song to have on your holiday playlist as that’s what everyone tends to do on holiday, exploring new things that expands your whole world and how you see it. The one thing I have a massive soft spot for is when RM rap sings which we are blessed with straight away as he lets us know what exactly they will be and have been running towards for so long. 

‘you’re my sun, the one and only in this world

I bloom for you, but you make me thirsty

It’s too late, too late

I can’t live without you

Even if I’m drying out, I try harder to reach you’

Instead of rambling, I always like to pick out the part of the song that shows the talents of BTS for both ARMY to go back and listen to the song over and over again, and also people who have never listened to the song before. In this song, I think that most people would agree with me when I say that the bridge is the section that gives me goosebumps is the bridge as the clearness in which it is sung makes the vocals sound almost angelic especially with the finger click being the only strong instrumentation used that keeps the beat to guide the vocal line. The vocal harmony between Jungkook and Jimin is magical, to say the least as they are begging ‘please let me breathe’.

‘Memories crumble like dried flower petals

At the tip of my fingers, under my feet

Right behind your back

I’m chasing butterflies, so lost in dreams

I follow your traces

Show me the way, please stop me

Let me breathe’

I’d be interested to know what songs remind people of their holidays or make them think about going on holiday, it is a very interesting thing to think about as the same song can be interpreted in so many different ways. So if you’re reading this and enjoyed this week's theme, let us know what song you would’ve chosen and have a listen to our playlist of songs.

1theK

 

Big Hit Labels

Whatever The Weather

This week we have experienced some extreme weather in the UK, from blistering heat to heavy rain so we have created a BTS playlist for every eventuality.

Add the playlist at the following link: Whatever the Weather 

ON chosen by ARMY

Michayla - If you have seen my replies to @BTSRadioUK tweets, you will probably already know that I have an addiction to this song so it may not come as a surprise when I say that I love this! I did have difficulty voting this week though because there were some great choices for a stormy day, and ‘ON’ won by only 1% which shows that you guys had trouble choosing too. 

The beat, drums and marching sound make this a great song to play when there is a storm. There is an element of darkness through the music but in complete contrast it is uplifting. ‘ON’ gives you motivation to keep fighting ‘Rain be pouring, sky keep falling’ but ‘You can’t hold me down cuz you know I’m a fighter’. There isn’t anything else that I need when the skies are miserable and mother nature is trying to dampen the mood.

Onomey - Wow, the poll was ridiculously close this week between ON and Ugh with 1% separating the two songs and ON becoming victorious in the close battle. I myself chose to vote for ON, I felt I had to because it literally has the words ‘rain be pourin’ sky keep falling’ so I had no choice. I start to panic in excitement when I try to talk about this song because there are so many things to talk about with this song. I really enjoy the cleverness of the production of the track the way it uses the marching band and the deep vocal effect to make it sound like a big group of people marching to the beat. The boys know how to come back with a bang when it comes to their title tracks especially. What I love most about this song is Jimin because when he feels himself performing it is amazing to watch this confident, almost arrogant persona take control of his body. His vocals are golden especially during the ‘hey na na na’ sections, it hit your soul and gets you pumped up. 

There are plenty of moments where each member shines to me which is what makes the song such a great hit because unlimited amounts of highlights, for example, Jhope's verse is so powerful and full of emotions and a hint of pride or arrogance as he's letting us know how he has overcome the attacks and battles of pain he has had to go through. I also think that there is a side to him that is trying to convince his own self that he is strong and over all of the negatives, he has faced in order to be able to combat it better the next time he has to battle against pain.

'Bring the pain

It'll become my blood and flesh

Bring the pain 

No fear now that I know the way

Breathe on the small things

My air and my light in the dark

The power of the things that make me "me"

Even if I fall, I come right up, scream'

Get streaming ON during this period of crazy weather no matter how you are feeling as it is guaranteed to get you feeling happy and strong enough to take on the world.

Charlie - When the weather is stormy, a song like ON is perfect to embrace the chaos and symbolise being ready for whatever conditions life throws at you. The dance is powerful and impactful, and hits you like hailstones on the window. The lyrics are full of drama, and Jungkook’s epic bridge is especially suited for torrential weather. Namjoon said that this song was about having to go insane to remain sane in a society where things seem confusing and wrong, and it also seems to be about not allowing haters to bring you down. In my view, such chaotic yet determined emotions can be represented well by listening to this song while the weather outside is being unforgiving. 

Cheryl - This week’s poll was incredibly close with only 1% difference between ON and UGH! Both of these songs have powerful themes. ON has a positive fighting theme with the marching band background, whilst UGH! is about rage and hate, perhaps this suits the world right now.  There appears to be a lot of energy around and these two songs are full of energy and power. My favourite ON lyrics are:

‘Where my pain lies

Let me take a breath

My everythin’ 

My blood and tears

Got no fears

I’m singin’ ohhhhhh

Oh I’m takin’ over

You should know yeah

Can’t hold me down ‘cuz you know I’m a fighter

Choosing to descend into the dark abyss

Find me and I’m gonna bleed with ya’

Big Hit Labels 

Idol - Michayla

There are some songs that instantly make you feel like brighter days have arrived and ‘Idol’ is one of them for me. It is one of those songs that make you feel happy on a dreary day and magnify the happiness on a sunny day so it definitely belongs on this playlist.

The brightest element of ‘Idol’ is the MV, which is colourful to say the least and that would certainly cheer up any room when the grey clouds descend. On top of that, you have iconic choreography that gets you moving wherever you are and whatever the weather, makes you feel good.

‘Idol’ is the lead track on Love Yourself Answer and was my first comeback so has a special place in my heart, plus I was at the O2 when they opened the shows with it too. The song is so upbeat and fun, the members look like they had fun making the MV and they definitely look like they have fun whilst performing it, which instantly makes me smile.

This song has a message to the haters who have put Idols down and to those whose words may have prevented BTS from loving themselves.

‘Keep on chit-chatting, saying this and that

I do what I do, so you do you

You can’t stop me lovin’ myself’

This is such a motivational verse and something that almost everyone can relate to when they have allowed other people’s negative words to affect them. BTS say that you can’t stop people from spouting hate so let them continue but make sure you don’t change yourself because of it. I really feel this message is important because you can’t control what others say but you can ensure you don’t allow it to get to you.

Be happy, whatever the weather and let Idol brighten your day.

Big Hit Labels 

You Never Walk Alone - Onomey

With Liverpool recently becoming champions of England, the song You’ll Never Walk Alone has been in my head recently which is why I decided to write about You Never Walk Alone as it has similar meaning within the song to the YNWA that Liverpool use. The lines in You’ll never Walk Alone that make me link the Liverpool theme song to the BTS song is ‘Walk on through the wind, Walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown’. 

This song is great to listen to in all seasons and weathers especially recently during this crazy period of intense storms that quickly change to sunshine. The thing that makes this song special in its own right is that they focus on being able to focus on a journey throughout the song. It starts with Suga doubting things but refusing to give in to that by quickly changing his mindset to being able to rely on each other in order to gain strength to recover from past scars and wounds. The opening line by Suga ‘Hey, why does God always make us feel lonely’ gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes straight away because at times I do think about this which has made me fall in and out of religion at times.

Despite the vocals not being the main part of the song, they are very much central to the song because without them we would never have the iconic.

‘Ay I never walk alone 

I can feel the warmth in your hand that I’m holding 

Ay you never walk alone

Feel me, you’re not alone either’

When the weather or life is getting you down or if you need motivation with anything, I would suggest using this as a mantra for life as I think that it is a clever way to say that progress does not come easily, it comes in little baby steps but with others to guide you, it will come in time.

‘Come on crawl, crawl, crawl

Crawl it, like it like that

Baby walk, walk, walk

Walk it, like it like that

Baby run, run, run

Run it, like it like that

Baby fly, fly, fly

Fly it, like it like that’

BANGTANTV 

Stay Gold - Cheryl

Stay Gold is their first Japanese single off their new (soon to be released) album, Map of the Soul:7 - Journey. Firstly, I really enjoy how the song starts slowly and intimately with Jungkook and then builds gradually into the chorus. What a punch the chorus has - so much depth and feeling and of course it’s also very catchy.

Stay Gold is a very uplifting positive song -just what we all need in these strange uncertain times.

Upon reading the lyrics it would appear to be a love song, particularly with regards to the bridge:

Just close your eyes

Say nothing

I'll steal your heart

Like magic

If it's a miracle, I'll tell you, yeah

Reach out those hands

Also, RM’s and Suga’s verse:

Charming moonlight

Another sleepless night

Playing hide and seek under the moonlight

Dive into your heart, getting closer

Before you know it

Don't know the impurity

Your eyes are like diamonds

Prettier than any other gem

I am constantly fascinated

Can't take my eyes off you, no more

I am wondering what Stay Gold actually means. I did have one thought which was if you go past each consonant by one the word is Home - is that a coincidence?  As currently we are all having to stay home and the video seems to be set in a homely environment. Gold for me means success (like winning a gold medal at the Olympics or winning a trophy), so maybe it’s a reminder to remember your successes and try and stay positive.

With regards to the outro BTS are reminding us that they are with us, they are holding our hands and do not want to let go:

Peeking moonlight

Won't let sleep tonight

Hold my hand tight

I don't want to let go

Personally, I am very excited to hear the new Japanese songs

Spring Day - Charlie

When exploring the songs from BTS’ discography that can fit a playlist suitable for any weather, it makes sense to include a song that, while focusing on cold winter days and wishing for Spring to finally arrive, resonates with people all year round. Spring Day has not left the Melon chart ever since it was first released in February 2017, which is a testament to the longevity and universality of its message. It is a song about the very human condition of missing someone, and is something that everyone can relate to in some way, hence why it is always being streamed by someone somewhere. 

From the very first “bogo shipda” (I miss you) of the first verse, which is a simple statement summing up the helpless feeling of just wanting someone to come back to you when they are all that is on your mind, your heart breaks. The simplicity of the song, and the lack of grand concepts other than the fleeting nature of friendship and time together, make it work so well. 

“Miss you

Saying this makes me miss you even more

Miss you

Even though I’m looking at your photo

Time’s so cruel, I hate us

Seeing each other for once is now so hard between us”

Namjoon’s verse displays how the feeling of loss transcends the passing of the seasons, as he says, “It’s all winter here, even in August”. From lyrics like these to the way the instrumental reminds me of the sighing and whispering of wind, the song has a way of evoking the feelings of a cold and lonely day. 

Yoongi and Jimin’s verse also stands out, as their verse sounds like a conversation between friends who are wondering why their friendship went downhill, and who is to blame. They sound frustrated and helpless, and admit that they will choose to erase the person they miss, as it is less painful than blaming them. Complex emotions are brought to light in this song. 

Whether it is a sunny day that you want to end so that you can see a loved one in Autumn, or a cold day in winter that you wish would end so it could be spring, this song can apply to going through many seasons feeling alone, and therefore its message is important and relatable no matter the weather. It can help calm you down on stressful hot days, reassure you in a storm, and warm you up in the harsh cold. 

“You know it all

You’re my best friend

The morning will come again

No darkness, no season is eternal”

Big Hit Labels 

Japanese BTS

With the release of Stay Gold we were inspired to look at all the Japanese songs BTS have done, both original songs and the Japanese versions of firm Korean favourites. 

Do you have a favourite Japanese version? Get in touch with us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

You can add the playlist to your Spotify at the following link: Japanese Playlist #BTS 

Airplane Pt.2 chosen by ARMY

Michayla - The Japanese version of Airplane Pt.2 is one that most ARMY will know due to it having an MV all of its own. The MV is definitely worth watching and we have linked it below. I suspected this would win the poll this week due to it being one of the most well known Japanese versions and either option would have been a worthy winner. I’ve probably heard this version more than the Korean version which is on Love Yourself Tear and Answer because I do love the MV.

Charlie - BTS have performed in huge stadiums all over the world, and frequently in Japan. Therefore, it is fitting to speak about their Japanese version of Airplane pt. 2, a song about how BTS have become so international and spent so much time on airplanes visiting ARMY outside of their home country of Korea. The song is in a Latin style and the chorus references Paris, London, Brazil, New York, and other iconic places where they frequently perform. The song has such a grand message that spans the entire world, and yet there are still sneaky remarks about the small, amusing perks that BTS get from being so booked and busy, such as Hoseok’s verse (lifted from Airplane, a track from his own mixtape) which snarkily references how high his mileage points are, and offers to give them away to console others. 

Onomey - I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter what language this song is in, it will always be a bop; the Japanese version of this song proved that. They have managed to create a Latin styled song with Korean and Japanese lyrics which is just something special in itself and it helps that the song is produced to perfection as well. All of the boys have a very fair amount lyrically to let themselves shine. Through this song becoming the poll winner, I have only just fully realised that the song is not solely based on bragging about where they’ve been to around the world. It seems to me from looking at the lyrics, the group added a more personal spin to the lyrics to begin with by having Jungkook begin the song with something that he would’ve felt like when he first found his love for singing. 

‘An odd kid

He sang as if he was breathing

Wherever was fine

He only wanted to do music

Only singing

The thing that made his heartbeat’

RM and Suga add their own personal spin which makes this a true BTS song as throughout their catalogue they are able to still put a deeper meaning within the lyrics for us all to think about and delve into. BTS truly served Army and specifically the Japanese Army with a delicious treat in the form of a music video for the Japanese version of this song but just in case you haven’t watched it yet just like myself. My excuse is that I couldn’t handle even clicking on the video to see wet haired bangtan on my screen. I won’t speak much on it but will say go and watch it now!

Cheryl - I love that Airplane Pt.2 won the poll this week - it has such a sunny vibe. Straight away this song has a Latin sound with the introduction.  This Latin sound then caresses throughout the song beautifully and harmonises with their vocals. On the first play it sounds uplifting and joyful but upon inspecting the lyrics, as always there are deeper thoughts behind the sound. I believe the song is about the difference between the beginning for BTS and how successful they are becoming. The repeat of El Mariachi is quite a hook together with all the countries they would be touring.  I remember the thrill of hearing London to Paris in the song and wanting so much to see them.  The chorus also states that wherever they go it’s a party and wherever they go they will sing. All very true!

UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN 

Crystal Snow - Michayla

This week I made a point of listening again, to all the Japanese songs BTS have released but there was only ever going to be one choice for me when it came to writing about one of them. ‘Crystal Snow’ is not only my favourite Japanese song, but it is also one of my absolute favourite BTS songs, full stop. 

I love everything about this song and I actually wish I could sing along with more than I do (not that anyone needs to hear me singing). For the lines I can’t sing, I find myself humming to the melody which is so beautiful. Part of me wishes that Crystal Snow had an MV and the other part of me knows I would probably not watch anything else every again so perhaps it is for the best.

‘Crystal Snow’ is about finding a deep love but tragically that love is failing and the lovers have to drift apart. Older ARMY may have experienced a relationship they had with someone who they simply met at the wrong time, perhaps because their lives were moving in different directions. It is quite tragic when you cross paths with a person but you know that your love can’t develop because the time isn’t right for either of you.

Hobi’s voice is heavenly:

‘We met each other beyond all time

So now how do we do? Can we make it work?

This fragile love’

The chorus tells the story perfectly, with one of the lovers having to accept that other will disappear but vowing to find them again when the time is right:

‘I want to hold you one more time before you disappear

Crystal flies high to reach you

Hey, words aren't enough to express my feelings but I will tell you as it is

Can I touch your heart?

I want you to believe me, I’ll come get you

Someday, someday’

The vocal line steals the show for me in this song even though it really is a true OT7 gift, with each member’s voice distinguishable. The rap line are so soft in this, their voices so low and gentle, the vocal line takes no prisoners and Tae’s tone is so well suited to this song.

The real moment is the crescendo at 3m 45s, the whole song takes off when Jin hits a note that gives me goosebumps. For the next 1m 38s, Jin, Tae, Jungkook and Jimin absolutely kill it, in what has to be one of my favourite parts of any song. Their voices are sublime, hearing the four of them together is beautiful and you really can hear how well they complement one another. Jimin’s high notes take the song to another level, you get the richness of Jin’s voice, the deep velvety smoothness that Tae always gives and the very last line sung by Jungkook, which always makes me press repeat so I can listen to the whole song again.

‘Forever baby (baby), crystal snow’

Wishing on a Star - Cheryl

The opening line of the song is “the story that we paint” and I felt that this song was like watching an artist paint a picture. The vocals, harmonies, backing vocals and melody sure do paint a pretty picture, which seems to build throughout the song.

There is the mention of Pandora in the song and as you may recall in Greek mythology a box was given to a woman named Pandora and Zeus told her not to open it - but open it she did. Upon opening the box all suffering and evil was leashed upon Earth. The only thing that remained in the box was Hope. Did you know that according to Wikipedia this is why J-Hope chose Hope for his stage name - he wanted to be the Hope for BTS and as it turns out Hope for Army too.

This song is all about dreaming, wishing, and hoping; and the message comes across beautifully. The message also contains the familiar “be true to yourself” phrase which seems a major message from BTS.

My favourite lyrics of the song are:

Even if I have to endure it, I'll continue to move forward

Even if all these tears dry out

Right, just being myself, just the way I am

If I can sing, nothing will ever be hard

These 4 lines just say so much, there is a lot of pain described here but also hope and belief, not just for the future but also accepting and believing in yourself.

What surprised me with this song is that the ending is sung by Suga - I’m not sure if there is another song by the whole group where Suga has the final lyrics? Please enlighten me, if I’m incorrect. His lyrics are:

Uh uh ey, start moving, boy

Throbbing heartbeat, it's starting now, boy

Life is one coin clear

Small troubles are nothing

Do it seriously, there's really no second chance

Ur possibilities have no limit boy, there's no limit value

You can be a star, you can be a star, don't forget that

You will brightly light up what's ahead, like a star

Suga’s lyrics appear to be a personal message to himself and can also be applied to anyone who may need a little reminder that you can achieve anything if you don’t give up and keep moving forward and wish on a star.

bangtan.official 

Good Day - Onomey

Usually, I don’t tend to go out of my way to listen to Japanese versions of any k-pop idol apart from when it comes to BTS, especially when it is original versions of songs. They seem to have such a massive impact in such a creative way which I’m sure makes the songs that bit more special for Japanese listeners. There are plenty of Japanese released songs by BTS that make you feel warm inside as they always seem to be wholesome, whilst at the same time showing a deep and raw emotional side to them. You can relax and soak in songs such as the most recent Japanese release Stay Gold whilst having a cry to songs such as Crystal Snow.

I find myself listening to this song a lot because I enjoy playing along to it on the guitar whilst attempting to sing along because of the funky guitar plucks on the offbeat that create syncopation throughout the song which gives it a happy sounding effect. I like that the hook's melody stays the same but the lyrics change when it comes to the hook before the bridge then changes back to the original hook after the bridge. Speaking of the bridge the subtle harmonies used in this section between V and Jungkook give me goosebumps every time I listen to the song, they’re so beautifully sung with ease and emotion.

‘I said its alright, oh yeah

One day it’ll be a good day, for sure

You won’t be alone, always

I’ll be by your side, we’ll be okay

If we’re connected, surely it’ll be brighter tomorrow’

‘So laugh, oh yeah

Tomorrow is a new day, that’s why

The night is over, oh yeah

The light is shining in, just go your way’

The line in the song that sticks to me in day-to-day life is in Suga's verse ‘as you share happiness, it multiplies but if you share sadness also, it multiples’ it allows me to think about ways I should try to be a more positive person towards people because you can never be sure when someone is going through multiple waves of sadness and even if they aren’t you don’t want to be the reason as to why you trigger someone into a time of sadness. 

If I were to describe this song I would say that it is a very stripped back song production-wise as there aren’t many instruments, only a guitar, piano and a drum kit which are lightly mixed into the song. It is the vocals that carry the song which I would say is the point of the song because the message of the song is important and the vocals need to be heard clearly for all to hear. 

bangtan.official

For You - Charlie

“For You” is a dreamy love song from the Youth album. Upon reading the lyrics, I realised I’d accidentally chosen to write about a song that is quite relevant to how we and BTS are feeling about each other right now. 

The song is about missing someone, but knowing that you will see them soon, and everything you are doing right now is done with the hope that you will see that person again, so all your efforts are worth it. It’s demonstrated in the positively adorable music video, which shows the members banding together to earn money just so that they can afford to gift Jungkook a plane ticket to see someone he misses. It’s one of their most underrated and sweetest music videos in my opinion. In the same way, we are streaming for BTS and they are working hard on the October (unconfirmed at this point) comeback, with the promise that we will see each other again and it is worth working hard because we know that we will be able to support each other face-to-face soon (upon writing this, I realise it’s a week until the Twickenham tour dates, so excuse my emotions. I also realise that For You mirrors the song that won the poll choice, because it is about not being able to see someone yet, as opposed to constantly getting planes to perform for ARMY). There is a certain part of the chorus that especially reminds me of how we have been consoling each other:

“Truth

Even if we are apart

Our hearts are connected to each other

Forever with you”

The song sounds typical of the HYYH era, with its pretty vocals and morose subject matter, but it has an uplifting quality to it that takes different forms depending on the member rapping the verse, before the vocal line takes it in turns to remind us of the important message of the chorus. Namjoon utilises metaphors and imagery to describe the pain of not being with someone: the smell of the road he walks on, only being able to see them within his phone, and yet knowing that they are under the same sky. There is a wisdom and a clarity to his pain. 

“Contrary to my feelings time passes rapidly

Even if I feel insecure

I believe that my heart will not leave you”

Yoongi’s verse focuses on the frustrations and the angst of missing someone, before moving onto the acceptance that his feelings and those of his loved one won’t change and everything will be alright in the end, and Hoseok’s verse is of course full of hope and positivity throughout. Hoseok’s verse is very dreamlike and calming, and grounds the song by slowing down the tempo and then increasing it again; it is important to sometimes slow down and remember that lonely times will pass, because time will go quickly again and everything will work out. 

There is a childlike naivete to how positive the song sounds, as it has an innocent and youthful flair to it, and remains as a lovable and memorable Japanese release. BTS’ Japanese songs seem to have a very emotional and heart-melting touch to them, and For You fits this pattern nicely. 

bangtan.official 

Jin 2020

This week it is our Word Wide Handsome that concludes this run of playlists. Last but by no means least as we take a look at the songs that remind us of our lovely Kim Seokjin.

Is there one song that instantly makes you think of Jin? Come and tell us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Add our Mr. WWH to your Spotify playlist at the following link: Jin 2020 

Tomorrow - chosen by ARMY

Michayla - Our polls are a great way to surprise me and once again I was surprised by this week’s result. This is such a beautiful, motivational song because it urges you to keep going even when you face obstacles and setbacks. The verse that Jungkook and Jin sing is so poignant:

‘Because the dawn right before the sun rises is the darkest

Even in the far future, never forget the you of right now

Wherever you are right now, you’re just taking a break

Don’t give up, you know

Don’t get too far away, tomorrow’

Charlie - Tomorrow is a song that anyone can relate to, about worrying about the future but also being scared of slowing down. It’s one of my personal favourite songs because of the comfort it brings, and in a similar way, Jin is a member that brings me a lot of comfort with his words. He speaks out about not comparing yourselves to others, and it being okay to go at your own pace, and so his words give me the same solace that I feel in this beautiful song. It is also a song about staying determined through life, and that resolute feeling is expressed perfectly by Jin’s strong and stable vocals. 

Cheryl - Tomorrow won the poll this week and it seems very fitting to have done so with the pandemic that the whole world is currently experiencing. It is a positive song about looking forward and following your dreams and that tomorrow will be better than today. Jin tells us not to give up and that even in your far future do not forget the you, that you are right now.  Perhaps this is how BTS have remained so grounded, they have never forgotten their past or from where they came from.

BANGTANTV 

Epiphany - Michayla

Our Mr Worldwide Handsome has the most amazing vocals and I hope he realises how incredibly fundamental he is to each and every song that he is a part of. This is partly why I had such difficulty choosing a song to write about this week because each verse or line in every song makes me feel a certain way.

I settled on ‘Epiphany’ because this is a song that means so much to me on a personal level after I saw it performed live at the O2 for the first time and then Wembley and Stade De France. Each time I witnessed the performance it was utterly breathtaking and not something I will get over in a hurry.

‘Epiphany’ is Jin’s solo from the Love Yourself series and the MV is linked to the BTS theories with the curtains closing etc. This song is almost the crescendo of the whole love yourself story with it culminating in Jin loving himself fully and accepting that.

I think that we all need to remember that loving ourselves is important:

‘I’m the one I should love in this world

Shining me, precious soul of mine

I finally realized so I love me

Not so perfect but so beautiful

I’m the one I should love’

I hold Jin and this song responsible for the loss of my voice at every concert I have been to. When Jin walks up the steps and there’s a pause, the rain changes direction and he hits those notes, I think every single ARMY was singing along and strained their voices. ‘Epiphany’ live is an absolute treat and I am convinced that the ARMY bomb was made specifically for this song because I can’t listen to it with waving my arm in the air.

The music, the MV and Jin’s vocals make this one of the most powerful songs in the Love Yourself series in my opinion.

bangtan.official 

The Truth Untold - Cheryl

The Truth Untold is such a beautiful song. It has such depth, feeling and a vulnerability which I feel the vocal sub unit of BTS has totally captured and expressed so well.

There are some theories that this song is based on the story Smeraldo Flower which is about a man who thinks he’s too ugly to be seen in public.  Over time he falls in love with a girl who visits his garden and steals his flowers to sell.  He wants to create the most unusual flowers so she can make more money. But whilst he is spending so much time in creating the perfect flower, she dies.  The flower he creates is known as the Smeraldo Flower and it is blue. He is left wondering if he had had the courage to get to know her, and her him, would things have ended differently.

Jin’s lines in the song seem to follow this theory, his lines are:

‘And I know

All of your warmth is real

The blue flower your hand was picking

I want to hold it but

Bloomed in a garden of loneliness 

A flower that resembles you

I wanted to give it to you

After I take off this foolish mask

Maybe back then

A little

Just this much

If I had the courage to stand before you

Would everything be different now’

When Jin sings his “Bloomed in a garden” verse, his voice becomes quieter and softer and this is where I found the song to be at its most vulnerable and delicate.  Also, because his voice changes it draws you in and caresses your mind and your thoughts flow along with the song.

In contrast, with Jin’s chorus “Maybe back then” his voice begins to passionately build when he sings about the thoughts of how differently things could have been if only he had had the courage.  The power of hindsight and regret shines through.

This song like some of their others follow the theme of being unable to reveal their real self.  They sing about hiding behind a mask because they are unable to show the ruined part of themselves.  We know that BTS had some insecurities along these lines in the beginning.  I do hope they are less insecure now and are being true to themselves. Part of me does believe this to be the case, surely if they were not they wouldn’t have the incredible following of Army that they have.

bangtan.official 

Converse High - Charlie

With all the talk of songs, verses and moments being ranked lately, and as we have finally come to Jin’s playlist, it seems appropriate to return to a song that is widely considered to contain one of Jin’s best verses. 

“I’m so into your Converse Highs

I can’t help it

I’m so into your Converse Highs

I like it so much”

Converse High is about feeling in love with someone, and specifically being endeared by how they wear converse highs. It’s believed to be inspired by Namjoon’s description of his ideal partner from years ago: red converse, jeans, and a white t-shirt. However, it appears to have some more provocative meanings, with Hoseok’s cryptic lines “Rather than the stars in the sky, I wanna see the stars on your shoes / Haha, without Namjoon knowing” at the end of his verse, and Yoongi saying that he in fact is in opposition to his partner wearing converse highs because they are hard to take off. Overall, it is a sweet-sounding song which is juxtaposed by its bold lyrics, which are explicitly rapped and sung despite the song sounding like it is sung by a sweet and shy teenager in love. 

Jin’s vocals in this song are clean and immaculate. He has a voice which is a pleasure and joy to listen to, as it is simply clear and does not leave you feeling there is anything lacking. This was only around 2 years into Jin’s singing career and we know how seasoned a singer and performer he is now, but even back in 2015 he shone and stood out beautifully. Jin may be known for his role in power ballads, but his versatility glows as he excels in this bouncy pop song. The swinging motion at the “woah-oh-oh-oh-woah-oah” part of the chorus, in which we are blessed with centre Jin, makes it difficult to resist bouncing and singing along. This is a very easy song to listen to and enjoy. 

Towards the end of the pre-chorus, it has an instrumental which is very reminiscent of the whole HYYH era, cementing it as a nice feel-good break from the angst of the era. I feel that Jin stood out in this era, being the one who time-travelled throughout it, and so it is fitting that songs such as Converse High allow his cute side to shine through in-between the emotional drama of these albums. 

bangtan.official 

Fake Love - Onomey

There are two members of the group that I think of when I hear or see the title Fake Love and that is Jimin because the section where he does the pirouette whilst looking amazing and Jin who caught my eye straight away in the music video as he was front and centre a lot; but not only that, he had a lot of dance moves to do whilst in that position which in previous years he rarely did. 

His vocals also throughout this song stand out as he has a fantastic vocal tone that is made for ballads because of the strained technique he uses a lot on long vocal notes. An example of this is heard through the chorus as the lyrics are elongated to highlight the emotions that are entailed in it. ‘I’m so sick of this fakeeee looovee, fakeee looove, fakeeee loovee’. 

The meaning of this song is what makes the impact of this song hit with a massive impact. I always ask this question to non-BTS fans when they listen to this song and I explain the meaning behind it. Who in the charts have such powerful and impactful lyrics that are so relatable to the everyday person? Sometimes I don’t even need to explain because the story is able to be felt through the instrumental and the delivery of the vocals and rapping in the song. 

My favourite section lyrically in the song is the intro and outro because of the truth and relatability about it. We’ve all experienced feeling like this in a situation whether it is in a romantic way or not, we all in life find ourselves trying to be someone else to make a person we love and care for happy. As humans, we do our best to try and hide our insecurities in fear that we may be judged or criticised for these things so instead, we feel it's safe to hide our true selves but it can lead to more insecurities being put on a show for all to see. 

‘For you, I could pretend like I was happy when I was sad

For you, I could pretend like I was strong when I was hurt

I wish love was perfect as love itself

I wish all my weaknesses could be hidden

I grew a flower that can’t be bloomed in a dream that can’t come true’

I feel as though this comeback was the one that enabled Jin to show the world his new self that has been created from a number of years of hard work and skills gained through in the process being part of BTS. We bore witness to a more confident, mature, more developed dancer and vocalist that has continued to grow more and more as each BTS song is released. 

bangtan.official 

Hobi 2020

If ever you need some sunshine in your life then our Hobi is the one to provide it and this week we focused on our very own ray of sunshine, Jung Hoseok.

Which song makes you think of Hobi? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Put some sunshine into your Spotify playlist via the following link: Hobi 2020 

Paldogangsan chosen by ARMY.

Charlie - Paldogangsan is one of my favourite underrated BTS songs, and one of their most lyrically interesting and inventive tracks. The rap line mock the dialects of each other's home cities, and talk about their own dialects and regions. In a way that mirrors Ma City, the members show pride for their home cities. It is a dynamic song that, upon reading the lyrics, sounds like a banter filled conversation between the members, making it perfect for such an expressive member as J-Hope. There is a lot of wordplay in the song, which makes some of its puns hard to understand if you don't know Korean, especially the dialects of Gwangju, Ilsan and Daegu, but I still recommend reading into it as it is such a fascinating song. 

Michayla - I had a sneaky feeling that Paldogangsan would win this week and I really was pleased because I feel it is one of the more underrated songs. The whole album ‘O!RUL82?’ is full of gems and a definite must listen for new and old ARMYs alike. Paldogangsan is also referred to as ‘Satoori Rap’ so don’t be confused if you hear of it by that too. Hobi’s verses are unique because it almost sounds like he is smiling as he’s rapping and that comes across. I love that with Hobi, you can hear his smile! 

Cheryl -  This week’s poll winner Paldogangsan is about J-Hope, RM and Suga having a fun battle about their differing rap styles and speech, areas of South Korea where they grew up and food they ate. I think J-Hope’s 4th verse is interesting - is he really comparing a baby at 8 or 9 months to a watermelon and what does he mean “I got a child”?

‘I got a child whose in the

Eight to ninth month

A champion who weights 20kg

As big as the watermelon from Mt. Mudeung

You take one look at

It’s clearly a Bangtan

Who will make girls cry’

bangtan.official

EGO - Cheryl

The beginning of Ego starts with a sample from BTS’ debut INTRO:2 Cool for Skool

‘We're now going to progress to some steps

Which are a bit more difficult

Ready, set, and begin

Bighit exclusive, exclusive’

J-Hope’s first verse reveals how he continually revisits his past memories and the thoughts of giving up and how partially forgotten memories are returning. These experiences are what Jung describes as “Ego”.

In the pre-chorus he claims that the choices he made, together with fate has brought him to where he is now and that the future is shining and he tells himself to keep going.

The chorus is about finding his own way and trusting himself and the decisions he makes.

The second verse compares Jung Hoseok’s existence to J-Hope’s and he thinks the first one had no hope and only regret until the day he would die. In the beginning he had a lot of self doubt about his dancing and his dreams and it took 7 years for the anguish and oppression to be resolved and that his heart received the answers from his trusted source:

‘Only one hope, only one soul’

‘Only one smile, only one you’

Definite answer to the truth of the world

Only one and unchanging me, right

I believe hope, soul and smile totally relate and describe J-Hope.  I am not totally sure about the last line as I imagine J-Hope to continually change and grow as a person and mix up his dancing style - so maybe the “right” is the question to this statement?

My favourite part of this song together with the dancing vibe is the outro:

‘Way I trust, way I go

Became my fate, became my core

Hard it was, and sad it was

Still reassured and made me know myself’

The way J-Hope trusts and moves forward became his fate and his core.  He said although it was both hard and sad he feels reassured because it made him know who he now is.  Again this relates back to Jung’s Ego which is about being aware of your own thoughts and feelings.

bangtan.official 

Mic Drop - Charlie

Mic Drop was a part of the turning point of BTS’s career. From the LY: Her album that gave us the stan-attracting pop song DNA, Mic Drop was a victory song about all of the awards that BTS had won so far, and even resulted in one of BTS’s first high-profile Western collaborations, with the Mic Drop Steve Aoki remix ft. Desiigner. 

When I think of this song, my mind immediately goes to Hoseok in his bucket hat, starting off the song with his swagger and cocky facial expressions. His swivelling of his heel into the ground accompanies the record-scratching noise that kicks off this song. He owns this song from start to finish, although his verse which starts off the song is the part that hypes the audience up in time for Yoongi’s verse and the pre-chorus. It is this song that gives us the iconic “mic mic bungee” line, which you would be hard-pressed to listen to without doing the elbow dance along with Sope. These two verses flow from the first to the second so well, that it’s just entirely satisfying to listen to. Which is appropriate: BTS’ rap line definitely has flow going for them. 

“Yeah, who said my spoon is dirty?

I don’t care, when I grab the mic, I have several gold spoons

Several uncooked steaks over there make me mad

Once again, I’ll chew you all up, on the night of the stars

Center of world business

First on the recruitment list, sold out

This class is not common, enjoy this value

Bad odors with good scents are against the rules

Mic mic bungee”

Mic Drop’s chorus is similarly musical perfection. With sassy, autotuned vocals, the members brag about how “golden” their success is, leading them to show off how full their bags are with trophies. I find this song ages very well, as we have to remember that this song was released in 2017, just a few months after BTS’ very first win at an American awards show (their BBMA win), and when their bags of trophies would not have been half as full as they are now. So, even though it is a bragging song, it still strikes me as showing how humble BTS are, even in 2017, when they had not yet won everything they deserved, they still felt on top of the world. 

Flexing songs suit Hoseok very well: his stage presence and determined, hungry expression throughout Mic Drop performances suits the “I own everything and I deserve it because of how hard I’ve worked” vibe of this song to a T. 

“Lodi dodi, I’m so busy

Too busy, my one body isn’t enough (turn it up now!)

MIC Drop

MIC Drop

Careful of your feet

Careful of what you say”

Hoseok’s performing prowess is showcased spectacularly in this song, which is perfect for crowd pleasing at concerts, flexing at award shows, and dancing at parties. This is random, but I remember going to a Dan and Phil gig (Mic Drop was on their pre-show playlist, another sign that this was one of their first songs to appeal to the GP) and seeing ARMYs in the audience dancing along to the fun choreography - I had no idea ARMYs would happen to be in that audience! 

Mic Drop is a final goodbye to the haters, a signal that the anger of the Cyphers is no longer necessary, so it is no wonder that Hoseok’s happy-go-lucky and self-assured vibe owns this song and suits it so well. 

bangtan.official 

Hoseok Theme ‘Friends’ (BTS World OST) - Michayla

This week I wanted to write about a song that embodies ‘Hobi’ when I think of him and decided that this instrumental from the BTS World soundtrack was the answer. If you haven’t listened to the OST, I really would recommend it, even if you haven’t played the game because the songs on it are fantastic.

‘Friends’ is Hobi’s theme song for his story in the game where he is a trainee vet and we see his journey and I must admit to having tears in my eyes at the part where he is talking to the dog, telling him not to follow him. I do love Hobi’s story in the game and I can imagine him bringing happiness to all the animals.

The instrumental is dramatic but in a fun way, if that is possible? There is a lot going on with many instruments recognisable, like the guitar and piano. It really is a jolly piece of music that I would imagine to be at the end of a movie or programme, as the credits roll and the audience are feeling elated after the conclusion is one of pure happiness.

When I listen to it, I could also easily imagine Hobi dancing and smiling to it. The crescendo leads us to a fantastic finale which makes me want to applaud, even if I am sitting alone with my earbuds in. 

This instrumental is quite literally ‘Hobi’ in 3 minutes and 30 seconds and there is no way you could listen to it without smiling. We don’t have Hobi’s gorgeous voice on this piece of music but for me, it is ‘Hobi’. Have a listen to it, what do you think?

bangtan.official 

Namjoon 2020

This week we focused our attention on our leader, Namjoon. Do you have a favourite song by the genius Namjoon? Have you listened to Mono?

Get in touch with us on social media and let us know @BTSRadioUK

Add Namjoon to your Spotify playlist here: Namjoon 2020 

Spring Day chosen by ARMY (One might say it was fate that Army chose Spring Day last week and BTS performed it for Dear Class of 2020!)

Charlie - We can all agree that Spring Day is a work of genius. From one sight of leaves being blown, Namjoon was inspired to write, “The leaves are falling, getting father and father away,” which resulted in him writing arguably BTS’ most beloved song. He starts off the song with a simple message of “I miss you”, which sums up the whole feeling of the song and why it is so popular to this day, remaining firmly in the Melon charts since its release in February 2017. It is a song about the simply heartbreaking situation of missing someone, who is for whatever reason out of your life now, which is something that ARMYs and the GP alike can relate to. The song is exquisite from start to finish, and painfully heart-wrenching because of how much its soft notes and raw lyrics resonate with everyone who listens. 

Michayla - The poll was a tough one and the result surprised me because as much as I adore ‘Spring Day’ I would say that there were two other choices more relevant to Namjoon but that is my personal opinion. I don’t think anyone can question how completely legendary this song is and it would be a dream to see it performed live, that’s for sure! It is a heartbreakingly beautiful song, with a stunning MV and she is fully deserving of her title as ‘The Queen’.

Cheryl - Spring Day winning the week’s poll is hardly a surprise, due to Namjoon opening the song and just the song itself being a firm favourite with Army. Namjoon’s opening lyrics of ‘Miss you’ and how just by saying these words he misses the person more, well this is just poetic, romantic and heartfelt. The feeling that it is winter even in August I find relatable, I am sure we have all missed someone so much, that it changes our perspective on what is happening around us. Spring Day is just such a beautiful masterpiece and will always be a favourite of mine.

Onomey - This song is a song that is similar to Butterfly in that it gives me goosebumps the moment I hear it. I love that the rap line takes the option of almost singing when performing their individual sections in the song because it reminds me of the rawness that comes with spoken word poetry. The execution of his dictation is the main reason as to why I think Spring Day won this week's poll because it captures our ears when we hear the different parts of his lyrics where he goes through all the emotions that occur when losing someone. I hear sadness to start off with which develops into anger when talking about how ‘time’s so cruel, I hate us’ and happiness in some parts as he reflects on 'holding your hand’ BTS always manage to somehow find choreography for almost all of their songs. These songs live performance has so much passion in it with the use of modern dancing which makes the song hit your heart that much more. This song is truly iconic and it should come with a warning sign that says ‘this song may have you in tears by the end of it’ because of how powerful it is. 

Big Hit Labels 

Winter Flower - Charlie

‘Winter Flower’ is a song from Younha’s Unstable Mindset EP, and it features Namjoon’s comforting voice, which lends a welcome, familiar tone to a beautiful and powerful ballad. 

“I will take it away before you stumble

(Hold on, hold on)

I will stay by your side until you survive

(Hold on, hold on)

I hope you bloom”

The repetition of “hold on” at the song’s introduction is full of soul, like a warm cup of tea on a cold day. The song is powerful, which makes it feel as though it has a strong resolve to take care of and uplift you, even if in your life you struggle to bloom because of how frosty and hostile life can be. 

Younha’s voice is high and soothing, and therefore well-complemented by the strong low tones of Namjoon’s voice. We are indulged by a full verse of Namjoon where he raps morosely about feeling far away from the warmth of Spring, before he goes full throttle in a more impassioned rap about still being able to bloom in the cold, a paradox which defines life. He acknowledges that saying “everyone has it hard” won’t help, and what will really help is acknowledging that the cold can make you bloom, just as difficult conditions can make you stronger. Namjoon’s ability to articulate complex and abstract thoughts into concrete lyrics blows me away, as does the bridge of the song, when Namjoon’s soft voice calling “stay” combines with Younha’s high note and there is a stunning drop right before another powerful chorus. 

“I never forget your warmth

I’ll be the winter flower be the dancing star

I’ll be by your side (Stay)

I’m with you.” 

Although Namjoon’s raps are often quick and full of wit, ‘Winter Flower’ shows his softer side, one that tells you that it’s okay to go through hardships, because you will be okay. His sincere words accompany Younha’s powerful vocals flawlessly. 

bangtan.official 

Moonchild - Michayla

Not only is Moonchild one of my favourite songs but it belongs to an album that is right up there in my favourite albums. ‘Mono’ is a masterpiece of a mix-tape and if you take into consideration that it is Namjoon’s baby, is anyone even surprised?

Moonchild is the third track on the album and Namjoon dropped a big hint to its title by referencing it in the song ‘4 o clock’ which he wrote with Taehyung ‘I call you moonchild

We are the children of the moon.’

The lyrics are heartfelt and really inspirational which is everything you would expect from a song written by a man with the talent and integrity that Namjoon possesses. It is essentially about finding the light through dark times, which is something we can all relate to, this year particularly.

We have to accept that there will be tough times throughout our life, sometimes it feels hopeless because we are knocked down but during those times we have to be kind to ourselves, search for the positives and push through. 

‘C'mon y'all, moonchild, moonchild

That's how it's supposed to be

Yeah all this pain and all this sorrow

That's our destiny, see?

You and my life was like this

We gotta dance in the rain

Dance in the pain

Even though we crash down

We gon dance in the plane

We need the scenery the night more than anybody

Only I could console myself, not nobody else

It's okay to shed the tears

But don't you tear yourself’

I love Namjoon’s voice on this track and always sing along. I find the beat to be quite hypnotic and a definite toe tapper! It is also a calm song, the melody is beautiful and I am very easily lost in the chorus, transported to a place of calm. As well as being a fantastic song, we were also lucky enough to get an MV (link below).

‘C'mon y'all

Moonchild don't cry

When moon rise, it's your time

C'mon y'all

Moonchild you shine

When moon rise, it's your time

C'mon y'all’

Big Hit Labels 

Persona - Cheryl

I have to say I think this song hits hard, what with blonde Namjoon, lyrics and the powerful intro - it is a song which grabs my attention with both the audio and visuals from the very beginning.

Persona uses an instrumental sample from Intro: Skool Luv Affair. In this song they (Namjoon, J-Hope and Suga) discuss what style Bangtan’s would be in the beginning, which I feel is similar to Persona and Namjoon discussing “Who the hell am I?

Persona explores identity and character and is about Namjoon reflecting upon his thoughts and exploring the different personas he has; musician, idol, man before the fame. It also explores his self doubt with the lyrics:

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

The flaws of mine that I know

Maybe that's all I've got really

The world is actually not interested in my clumsiness at all

The last line is exploring his thoughts on how clumsy he is (the members often tease him about his destructive nature) and that perhaps no one really cares how clumsy he is.  

In the song he states that he is feeling good but a little uncomfortable, I believe this is due to the success he has achieved and being unsure if he is actually worthy of it, because of these lyrics:

I’m still not so sure if I’m a dog or a pig or what else

But then other people come out and put the pearl necklace on me

Persona also looks at criticism and people’s differing opinions and it would appear that Namjoon realises that it is impossible to be a superhero to everyone.

He also mentions “shadow” which is the darker side of your personality and for Namjoon this is hesitation, perhaps he doesn’t always grab every opportunity that arises.  This does make me wonder what opportunity he regrets not grabbing. He also questions if he remembers why he started as a musician and how in the beginning he was happy if someone just listened.  

I believe at the end of the song he accepts all the different personas that he has and embraces them and ends the song by reaching out to others and offering a shoulder for them to lean or cry on:

‘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

....

I just wanna give you all the voices till I die

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

bangtan.official 

Trivia: Love - Onomey

The Trivia trilogy is very interesting because all three songs are about completely different topics that are related to love. RM tells us a story about how love is not formed within a blink of an eye out of anywhere like how lightning strikes, it instead takes time to build it until you notice that it has been happening for a while. RM refers to this using examples such as ‘like the moon rises after the sun rises, like how fingernails grow, like trees that shed their bark once a year’.

This song makes me so happy when just saying or seeing the title which I’m embarrassed to admit. I feel like it is not often that RM is the centrepiece of such a fun and happy song. Every time I talk about this song, I can’t help but refer to when I got to see him perform this song in the flesh at Wembley looking adorable and so happy with his little improv dance moves. 

The golden and warm swelled sounding piano chords that introduce us to the song makes you feel warm and happy inside. Despite the song giving you a happy feel, a lot of the chords are surprisingly minor 7 chords creating the illusion that they are major chords. This is because the 7th chord has a seventh interval which creates a richer tone compared to a normal minor or major chord and also creates a more jazzy feel to the song which fits into this song perfectly alongside the use of brass/woodwind and string instruments.

RM is able to glide over the backing track without much instrumental help other than the piano chords giving him help by emphasising the 1 and 4 in each bar with the chord pattern showing that he doesn’t need to hide behind a heavy beat to be able to rap. 

My favourite part is the pre-chorus hook because of the wordplay using words and repeating them in threes with words such as human (saram) and love (sarang) because of how similar the words are which is very clever lyrically. I like how the song ends with a more developed variation of this hook with a call and response added. 

‘Neon maui salm, salm, salam 

(yeah yeah yeah yeah)

Neon maui balam, balam, balam

(yeah yeah yeah yeah)

Neon maui jarang, jarang, jarang

(yeah yeah yeah yeah)

Neon maui sarang (naui sarang)

Dan han sarang (dan han sarang)’

bangtan.official 

Yoongi 2020

We have been blessed with the release of D-2, the long awaited Agust D album and it seemed only natural to make Yoongi the theme for this week’s playlist.

Do you have a favourite song that reminds you of Yoongi? Get in touch with us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Add Yoongi to your spotify list here: Yoongi 2020 

Best of Me chosen by ARMY

Michayla - The poll was one of the closest I have seen in a long time, with there being only 2% between 1st and 2nd and 1% between 2nd and 3rd place. ‘Best of Me’ just won over ‘Fire’ and ‘Not Today’ respectively. Yoongi’s verse, teamed with the choreography, makes this one hot song and if you’ve seen it performed live, you will see why. This song is the first collaboration between BTS and The Chainsmokers and is a popular track on ‘Love Yourself Her’ released in 2017.

Charlie - ‘Best of Me’ was a track that made me listen to Yoongi’s voice in a different light. As well as being an aggressive and outspoken rapper, his heartfelt vocals on this wholesome song about friendship, companionship and becoming a better person through someone’s love for you, were a welcome surprise. ‘Best of Me’ proves that Yoongi cannot just rap with conviction; he can also sing with conviction. When I think of this song, Yoongi’s line of “take my hand right now” is immediately one of the first lines I think of, because of how much I believe his words when he sings that. 

Onomey - I don’t think I’ve seen a poll we’ve put out that has resulted in such a close battle. Best of Me won with 29% and managed to fight off Run, Not Today, and Fire. When searching for the lyrics to write to this piece I was happily surprised that I forgot that Yoongi sings in this song. This to me shows that he has always had quality vocals but maybe in his head as a producer, he is really critical of his vocals and therefore judges them as subpar. I’m always shocked when he says that he needs to work on his vocals but I am always thankful that he continues to sing because he has such a great voice. I enjoy that in this song he gives a little snippet of how he can go between his vocal tone then quickly into his fast rapping which I would assume could be difficult to do.

‘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’

Cheryl - What a close poll this week with Best of Me taking the top spot. I think this song is love wrapped up in a summery tune.  Although I do feel that it is a little one sided, I hope the others in the song are also giving the best of themselves.

Suga’s verse:

‘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’

I’m sure most of us will or have felt that deep passionate love for another but perhaps feel unsure that it will last, or that the other person feels the same way, which is I think what this song is about. I also feel sure that we might’ve said to ourselves “I cannot believe I just said or did that?” and this is what I feel Suga is getting across with his lyrics, he cannot believe that he has repeated to himself “please do not leave me” so many many times.  Perhaps he dislikes the feeling of insecurity, wondering if the other person feels the same.  I do like however that he acknowledges that he likes the other person by his side and he thanks them for it. 

bangtan.official 

Cypher pt.4 - Michayla

There is a lot going on with this song, the 4th in the numbered cypher tracks and the 11th song on the Wings album, released in 2016. 

It was embroiled in controversy, twice but after a revision and a statement from BigHit it was performed live on TV as part of a medley in 2017. If you haven’t seen that performance, I would highly recommend searching for it because it is worth a watch.

The rap-line answer the haters as they each say their peace and express their views on the behaviour of others. Namjoon calls them out for their hating on him on social media which just gives him notoriety, he doesn’t care about them but they clearly care about him. 

‘Why don’t you change your pattern

Of talking shit about others bae

It’s about to get boring, boring bae’

Hobi calls out his haters for being jealous of what he is achieving and how he knows that he bothers them, rubbing salt in the wound by bragging about how busy he is.

‘I wanna get sleep time

Without a chance to rest, we’re receiving spotlight

Ahh you wanna be my life’

Yoongi mentions the crow tit, a small bird that features in the lyrics of a few BTS tracks, with ‘Baepsae’ probably being the most obvious one. The crow tit is a bird that is part of a Korean proverb used to describe someone who tries too hard to fit in. Yoongi refers to himself as a crow tit in ‘Cypher 4’ because BTS came from humble beginnings and had to try hard, not to mention the negativity that Namjoon and Yoongi faced when they became idols from their rap background.

‘Back back to the basic

Microphone check

Call me a crow tit or badass

Yes in this rap game

I’m the generous one’

Most of us know the hate and the struggles that Yoongi faced when he chose the life of an idol and his drive to succeed. He works tirelessly and strives to improve, when this was released he made no secret of telling the world that he lived day to day and already had things to show for his hard work.

‘My life is just day by day

Payday, paycheck, rolex on my wrist’

Yoongi having just released Agust D’s second album ‘D-2’ is proof of what you can achieve when you commit so much but remain humble. Whether he is Yoongi, Suga or Agust D, his talent and achievements are there for everyone to see and I hope the haters are ashamed of every word they spoke about him because he is most definitely having the last laugh.

bangtan.official 

Seesaw - Charlie

Seesaw is a hard song to put into words, as it is such a staple of 2018 ARMY Twitter, the Love Yourself and Speak Yourself tours, and the Love Yourself era as a whole. It is Yoongi’s ‘trivia’ solo, which focuses on a toxic and draining relationship whereby two people start to get sick of each other, and yet drag out the relationship as they keep hurting each other in equal measure. Like a seesaw, they continue to take it in turns to let their feelings go up and down. ‘Seesaw’ is about finding the strength to end this relationship, and healthily moving on. 

“Alright, a repeating seesaw game

It's about time we put an end to it

All right, this boring seesaw game

Somebody has to get off of it

There's no turning back”

The flickering notes that start off the song lead to it sounding like a cassette tape starting to play. It gives the song a retro feel, just as the song details a relationship that is getting old and has gone on for too long. However, there is still anticipation present for the listener, as we hear the iconic whisper of “Suga” followed by Yoongi’s vocals. Especially in 2018, we rarely heard vocalist Yoongi, with his ultra-fast raps being what stands out the most in his songs. However, in ‘Seesaw’, we immediately dive into soft-spoken, soothing vocals, which let us know that this is a song to pay attention to. 

Also the verses are of a slower pace, telling the story of this failing relationship, the minute the chorus kicks in I am back at the O2, and Wembley, and watching livestreams of ‘Seesaw’ performances, all at once. A montage of all of these memories of the song starts to play, as I hear everyone sing along to this song and choreography that brought ARMYs together. It all rushes back, because of how nostalgic this song feels despite only being released a little under 2 years ago. I see Yoongi’s sparkly red suit that featured in the iconic Seesaw fancam that needs no introduction. 

“At first, we showed off who was heavier

We bragged and smiled at each other

Now we're trying measure who's heavier

A competition between us”

Therefore, despite how calm Yoongi’s speaking/singing voice is in this song, especially as it slows down to a halt towards the end, I get butterflies listening to it. It is not an in-your-face song; its slow vocals, nice funky beat and the beautiful addition of Adora’s vocals, make it a subtle yet meaningful track. 

bangtan.official 

Interlude: Set Me Free - Cheryl

I viewed a behind the scenes interview regarding D-2 on YouTube where Agust D said he had decided to totally sing this song - i.e. no rapping at all and for me personally I find this song so soulful and deep that it succeeds without rapping. I actually feel that a rap section would detract from the raw emotion coming from Agust D.

The song is almost 4 minutes long but when I looked at the lyrics there were not that many of them:

‘Set me free, yeah, even though I know it won't turn out however I want to, hm

Set me free, yeah, even though I know it is not what I want, oh no no no

Set me free, I'm freely afloat in the air

Set me free, these days I feel blue for some reason

My day crawls on the ground

And another flies in the sky

Why why

Set me free, yeah, even though I know it won't turn out however I want to, hm

Set me free, yeah, even though I know it is not what I want, oh no no no

Set me free, yeah

Set me free, yeah

Set me free, yeah

Set me free, yeah

Set me free’

But the music, the backing track of birds chirping and Agust D’s vocals manage to fill the whole space and time of the song.

With reference to the birds singing, initially I thought of Spring and the dawn chorus but the more I listen to the song the more I have the feeling that these are not happy chirps.  I then wondered if perhaps they are caged birds wishing to be set free, which would tie in more with the sentiments of the lyrics.

I feel August D’s vocals have a haunting feel about them and when he describes his thoughts and mental health about feeling blue and wanting to be free. How one day he’s flying high and the next crawling on the ground and he wonders why - I just hope that someone is really looking after his well-being (my maternal instinct kicks in). I also love how he puts his thoughts and feelings into words and lyrics, this was one of the things that drew me in, in the beginning as this was new to me.  

This song also makes me feel selfish, I know BTS have been in this business for 7 years and Agust D has his fingers in lots of music pies but I do not feel ready to set him free just yet - I actually feel he has a lot more talent and creativity to share with us all and definitely more singing!

So I am sorry Agust D but as you yourself say with the lyrics “ Set me free, yeah, even though I know it is not what I want, oh no no no”. I really hope you will not mind being with us for a long time yet? By all means let your imagination, creativity and desires be set free.

bts_bighit 

People - Onomey

A lot of ARMY have been waiting to be blessed with the release of a second album by Agust D and recently we were given that, I can say for sure that it was definitely worth the long wait as you can tell that there have been many months and even years may be working on this album through the sheer quality of each track.

As much as I love rapper Yoongi, the vocalist side of him always makes me smile. This song had me shook for a while by how much his vocals have improved. People is another example of Min Young showing the negative or positive emotions that run through his head. I am very grateful at how open he is when it comes to the difficulties which are why all of the songs he writes tend to be massive hits because he has the ability to connect to our emotional sides. This song to me seems to be about reflecting on the behaviour of different people he has met, including himself, to see what and who has changed for the positive and for the negative.

The choice in instrumentation was what drew me to the song from the first time I heard it because it had an Asian feel to it with the bells used to create the main body of the song. I think the song is perfect for the summer because of the chill vibe rapping style and instrumentation. The vocal harmonies and ad-libs used throughout the song by Adora are amazing, she seems to find space for vocal riffs that usually don’t work but somehow she makes a success of it without making the song feel overloaded by her vocals. Yoongi is still the number one focus that your ears are drawn to when listening to the song. 

I am in love with the pre-chorus! It is so catchy as well as being important in the song as it is letting the listener and himself know that whatever you learn from reflecting on yourself it is never something to dwell on because it is now in the past and can’t be altered therefore it is better to just take life in a more chilled way when it comes to losing or gaining people in your life. 

‘umm hmm hmm hmm Why so serious? (Why so serious?)

Why so serious? (Why so serious?) Why so serious? (Why so?)

Umm hmm hmm I’m so serious (I’m so serious) I’m so, I’m so’

The second pre-chorus differs to the first and to me seems to be saying is that people are extremely different even though we are built similar, we differ on what our preferences are which is what makes us so special. 

‘Your ordinary became my special

Your special became my ordinary

My ordinary became your special

My special became your ordinary’

In Yoongi's case, he treasures what ordinary people see as normal such as may be walking down the street on his own or going out with friends. Whereas ordinary people see his life and think that it is special because they want to be famous and have a lot of money because not everyone has that. I have this song on repeat constantly and I am no longer mad that we had to wait this long if it meant that he releases more mix-tapes and albums full of hits for us all to enjoy.

bangtan.official 

Jimin 2020

It is time for a playlist that encapsulates our kind hearted Jimin. Is there a song that instantly makes you think of him?

Tell us what you think on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

To add Jimin to your Spotify playlist follow the link here: Jimin 2020 

Magic Shop chosen by ARMY

Michayla - The thing that links ‘Magic Shop’ to Jimin for me is his love for ARMY and since this is a BTS and ARMY song, it seems right. There are many occasions where I have felt a connection with BTS but singing ‘I’ll show you’ back to them is one that remains firm in my heart. Jimin is always expressing his love for their fans and I love him so much for that.

Charlie - When I hear ‘Magic Shop’, the first image that appears in my mind is that of Jimin at the Love Yourself tour, dressed in his golden prince outfit as he belts out the high notes of this song. The sincerity and the comforting message of this song is beautifully expressed by Jimin, because he himself is so comforting and warm to watch when performing. The song encapsulates why I love BTS; it is about being able to escape whatever is going badly, and finding solace in a place in your mind as you stare up at the night sky. BTS is that place, and Jimin is the type of person you would want to see there to comfort you. ‘Magic Shop’ is electric and modern-sounding, but the genuineness of the song is not lost, because of the emotions that we hear in the members’ voices and that we read in the lyrics. 

Cheryl - Magic Shop won this week’s poll which was not really a surprise especially when focus is placed on Jimin’s lyrics:

‘If you open that door 

This place will await

It’s OK to believe that the Magic Shop

Will comfort you’

I believe that with the uncertain times we are experiencing currently this song resonates and has an even more profound meaning. 

Onomey - This song is well named, it is truly magical. The song has the perfect amount of lyrical distribution which allows all of the members to shine in their own way. It has the ability to give you massive goosebumps and possibly have you in tears by the end of the song. There are certain songs that capture your heart from the very start and this is one of them. When I witnessed BTS perform this song live at Wembley with my sister, she wasn’t really a fan of them but Magic Shop was one of the songs that made her realise and understand why BTS are so popular. I found her singing along to the chorus, especially the ‘so show me, I’ll show you’ line, even way after the concert had finished which made me smile.

I’m pretty certain that if I were to do a survey of what Jimin moments stand out to you during Magic Shop, the majority of people would say the bridge section with V. The lyrics for this section are emotional but in a positive way as they are directly letting us know that they too are scared of a lot of things. The important thing that they want to make clear is that the answers to these struggles are inside of ourselves. The delivery of the vocals are heartwarming yet emotional, you can hear the different mix of emotions in both V and Jimin's vocals, as well as the elongated vocals that lasts long enough for the instrumental to be brought into the song.

‘Would you believe me if I said that I was scared of everything too?

All the sincerity, the remaining times

All your answers are in this place you found

In your Milky Way, inside your heart’

bangtan.official 

Butterfly - Michayla

I found it difficult to choose a song to write about this week because Jimin is prominent in so many and his high notes at the crescendo of a song are usually breathtaking. I didn’t want to choose something obvious so I listened to our playlist and went with the song that reached out to me.

There is simply no denying that ‘Butterfly’ is a beautiful song and it hits in different ways, from the verses rapped by Namjoon, Yoongi and Hobi to the delicate vocals of Jimin, Jin, Jungkook and Taehyung in their's.

The essence of the song is the fear of losing someone, which is quite tragic but something many of us can relate to. Perhaps the feelings involved are as delicate as the wings of a butterfly or maybe you are touched fleetingly by someone in your life and you worry they will disappear as quickly as a butterfly does.

‘Will you stop time

If this moment passes

As though it hadn’t happened

I’m scared scared scared I’ll lose you’

BTS always convey the emotion in a song in the most beautiful way and ‘Butterfly’ is no different. The vocal line are total perfection as they sing their verses around the rap-line verses that sound so firm and sincere. 

The defining moment for me in this song is at 3m 4s after Namjoon’s ‘It’s all free for you, baby’ and Jungkook’s verse begins. Jimin’s vocals are absolutely stunning as he hits the high notes and continues more or less to the end of the song, intermittently. If you have seen the comeback stage performance of this, you will have seen the effort he puts into this part and it blows me away.

We all know what a perfectionist Jimin is and even when he is providing backing vocals, he puts in one hundred percent. My personal image of Jimin is when ARMY were chanting his name at Wembley and he thanked us whilst giving us the biggest smile at the end of ‘Serendipity’. He has a heart of gold, angelic vocals and is so talented when it comes to dancing. We love you, Park Jimin.

bangtan.official 

Who - Charlie

‘Who’ was the anticipated collaboration between Lauv and BTS. Although Jimin and Jungkook are the only members to feature on this track, it is still a very well-crafted collaboration which is quite stripped-back and enables us to hear the soft voices of the three vocalists. 

“Who are you?

'Cause you're not the girl I fell in love with, baby

Who are you? (Who are you?)

'Cause something has changed, you're not the same, I hate it”

‘Who’ is a slow and steady song, with a vibe that is very easy to listen to no matter your mood. In this way, it mirrors the slow and helpless realisation that you have when the person you have been in love with for a while has started to change, and the spark is no longer there. The two of you stay together despite both of you being aware that changes are happening. Jimin’s mellow tone expresses the vulnerability of the song very well, and he and Jungkook beautifully complement each other to portray the words of a person who is overthinking about a relationship. 

Jungkook and Jimin’s high notes are ethereal as ever, and I love how laid back and morose the rest of the song is, as it lends more gravity to the high notes at the chorus, as they cry out that whatever’s going on, whatever has changed that has been getting them down, they’re sick of overthinking about it as they know that it is not worth it. 

“I, I'm sick of waiting for love, love

I, I know that you're not the one, one”

For those who loved Jimin and Jungkook’s “We don’t talk anymore” cover, this is another opportunity to hear them sing entirely in English, proving how adept their pronunciation is and how they can create beautiful music no matter the language. 

bangtan.official 

Lie - Cheryl

Jimin’s song Lie was released in 2016 and is a track from their Wings album. 

Lie, I believe is about being in a relationship and feeling trapped because the relationship isn’t real i.e. the feelings or actions aren’t real - it’s a lie and that lie is building and growing and trying to swallow Jimin whole.

Jimin is saying in the song that this relationship has changed him and he wants to be as he was before; pure and smiling.  He wants/needs to be rescued as the lie is all consuming and keeps repeating and getting larger everyday, it sounds like he is drowning in the relationship and that there is no escape.  The real Jimin is changing because of the lies and he feels lost and wants to be his old self once more.

‘I am still the same person I was before

I am here, the same person I was from before, but

An overgrown lie is trying to swallow me whole’

I find this song rather seductive, the use of the strings in the beginning are loud and sound like they are tempting me into the song. They want me to follow them and hear what is coming next, which is Jimin’s sweet voice that just sounds like he is pleading to be rescued.

I particularly like how the pre-chorus builds and adds some anticipation for the chorus. The chorus does not disappoint, it is so catchy and the use of English singing “Caught in a lie” is just genius, not only does he sound passionate at this point but it really grabs my attention.

My favourite lyrics are:

‘Caught in a lie

Find me when I was pure

I can’t be free from this lie

Give me back my smile

Caught in a lie

Pull me from this hell

I can’t be free from this pain

Save me, I am being punished’

There is a theme running through the song about prey, a snake and being swallowed whole. This reminds me of the snake in Disney’s Jungle Book which seduces and hypnotises it’s prey by singing “Trust In Me” and then wraps it’s coils around to kill its prey and then swallows it whole.  I can see a resemblance within this song and like Mowgli, Jimin wants to escape and be free.

bangtan.official 

HOME - Onomey

I love this song because it brings a number of different genres into play. It gives a Latin, R&B and pop vibe all mixed into one with the simple rap flows that allow the rappers, mainly RM, to move freely between rapping and singing. Along with this, the melodies and hooks used throughout the song are what makes the song complete in my opinion because it has a lot of them which makes the song very interesting and addictive. 

Jimin in this song stands out because of the key and tone the vocals are in for this song. It is in a key that suits his natural high vocals without needing to go into falsetto which is why I think he gets a lot of lines throughout this song. He starts the song strong with the first verse which I believe was done with purpose because he has a high vocal sound and because the lyrics are about being excited. 

 ‘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’ 

The theme of the song itself is very cute as from the outside you would think that the song is about the boys bragging about how big their house is just like many pop songs I have heard but in reality, it is about being able to have their home, which is ARMY, that is constantly there for them which gives them the warm cosy feeling you get from being at your home with your family.

My favourite section is the hook that occurs twice in the song, once halfway through and once to end the song. It is just very catchy and angelic the way Jimin, Jungkook and V sing this part accompanied by the gospel swelled piano chords that takes me back to going to church as a child and singing in the choir.

‘Your love your love your love (I miss that)

Your love your love your love (I want that)

Your touch your touch your touch (I need that)

La la la la la la la la la la I love it’

bangtan.official 

Taehyung 2020

To continue with our playlists concentrating on individual members, this week it is Taehyung’s turn. Is there a BTS song that reminds you of Taehyung the most?

Get in touch with us on social media and tell us your thoughts @BTSRadioUK.

Add Tae to your Spotify playlist here: Taehyung 2020 

Mikrokosmos chosen by ARMY

Onomey - I’m not even remotely surprised that this song won this week's poll because it is such a beautifully written and sung ballad. I thought that BTS couldn’t top the beautiful lyrics in Magic Shop, only to be proven wrong with the release of this amazing song. Tae, in this song shines because he has a great emotional side to his vocals where he is almost talking but he still keeps his vocal tone and notes in key when singing. Tae is the backbone of most of the harmonisation used throughout the song which is a big job to do vocally because the other vocalist relies on the lower harmony to be stable and to not waver. He does this without any problem and without ease whether that is live or on their studio version showing the maturity of his vocals. The most obvious point where he stands out to me is during the bridge and the mini chorus after that where V and Jimin sing it in harmony because it gives me goosebumps listening to it and knowing how emotional the lyrics are.

‘City lights, this city’s star

I remember the night sky I saw when I was young

Where people are light where people are stars

In this place full of where people are lights

We shinin’

‘You got me 

I breathe while looking at you

I got you

Inside those pitch-black nights’

Cheryl - I’m not surprised that Mikrokosmos won this week's poll as V’s vocals just shine throughout the song. Listening to the song I really love the contrast between V and Jin’s vocals in the middle part of the song.  Their voices compliment each other so beautifully. This song also transports me straight back to seeing it being performed live, which given the current circumstances brings a whole range of feelings.

Michayla - When Persona was released, Tae said that Mikrokosmos was one of his favourites on the album and it is easy to understand why, once you listen to it. I have connected this song with Tae ever since he said that and that is without mentioning his amazing vocals. ‘Mikrokosmos’ became the song that broke me after seeing it performed at Wembley and Paris, it replaced ‘Love Yourself Answer’ from the O2. This is a special song and I can see why it makes it onto Tae’s favourite BTS songs playlist on Spotify.

Charlie - Taehyung named Mikrokosmos as his favourite song from Map of the Soul: Persona, and I see why. As it was the ending song of their Speak Yourself concerts, which plays as fireworks are going off above ARMY’s heads and BTS are gazing up and down at all of the ARMY bombs and as many faces of ARMY that they can take in, when I listen to this song the lyrics take me to a concert. The audience of a BTS concert really does look like a galaxy with all of its lights, and the lyrics of the song tell us that we all make up a tiny galaxy of our own, and we are all important in the grand scheme of the universe. This beautiful metaphor reminds me of the way Taehyung thinks, and the way in which he gazes at ARMY with utter gratitude and love and amazement. If there was ever a way to put into music and lyrics the beautiful way in which Taehyung seems to see the audience of a concert, it would be Mikrokosmos. The very beginning of the song brings so many bubbling emotions to the surface, and the ending feels like a bittersweet goodbye at the end of a concert; it is artful and full of beautiful thoughts, just like Taehyung. 

bangtan.official 

Singularity - Cheryl

I thought I would turn my attention to Singularity this week as for me this is Iconic V!

His voice is just perfect for this song, I could not imagine anyone else’s vocal range matching it so well.  His voice is like melted chocolate dripping over the melody.  I love his breathy, deep, rich voice.

The song was written by RM and Charlie J Perry a British song writer and producer.

The song appears to be about V questioning his relationship with someone and asking if he has lost himself or gained the other person. This is also represented in the video where he has an arm in another jacket and appears to be arguing with it, when in fact it is himself.  It reminds me of that feeling of where do I stop and you begin.

From the lyrics I feel that he isn’t very happy in this relationship; he has no voice and there are a few references to the lack of voice in the song or stifling himself when he wants to say something:

‘I don’t have a voice

I buried my voice for you

Please don't say anything

Reach my hand out to cover the mouth

Tell me if my voice isn't real’

I believe the reference to the lake is about his feelings and emotions.  I feel that he is singing about a toxic relationship where he has pushed feelings down beneath the water of the lake and that the ice now covering the lake, is the ice in his heart stopping real emotion from rising up and bursting free.

However, he does give a glimpse of hope that this relationship will end and he can be himself once more when he sings:

‘But in the end, spring will come someday

The ice will melt and flow away’

I absolutely adored seeing this song performed twice live. The first time at the O2 and the second time at Wembley where it began with V lying on a bed, raised at an angle so he could be seen - it was a very seductive performance.

bangtan.official 

Friends - Charlie

For our Taehyung playlist, I wanted to write about a song that means a lot to our winter bear, and I decided that the perfect topic would be the song that he co-wrote with his soulmate. ‘Friends’ is a beautiful duet about the friendship between Taehyung and Jimin, who have been inseparable since school. 

From the “1, 2, 3, 4” that starts off the song, and the little voice notes Jimin and Taehyung left each other while recording this song, it is bursting with authentic affection. The soft instrumental is whimsical and sets it off as a song with a happy and laid-back mood, as it accompanies Jimin’s soft and sweet vocals which are followed by the emotive huskiness of Taehyung’s voice. When Taehyung sings, I feel every emotion (two days before writing this, I watched the Break The Silence episode where Taehyung was recording Scenery, and the way in which he meticulously re-records until his emotions are clear and effortless in the song explains the authentic quality of his voice here), and this song proves it. With every word that he sings, he makes evident how much Jimin truly means to him. 

The back-and-forth nature of the song makes it easy to listen to, as Jimin and Taehyung alternate between lines which they sing to each other. It makes this song feel more like a unity, with a total equal standing between these two guys even though they had difficulties in understanding each other at the start and used to have petty fights. 

“A somewhat strange kid

Me from the moon, you from the stars

Our conversations were like homework

BFFs on one day, enemies on another

I just wanna understand”

Honesty pours from this song so easily - Taehyung and Jimin recall anecdotes of their time together, admitting that they fought a lot (including their reference to the dumpling incident, which has become something of an iconic legend these past few months), but that that does not matter as it only made their friendship stronger in the end. They are comfortable talking about their arguments, because they were what made them realise how much they care about each other. 

The chorus of this song is making me tear up as I write about it; while the verses of the song is about harking back to memories they are now nostalgic of, the chorus speaks of their future together, and cements the song as a promise to each other that no matter what happens to their careers, their friendship will remain the same. It is a perfect chorus for concerts, as it is one to yell out in pride of the promise we wish to make to BTS, but at the same time it is such a personal and bittersweet chorus that transcends Taehyung and Jimin’s on-stage, onscreen friendship, to conclude optimistically that this friendship is forever. 

“One day when this cheer dies down, stay (Ayy), hey (Ayy)

Stay by my side

For eternity, keep staying here, stay (Ayy), hey (Ayy)

Like your tiny pinky

Longer than seven summers and cold winters

Longer than numerous promises and memories”

Taehyung is someone who knows what and who he is passionate about, and is very good at articulating it. The stand-out tear-jerker of this song is the “you are my soulmate” line, and I think that that sums it up beautifully. Taehyung and Jimin are unafraid of being unabashedly vocal about how fully they love each other, and that is very reassuring. This song, which confirms that both Jimin and Taehyung are loved and safe as they have each other, holds so much meaning in-between its soft notes and tender lyrics. Being vocal about one’s friendship is so important, and so I admire this song a lot. I am always smiling by the end of it, even if I am also crying. 

bangtan.official 

Anpanman - Onomey

There are many songs from BTS that V stand out in my mind, whether that is his solo songs or as a group. I think this is because of mainly two things, his distinct voice and his strong very masculine stage presence. This is why I went with ‘Anpanman’ as the song I wanted to write about mainly because of his stage presence. 

The song starts off with V singing ‘Waiting for you Anpanman, waiting for you Anpanman’ in a drone-like style as each individual word is an elongated way that gives you a feeling of that you are riding a wave as vocally the notes just like analogue signal wave which looks like a squiggly line that follows the beat count, especially during the pre-chorus.

It’s hard to explain the aura that V exudes, I just know that it is a real thing as every time the boys do a performance on different shows in the western world, it mostly tends to be him that people notice by far. 

‘I’ll muster up the strength a little more

(Lemme hear ya say, lemme hear ya say)

I’ll be your strength 

(Turn it up, turn it up, turn it up)’

This to me is the boys saying to us that even though they know that they’re not strong enough to be Anpanman for us, they will continue to try again and again in order to become the one we rely on with all our problems because it takes a lot of strength to be able to handle such pressure. 

I think because the song is deep in vocal tone compared to a lot of other songs, V stands out because of his naturally dark tone which is why I think he not only starts the song off so it gives the other vocalist a guide in how to pronounce the lyrics through the song. I would describe the way they sing the lyrics are 

V please stay the same you who we enjoy seeing get hyped up to the maximum level on every song. BTS songs especially live performances wouldn't be the same without him.

bangtan.official 

Sweet Night - Michayla

I had a tough choice this week because I could quite happily have written about any one of the amazing songs on our playlist not to mention the others that didn’t make the cut. Taehyung has important parts in every song he is a part of and is instantly recognisable due to the deep, liquid chocolate tone to his voice.

‘Sweet Night’ is a song from the K-drama ‘Itaewon Class’, it features in a couple of episodes and was released on 13th March 2020. The main character in the drama is played by one of Taehyung’s closest friends, Park Seo Joon, having eluded to writing a song after spending time away together whilst on hiatus in 2019. 

I could write a whole piece based on ‘Itaewon Class’ alone because I loved it and would recommend for everyone to watch it. I hadn’t seen it at the time Sweet Night was released but having seen the series since then, I can say that I understand why the song fits the drama so well. 

‘Sweet Night’ is a highly emotive song, I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster when I listen to it and that is without the added distraction of Taehyung singing in English. I couldn’t help but compare it to ‘Scenery’ and ‘Winter Bear’, neither of which, sadly, are on Spotify but can be found on Soundcloud. Personally I feel that ‘Sweet Night’ fits in perfectly, making a trio of superbly written songs which showcase the talent that Taehyung has.

This song is actually my favourite song from the Itaewon Class OST but it is a drama blessed with many amazing tracks and I can accept that my bias as ARMY may play a part in being the deciding factor. However, ‘Sweet Night’ is a fantastic song in its own right and has attached itself to my bedtime playlist and one of my weekday alarms because who doesn’t want Taehyung’s voice to be the last thing they hear at night and the first thing you hear in the morning?

bangtan.official 

Jungkook 2020

We decided to revisit our member’s theme playlists where we choose the songs that we associate with a member of BTS. We thought we would start with our golden maknae and it would appear that our poll gave ARMY some food for thought this week.

Which song comes to mind first when you think of Jungkook? Share with us on social media @BTSRadioUK

Add the Golden Maknae to your spotify playlist here: Jungkook 2020 

bangtan.official 

Run chosen by ARMY

Charlie - Run demonstrates that even as BTS were only just gaining recognition on music shows with the HYYH era, Jungkook’s voice (and that of all 7 members) has been worthy of all of the awards. Jungkook leads the iconic chorus that we all think of when we imagine this song, with stable and controlled vocals despite the song’s high energy. Run is a song about running in circles and chasing a love or happiness that always seems to evade you, and the powerhouse vocals that are displayed in this song make it a well-loved and revered title track. 

Cheryl - Thinking about Run winning this weeks poll and Jungkook, I have to say I love this song it’s just so catchy and I also enjoy hearing him sing the chorus and also the bridge with V and Jin:

‘Memories crumble like dried flower petals

At the tip of my fingers, under my feet

Right behind your back

I’m chasing butterflies, so lost in dreams

I follow your traces

Show me the way, please stop me

Let me breathe’

My favourite line from the chorus is:

‘Don’t tell me bye bye

(Run)

You make me cry cry’

Michayla - I voted for ‘Run’ purely because out of the four, my mind automatically takes me to Jungkook removing his jacket from his shoulders whilst wearing a sleeveless top for the choreo. It is this visual with our golden maknae front and centre that made me choose this song after enjoying many of the 2015 comeback stage performances. One of the performances that stands out for me, I have linked below so if you haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend it because Jungkook’s dancing from the very beginning, while Yoongi plays the piano is unreal.

MBC Kpop

Not Alone (Jeongguk Theme BTS World OST) - Michayla

This is my second favourite of the instrumentals but it isn’t an easy decision because the seven pieces of classical music being absolute works of art. 

‘Not Alone’ reminds of a fairytale, a piece of music that would accompany the scene capturing the moment two lovers see each other for the first time but can’t quite get to one another. It has a sadness about it which evokes such a strong emotion, like my heart is being taken on a journey but it most definitely gets its happy ending.

The instrumental accompanies Jungkook’s character story in the game BTS World where he's a high school student who wants to take up Taekwondo. I have finished his chapter but I won’t give away any spoilers for those who haven’t completed it yet.

The OST that was released for the game is a hidden gem, with so many great songs on it. I really feel it offers a lot and in this week’s playlist we have two of the songs from the album, ‘Dream Glow’ and ‘Not Alone’. 

Towards the end of this piece of music, the tempo escalates and it has a triumphant finish which makes my heart thump in my chest and gives me a feeling of euphoria. There really is a lot of depth to this song and I urge anyone not to feel it while listening to it.

BANGTANTV 

Begin - Cheryl

Begin is a solo song sung by Jungkook and was released on the Wings album in October 2016.

Although it wasn’t written by Jungkook it certainly is influenced by him and appears to contain his thoughts and feelings.  So I am going to assume that RM together with Tony Esterly and David Quinones had some input from him.

I think the song is all about how he feels about the other members of BTS and how he has grown with their assistance both physically and emotionally and this relates to the title of the song. In the earlier days he often said that he was shy and would take a shower once everyone else were in bed (as we know they all lived together in a very small confined space for seven young men) and how he couldn’t really share what he was feeling.

‘Love you my brother, I’ve got brothers

I discovered emotions, I became me

So I’m me

Now I’m me’

This song shares what he has been feeling about the members and it mainly reflects that he feels the most pain whenever they feel pain.

‘I feel like dying

When my brother is sad

When my brother is sick

It hurts more than when I’m sick’

These lyrics really connected with me, as a mother this is exactly how I feel when one of my children is sick or sad.  Therefore I can see and feel how bonded he is with the members and how BTS are more than the typical group - they are Family!

Jungkook was fortunate that he came from a different background to some of the other members.  He doesn’t know Suga’s hardship of skipping food to pay for the bus home or injuring his shoulder following a motorbike accident whilst a trainee, so perhaps he feels less entitled to feel sad or cry. But overtime they have all spoken about their feelings and Jungkook has learned to be more open and that by having empathy for someone in pain he can help them too.

‘Brother let’s cry, cry, cry and get it over with

I don’t know much about sadness

But I’m gonna cry anyway’

I particularly love the little background words in the song - they are almost like whispers, so for me they appear to be his words being sung almost not to be heard.  They are:

‘Smile with me, Cry with me, Fly with me’

In this order it would appear to be how Jungkook himself has grown.  At first he would just smile and feel he had nothing to be sad about and couldn’t relate to others pain, then he learned to release his emotions and share in others sadness and then like in Wings - he can now fly because he has grown emotionally. The lovely part of these phrases is the “with me” it feels to me like he wants us to come along and the other members of BTS too!

Big Hit Labels 

Louder Than Bombs - Charlie

From my very first listen of Map of the Soul: 7, Louder Than Bombs was one of the songs to become my standout track. It is an unforgettable song that demands attention and cannot simply be listened to in the background without it captivating you. 

This song was co-written by Troye Sivan, whom we know Jungkook is a fan of due to previous covers of his songs and his use of Troye’s music in GCF's. These covers helped us to see that Jungkook is a singer who knows how to show authentic emotions, and this is effortless when collaborating with artists he is passionate about. Therefore, ARMY were understandably ecstatic to hear of this collaboration. 

One of the most captivating and distinctive features of the song is its vocals: the song commences with Jungkook’s soul-stirring vocals, subtle and controlled yet strong and mesmerising. He and the rest of the vocal line lament about slowly becoming aware of sadness they see in the eyes of other people; potentially fans, potentially each other. They stop feeling so calm and optimistic, because they cannot ignore the struggles that they are seeing. 

This song reminds me of Jungkook in this verse - as soon as I hear Jungkook’s first line emerge and build, I know to brace myself for the heavy and impactful song that is ahead. 

The first verse is short and slow, but the chorus is an immediate explosion of high notes that are belted so flawlessly, as if they are singing for their lives. Despite this, they have immaculate control over their voices. The whole vocal line shines here, and their different styles blend beautifully. 

“Louder than bombs, I break (Ah)

All the pain pour out (Ah)

From the moment I knew

The expression you had on wasn't that expression

Louder than bombs, I break”

For such a vocally strong song, it somehow manages to also get the rap parts to work. BTS have a way of making raps fit into power ballads and similar songs,without making the song too high-tempo or hip-hop-sounding or taking away from the somber vibe of the song. Namjoon’s verse merges into Hoseok’s so seamlessly that I barely register the change until after it’s happened, much like in songs like All Night and Black Swan, where sudden changes in the rapper or vocalist do not make the song jarring. Yoongi’s verse makes me think of an intense fight scene, and picks up the pace of the song in a way that is warranted as this is the part when the lyrics come to terms with the fact that the jealousy of others will always attempt to halt BTS’ success, but they still need to continue doing what they are doing because who else will? 

“People say they're jealous of us

The pain I have, they say it's hypocrisy

No matter what I do, I get caught up in shit

If not us, yeah, who will do it?

People say they're jealous of us

The pain I have, they say it's hypocrisy

No matter what I do, I get caught up in shit

If not us, yeah, who will do it?”

The ending of the song is a dreamy fading of vocals, a mirror to the beginning of the song. It is a beautifully crafted song, and as we are on our Jungkook playlist, I cannot stress enough the deliciously haunting touch Jungkook’s vocals give to the emotions of this song. 

BANGTANTV

My Daily Walk - a playlist

The current situation around the world means that we are restricted in our outside activities with many taking up walking. We thought that a great accompaniment to our daily walk would be a playlist with songs that we feel would be great whilst strolling along and because we had so much difficulty choosing, there are more than enough songs to cover a few walks.

Do you have a favourite song to walk to? Don’t be shy, come and tell us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Take BTS with you on your spotify journey at the following link: My Daily Walk with BTS 

Chicken Noodle Soup chosen by ARMY

Charlie - CNS, the highly anticipated collab between Hoseok and Becky G, is an upbeat and quirky track in which Hoseok reminisces his love for dancing while he and Becky lead a dance that had everyone covering it when it came out. A perfect song to accompany you on your walks, as it feels like you're joined by a group of friends with how fun and upbeat Becky and Hoseok are. With its variety of languages and diverse group of dancers that features in the MV, it's a song about loving your background and your roots, and not forgetting about them as you follow your passions and dance. It pulls you out of whatever rut you're in to encourage you to dance and feel joyful, and its catchy beat throughout makes it a beloved song by ARMY. Good luck not finding yourself dancing along the pavement as you listen to this on your walk! 

Michayla - I can totally imagine doing the choreography for ‘Chicken Noodle Soup’ whilst walking in the deserted streets. This was actually my second choice in the poll this week but I can completely understand why it won. This song is upbeat and just begs to be danced to, maybe even some power walking moves would be perfect! It would be a challenge not to envisage Hobi doing the body rolls and dance moves which would definitely have you skipping along and put the craziness of lock-down behind you for a short time.

Cheryl - I was not surprised that Chicken Noodle Soup won this week's poll. Firstly, it has such a summer, upbeat vibe. Secondly, it would be great to walk around to, although I think I would end up skipping along to the beat. This song is just so catchy and positive - just what we need in the current situation we are finding ourselves in. Stay safe!

Onomey - There are plenty of songs from BTS that are perfect for our one daily exercise. Depending on what your mood is like, all of the poll choices are perfect. To me, Chicken Noodle Soup would definitely put a stride in my step when walking my dog because of the beat and the groove. I’m so glad that JHope did a remake of this song as it always brings me back to my childhood when I took dancing really seriously, especially hip-hop. This song seemed to be the song that would bring me and my siblings together as we would learn and dance along to this song over and over again. This is another reason why during these times this song put a spring in my step because it reminds me of my family who I obviously can’t see during these times. The combination of JHope and Becky G is a duo that I never knew I needed in my life until this song was released. The choreography throughout the music video is amazing, not only did they keep the iconic dance, you are able to see their full dancing abilities as I feel like the music video was done so people could let loose and dance without restrictions. My favourite part of this song excluding the iconic chorus is definitely the ‘I let it rain, I clear it out’   section because of J-hope and his body rolls that go with these lyrics. It is so difficult to listen to this song whilst walking without automatically dancing without meaning to. I’m sure everyone can relate to this, I blame JHope for making such a bop of a song. 

bangtan.official 

Boy Meets Evil - Cheryl

This song reminds me of a vampire film - it is full of seduction, temptation, desire and fear. The opening music encompasses all these emotions and feels haunting, dark and dangerous.

JHope then  uses the power in his voice to describe the torment of his ambition and how his greed has taken over and how he feels he knows it all. These lyrics explain how the ambition is venomous and the greed dulled his senses for good:

‘The venom of my ambition, I sharpened my knife every day

But because of my uncontrollable greed, my knife became dull

I know it all ...

I shouted but turned away from my conscience

I feel the sharp reality more every day

He ends the first verse with:

The greed would become the trumpet heralding hell

Breathe’

And I always find myself taking a deep breath too when he says “Breathe”

The second verse describes how he dislikes his twisted reality and how he knows of the failures in the music industry and that if he wanted to be free from this hell its too difficult because the lips of ambition were just too sweet, it’s like an addiction.

‘My breath is getting shorter

I close my eyes every night from twisted reality

The music box of tragedy echoes

But in order to be free from this crime

It’s impossible to forget and give up

Because those lips were too sweet’

He also says he’s “surrounded by people’s stares that can’t be touched” and I find this incredibly sad - I imagine that there is an incredibly passionate longing for human interaction.  I know BTS have each other but is that really enough?  This line to me relates to their ARMY and although they are adored and adoring to each other, there is something missing, something that is just out of reach.

The refrain:

Too bad but it’s too sweet

It’s too sweet, it’s too sweet

Is a tempting sweet hook in contrast to the powerful strong voice of J-Hope and to me resembles the “boy” in the title of the song.

The ending of the song:

It’s too evil

It’s too evil

It’s too evil

Yeah, it’s evil

Is a perfect ending to this song as it takes me back to the feeling of temptation and fear.

bangtan.official 

Inner Child - Charlie

MOTS:7 is an album which tells the story of all 7 members, and how they feel about themselves and their individual journeys to become the BTS of today. Inner Child is Taehyung’s solo, and it is his monologue as he talks to his past self, and reassures this young and apprehensive Taehyung that as he gets older, his life becomes even more beautiful and there are happy days ahead. He reflects on how much joy he experiences nowadays, and wants to tell the past version of himself that there is no use worrying, because in the future everything works out. 

“Now I wish we would smile more

It will be okay, because today's me is doing fine

Yesterday's you, now it's all clear”

The instrumental of the song is subtle, commencing with a quiet guitar like the nervous Taehyung of the past, as he reminds himself of how scared he used to be in his youth. At the chorus, it bursts into a sweet and happy mood, as Taehyung assures himself that the emotions he is feeling now will change, and everything will work out for the better. It is a euphoric chorus that radiates joy, and is the type of chorus you’d want to yell into the air while on a road trip or something. It then quietens down again for the next verse, which has a less sombre mood to the first as Taehyung looks back fondly at the smiling child he once was, the child that had so much hope that he worked hard and eventually grew up into the successful man we hear singing this song.  

All of the ambivalent feelings, of feeling sorry for one’s past self but also so proud that they grew up to be the person you are today, come to a crescendo in the bridge: 

“Tonight, if I reach my hand to yours

Can you hold that hand?

I'll become you

You just have to look at my galaxies

Be showered with all those stars

I'll give you my world

The lights illuminating your eyes, they're the me of now

You’re my boy, my boy

My boy, my boy, my boy”

This part of the song is the joining together of past and present Taehyung, where he offers to hold his hand and show him just how beautiful his life becomes. The “my boy” ending to the bridge gets me in tears or at the very least almost in tears everytime I hear it; it is a heart-warming illustration of how much Taehyung truly loves and is protective over his past self, and is proud of himself for succeeding. As far as self-reflections go, it’s quite beautiful. 

And it made me consider, we might have been in situations which we thought were terrible, but came out the other side proud of ourselves. No matter what you are going through and are afraid of now, your future self might be there, looking back and cheering you on because everything worked out okay in the end. As Taehyung sings, “We gon’ change” (a lyric alteration which Namjoon suggested as a message of hope), our bad situations will also change. In the future, we will want to tell ourselves that no matter how bad things seem right now, one day they will change and we can look back at our 2020 selves knowing that things got better eventually. 

That was a thought I had while on my daily walk a few days ago - doing nothing but wandering around with only Taehyung’s words in this song to focus on does wonders for putting things into perspective - and was why I wanted to put this song on this week’s playlist. 

bangtan.official 

Dionysis - Onomey

I chose Dionysus as the song I use when I’m walking on my daily outings because it’s an uplifting and powerful song from the very start. It has a metal feel to the structure of the song especially during the chorus which always tends to get me in the mood to do an activity whether that is walking or running. The elements of metal I notice when listening to this song is the double kick pedal, a heavy deep bass guitar that plays drone type long notes, and shouted lyrics whether that is from the rappers of the group or the singers, there is a lot of grit and aggression in their voices. The section of the song that makes it clear to the listener is the choruses after the break where RM says ‘you ready for this? Are you ready to get hyped up? Come on’. This is because you can clearly hear the use of an acoustic drum kit, not an electronic one that comes in and out of the song. 

Vocally you can hear the use of high almost yelled like vocals in the background whilst the chorus is going on by Jimin which is another element and a fantastic one may I add. The chorus outro is what I would describe as chaotic which I think was done deliberately to maybe show the outcome of what would happen if you listen to Dionysus and drink lots of alcohol as it ends with ‘the illest’ maybe letting us know that this type of behaviour is not the best and will make us sick if we continue.

‘Shot glasses (sippin’) linked arms (tippin’)

Vibes (keep it) D style (rip it)

Here (kill it) let’s steal it

The illest'

The thing that makes this song perfect use during these times is the bpm of the song. It is at a perfect running pace and perfect for if you want to go on a brisk walk. I find myself using the song to challenge myself pace-wise especially during the chorus I follow the tempo of the vocals being pronounced. 

‘Drink, drink, drink, drink up my glass ay 

Everyone al fall, fall, into this crazy artist 

One drink (one-shot), two drinks (two shots)

Get drunk on art and say onghaeya’

The song itself is amazing from the choreography to the actual lyrics. It still baffles me how the boys came across the idea of using the Greek god of wine and festivity as the inspiration for a song and making such a great success from it. It makes me very proud of J-Hope as what would life be without this banger of a song in our lives. 

bangtan.official 

ON - Michayla

I wanted to write about a song that I have tried and tested whilst out walking and since I appear to have been addicted to ‘ON’ since its release on 28th February this year, this was the obvious choice.

This song fused itself to my brain when I heard it for the first time because of a personal situation where I was having to take on an establishment after being wronged which had happened shortly after a case of cyber bullying. So when ‘ON’ was released I had been in a very dark place for four months and yet here was a song that said ‘You can’t hold me down, cuz you know I’m a fighter.’

This song is about not giving up and I feel that it is so important given the circumstances that the world has found itself in this year. There is so much to this song with references back to the Wings era and ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ as well as the title being the reverse of their 2013 track ‘N.O’. It is one of those songs that explains the member’s feelings about their journey from debut to present, which is so special.

‘Come on up, bring the pain, on yeah

Rain be pourin'

Sky keep fallin'

Everyday oh na-na-na’

I feel these lyrics will be how many people around the world would be feeling in recent months with the lockdown situation in most countries. 

However, we are fighters and we will come out of this. This has been especially tough on ARMY with the rescheduling of the MOTS tour but brighter days will come. When I am out walking, ear buds in, I always feel motivated when ‘ON’ comes on. It makes me want to walk faster, to power my way through life and get through to the better days ahead. 

bangtan.official 

The First Time - A Playlist

Our team spent a lot of time on social media during BangBangCon, enjoying it with ARMY; and we loved seeing so many who were hearing songs for the first time. This made us think about how many other songs were out there that you may not have heard before?

Here is a playlist of songs that we thought needed an introduction so let us know if there are any that you haven’t heard before. Twitter @BTSRadioUK.

Add the playlist on Soundcloud here:- First Time? 

Monster chosen by ARMY

Cheryl - So Monster won our poll this week as a song not seen or heard of before by many Army. Well for those of you who haven’t come across this song, I imagine it will probably be a bit of a surprise as I was surprised! Monster is a rap by RM and it was released back in 2015, before the huge success of BTS. I love the opening verse:

‘Twenty-one, the son that my mother has raised

At 181, 68 the length of my body is a model

A head that’s better than those dumbass hyungs and an open chest

You’ll all slander me with your various reasons

But I lament, now I’m grown Simba’

His words paint a pretty picture and there is another Disney reference too. Hope you enjoy it and let us know what you think.

Michayla - The poll was quite close with two songs looking set to battle it out this week but ‘95 Graduation’ just lost out to ‘Monster’. This song is gritty to say the least and Namjoon delivers it perfectly and there is something extra gritty about hearing Namjoon use such profanities. 

RM’s 2015 mixtape probably hasn’t been heard by many but if you have time, I would recommend it because it really does show you how far he has come, especially when you put it alongside ‘Mono’. Check out our playlist linked below, where you will find ‘Monster’ and more from that mixtape.

Onomey - I have to admit that I have not listened to this song before as I don’t tend to use Soundcloud much. When I listened to it the only thing that seemed familiar was the chorus but then again, that’s what a great chorus is supposed to do, make you automatically feel like you know the song. I have really enjoyed listening to this song because RM's rap flow is completely different to any song I’ve ever heard from him which is what makes it so unique compared to the massive catalogue of songs he has under his belt. The chorus is extremely catchy because of the hook lines of ‘left side (c’mon), right side (c’mon)’ that are made to remain in your head after listening to it just one time.

The attitude and swagger within his voice are powerful and is what keeps you engaged in the song. The release of anger that he is feeling because of all the people he feels are constantly attacking him with hate just because they are jealous that he is succeeding in life. It is nice in a way to see this side of him because sometimes you forget that he is a ruthless and extremely talented rapper who learnt his from underground rap battles. So if anyone in future tries to attack him, I’d suggest for them to listen to this song and think about whether you want to unleash the hard-hitting rap battle side of RM because you are likely to lose. 

‘You’ll all slander me with your various reasons 

But I lament, now I’m grown Simba’ 

There's no doubt that RM has grown at a rapid rate since this song release and I hope that he continues on this trajectory so the world can appreciate his talents.

Charlie - We all gush over mono and praise Namjoon for his ability to write and produce the most devastatingly beautiful of songs, but I think that one artefact that needs further discussion, that we cannot remind newer ARMYs of when they watch old concerts and whatnot, is the artistry that is Namjoon’s first mixtape. I don’t listen to it as often as other albums, because I use Spotify for my playlists as many ARMYs do, but whenever I journey into BTS’ Soundcloud I remember the first time I listened to RM, and how in awe I was when first reading Namjoon’s savage lyrics. Monster is a track where Namjoon brags about his success, charms and intelligence, with a chorus that you are moved to chant along with him to support him, and show you’re on his side. He acknowledges that if you’re a hater, his music just isn’t for you, and he feels sorry that you “can’t feel this” and join in with the chant of the chorus. It is a song to get you hyped and proud of Namjoon, and I think it would be brilliant at a concert or a party. 

bangtan.official 

Nothing Like Us (Jungkook Cover) - Michayla

In February 2016 we were treated to another fabulous cover by our golden maknae and it has since become one of my absolute favourites. I love Jungkook’s covers with ‘2U’ being my ultimate favourite and ‘Nothing Like Us’ is a close second, as well as ‘Paper Hearts’ and ‘Lost Stars’ also featuring heavily.

The song is originally sung by Justin Bieber and is about his break up with his ex girlfriend Selena Gomez as he stated in an interview at the time but I hadn’t actually heard that version at when I heard Jungkook’s cover so I didn’t know anything about it. 

Jungkook, who was only 19 at the time he released it, encouraged ARMY to read the lyrics of the song and listen again, stating that he always reads the lyrics before he chooses a song to cover. I like to think that the chorus is about BTS and ARMY:

‘There’s nothing like us, there’s nothing like you and me

Together through the storm

There’s nothing like us, there’s nothing like you and me

Together

There’s nothing like us, there’s nothing like you and me

Together through the storm

There’s nothing like us, there’s nothing like you and me

Together’

The simple piano accompaniment to Jungkook’s angelic vocals really hit home in this song. He pours so much emotion into each word, the lyrics are dripping with rawness and I could have this song on repeat, quite easily. My personal opinion is that this version is the better version but that could be because I heard this one first and I much prefer the sound of Jungkook’s voice, however, that doesn’t detract from the beautifully written lyrics.

What is essentially a heartbreaking song, full of angst and hurt, is transcended into something quite beautiful by our maknae and I hope he continues surprising us with his covers for many years yet.

bangtan.official 

Fools (Jungkook and Namjoon Cover) - Charlie

A Namkook sub-unit would be life-changing (a cultural reset, if you will), as we have already seen from watching them rap Ddaeng together. However, seeing them sing a beautiful, soft ballad together is a concept that cannot be overstated. 

Fools, originally by Troye Sivan, is a heartbreaking song about feeling foolish for falling in love with someone that you have to let go of. Like most BTS songs, it has bittersweet feelings to it, which explains why Namjoon and Jungkook are able to convey such complex emotions so deeply in this song despite it not being in their native language. This cover was also recorded back in 2015, before Jungkook started to study English to the extent that he has recently, and therefore the effort that must have gone into this effortless-sounding, sleek ballad should be acknowledged. 

“Only fools fall for you, only fools

Only fools do what I do, only fools fall

Only fools fall for you, only fools

Only fools do what I do, only fools fall”

My secondary school’s internet would let us access YouTube on school laptops for a time and I’d often try to work while listening to music on there, but obviously a lot of videos were blocked. This cover was one of the few that had a lyric video that I could access, and I remember listening to it while trying to get essays done. It is calming, and allows me to pause and concentrate. Everything seems to be put on pause when I listen to it, firstly because of how Jungkook’s serene voice demands attention and secondly because when Namjoon sings, it’s a challenge to not be overcome with calm. The simple repetitive nature of the chorus and the ending of the song (when Jungkook and Namjoon alternate singing “only fools”, in a slow and unrushed style) also helps me to take a moment to reflect when I listen to it.

As much as I adore the production of BTS' songs, and miss the lavishness and extravagance of their stage performances, this cover proves that even without all of that, they still shine and can deliver a stunning performance. The only instrumental is a soft piano in the background, and it's not crisp and in-your-face like an official track. That's the beauty of their SoundCloud page, and why this song is well worth a listen. 

bangtan.official 

Paper Hearts (Jungkook Cover) - Cheryl

I chose to write about Paper Hearts this week as this was a song I hadn’t heard before and I was intrigued with what the song would sound like.

I personally think Jungkook manages to sing the song with more emotion than the original.  His tone and depth captures a longing and loneliness that the original doesn’t, I feel. Listening to how he sings the song I had a feeling that he was reigning in his voice, controlling it, so that he didn’t give his full power and range. Thus mirroring someone holding back their emotions following a break up, as if the release of these emotions would be too powerful and scary.

I also like the way his voice rises in pitch each time he sings the word “through” as this accentuates the emotion of the lyrics and adds more character to the song, it definitely made me sit up and pay more attention to it.

The lyrics:

I hate this part, paper hearts

And I'll hold a piece of yours

Don't think I would just forget about it

Hoping that you won't forget about it

Made me think about the Love Yourself : Speak Yourself tour in Wembley, where I managed to save a paper red heart and have kept it in my phone case.  Then on the very rare occasion when I removed  my phone case I got a lovely surprise because I had forgotten it was there.  I was then transported straight back to Wembley and the BTS concert, such a magical time.

The lyrics that I find intriguing are:

Everything is gray under these skies

Wet mascara

Hiding every cloud under a smile

When there's cameras

And I just can't reach out to tell you

That I always wonder what you're up to

I can imagine that this would be how he would feel all the time - hiding emotions and smiling for the camera.  One of the things I like about BTS is when they are talking about this in their documentaries, or not hiding their emotions when the cameras are rolling.

I also imagine that paper hearts in this song relates to how fragile our hearts are and how they can be ripped apart.  The song is also performed in a delicate fragile way, from the backing music to the decision Jungkook made to keep his voice breathy and controlled.

bangtan.official 

Promise - Onomey

I chose promise because when I think of songs on Soundcloud from BTS it is one of the songs that really stick in my head and because I am a big fan of an acoustic sounding song. With Jimin added to that with his light and dreamy vocal tone, it makes for a perfect recipe.  

For this song to be his first solo release as a singer-songwriter and it's of such great and authentic quality with great lyrics. As someone who is an aspiring songwriter, I know that the first few songs that you tend to write are usually averagely written but with this song it is so obvious that throughout the years of being involved in BTS, songwriting comes naturally to him, just like it does with the rest of the members. 

Straight from the beginning, Jimin is able to layout the storyline of his song. Sometimes people releasing their first song tend to waffle about things that don’t necessarily have anything to do with the storyline the writer is aiming for. Jimin lets us know in the first verse what the problem is while singing in a lower register. It is very concerning and sad to see that not only Jimin struggles with his mental health, but he also spent a lot of time constantly almost trying to lead a double life in which he tries to hide the fact that he is struggling because he is not yet ready to come to terms with his situation. Opening up about this, I hope has helped him a lot as well as others who are struggling to find any self-worth because especially during these times we should all try to be more aware of the importance of self-health.

‘I sit alone, slumped down

And I break myself down with these thoughts

You probably don't even know

When you started hating me

You're hurting too ‘cause you’re mine

I just want to blow your mind

You're only interesting further away like this

I say that it's all fine

 The truth is that that's a lie’

The chorus is so beautifully written, subtle and precise which is why I love it so much. The chorus is sung in a higher register because the topic of the chorus is about his wish to be the light that many people want to lay their hopes and happiness upon. At the same time he is telling us to be our own beacon of light, I think mainly because he is scared that he will not be able to handle all that pressure whilst at the same time dealing with the fact that he sometimes struggles to find his own source of light within himself.

‘I want to be your light, baby

You should be your light

So you won't hurt any more, so you can smile more

I want to be your night, baby

You could be your night

I'll be honest with you tonight’

I’m sure that most of Army know about this song already as it didn’t make Soundcloud records for no reason. 

bangtan.official 

BTSRadioUKCon - a playlist

This week was a difficult week for the playlist team because we decided to choose our top 30 songs from the setlist of #BangBangCon, which proved to be extremely challenging. We really wanted to add all of them but this is what we came up with.

Could you choose only 30? Come and tell us @BTSRadioUK

Add the playlist here - BTSRadioUKCon 

We Are Bulletproof pt.2 chosen by ARMY

Michayla - The poll was a tough one this week, even my Daughter commented on how difficult it was to choose between the four songs. However, We Are Bulletproof pt.2 won and who can blame ARMY for choosing such an epic song? This was my choice too, I love the choreography and how iconic it has become, the MV is entertaining, to say the least and this is before you get to the song itself. 

The song is catchy, I always find myself singing along, especially with Namjoon and his forceful ‘What?!’ repeated at the beginning, followed by ‘We are bulletproof ha! Ha!’ This song is a motivator and will forever belong on most playlists.

Cheryl - With all the references to Bang Bang in the song We Are Bulletproof Pt.2, I am not surprised it won this week's poll for the song to be included in our BangBangCon playlist. It is such an attitude and a vibe - definitely one to be enjoyed with the volume turned right up! Love the chorus:

‘Oh! Throw a stone at me if you’ve done as much as I did

We go hard, we have no fear

(Click click, bang bang) we just sing it like

(Click click, bang bang) we just sing it like

Oh! Throw a stone at me if you’ve done as much as I did

We go hard, we have no fear

(Click click, bang bang) we just sing it like

(Click click, bang bang) we just sing it like’

Charlie - I am glad that the BangBangCon will give us a lot of time to appreciate the older songs that were BTS’ beginnings, and that they are calling back to in their new music. We Are Bulletproof pt. 2 seems like another bragging rap song at first, but at its core is a song about the beauty of hard work, because it will lead you to be so successful that you are untouchable, and no-one can stop you. It is a song that epitomises BTS’ work ethic, and at a time like this I am energised by passionate songs about getting through anything. 

Onomey - Such a close margin separates first, second and first placed in this weeks poll as all of the songs on the poll are all great dance driven songs. As soon as someone mentions the song title or even the word bulletproof, my brain automatically has RM in my head shouting with attitude, that hooks you into the song. 

‘(What) give it to me

(what) be nervous

(what) the one to end it all

(What) We are bulletproof

We are bulletproof 

Bulletproof’

I’m going to make a guess and say that the reason why this won is because of the magic that is the dance break outro with J-hope, Jimin and Jungkook. I will never understand how they’ve never made mistakes during that dance break, especially during Jungkook's dance using the caps as it must have taken intense precision in order to execute it perfectly. This is why I love this song and its live performance so much because in this performance you can see how much work, time and effort has gone into making the difficult choreography look simple and effortless. I think this song has a special place in the hearts of Army even more so now because of the release of We are Bulletproof: the Eternal. It is a song that no matter how many years have passed, it’s still one of the main songs we all tend to listen to which goes to show how greatly written and produced the song is. 

bangtan.official 

No More Dream - Michayla

With BangBangCon being shown and knowing that we were being treated to ‘The Red Bullet’ and ‘Epilogue’ tours, there was only one song that I really had to choose and that was ‘No More Dream’. This song is practically the birth of BTS with it being their first song released on 13th June 2013 and ‘We Are Bulletproof pt.2’ was intended to be the B-side of the track.

‘No More Dream’ was edgy for it’s time and different to other K-pop songs in 2013 which earned them some backlash with opinions divided, some saying it was too different and others claiming that BTS were copying Big Bang. Either way they pressed on, in spite of the negativity that they sadly had to face for a few more years to come. 

The song is an attack on the lack of dreams and aspirations held by the youth of 2013 and Yoongi’s lines in response to ‘Hey, What’s your dream?’ are probably the most iconic especially since he altered them during the Xmas Day 2018 medley performance on SBS:

‘I wanna big house, big cars & big rings

But in reality, I don't have any big dreams’

Which was changed to ‘I gotta big house, big cars & big rings’ much to the amusement of ARMYs all over the world because it was a further nod to the haters.

In 2016 they introduced a dance break to their performance during the Epilogue tour in Japan and if you haven’t ever had the opportunity to see it, I would highly recommend seeking it out because it is phenomenal. Hobi sets the stage alight and the other members are close behind him because, wow!

There is a lot to be said for this hip hop style song that was perhaps a little ahead of its time and scared the industry, hence the backlash but it had an important message.

‘What is you that you dreamed of?

Who do you see in your mirror, I gotta say

Go your own way

Even if you live a day

Do something

Put weakness away’

I think the message applies to young people of any generation, encouraging them to have dreams and to follow those dreams. To be honest, I believe that is a message that even older ARMY might want to follow because sometimes we feel that we have had our time and that we can’t follow our aspirations due to adult commitments. 

BTS has me believing that anything is possible.

bangtan.official 

Blood, Sweat & Tears - Charlie

Blood, Sweat and Tears is the title track from BTS’ second studio album, Wings, which was released in October of 2016. It was released just as BTS were starting to gain Western recognition, with some high numbers on UK iTunes (back then, I remember checking the radio to see if they would get airplay, not knowing that I’d have to wait for another couple of years) and just a few months until their very first BBMAs nomination and award. 

When I first saw this music video and choreography, I knew that BTS had grown into a much more mature group, with the subject matter of the song concerning the temptations you face as you grow into adulthood. It was a song that was ahead of its time and proved BTS’ versatility. The lyrics have religious references to them, symbolising how temptations can make one blind to the consequences of their actions. Lyrically, this is a bittersweet and tragic song. 

“Kiss me on the lips

A secret just between the two of us

Deeply poisoned by the jail of you

I cannot worship anyone but you and I knew

The grail was poisoned but I drank it anyway”

The live performances to this song are spectacular, especially due to how timeless the song feels. From Jimin’s first note, with the boys stood centre stage altogether outstretching one arm, to the final thumb-across-the-lips move, it is a breathtaking stage. This is why, when BangBangCon was announced, I was especially excited for the inclusion of The Wings Tour. However, they also perform this song in other concerts (I can’t tell you how fulfilled I felt when I watched them perform this at the Love Yourself tour in London). The choreography to this performance is stunning, with such iconic moves as Jimin’s jacket-off-the-shoulder “accident”, Yoongi walking his fingers up Taehyung’s chest to hold his throat, and the boys putting their hands over each other’s eyes. The handstand-into-lying-on-their-backs move is also done very smoothly, with every single move blending seamlessly with the one before it and into the next. 

“Kill me softly

Close my eyes with your caress

I can't resist it anyway

I can't even escape anymore

You are too sweet, too sweet

Because you are too sweet”

The chorus of this song is incredibly iconic, with the moombahton trap sound and the “wonhi manhi manhi” being almost all that I heard for a good few months after the album was released (after that, it was the You Never Walk Alone comeback). 

There isn’t a single verse of this song that it can do without. The vocal line give heavenly vocals, which are accompanied by incredible raps. Namjoon and Yoongi’s raps are sultry, with “peaches and cream, sweeter than sweet” being one of the most effortlessly gorgeous lyrics in my opinion. Hoseok’s rap is full of the fire and frustrated rage that comes with a forbidden temptation, and seeing them be performed on stage never gets old. 

bangtan.official 

Outro: Wings - Cheryl

The song Interlude: Wings is a very upbeat song about the belief of succeeding, following your dreams, trusting yourself and others and being brave.

J-Hope sings about remembering his childhood where he had no worries and that he had faith his little feathers would eventually grow and become wings and that he would fly.

RM sings about being rebellious; he would go where he was told not to, do things he was told not to and want things he was told not to want. He was determined to succeed but not by doing something he didn’t want to do. He would push himself to achieve.

Suga sings about how he believed in himself, he also says he believes in you (I wonder if the “you” are the other members or BiGHit or maybe both). He claims his back hurts waiting for the wings to appear, perhaps his back is tense waiting for the success. He also says that even if things look bleak now he is sure the end will be great and don’t be scared as this is just the first flight.

J-Hope has the final verse where he sings about getting older and how he made a decision to have unconditional trust, not to be afraid but to be brave. He believes he has changed and he will no longer cry, he won’t hang his head down low. See the sky that is where he will be flying.

The pre-chorus is my favourite part of the song:

‘Take me to the sky

If I can fly

If I can run away forever

If my wings could fly

Piercing through the air that’s getting heavier

Flying, flying

Higher than higher than

Higher than the sky

Flying, flying

With my reddened wings’

I can envision the wings being reddened firstly by being new and then later being over used, as BTS stretch them and fly with their success.

The chorus is all about the wings and spreading them and flying up to the sky 

Wings has been a visual in many BTS videos including; Blood Sweat and Tears, Boy Meets Evil and their latest Black Swan.  I am also wondering if the feathers flying out of pillow fights in other videos, are also a reference to their wings somehow?

ibighit.com 

Come Back Home - Onomey

I’ve always disliked when artists redo a song by another artist as they never seem to live up to the original song. BTS is an exception to this as they managed to do such an important song in the history in kpop and managed to keep the same lyrical topic whilst adding to it lyrically with hardships that young people go through this day and age, as well as adding trap beats that are on the majority of the most recent songs in the last few years. To be given the opportunity by such a legend to even watch them be part of the 25th anniversary of Seo Taiji & Boys says so much about the level of talent they possess.

The song is perfect for a concert environment which is probably why my mind went straight to this song because its a song that gets the audience up onto their feet dancing and bobbing their heads along to the beat. With the rarity of BTS performing this song, it makes me all that more excited to see it on BangBangCon!

There are many moments to me that make this song amazing as each member brings their own bit of flair and individualism to the song. I have no words for Jin singing like an angel with ease in falsetto to start the song. J-Hope to me shines a lot because he has the swagger and a similar rap tone and flows to Seo Taiji in this song despite the second half of the lyrics being different to the original,  which is fascinating to listen to. 

'Angry? Hungry? Yes I’m hangry 

Every day is repeating, the future is bleak

There was no me

And there was no future’

My favourite part is the added hook the boys created because of the choreography as I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like it before and it gives another difference between the original and their version choreography wise instead of just copying every single dance move used. Another reason which I think Army can relate to seeing how much V is feeling himself every time that hook comes around as he gets lost within the music at that part and is hitting every move hard with extra energy.

‘Come back to my home, come back home

Come back to my home, come back home

(In this rough time)

Come back to my home, come back home

Come back to my home, come back home

(I will complete myself)'

With this song being about urging teenage runaways to return home, I hope that BTS' version allowed this message to be spread to another generation of teens who may feel the need to run away or already have to return home because as RM says 'because we are still young, there is a decent future. So let's wipe the cold tears now and come back home'

bangtan.official

Bringing The Sunshine Indoors

We have been blessed with some gorgeous weather recently but due to the lockdown, we haven’t been able to enjoy it as we usually would. We wanted to bring the sunshine indoors and to create a playlist that would have the sun streaming through your speakers.

Which song does this for you? Get in touch on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Sunshine Inside

Boyz With Fun chosen by ARMY

Cheryl - So Boyz with Fun won our sunshine poll this week.  It’s a fast paced track about dancing and playing and just being crazy. This song is just so appropriate the sun is shining and what could be better than listening to a track by BTS that is all about having Fun, Fun, Fun with the fun BTS boys!

Charlie - “Boyz With Fun” is a song that is designed to bring you bright and happy feelings no matter what has happened today. It is about forgetting your problems and dancing around to your favourite songs like no one is watching, which is basically what I’ve been doing for these part few weeks. Putting on a fun song like this and dancing around your bedroom or your garden can keep you sane and help you forget about things that are weighing you down, so I recommend it. The way the boys tease each other through their lyrics, and Taehyung choreographs a different chorus every time, is a perfect distraction and reminder that we can still have fun together as long as we have music.

Michayla - This song is one of those songs that cannot fail in making you smile, dance and sing along, therefore it is a very worthy winner of this week’s poll. ‘Boyz With Fun’ is about having fun and I would highly recommend watching the stage performance linked below so you can see how much fun the guys have when they have performed it. At times like these, when we find that we are having to stay at home to be safe, a song like ‘Boyz With Fun’ is sure to make the sun shine in whichever room you play it.

Onomey - With this song being linked to the sun it makes sense to why this song won as it is a clearly fun and upbeat song. I like the intro to this song as it reminds me of  I’d hear off Pitch Perfect or Hakuna Matata from the Lion King movie because of the back and forth with the word fun.

‘We’re here, the fun boys
Here, here, the fun boys
We’re here, the fun boys
Fun, fun
I don’t even know myself’

This song without a doubt is a perfect song to dance to or have blasting whilst you sit back and watch the clear sky whilst bobbing your head to the music, you’ll find yourself singing along to the chorus without a doubt so just embrace the wonderful cheeky and fun side of a young BTS.

Arirang K-pop

Filter - Cheryl

I chose to write about Filter this week as it felt like a warm summer breeze. Perfect for the weather we are currently experiencing in the UK.

As I am sure you know Filter is a solo song by Jimin and the backing music which sounds Latin suits his voice beautifully.  It sounds like only one guitar being used which makes the music so delicate and kind of flowery.

This week at home (stuck indoors like all of us at the moment) we have been watching some Disney films and Aladdin is currently our favourite, so it was a bit of a surprise to see that Aladdin is also referenced in the song. However, this does not feel like a positive reference as Jimin says he will be the Genie and that the person he is singing to can create whatever version of him that they want and he will comply.

He also sings “I’ll take you to a whole new world“ which is another reference to Aladdin, as this is a song in the film.

I believe these lyrics relate to their song “could you turn off your cell phone?” from their Dark and Wild album.

Put your phone down, don’t even think of
turning your head away

Upon reading the lyrics of Filter I believe I can see a continuation of the theme of the song Fake Love as I believe Jimin is saying that he will change and mould himself into whatever and whoever the other person wants him to be.

Let me know your type
You can pick and choose me, yeah

I believe the song isn’t all about using a filter to change Jimin to a version we would prefer.  He also references a Palette, which directly links to positive comments made by Army that it doesn’t matter what he wears or what colour his hair is - he looks fantastic in whatever he decides.

He also suggests that by changing the filter he can make the world a better place.  He asks to be entrusted by us and that he could be our filter thus allowing us to change too.

My favourite lyrics are:

Oh, I will embrace you like in your dreams
Oh, it's a secret spec
For you, every day I'll be new
It's not fun to stay the same all the time

These lyrics seem very playful and who wants to be the same every day?

Going back to the Aladdin theme, if Jimin was your Genie what 3 wishes would you ask of him?

bangtan.official

I Like It Pt.2 - Charlie

“I Like It Pt. 2” is most certainly a song that gives me laid-back-in-the-sun vibes. It is a break from a lot of the angsty or dramatic BTS songs that I need several moments to prepare for and recover from. It is a sweet love song whose Japanese title, “Ano Bashode” translates to “at that place”, and refers to a wish to see a girl again, as you have history together and still love her.

The song starts with sounds like the scratching of a CD, and some breezy vocals from Jungkook as well as a jingle that could be a phone notification. The rest of the first verse is taken up by Yoongi’s rap. Starting the song with a long rap without breaking it up by members alternating lines makes the first verse appear longer, which is even more salient in the dance practice video when we have the members stood facing away from the camera until around the 50 second mark when the chorus begins and more synchronised choreography starts. Giving the chorus and choreography a while to kick in adds to the slow and laid-back vibe of the song; the members take their time to tell a love story one by one.

It is also in this verse that we see the song’s theme of constantly checking your crush’s social media pages (which is also where the “Like” aspect of the title comes from). Yoongi uses textspeak to express thoughts which are otherwise difficult to talk about.

“I remember the past again
Our relationship becomes “EX”
Between us OH NO! Becomes “X”
When did a wall form between us? Two people who pass by without noticing each other”

The chorus of this song is simultaneously upbeat and chilled. It reminds me of a light sigh when you’re thinking about someone you like, in how breathy and wistful it sounds. The lyrics of it are also very sweet, with the members daydreaming about how cool and cute the girl seems, and how he idolises her despite the girl acting like she doesn’t see him.

“Don’t know, looking like you don’t know
A GIRL who seems fun
I’m still crazy about you, you’re still CUTE
You’re still dazzling girl"

More references to social media and calling and texting your crush comes from Namjoon’s verse, where the “tick tick trrr moshimoshi?” line represents Namjoon calling up the girl in desperation to see if she wants to hang out. The playfulness of this line, evocative of lovesick teenagers,  is accompanied by Namjoon miming walking through the other members acting as archways and using Jimin’s arm as a phone.

“I’m always looking at the blue screen, I start to hate it
Every time I feel like clicking the “like” button I try calling you
Hello?
I wish that you remember me, If you could maybe…”

It is also in this verse that Namjoon talks of the girl admitting that she has a boyfriend, which makes him freeze, but instead of the song rising in angst, he just says “Of course you changed”, and the song flows back into the chorus without leaving the lyrics time to get too sad. It then goes into Hoseok’s verse, which just like with Airplane pt. 2, is lifted from the first “I Like It” song. Hoseok praises how cute the girl is, and admits he still likes her. His cute voice gradually builds into more of a frustrated tone, but just like Namjoon he is interrupted by the more optimistic pre-chorus.

“How were you lately?
I peeked and the “like” shined
You cutie
Even being happy when you’re alone now…”

After this, the song ends with a final burst of high notes and harmonisation from the vocal line, and the scratching CD noises are replaced with more twinkly piano notes, giving a soft end to the song.

Overall, this song appears to be not much more than a simple love song at first glance, but there is some angst in there that is replaced by dreamy notes and fun raps. Anytime the lyrics are about to express how dejected the members feel in the failed romance, the vocal line enter with a beautifully soft chorus. The song is one of their prettiest, softest tracks, and definitely has a summery vibe.

bangtan.official

Just Dance - Michayla

When I think about songs that make the sun shine, the first songs that come to mind are those sung by our very own Mr Sunshine, Jung Hoseok. Let’s face it, Hobi is the very definition of sunshine and every performance by him is guaranteed to make you smile.

I chose ‘Just Dance’ because I have had the absolute privilege of seeing Hobi perform this live, four times and I know it makes the sun shine! During the Love Yourself tour at the O2, he rocked the arena and the whole building shook and I know that many of my ARMY friends fell in love with him even more that day.

I was so excited to see what Hobi would do with it during the Love Yourself, Speak Yourself tour and he absolutely killed it at Wembley. The change of outfit and addition of the water cannons magnified the whole thing and I will never, ever forget his face when the stadium chanted his name, he was beaming and he deserved every single cheer.

‘Just Dance’ is such a positive song, the comparison of a strong friendship or loving relationship to dance, Hobi style. It is one of the three Trivias and falls into the middle of the story, starting with Namjoon’s ‘Love’ and ending with Yoongi’s ‘Seesaw’ from the Love Yourself era.

Finding that connection with someone, the realisation that you are perfect for each other:

‘In my muddy life
You were like a single stem flower
Even this suffocating studio
If we’re together, turns into paradise
My dreams that once had no answer
Now becomes something we can relate to
Because our rhythm is matching
Because we have our dance, it’s a fate-like beat
Let’s get it on POP
Washing me over with those waves
Our heartbeats are in sync
You’re getting to know my heart too
I wanna keep this going
I like you like I like to dance
So you’re my love, yeah my love
That’s what I like’

When Hobi performs he radiates happiness and this song makes my heart swell as well as making me smile from ear to ear. I challenge anyone not to want to move and sing along when this is playing and if you have the chance to watch one of the Love Yourself performances of this then I would highly recommend it.

bangtan.official

MAMA - Onomey

I like how the song starts off with an old movie film reel sound which allows our minds to go back in time to get ready for the story he is about to tell as he sings ‘time travel to 2006, crazy for dance’. In this verse, we learn that his family were struggling financially but he didn’t notice at the time because he only had his eyes set out for dance and his mum did a great job at hiding these problems and instead did all she could to let him thrive despite his dad not agreeing with his career choices. It is nice to know that despite not being fully aware, J-Hope used this as a source of inspiration and hope in order to make life easier for his mum and family as a whole. It doesn’t surprise me that he has this sort of attitude to life as he is always looking at the positives and making a difference.

When you think of songs that make the sunshine, I think that most of J-Hopes songs will be on that list as he is one of those people that have that rare ability to radiate happiness and sunlight which is seen and felt through every song he makes. It is adorable that J-Hope has taken the time to make a song about his mum and highlight how much she means to him, how vital she was in order for him to succeed, despite all the obstacles that he and his family faced, as it has allowed him to become the man he is today.

The hook is what hits my heart and makes the sunshine to me because every child wants to be able to grow up to repay faith and warmth your parents put into you by making them proud of who and what you have become. You can hear the raw but happy emotion in J-Hopes voice during this hook. The powerful tone of his vocals with the brass instrumentation and choir backing vocals gives it a gospel feel which takes me back to happy times when I would sing in the church and school choir.

‘Hey mama
Now you can lean on me
I’ll always be by your side
Hey mama
Because you gave selflessly to me
Because you were my support
Hey mama
Now you can believe in your son, 
You can smile
Hey mama
Hey mama’

Despite not being able to go outside in this current climate, being able to listen to this song whilst looking out at the sun shining makes me feel better about the world, puts things into perspective about how much your family and the people around you truly love as sometimes you tend to forget the little things they do. Thank you mama J-Hope for raising such a talented and loving person, and thank you J-Hope for the beautiful song.

bangtan.official 

Dance Practices

Many of us are finding that cabin fever is setting in so to keep in line with last week’s ‘Keep Your Body Moving’ playlist, we thought that this week we could concentrate on BTS' dance practices. In the poll we asked you to choose which song you would like to see a dance practice video of and the winner wasn’t really too much of a surprise.

Which dance practice video is your favourite? Come and tell us on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Dance Practices

Pied Piper chosen by ARMY

Cheryl - So, Pied Piper won the poll this week as the song we would like to see a Dance Practice for. I cannot say I am surprised as this song is for BTS’ Army.  The words resonate with us all and the thought of those words being expressed in dance moves would be nothing short of magical. The body rolls and arm movements at the end of a live stage performance reminded me of the similar moves in ON. Let your imagination go wild and imagine what moves BTS would dance to Pied Piper.

Michayla - ‘Pied Piper’ slayed ARMY during 5th Muster and every performance of it is literally ‘fire’ so of course we would love a video of BTS practising it. It’s funny because the performance doesn’t quite convey the whole meaning of the song, mainly because it is so hot! The song is about being distracted and led astray, BTS wanting us to focus on our studies or work. However, I challenge anyone to focus when watching them perform ‘Pied Piper’ and the mere thought of a dance practice is too much for my mind.

Charlie - It is unsurprising that this song won the poll; ever since it was first released I found the lyrics to be super interesting (who else sing roasts their fans for spending so much time over them?) and longed to see it performed live. And we have, but only on live streams from various angles shot at Musters and whatnot. I would love a complete dance practice video of Pied Piper to see the ironic choreography (we want you to focus on work, but here are some body rolls!) in its entirety. It may not have that much choreography to it until the chorus, but neither does I Like It pt. 2 and that is another one of my favourite dance practice videos for its simplicity.

Onomey - My fellow members of the weekly blog predicted that this song would win this weeks poll before we had even tweeted it out. When I first listened to this song I was obsessed because of the unlimited amount of falsetto used throughout the song, especially during the chorus. It was only when I looked at the lyrics I understood why the song was made the way it was with catchy chord progression with lots of different hooks and ear worm melodies. It reinforces the idea of the lyrics in a musical form, for example, using the hook ‘ooh ah oh ah oh ah’ is the Pied Pipers tune that leads ARMY into blindly following BTS and everything they do. It would be very intriguing to see how the ideas of their choreographers and whether they’d follow the pied piper theme or completely change the idea around it to shock us all. This song is perfectly named as just through writing this piece, I’ve gotten the chorus stuck in my head already.

‘Follow the sound of the pipe, follow this song
It’s a bit dangerous but I’m so sweet
I’m here to save you, I’m here to ruin you
You called me, see? I’m so sweet 
Follow the sound of the pipe
I’m takin’ over you
I’m takin’ over you’

bangtan.official

No More Dream - Cheryl

This week we are writing about BTS Dance Practices and boy was this a difficult one to chose - each time I watched one I wanted to write about it.  Then I had a thought, why not go back to the very beginning and watch their very first one. So I chose their debut - No More Dream.

I chose NMD because I was curious about how it would compare to their newer dance practices.  I had this strange notion that perhaps it would have less of an impact, or be less professional somehow.  Well I was wrong!!! - no real surprise there! BTS must be perfectionists.

Watching the video, it is obvious they are a lot younger (it was 6 years ago) but what I could not see was any sign of nerves or self doubt.  They look so cool and confident. The choreography is stunning and difficult. What I found surprising is that each one shone and no one was trying to out perform the other - real team spirit!

NMD is full of passion and aggression.  Their message hits hard through their dance moves. These 7 young men show pure grit and determination - no wonder they are as loved as they are. They work hard for it and their talent just shines.

Thief facial expressions like the hip hop dance moves, are fierce.  The moves are so clean, sharp and the synchronisation (wow). Each member is on fire and I found it mesmerising how they danced between each other seamlessly changing position without a single bump, allowing each member to take front position.

For me the highlights of the dance practice are; the hair flicks of Jin, V and Jungkook (even their shiny hair dances),the body pumps, the section near the end where they are hunched over doing circular rolls allowing a different member to stand and then RM parts them. Also, the stunt where Jungkook lifts Jimin and Jimin knocks the other member down with his feet. Last but by no means least Jimin’s stomach rolls - I did think about not mentioning them - but thought it would be rude not to.

Big Hit Labels

I Like It pt 2 - Michayla

This is a song that doesn’t have an official MV and many may not have heard it before but it is one of my favourites so I seized the opportunity to write about this highly distracting dance practice video.

‘I Like it pt2’ or ‘line! pt.2’ is a track on BTS’s first Japanese album ‘Wake Up’ which has some absolute gems on it including ‘The Stars’ and ‘line!’ plus Japanese versions of ‘Boy In Luv’ amongst others.

What could possibly be so distracting? I hear you say. Well, for anyone that has seen the dance practice video for ‘Silver Spoon’ (Baepsae) you will know exactly what I am talking about because the members are wearing those outfits and Jungkook’s white shirt, jeans and Timberland boots are somewhat iconic.

The choreography is great in this video and if we ignore the obvious pelvic movements there is so much going on. I have several favourite moments in this video, one of those starting at around 1m 40s when the members become a house. Jungkook and Jin on one side, Hobi and Yoongi on the other, Tae is the best door you could ask for and Jimin is the telephone that Namjoon uses to make a call. It is just brilliant and I love it. They performed this song live during 4th Muster and it is very comical when they act it out because of Jimin’s reaction at being the telephone.

The timing of the dance moves is something that stood out to me in this practice because from about 2m 3s they stand in a ‘V’ formation with Namjoon front and centre. The timing of the move as they carry it out in pairs filtering back is great and it is rather mesmerising

I would love for ‘I Like it pt.2’ to have an official MV because it is such a good song with catchy dance moves. I think if there is a song out there that has choreography that even I could learn, then it is this one. Perhaps that is the challenge I will set myself during this lock down period… which choreography would you learn?

Big Hit Labels

War Of Hormone (Real War Version) - Charlie

This right here is one of my all-time favourite BTS videos, and a go-to if you are missing BTS and just want to see them in their natural habitat, acting all silly with huge smiles on their faces as they yell out disjointed lyrics to War of Hormone. It is basically a fun version of a War of Hormone dance practice video, with the boys screaming and jumping about while at times doing the choreography.

The video starts with Namjoon jumping up in a goofy way, and we’re instantly greeted with Hobi sound effects when he and Jungkook appear. And then, we see the soulmates Jimin and Taehyung - Taehyung is barely onscreen for 3 seconds before Jungkook playfully hits him and he crouches to the floor with an exaggerated yell of pain. After everyone is onscreen, immediately doing strange poses and yelling out, they inexplicably jump into perfectly synchronised choreography. In-between my laughter, I am in shock that they can maintain such meticulous stage presence while just goofing around effortlessly.

Of course, this is a younger BTS, singing a song about getting overexcited on hormones and whatnot, and so when they get close to the camera with kissy faces and to play peekaboo, it’s quite adorable. As it is one of the first BTS videos I watched, it instantly proved to me how fun and enthusiastic BTS are, and how comfortably they can make you feel in their videos just by being themselves. Hoseok stood out to me as being a major mood maker of the group, with his heart-shaped smile and his loud sound effects. Taehyung moving up instead of down in the bridge was also adorable, when he did an endearing boxy smile at his mistake. Yoongi also accidentally hits Namjoon when he’s up on Jungkook’s shoulders, and Jin does his traffic dance. Their personalities are summed up in such an endearing way in this video, as are their relationships, such as when Taehyung jokingly shoves Jimin so hard he falls off the screen, only to immediately put his arms around him and make kissing faces at the camera with him. 

However, there are also changes in their vibes that we can see in this video. Most notable to me is their fashion: Jimin is wearing a backwards-facing cap and a boyish hoody; his adorable side is still there, but he has a different energy to him. Yoongi and Namjoon’s fashion is also simpler, with hoodies and jeans, and Taehyung wears a long grey cardigan to show his softer side. 

They may not have the designer labels, or the bigger and more expensive dance studio, but their energy and playfulness is still the same. It may be a goofy video to an older song with lyrics about being thirsty over women, but there is an unmistakable fondness that you cannot help but to feel when you see this silly video of these young rookie idols dancing together.

Big Hit Labels

21st Century Girl - Onomey

I chose to write about the 21st Century Girl dance practice because it's the Halloween version and it’s funny to watch the boys stay in the character of who they dressed as from start to finish.

The costumes are so funny, It makes me laugh to think how they come up with their outfit ideas seeing as J-Hope is the only person who is dressed in an outfit relevant to Halloween. We are blessed with Jimin as cabbage, Jin as a cowboy riding a horse, Suga dressed in traditional Korean clothing, J-Hope as a skeleton, V as Syaoran, Jungkook as a bunny and RM as Ryan bear who starts the song off looking adorable in his costume.

‘You worth it you perfect

Deserve it just work it

You look elegant, elegant

Also, you’re pretty, pretty

You shine, shine

You’re the truth and the reason’

The dance is carnage to the point where even at 1:49 JK and Jimin start punching each other which is that much funnier in the outfits that they are wearing but its great nonetheless.

I love the casualness of the chorus as it starts with a side step whilst they sing ‘all my ladies put your hands up, 21st-century girl hands up’. After this is where the complicated steps are brought in which I think was deliberately done choreography wise in preparation for the second line of the chorus. ‘All my ladies put your hands up, now scream’. So we can admire their amazing dance moves.

I like how this song highlights the issue of females not feeling pretty enough within themselves so BTS take it upon themselves to make a full song telling us how beautiful we all are and to believe that we are strong enough to set our own standards of beauty that we are confident with. I appreciate that they are able to do this is a fun and upbeat way which is why I enjoy the dance practice so much because it's just about having fun and being silly.

‘Oh bae don’t lower yourself

Okay don’t set yourself to them

You’re mine

You’re beautiful enough

Don’t worry, don’t worry

Baby, you’re beautiful

You You You'

Big Hit Labels 

Keep Your Body Moving with BTS

With the UK and many countries being on lock down, lots of us are having to spend a lot of time indoors.That is why this week’s playlist is all about the songs that get you moving, the songs that have you dancing around your kitchen, those songs that make keeping still, impossible.

Do you have a song that gets you dancing around your house? Why not let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK.

Keep Your Body Moving with BTS

ON chosen by ARMY

Michayla - I am addicted to this song. From the second I heard it, it took hold of my soul and has not let go. I was torn between this song and ‘EGO’ in this week’s poll, but my addiction won. I fail to sit or stand still whenever this is on. I have it blaring in my car and will bop away in the driver's seat, often wondering if the people walking or driving past think I am a little crazy. ‘ON’ arrived in my life at a time when I was fighting a system because of an injustice served to me so it really resonated with me. I have formed a connection with this song and it gives me fire in my core, it motivates me and is fantastic for power walking. Due to the situation around the world at the moment though, it is the perfect housework song and definitely keeps my body moving and my lungs working as I belt out Jungkook’s high note!

‘ON’ speaks for the world at the moment “You can’t hold me down cause you know I’m a fighter” spoken for each country.

Onomey - This weeks winner won with EGO closely in second place which isn’t surprising considering that these two songs are very upbeat and energetic compared to the other two. Despite the near-impossible dance moves, it still has the power to make me get up and dance.

I think during these tough times we are all experiencing, lyrically this song is perfect because it is about fighting through the pain no matter how tough it may be and if you stumble, try harder to get back up. The marching band intro with the hummed hook line that becomes the main structure of the song is what builds the tension up before it drops with a drone kick which allows Jimin to come through with his vocals. I’m beginning to think that RMs verse has magical powers that force your body to dance even when you don’t want to due to the choreography during the verse where he steps, in line with the beat of the bar, with powerful steps so you are locked into the strong trap beat that goes along with it.

‘(Look) Look at my feet, look down

The shadow resembles me

Is it the shadow that’s shaking

Or is it my feet that are trembling’

This song is a vitally needed song in any playlist regarding songs that give you the energy to dance because of the brass and drum instrumentation of a marching band brings. It allows the boys to use the many different drum patterns to base their dance moves around as us as humans usually follow the beat when dancing. This to me is why the chorus is irresistible to dance to along with the fighting filled lyrics.

‘(Eh-oh)

Bring it, bring the pain, on yeah

(Eh-oh)

Come on up, bring the pain, on yeah

Rain be pourin’

Sky keep fallin’

Everyday oh na na na

(Eh-oh)

Bring it, bring the pain, on yeah’

Cheryl - I personally find the song ON somewhat emotional.  All the references to pain and how they had to endure pain in order to achieve their success, I imagine their pain to be both emotional and physical. The use of the marching band and the drumming conjures up a battle in my mind and I think this conveys the image of the pain they are referencing in the song.

Jungkook’s solo brings tears to my eyes - his voice is so beautiful and can reach such a high pitch - gives me goosebumps.  When he sings “My blood and tears” this takes me straight back to their first night in the UK at the O2, where he came on stage injured and emotional. His lyrics “I’m taking over” I believe means that he is taking control for himself rather than being dictated to by others, it could also mean that he is accepting his destiny of being who he is and he will be in charge of that also.

The song is very powerful and confident and although there may be a longer wait - I really hope to see this performed live.

Charlie - I’m sure that many of us have been dancing around our houses to ON ever since it came out. It is a power anthem that uses a marching band style to explain the worries and struggles that the members have had over these 7 years, and reassures us in a triumphant tone that they only feel more empowered from these hardships, and they are ready and waiting for more pain because they know they can survive it. As they sing at the end, all that they know is working hard despite struggles, so this song is like a preemptive victory anthem. The “hey na na”s of the chorus are aggressive and stand out as if Jimin is commanding us to pay attention, and in this way whenever I hear this song I feel moved to stand up, to drop anything that has been weighing me down and stand to attention. The fact that BTS have not yet performed this to a stadium of ARMY just makes me want to yell out the lyrics louder, and dance harder.

Big Hit Labels

Begin - Onomey

This beautiful Jungkook song has already been keeping me distracted already during this period of time. I enjoy listening to this song especially when cooking food as I find myself attempting to replicate the footwork choreography used during the chorus which results in me just jumping around everywhere. Unfortunately, we all can’t be as talented as our golden maknae but that doesn’t stop me from trying to enjoy myself when dancing.

It's his graceful vocals, bass synth wobbles and the powerful drum patterns that make me get lost within the music when the chorus drops. His vocal skills are shown throughout this, especially live as the choreography he has to do throughout this song involves a lot of jumping which is very hard to do even for the most highly skilled singer to do at the same time as singing, especially in the chorus where he is singing in falsetto with a lot of vocal runs which he does with elegance and ease.

The song is such an adorable song with it being about how Jungkook is so appreciative towards his other members because they’ve helped bring him up from when he was 15 years old. Through this, the members have given Jungkook the space to experience the emotions that come with your teenage years.

‘Love you, my brother, I’ve got brothers 

I discovered emotions, I became me

So I’m me

Now I’m me’

It's so amazing to know how strong and emotional the bond between the BTS members are to the point where Jungkook deeply feels the pain his members go through because he wants to do all he can to take that pain away because of what they’ve done for him growing up.

‘I feel like dying

When my brother is sad

When my brother is sick

It hurts more than when I’m sick

Brother let’s cry, cry, cry and get it over with

I don’t know much about sadness

But I’m gonna cry anyway

Because, because’

I like that Jungkook uses the backing vocals during the chorus and uses it to show the emotional journey they go on as a group. The first time he sings ‘smile with me, smile with me, smile with me the second time is ‘cry with me, cry with me, cry with me’ and the third and final time is ‘fly with me, fly with me, fly with me’.

Big Hit Labels

Spine Breaker - Cheryl

Reading the lyrics of Spine Breaker, which featured on their Skool Luv Affair album which was released in 2014, I first thought that the song was a comparison between their lives before and after they have achieved some success. I say some because this was written before they could even grasp the level of success that they are currently achieving.

But, the more I digested the lyrics the more I realised that my thoughts were not on the right track.

I now believe that the song is directed towards students who want the expensive items of clothing but rather than saving up for the items themselves they pressure their parents for the items - whining that friends poorer than them have the said items.

The words Spine Breaker relates to people that have spine breaking jobs that can lead to their backs being permanently curved. Generally speaking these are the harder jobs - working the fields, construction etc, where people work really hard and long hours for not very good rates of pay.  The students are accused of causing their parents spines to break by wanting the expensive items.

Suga’s lyrics discuss the expensive shoes, clothing and watches that are being worn and the change it is having on students‘ identity and how the class system is split in two.

With shoes worth a couple hundred, padded jacket worth a couple thousand

With a watch worth a couple hundred you feel good about yourself

Education goes over the hill and student identity goes over the hill too

The class system of the 21st century is divided into two

Those who have and those who haven’t 

Those who ear the shoes and those who don’t’

The dirty clothes mentioned repeatedly throughout the song describes how the clothes are obtained.  I believe dirty relates to the pressure put on parents to obtain these expensive items of clothing and that in time the feelings of remorse will suffocate the student’s heart.

Chorus:

Wow, it feels good, putting on your dirty clothes

You’re something different, rockin, rollin, swaggin, swagger, wrong!

What is wrong with you? You’re crazy baby

That is what will suffocate your heart, dirty clothes.’

RM’s verse explains that he may have expensive clothes but he has worked hard and paid for them himself.  He also accuses the students for being the spine breakers, rather than the jobs that their parents have, as students sit in their rooms demanding the expensive items.

Finally, the observation I have made is that on the surface the song sounds very lighthearted and catchy but once again there are some hard hitting lyrics behind it.

BANGTANTV

Chicken Noodle Soup - Charlie

Being forced to stay inside all day will inevitably lead to loneliness and a lack of motivation for many people, especially due to the stress and anxiety worrying us right now. Upbeat music is a remedy for many of us, and Chicken Noodle Soup (the song, not the tinned good we’re currently being rationed for) is a perfect example of what some of us need right now.

“We always got love

For where we come from

So let 'em know what’s up, ooh

No matter wherever we go

Bring it back to this place called home, babe”

Chicken Noodle Soup, a collaboration between J-Hope and Becky G, is a remake of Webstar & Young B ft. Young Harlem’s song of the same name, which was released back in 2006. This was a song that both J-Hope and Becky listened to as children, despite growing up in different parts of the world, demonstrating the togetherness that people can experience despite being physically far apart, which is something that I think needs recognising as of late. The music video features over 50 dancers from different nationalities dancing to the iconic chorus together, which is an uplifting sight that is most welcome right now.

Speaking of which, this song boasts an incredibly catchy chorus with an addictive dance that, even if you don’t know it very well, you will still attempt when it comes on. It is the kind of chorus that will hook you and stick in your head all day; a permanent Chicken-Noodle-Soup-Lock down. Therefore, if you need help motivating yourself to stay active over this lock down, this is an upbeat hip-hop tune to give you the push to start with a simple dance around the kitchen (i.e. an attempt at the dance that J-Hope executes flawlessly), until you’re ready to push yourself even further. With it being a J-Hope song, this should give you even more motivation, as you hear his first verse about how much dance has influenced his life, making you want to find your own motivation so you can reach this level of elation that J-Hope feels when on stage and which is reflected in the bubbliness of this song.

“Popping, rocking, hopping, tutting, dougie, flexing, swaggin' (Woah)

Still do the work everyday, ASAP, for my own sake (Woah)

Always whipping myself, the carrots are on the trophies

Betting on my life, dancing is my cash

Hope on the street, now it’s my own way

With Becky G on the side

Everyday I'm lit (Get it!)”

His verse is delivered with effortless grace despite having a clear underlying passion, and if anyone can push me to remember to stay active, it is Strict Dance Teacher J-Hope.

Becky G’s verses bring an added layer of fun to the song; the twinkles of the music as she appears and delivers breezy vocals is a lovely build-up to the chorus and lightens the tone after we’ve just heard a powerful verse by J-Hope. Her later verse maintains the energy of the song and keeps me hyped for the next chorus. She is a bundle of energy that matches Hoseok wonderfully, and is a testament to the performing style of these two artists.

“What you gonna do, what you gonna do? (What, what?)

What you gonna do, what you gonna do? (What, what?)

What you gonna do, what you gonna do? (What, what?)

What you gonna do, what you gonna do

Look back at it, lights, camera, action

Definitely the best on the scene

Word on the street, we got the people reactin'

People who criticise, I just feel sorry, haha”

Overall, this multilingual song which combines Korean, Spanish and English, is one which can inspire anyone from anywhere in the world to keep moving, and work hard to stay happy and active.

Bangtan Official

Idol - Michayla

There are some songs that reign in the BTS discography, as being the songs that will get you up and out of your seat and ‘Idol’ is one of them.

When Idol was first released there was the Idol challenge that had people all over the world copying the choreography, which was amazing. I have attempted following tutorials on YouTube but I am happy to admit that I am not very good. However, I know enough and can feign artistic licence for the rest, especially when I am on my own in my house.

The hand and arm movements are fantastic and I am often found recreating these in my car on the way to work. The restriction of being seated is never an excuse not to move and this was proven when we went to the cinema to watch ‘Love Yourself in Seoul’ and all you could see were ARMYs hands in the air, which was a wonderful sight.

Idol is a bop, it was the song that opened the shows for the ‘Love Yourself’ tour and was performed spectacularly in dazzling military style costumes. Had I not been quite so delirious at the time during ‘Idol’ at the O2, being caught up in seeing BTS in person for the first time, I may have been able to dance along. Thankfully I was able to dance with them at Wembley when we heard an extended version of ‘Idol’ that I would absolutely love to see released.

'Idol’ is a song about self acceptance and the journey the members have gone through. We know how humble BTS are and the hate they have suffered. Idol is about Namjoon saying it doesn’t matter whether he is referred to as an idol or artist because he is who he is. This is linked to the negativity he faced when haters put him down for being an underground rapper who chose to become an idol.

One of the most important parts of the song, I feel, is the message that sometimes it is acceptable to live in the moment and enjoy the present. It is okay to stop and self reflect:

‘I’m so fine wherever I go

Even if it takes a while sometime

It’s okay, I’m in love with my-my myself

It’s okay, I’m happy in this moment’

‘Idol’ is quite simply, a great song. It has a bright, vibrant MV, lyrics with a deep message and choreography that is iconic. I feel this is one of those songs that will stick around forever, we will always recognise the suits that now adorn the bodies of the Mattel versions of BTS and when we hear it, we will always attempt the dance moves. There are few certainties in life but I am certain that Idol will always keep your body moving.

Big Hit Labels

The Songs We Couldn’t Live Without

If you were told music was disappearing and you could choose a few songs to keep, which one’s would you choose? This week we chose songs that we simply couldn’t live without and it was a very tough choice, we had to limit ourselves or we would simply have the entire BTS discography on it.

Get in touch and let us know which songs you would choose @BTSRadioUK

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1YSh5B1rciTaPhcCUmGaZy?si=uvEoC5VhR5iNGg6GE17IMQ

Young Forever chosen by ARMY

Cheryl - Young Forever wins our poll once again - truly a favourite with all Army.

This song will forever take me back to a special event on 2nd June when lucky ARMYs got to sing this song to BTS. Even typing this gives me goosebumps. When the screens showed the genuine teary eyes of all of BTS enjoying and trying to join in (emotions were high!) there was hardly a dry eye in the stadium.

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 thoughts and feelings 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”.

Michayla - This song is a guaranteed poll winner and is clearly very well loved amongst ARMY. I think that Young Forever is one of those songs that you accept is a part of being ARMY because it is such a powerful song. For me personally, even though I adore it, there are other songs that I would put in front of it when choosing my playlist of songs that I couldn’t live without.

It is one of those songs that I can listen to at any time and sing along, feel the depth of emotion and also watch the MV. I genuinely think it is a song that belongs on the majority of playlists and is firmly etched into our hearts, forever.

Charlie - Today we cry over Shadow and Black Swan, but even back in 2016 BTS were singing about such things as fearing the end of their musical careers. This has been a constant worry of theirs, and their sincerity in this is admirable. Young Forever starts with quiet, timid musings about whether or not they did well on stage, about whether their fans still love them, which occasionally bursts into small yells. Eventually, the chorus happens, and it is such an outpouring of emotion that if you are able to listen to it without crying (especially after Wembley D2), it is in question whether or not you have a soul. This is a beautiful and bittersweet song, and one that I cannot live without as it tenderly holds all of  those Wembley memories.

Onomey - Every time this song is on the weekly poll, it seems to win by a landslide which is what happened again this week. This song to me is the anthem of all anthems and if you’ve never heard of it then what are you waiting for? It is a masterpiece that will have you in tears by the end of it no matter how many times you listen to it. RM and his whispering like rap verse to start the song off is such a perfect and soft way to introduce us all the song. It is like he came up with these lyrics after a period of self-reflection which is why I think his rap was delivered in this way because he is asking questions of his performances and is out of breath.

‘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’m happy with who I’ve become 
That I can make someone scream with joy
Still excited from the performance’

I think the part that gets to me most is the outro as it turns from the members singing to an effect that makes it sound like it is a crowd of thousands singing it all together which gives me goosebumps. The words are something that we all should live our lives by which is why I think that they deliberately turned this outro into an anthem sing-along section because they want us to remember that we should keep going no matter what to achieve our dreams.

‘Forever, we are young
Under the flower petals raining down
I run, so lost in this maze
Forever we are young 
Even when I fall and hurt myself 
I keep running towards my dream’

1theK

Friends - Cheryl

When I heard there was a track on MOTS:7 titled “Friends” I was just so excited.  I had two thoughts; firstly would it be a cover of the TV series “Friends” theme song. Secondly who would be singing it.

Well as we all know it is not about the TV show and it is Jimin and Tae singing it.  I have to say that after watching these two members over the years and how close they appear to be, it’s so obvious they have a special bond.  Well, I was very very excited to listen to the song and read the lyrics.

They start the song by singing how different they were when they first met - Tae sings that Jimin was a sweaty and peculiar child. Jimin sings that he’s from the moon and Tae from the stars and that their earlier conversations were like homework.  That sure doesn’t sound like they gelled from the start. But I am sure we can all remember finding conversations strained when you meet a new person.

They also sing how one day they were best friends and the next they were enemies and how being aliens they just wanted to understand each other and how being each other’s mystery, brought them closer together and  they became so special to each other.

They also sing about one day when all the cheering stops that they hope to still stand by each other, longer than the seven years that they have been together and longer than countless memories and promises.

There is also a reference to Jimin’s little pinky finger and how just like it they haven’t changed- so cute and personal and also references to being in school uniform and a dumpling incident (I will have to research this because I am unsure what that is?).  They used to chat on the school bus but now they go for a drive together. Such an ordinary thing to do but somehow fills me with joy imagining them doing something so casual together.

They also sing about knowing so much about each other that they really have to trust one another, again so relatable, sharing secrets and thoughts with someone makes everyone more vulnerable and trusting at the same time.

At the end of the song they add that they are soulmates - to me this finishes the song off so beautifully - over the years of watching  them I hoped this was the case as they appear to be the best of friends and hearing them confirm it, well it’s just so right!

bangtan.official

Euphoria - Michayla

For those of you who are regular readers of our weekly playlist, you may have noticed that I love writing about Euphoria and for those of you that do not know then just let me tell you that if there was a song I could listen to on repeat, forever, it would be this one.

‘Love Yourself: Answer’ was my first comeback and for that reason, it will always hold a special place in my heart. From the moment I heard ‘Euphoria’ it felt like it owned my soul and nothing has changed that since and it has got me through some very tough times.

At the time I found BTS, I was in the throws of grief and very much struggling with life. Euphoria became my ‘anti anxiety’ song, the song that calmed me down and made me smile. It was and still is, the song that gives me hope and makes me feel so emotional but the reasons for that emotion has changed in that time.

At the O2 in October 2018, the emotion was so raw, I was caught up in the whirlwind of seeing it performed live but so sad for Jungkook who performed it sitting on a chair. Those dates were also 15 months since I had tragically lost my Mum so let’s just say I was emotional. Jungkook’s vocals were absolutely astounding live and on the first night I think I sobbed through the whole thing.

After that, each time I listened to it, it reminded me of the concerts and it became my ‘go to’ song when I was feeling low or fraught. I tried learning the words as much as I could so I could sing more of it, especially when in my car. What more could you ask for in times of need than a song that is about pure happiness?

My emotional connection with ‘Euphoria’ became further embedded when I saw Jungkook fly around Wembley Stadium, finally putting the O2 injury behind him. The pink outfit, the vocals and that gleaming smile as he flew over our heads was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. Whenever I listened to the song after 1st June, I could see Jungkook’s beautiful smile and how elated he felt to be able to finally show the UK exactly what he wanted to show us.

On 10th June 2019, as part of Festa, we were given the ‘DJ Swivel Forever Mix’ and the most heartwarming MV to go with it. I didn’t think there was anything that could make me love this song any more than I already did… but I was wrong. If you haven’t seen it, check it out, I have added the link at the end of this piece. The MV is so personal, being ‘Jungkook’ through the eyes of the 6 other members of BTS.

In short, I couldn’t live without ‘Euphoria’, it means so much to me on so many levels and is definitely one of my personal favourites that I have a real connection with. I could quite easily relay these words back to Mr Jeon Jungkook:

‘I hear the far-away ocean
Across the dream, over the horizon
I’m going to the place that’s getting clearer
Take my hands now
You are the cause of my euphoria

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’

BANGTANTV

Boyz With Fun - Charlie

It's at really tough times like this that I turn to the BTS songs that I truly cannot live without; the ones that ground me and carry me through the week when I'm feeling low. In the past, Boyz With Fun has been The song to cheer me up, and it's doing the same now.

Boyz With Fun, from the album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life pt.1, is a song about forgetting your stresses, just going mad and throwing yourself into some music. I have many memories of jumping around my kitchen listening to this song, pretending my troubles didn't exist for 3 minutes.

"The fun boys go until the dawn moon sets
This is so fun, all fakeness has gone home
So even if you’re tone-deaf or rhythm-deaf
It doesn’t matter, throw your timidness away
We’re having fun, fun fun fun
Come gather here, I see your shoulder dance"

The song starts with the members chanting that they're here, the fun boys, as a signal for me to remember that now is the time to drop whatever burdens you're holding, because BTS are here for you.

My personal favourite aspect of the song is that it is like a conversation between the boys, playfully teasing each other and having banter that flows from one members' line to the next. And that is what makes it one of my absolute favourite songs to watch live; it is a song that can only be done by BTS, and with their chemistry and banter.

"Taehyung: yo my name is V
I set the tone for the competition
Hoseok: hey hey hey stop stop!
Take your pick take your pick, Hoshik take your pick 
If hope is with us, we won't know time is passing 
Let's wash ourselves with sweat
Today I'm it, mini miney mo
Namjoon: Stop talking nonsense, you're draining my energy 
Don't even think about talking behind my back, I'm quick"

Along with this, the song is also accompanied by regular adlibs and changes to the choreography, such as when Taehyung chooses the chorus dance each time. It is little touches like this that make the song feel really natural, like we're just watching friends jam together, not a choreographed routine. It is very healing in this way.

Arirang K-Pop

Winter Flower - Onomey

Although Winter Flower is a recent song, containing only one BTS member. It had me hooked from the intro line ‘Hold On, Hold On, Hold On’ that is sung in Acappella. I will focus mainly on hoping about RM and his verse since this is a BTS blog. When I first listened to the song I was surprised that it was RM who was the BTS member collaborating on this song because it is almost like a ballad genre-wise so I would’ve thought that it would’ve been one of the vocal lines who got involved in this song. I like that the collaboration wasn’t just a typical ballad with a tiny rap section for the bridge, we were given a big verse to enjoy. RM is introduced in the song around 1:13 and uses the word flower as the topic of his verse without actually saying the word. Talking about the harshness of battling through the harshness of everything you face in the world and hopefully being able to survive the coldest winters so you are able to bloom after the obstacles that have been put in your path.

My favourite few lines of his verse are when it mentions the different flowers and they happen to be ones that only seem to bloom into spring:

‘I was born in crimson from the blood you shed this harsh winter 
Plum blossoms, camellia, daffodil
Yeah, call me whatever you want 
They say life is full of paradox
All you gotta do is gettin’ used to this marathon
“Do you think the world is harsh on you only?
Everyone has it hard”

I had never heard of Younha before this song but I can say for certain that I have become a fan of hers from this song. Her vocals are something special, they take you on a journey full of emotions and pain without necessarily filling the lyrics with obvious references to what the song is about. Her vocal range is amazing and you can see that throughout the song, especially during the bridge into the chorus when she has backing vocal runs that sound as though it took no effort to do which shows her capabilities vocally.

‘I will never forget your warmth 
I’ll be the winter flower be the dancing star 
I’ll be by your side (stay)
I’m with you’ 

I’d love to see another Younha and RM collaboration but with Younha being the featured artist as I would be curious to see how that sounded, whether RM would keep to the ballad theme or create a project that is upbeat and something we would’ve never thought of.

1theK 

YouTube part 2

With the surprise arrival of the Black Swan Official MV we thought this would be the ideal opportunity to bring you the second part of our YouTube playlist.

Which is your favourite from this week’s playlist? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @BTSRadioUK.


Boy With Luv Official MV Chosen by ARMY

Michayla - The poll this week was a choice between 4 MV’s of 2 songs and I really couldn’t have predicted the winner. ‘Boy With Luv’ won by a landslide which was a surprise as I thought it would be closer. This MV is such a bright, fun and cheery experience, with so much going on and I remember the reaction when it was released in April 2019, which feels like forever ago now. The different sets in the video are varied from outside, to an American style diner, a giant piano and a stage. The highlight has to be the outfits with the members all in pink, which looks fantastic and all the signs that say the names of previous albums. There are so many nods to the past in this video, including the choreography which mirrors ‘Boy In Luv’. In typical BTS fashion, this is not ‘just’ a basic music video.

Cheryl - The combination of the bright blue sky, pink BTS and the 1950’s American diner just scream at me - summer and happy days. I love how happy and relaxed they are and how much fun it looks like they are having.  It’s also nice to see Halsey as part of their video and she certainly looks like she is enjoying herself too. The showstopper for me has to be Namjoon in the white hat and suit - he looks absolutely stunning. I also love Suga with his blue hair. This video is just so vibrant with colours and dance moves.  It certainly brightens up a gloomy grey day in England.

Onomey - Wow, the official MV for Boy with Luv won with almost 60% of the votes beating the other songs in the poll by a large margin this week which is partly surprising because there are a lot of different scenes compared to the original MV and Halsey's vocals get brought in to the song way earlier than in the song. I love both versions just as much because of the little differences between the two make them special in their own way. The overall scene-setting and use of pastel colours is what I find eye capturing about the MV. Typically pastel colours are supposed to make us feel calm and relaxed which is what I feel when watching this MV. The visuals in this MV are amazing, the boys sure know how to get our hearts fluttering at the smallest thing, for example for the intro dance, we are blessed with a close up of blue-haired V who licks his lips knowing full well that the whole of ARMY would explode every time they watch it.

My favourite scene in this MV is at 1:40 where Jungkook is in the wooden room that opens up into a diner where the boys are doing the choreography to the chorus whilst rocking the pastel denim look. Another reason why I enjoy this scene because the camera stays on that scene for a long time which allows me to see a long uninterrupted version of their dance routine which is what I look out for mostly in MVs. Overall it is the energy and the interaction with Halsey during the video is what I most appreciate about this video as it is always good to see the person featured on a song getting involved rather than it almost be like they are in two separate MVs that have been pushed together.

Charlie - With everything that’s going on in the world right now, and the unfortunate events marring the comeback, Boy With Luv seems an even more precious music video right now, of a fun and carefree song that was, quite literally, the song of the year, and was played without worry to stadiums all over the world. The boys defy hyper-masculine imagery by donning pink suits and feathery outfits, as well as rings and lipsticks of bright reds and pinks, as they join Halsey in an upbeat dance track. We see iconic imagery that defined this era, such as the Singing in the Rain aesthetics and the keyboard that Yoongi dances on. They complete the memorable, cheery choreography side-by-side with Halsey in front of a retro-looking theatre, jump over sofas, and it’s all a colourful delight for the eye that defines this era as the happy-go-lucky one that was designed as the perfect love letter to ARMYs to bring us joy.

Big Hit Labels

Just One Day MV - Charlie

When life is getting too hectic and you want to watch something easy-going that will put a smile on your face, the Just One Day music video is a perfect cure to your stresses.

When I first started listening to BTS and saw them as mainly hip-hop artists with aggressive and often angry songs, Just One Day struck me as a rather unique song and video. It is a cutesy love song about loving someone and wishing you had just one more day to spend with them and have normal, relaxed dates, because of your conflicting busy lives.

“If only I had just one day
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”

We see the boys in front of a simple, plain white background, sat on an arrangement of chairs. The chair choreography (chaireography?) adds a fun twist to the song, as do the laid-back and humorous dance moves, such as Hobi miming eating ramen and Jungkook making his fingers walk across his arm. This video is easy on the eyes in that way, with nothing overwhelming, just the members dancing and grinning sweetly at the camera. Just as how it is a song about wishing with a sigh that it was easier to see the person you love, the video feels wistful and easygoing.

The only cuts away from the chair dancing features members such as Jimin doing solo dances, and close ups of members sat against walls in relaxed postures. The dancing shots are slowed down, to match the muted feel of the song and the rest of the video while also giving us time to appreciate the beauty of the moves. This is a song all about how precious time is, and the slow motion reflects that. Spotlights are also featured on the dancing scenes, so that we can appreciate every little detail of the shot and not rush through it.

“Even if it’s in my dream, just one day
Out of all those words I had to swallow
Because of the excuse of reality
I’ll pick one and tell it to you for sure
Let’s meet when the lilies bloom
And say goodbye when they wither”

As an addition to the playful facial expressions of the members, we also see them making shadow puppets against the walls, giving the video the vibe of being alone with the members and doing silly, endearing activities like making shadow puppets to show each other.

The simplicity of the video, and the easy-to-follow choreography, make Just One Day such an easy listening and viewing experience, and is a softer side to the 2014 BTS that often hid this side away in favour of their “bad boy” hip-hop image.

Big Hit Labels

Give It To Me MV - Cheryl

The video begins with different images scenes mixed together - one focuses on what appears to be a packing crate in a room with a light, then we see a patterned floor with the aftermath of what may have been a party.  Then there is a glimpse of Suga tied to a chair and he appears to be trying to break free of the ties. The chair looks like it may be on a bus. Then we are back in the first room and Suga is seen struggling to stand up. The scene is interspersed with Suga still trying to free himself from the chair.

I feel that the opening scenes of the video could reflect the inner turmoil of what Suga was going, or had  gone through. Being tied to the chair could symbolise the constraints of his childhood, going to school (perhaps the bus is a school bus) and being unable to follow his dreams.  It could also symbolise the constraints of his career due to his desire of wanting to be a rapper. The party scene could either be a party Suga went to or what he feels he is missing out on due to how hard he works.

The video has quite a hard visual, Suga exits the concrete building though an oblong hole in the wall and once out he is surrounded by flames, damaged cars, concrete and large bridges.

It looks as though he has been in a fight as he has a wound under his left eye.  Again I wonder if this has more to do with fighting for his dreams than an actual physical fight.

Throughout the video Suga looks and sounds riled up and angry.  To explain his success he says “I slept less than you and moved more and grew more” and that he may not know the secret to success but he knows the secret of failure.

“Playing like you do and fluttering around”.  This for me shows that he was focused and dedicated to reach his dreams and follow his heart, unlike others who are not focused and play around, wasting their time.

The politics of the word ‘success’ and how you fight amongst yourselves. These words are so powerful and truthful. The word success and what it means will have an individual meaning to everyone.  Everyone’s level of achievement will be different and most people do fight amongst themselves to be successful - whether to be the best at school or at work.

He says he has no interest of living as a waste of space or weakling so those that do can just carry on and are not to bother him. I believe Suga is a very talented, driven and dedicated musician, who does not want to loose his focus and passion for music, whether writing, performing or producing.

“Money, honour, whatever is good bring it on - Give it to me”.  This chorus is very passionate - it is repeated throughout the song and I think Suga deserves to be given everything good.

Watch the video for a snarling angry Suga, smirking and laughing at those who judged him.  He has achieved so much and looks and sounds so proud - quite rightly so!

Big Hit Labels

Dope MV - Michayla

When given the opportunity to write about an MV and Dope is on the list then I feel that I literally have no other choice because this is the video that made me ARMY. It was a normal day in the life of me, I had fed my kids and pets, sitting on my sofa and my daughter said she wanted to show me something. The next thing I knew, I was spellbound by a very attractive guy in a police uniform, asking my daughter who they were and the making of the MV was next up! ‘Dope’ changed my life as I knew it and I haven’t looked back since.

If you haven’t seen the making of the music video, I would highly recommend it because it is hilarious with Tae explaining to Jimin that he was slightly too slow in the choreography and Jimin replying that Tae must have been looking at his butt. Also, Yoongi’s absolute joy when filming was finished because he could go home is quite funny.

Each member is dressed as a different profession and their outfits are great, from Jimin in office attire to Hobi in leather racing gear. During the first group dance section after Jimin had thrown his papers, all 7 are wearing black trousers, white shirts and black ties. I couldn’t help but feel a Michael Jackson moment when I saw this for the very first time as it reminded me of one of his live performances.

I love the individual scenes, Hobi with the car behind him and the chequered fabric either side and Taehyung in his detective bow tie in what actually looks like a cell. It is Jin’s part that I always find myself copying, in his doctor's coat and stethoscope, he looks so adorable.

The song itself is about how hard they have worked. It describes their journey and how they are striving to get to where they want to be. It showcases how hard they work while others give up or sit back and complain, as Hobi says:

‘We're drenched, drenched, drenched
In sweat, in our practice room
Look, my great, great, great
Dance moves prove it all
All the weak, loser, whiny idiots
They have nothing on me
Cuz I'm full of hope haha’

It is once again, spreading that great message that you shouldn’t give up, that working hard will get you where you want to be, even if others put obstacles in your way. ‘Dope’ recognises the challenges faced by the younger generation and urges them to battle through.

What more could you ask for in an MV? You have a great song with a strong message, brought to life with eye catching outfits and legendary choreography. I absolutely love seeing BTS perform this live, the way Jimin stays silent and allows ARMY to start his part
’This is Bangtan style’ is fantastic and I completely lost it when they did the dance.

1theK

We Are Bulletproof pt.2 MV - Onomey

It is fun to see the contrast in MVs that BTS make and this is one that people would be shocked at if they were only to have seen their most recent MVs. This MV is full of attitude, cockiness and BTS being bad boys who are amazing at street dancing. To think that this MV was their second single is crazy considering how perfectly polished their dancing and the fact that they all ooze confidence as though they have been at it for years.

I like how the song starts off cool and with RM as the centre with his deep voice full of aggression shouting.

‘(What) Give it to me
(What) be nervous 
(What) the one to end it all
(What) We are bulletproof
We are Bulletproof
Bulletproof’

Rapping Jungkook sounds so adorable when listening to the audio-only but it sits differently when watching the MV and seeing the cockiness and playful looks he is giving the camera as he raps about how he has been putting in the work to succeed his dreams because he ‘danced and sang all night’ instead of being in school or messing about with things that don’t matter.

The dance break outro is almost iconic and is what I love every time I watch it, from J-Hope releasing his hard crunk like dance moves, Jimin doing his amazing acrobatics over J-Hope to Jungkook and his use of incorporating two hats within a dance move. Still to this day I wonder how long it took Jungkook to learn that dance and how he has never gone wrong when performing this live, it must take so much concentration and precision to be able to perform this whilst also keeping up the attitude that is needed throughout.

I would be curious to see how they would all sound doing another pure hip-hop rap heavy MV as a group now to see what the main differences would be between the two but then again this MV was perfect enough for me.

1theK 

You can add this to your YouTube playlist at the following link: Playlist part 2

*part 1 can be found below


Songs That Slay ARMY

With Map Of The Soul 7 causing ARMY many wonderful problems due to the amazing songs on it, we really wanted to have a theme that reflected this and also create a playlist that could be used for streaming. 

If you could choose one song that ‘slays’ you, which song would you choose? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

Answer: Love Myself chosen by ARMY

Charlie - The Love Yourself era was one that introduced many new ARMYs to the world of BTS, and was a career-changing era for the boys. Therefore, Answer: Love Myself, the staple of the series, is a beautiful finale to the Love Yourself concerts and the first disc of the album. After an album series showcasing solos and OT7 songs about the boys learning to accept themselves during difficult times, this track is an emotional outpouring of all of those feelings into a sense of finality, of finally acknowledging that the boys realise the value of loving themselves. With stunning vocals and touching moments of the live stages of this song, it is definitely fuel to overwhelm ARMY's emotions. 

Michayla - I did have a suspicion that this song would be triumphant this week because it is one song that most certainly ‘slays me’. ‘Answer: Love Myself’ will always be the song that my Daughter, nieces and I sobbed to at the end of the concerts at the O2 in October 2018. For months afterwards, this was the song that meant ‘farewell’ and I’m not ashamed to say that it reduced me to tears every time I heard it. It is a beautiful song, with heartfelt lyrics that symbolises an era when I became ARMY and was fortunate enough to see BTS live, so it most definitely is a song that slays me.

Onomey - The choices of this weeks poll were songs that were emotional and powerful in their own right but it was Answer: Love Myself ending up being the winner. I understand why this song won because this song is seen as a resolution song to all the struggles they wrote about in the Love Yourself series. The song is beautifully written and constructed and gives each individual to shine in such a positive way. What I appreciate most about this song is that it is not saying everything is OK and that they have found the solution to struggling with self-worth. Instead, they present a story line, where they’re still unsure of what loving themselves entails because of how difficult it is and how it is so new to them. The positive thing about it is that they know they have the strength now to work towards loving themselves, despite the obstacles they may face.

Cheryl - The winner of this week’s poll Answer: Love Myself - well that’s rather difficult to listen to without having tears in my eyes. It’s such an emotional thought provoking song. I have to say the message of “Loving Yourself” really hits hard - it’s a very good message but so hard to achieve and I believe the song addresses this.

My favourite lyrics are:

‘Maybe there’s no answer

Maybe this isn’t the answer either
It’s just that loving myself
Doesn’t require anyone else’s permission
I’m looking for myself again
But I don’t wanna did anymore 
Me, who used to be sad
Me, who used to be hurt
It’ll make me more beautiful’

This song is just so empowering and strong. I will have to go and listen to the song some more and just let the tune and the lyrics wash over me and soothe me.

bts_bighit 

Singularity - Charlie.

As an enthusiast of dark songs, Taehyung, and deep lyrics, Singularity was an obvious pick for a song that slayed me. As the introduction to the Love Yourself: Tear album, as well as a Taehyung solo, this song sets the mood for the album as one that will convey much darker messages. Gone is the talk of fated love and universes moving for you that is mentioned in Serendipity and DNA; this song is about someone suffering due to a lost love. 

“A sound of something breaking

I awake from sleep
A sound full of unfamiliarity
Try to cover my ears but can’t go to sleep”

The setting of the song can be felt as ice that Taehyung is trapped in. He tries to hide his pain, to bury it while he still attempts to pursue a love that is fake and that is hurting him, but his efforts are for nothing. 

This R&B-influenced slow dance track is a song that only Taehyung could perform. Even if we take away how captivating he is on stage, when he brings the song to life in a way that forces you to never glance away from his smirks and other various mesmerising expressions, the song on its own has nuances that Taehyung carries beautifully. It is subtle, with sultry vocals only morphing into stunning higher notes in a way that feels earned. Nothing is overstated or obvious, and yet you can feel Taehyung’s emotions come through with every word. 

“Have I lost myself

Or have I gained you
I suddenly run to the lake
There’s my face in it”

The devastation of the song’s lyrics are evident in reminders such as the above verse, that even through the pain he is experiencing, he still believes that it is worth it because he thinks he may have found the person he loves. This message feeds beautifully into Fake Love, and is yet another reason why Love Yourself: Tear is one of the albums that most requires one to listen from beginning to end. 

Bangtan Official 

Mic Drop - Michayla

This week it was so difficult to choose a song to write about because of the theme and the fact that all the songs on this playlist affect me one way or another. I decided on ‘Mic Drop’ because I’m not sure there is a part of it that doesn’t slay me!

Where to begin? I think the best place would be the song itself because everything about it is fantastic. It’s a song that basically tells their haters exactly what they think and describes how far they have come from small beginnings. It is this message that always gives me motivation to continue in the face of adversity, even when faced with negativity. 

Yoongi’s verse speaks for itself and I always feel the ‘swagger’ whenever he delivers it:

‘Mic mic bungee

Bright lights, going forward
You thought I was gonna fail but I’m fine, sorry
Sorry, "Billboard"
Sorry, "worldwide"
Sorry mom, your son’s too hot
I’m being a good son in place of you
No cons in our concerts
I do it, I do it, you’re a tasteless ratatouille
If you’re jealous, sue me
Sue it’

Another great thing about Mic Drop is that we can sing along with most of it, like with the bridge, which I always have to say along with Namjoon:

‘Haters gon’ hate

Players gon’ play
Live a life. man
Good luck’

I can’t talk about Mic Drop without mentioning their live performances or the music video. The MV itself starts with Steve Aoki walking towards his decks and I love that part of it because I find that Steve Aoki has a swagger all of his own. Whilst talking about the MV we have to consider the outfits that have become iconic and anything worn since then of a similar style is usually referred to as being very ‘Mic Drop’. The combat style, boots, loose clothing and bandannas make the overall look have a certain feel which I also mentioned in my piece on ‘Not Today’ (from our YouTube part 1 playlist) because even though ‘Mic Drop’ came later, it seems to have stolen the crown for that particular look.

When I play ‘Mic Drop’ I always play the extended mix because I cannot express my love for this song without talking about the dance break and thankfully we have the extended version so I can relive it constantly. Both versions of the song were included on the album ‘Love Yourself: Answer’ on the second disc. I usually go ahead and attempt the dance break moves even with the shorter original version anyway.

Is there anything that ‘Mic Drop’ doesn’t have? Even the choreography is iconic and I remember arms being raised in the air during ‘Love Yourself in Seoul’ at the cinema. It ticks all the boxes and the dance break is definitely a box well ticked! To see this performed live is something else and the second that BTS are joined on stage by all the dancers for that ending, I am in a state. Jungkook centre stage performing those moves is a sight indeed. During ‘4th Muster’ they performed ‘Come Back Home’ followed by ‘No More Dream’ then ‘Mic Drop’ with the last two songs having dance breaks that definitely slay ARMY! 

Butterfly - Cheryl

Upon listening to Butterfly I have to say the song matches the lyrics beautifully. The vocal line are using their voices so delicately (reminded me of tissue paper - so delicate that their voices were almost translucent) and the rap line also rap gently and soothingly. The exception for me being the bridge by Namjoon - his rap sounds very passionate and strong.

I believe the song is about comparing the love of someone to a delicate, fragile butterfly and how with just one touch the love could disintegrate.

My favourite lyrics are Suga’s:

‘You’re just like a Butterfly

From afar, I steal glances; if we touch hands, will I lose you?
You shine in this pitch darkness that is the butterfly effect
Your light touches, I forget the reality at once’

I believe these lyrics show how delicate love can be and how if we reach out for it, it may disappear.  Also, how with just one gentle touch we can lose sight of reality.

J-Hope’s verse appears to be comparing the love of someone from afar, to a dream of a butterfly flying high above - beautiful and unreachable.

The refrain:

‘Will you stay by my side

Will you promise me
If I let go of your hand, you’ll fly away and break
I’m scared scared scared of that’

Again reminds me of how fragile love can appear and that if you let go of a hand it will break and disappear. This also makes me wonder if the hand belongs to Army and they wonder if our love for them is fragile and may disappear?

Namjoon’s bridge:

‘The small pieces guttered down darkly

From my heart, a barren noise

I don’t know if this is reality or a dream

My Kafka on the shore

Don’t go to those woods over there

My heart is still shattering on you

(I just wanted to vaporize like this)

My love that is forever

It’s all free for you baby’

It’s not just the words but, it is the passion and strength within Namjoon when he delivers this rap that captures the lyrics. Perhaps he is afraid that the woods holds danger and that his heart shattering sounds painful. He says he would like to evaporate like this - so could it be the pain of losing the love for someone also makes the person disintegrate and disappear?

ibighit.com

Mikrokosmos - Onomey

It is rare that an artist has the capabilities to have you as the listener thinking about the universe and beyond which in a nutshell is what I love about BTS. They think beyond the borders of what is usually expected of them in terms of songwriting.

The use of word mikrokosmos is the idea that humans are in their own small individual universe is fascinating if you think about the world like that. BTS compare us, humans, to stars that shine brightly as individuals and it is something that we should always treasure because nights are dark and therefore we should try to continue to shine brightly just like stars do at night time so we avoid being lonely. The live performance of this song gave me shivers because of the pureness of the song and magical when seeing thousands of people joining in with their sources of light, whether that is an army bomb or phone, to create a universe in that moment made by thousands of different individuals who represent the mikrocosmos whilst we all sang, swinging from side to side. 

‘Na na na na na na

Na na na na na na na na 

Na na na na na na 

Na na na na na na na na na’

‘Starlight that shines brighter in the darkest night

Starlight that shines brighter in the darkest night

The deeper the night, the brighter the starlight’ 

Here I think that the boys are telling us how to be able to adjust at times when you feel that it gets too cold and dark for their light source isn’t feeling too bright. Instead, in these moments, you should try to shine even more when the heavy darkness is in your universe because you are powerful enough to overcome that darkness. 

I’m unsure whether BTS did this part of the song deliberately or not but I love how V and Jimin sing the final chorus of ‘You got me, I breathe while looking at you. I got you, inside those pitch-black nights’. They end it with an incredible harmony showing off their high registered vocals, whilst Jin and Jungkook start singing on top of this almost like they are answering in response to the previous lines sung by V and Jimin, telling them to keep going and shine and the their will be so many beautiful lights as a result if we and them do it as a one-unit together. 

‘Shine, dream, smile 

Oh let us light up the night

We shine in our own ways 

Shine, dream, smile

Oh let us light up the night

We shine just the way we are, tonight’

BANGTANTV 

What not add this slaying playlist to your deezer account now at the following link:

Songs that slay ARMY #MOTS7 

Favourite MV’s

We thought we would take a personal approach this week and make a playlist of our favourite music videos. The release of ‘ON’ Kinetic Manifesto Film Come Prima catapulted its way into our hearts, as did the ‘ON’ official MV.

What BTS MV is your favourite? Let us know on Twitter @BTSRadioUK

‘ON’ Kinetic Manifesto Film - chosen by ARMY

Michayla - This week’s poll was only going to produce one clear winner and we really wanted it to be a focus. I was with my daughter and nieces when the MV dropped and we were speechless to say the least. We nearly stopped the MV to play it again but then the dance break happened and we were all open mouthed. This MV is breathtaking. The outfits, the choreography, the setting, the dancers… everything about it is phenomenal and I know that my sons probably even know what happens in it because I have played it repeatedly. This MV will definitely be played often, years from now and I will never forget the first time I watched it. The song is addictive and the overall look of this MV in particular definitely resonates with me.

Charlie - This was the first BTS comeback music video (at least for the years that I’ve been experiencing comebacks, except for projects like Heartbeat) where we didn’t get a music video teaser beforehand. I wasn’t even fully sure what ‘Kinetic Manifesto film’ implied. Therefore, I had no idea what to expect. However, from the 30-second TikTok preview, I already knew that I would love the song. Jimin’s “hey na na”s are so addictive and aggressive, and that together with the marching band elements made it feel like just the kind of power anthem that I wanted from Bangtan. I am a sucker for darker, edgier concepts, and Bangtan really proved their versatility from going from Boy With Luv to something like this. I could barely take it in as it was so intense, with thousands of dance moves squeezed into 5 minutes as opposed to catchier, more immediately memorable moves like Boy With Luv. I felt overwhelmed, but in a good way, perfectly understanding why BTS took longer than usual to release this comeback. I can now say, with certainty, after watching this intense performance, exactly why Namjoon described this comeback as “harder”.

Cheryl - Firstly, I have to say I owe BTS an apology, I did think that the background music was created using computers etc - I didn’t realise they had used a “real” marching band.

I personally find ON somewhat emotional. All the references to pain and how the pain has to be endured in order to achieve their success, I personally find it difficult to hold onto.  Perhaps this is because I try and imagine the pain they have all gone through, both physical and emotional and I find it rather overwhelming. During some of their award acceptance speeches, they cannot fail to show their emotions and show how much their lives currently mean to them. BTS do appear very humble and not at all complacent about their success.

Watching the video for ON the backing dancers caught my attention, firstly their are some females, secondly they are very warrior-like with the white paint and clothes. The white stripe across one person's nose reminded me of Adam Ant.

As for the synchronicity and BTS moves - WOW - this looks like their hardest dance routine so far. It is a very powerful, confident, sharp performance. For me Jungkook’s solo brings tears to my eyes - his voice is so beautiful and can reach such a high pitch - gives me goosebumps.  When he sings “My blood and tears” this takes me straight back to their first night in the UK at the O2, where he came on stage injured and emotional.

For me Jin shines in this video, well he seems to be in the centre more than I’ve noticed before and he looks stunning in the pale blue jacket and he is definitely dancing up a treat.

Onomey - Whether it is the ‘ON’ kinetic manifesto film or the official MV, BTS came to serve us looks upon looks and almost like a musical dance feel when it came to the many dance extras used. The song itself keeps the same shadow theme that is used throughout most, if not all of the songs in Map of the Soul: 7. Despite the dark undertone of the song where they feel that their shadows are growing, I myself find myself looking past this and looking how much they’ve all improved along their journey in their acting in the official MV and their dancing, especially in the kinetic MV. I feel as though this song and the MVs will have a greater impact on the boys with time. I hope they will look back hopefully and be highly satisfied with how much they’ve developed in such a short amount of time in music terms.

Big Hit Labels

We are Bulletproof pt. 2 - Charlie

I have been streaming Map of the Soul:7, as I hope everyone reading will also have been doing, and one song that I always have to prepare myself for before every listen is We are Bulletproof: The Eternal. I literally cannot listen to it in public for fear of crying. We expected an upbeat hip-hop track like the earlier “We are Bulletproof” titles, but alas we instead got a touching ballad that calls back to this old, tough, silver-chained Bangtan while referencing how they feel much less alone now.

So, to get over my overly-emotional feelings about this new track, I have decided to review the earlier We are Bulletproof track, from the 2014 album “2 Cool 4 Skool”. This video is quite dance-based and is very quintessential debut-Bangtan, with cuts to imagery such as silver microphones, guns and bullets. This is before the days of more mysterious and pretty imagery, such as umbrellas, butterflies and flowers.

Jimin dons his Red Bulls vest that he used to often wear and carries a basketball as he delivers his line with an adorable brand of swag, Yoongi has a skateboard slung over his shoulder, and Namjoon’s typical sunglasses and hairstyle combination from that time is present too. Because of this, and the fact that it is a minimalist video focused on dance and regular close-ups of members’ faces, it is quite a good video to watch when trying to learn the names of the BTS members and understand what their images were back in their early days.

The members dance on a shiny chessboard-style floor, with bright lights behind them as they dance in black and gold gangster-style outfits under a black and silver palette. The dance focus of this video works very well as we get to see even from this early point that BTS are a meticulously synchronised group with every move bursting with power. We also get a good luck at Jungkook’s hat tricks. Even in these early days before the cinematic music videos of current BTS, their stage presence (as they attempt to look all tough even though we know now what lovable dorks they are) is more than enough to carry the energy of this simple yet effective video. It uses simple touches to spice it up, like bold text appearing on screen, notably the iconic “click click bang bang” of the chorus.

This music video is wonderful to look back on. Their voices are quite different (especially Jin’s), their outfits seem quite a far leap from their current personal styles, and the budget would obviously have been lower back then, but the fire in the members’ eyes, that passion that you can see in the on-screen lyrics and the dance moves, those are all a constant in BTS’s work ethic. It is still there and hasn’t faltered even with how much more popular they are, and therefore looking back is quite striking.

1theK

Danger (Japanese version) - Michayla

I was so excited about choosing an MV to write about this week and I knew almost instantly which one I was going to pick because I was gutted when this didn’t win the poll of Japanese versions a couple of weeks ago. The Japanese versions of songs seem to have a darker concept than the Korean original and I am quite partial to a dark concept.

The first thing I noticed about this version is the incredible make up with thick black eyeliner which I personally love on the boys. It fits in well with the black outfits and seems to give young Bangtan that edgy look that suits ‘Danger’ so well.

This music video was released in November 2014 and it’s amazing when I think of how different the members are today in such a short period of time. They put the same energy into this version as the original and the choreography is very familiar, having seen the Korean version many times. This MV only has 17 million views so if you haven’t ever watched it, give it a watch, I have included the link at the end of this piece.

‘Danger’ is a teen angst song, asking the question of your lover as to why they are playing you. It is about the frustration when the love is one sided and the other person is clearly not as into you as you are into them. This song is summed up well by Hobi’s verse:

‘Contact. Absence. Unlock. Wanted
I’m searching for your real intention
You always send me just 1 or 2 line of text messages and that’s it
Was this really love I’ve wanted and dreamed?
Where is the love story filled with ups and downs?
Get soap opera heroes and heroines out of my way!
I am tearing my hair out like hundreds of times
You are so calm and feel no guilty, and you kick my ass’

During the MV the members go to what looks like an underground party or club, they look like a high school group of guys who are partying to release the stress of this relationship that is causing them grief. They also perform in what appears to be a disused subway station which adds to the dark feel.

The whole look of this music video suits the song and its meaning. I know that may sound like a ridiculous statement but I have watched so many music videos over the years where I have struggled to understand what the point of it is in conjunction with the song itself. It’s like watching an advert for a product and wondering what on earth that advert has to do with the product. This is certainly not a problem that BTS have because the Japanese version of Danger is extremely well packaged as a whole.

BTS Japan Official

Run - Cheryl

What a cinematic masterpiece Run is, although I have watched it many times, watching it today while getting ready to write about it, I was surprised that the video was 7 minutes and 31 seconds.

The video appears to show the different many sides of growing up. Some of the video is lighthearted whilst other parts are rather dark.

Rebellion.

RM throws his cup on the floor (littering). RM and Tae are doing graffiti and although they run from the police they do get caught and are put into handcuffs. Whilst being placed in handcuffs they look at each other and smirk.

There is a traffic jam in a tunnel being caused by Jim because he has parked his truck sideways across both the lanes.  Whilst the cars are stationary, drivers are becoming more impatient and sounding their horns; J-Hope spits his drink onto a cars window, Tae spray paints a window. They thrown their drinks at the cars and Suga peers in quite menacingly.

Fighting.

J-Hope appears to be in a hospital bed as a drip can be seen and the bed has a metal frame. Jimin is standing near him and they start a pillow fight with feathers flying everywhere.

Later in the video there is another pillow fight which appears a bit more feisty. The hits of the pillow match the beats of the song and there is some pushing and shoving. Suga and Jungkook have a fight (not a pillow fight) definitely more aggressive with Jungkook punching Suga and Suga pushing him which causes Jungkook to hurt his side.

Water.

The video starts with Tae falling very elegantly backwards into water and then throughout the video Tae is seen sinking in the water and then fighting with the water. Then at the end of the video Tae is seen coming out of the water. I am wondering if this symbolises battling your demons and winning?

Another part of the video shows Jimin walking into a bathroom where all the other members are - in high spirits - they grab Jimin and roughly push him into the bath which has been filled with water; then a member tries to force his head under the water. Then straight after the view is, all members laughing and joking in the bathroom whilst Jimin is laughing sitting in the bath.

Party.

There is a scene of a party which I found interesting, all the members appear to be drunk and messing about, whilst Jungkook is just sitting on the floor watching. This suggested to me that as the younger member he could only look on at the others behaviour, which appeared to be very jovial. Or could it be that he is the most drunk and is unable to join in?

Overall the video suggests that they are young, fearless, rebellious, looking out for each other and I feel that the scenes change as often as a teenager’s mood swings. It shows the successes and failures (Jin building a stack with cards, which then collapses). My favourite scene is the one where they are altogether having fun, wearing glasses in what appears to be a photo booth.

Big Hit Labels

Fire - Onomey

As we know, BTS always tend to serve and deliver fantastic performances in their Music videos regardless of whether this is an MV full of a lot of choreography or an MV that is based more around cinematography and telling the story. They seem to have no problem in delivering a successful music video regardless of what the theme is.

This week I chose to write about the MV for fire. The reason why I chose this song is that this is such an explosive song and has the capability to have you singing and dancing along straight away when that first beat hits after Suga starts the song with ‘bultaoreune’.

The dance moves are introduced straight away and are powerful and in line with the main beat which makes you want to join in whilst shouting ‘FIREEEEEEE OH, FIREEEEE OH WAY OH'. Its one of the few dances I’ve managed to master which is probably why I love the MV so much or maybe it's because of Jin and his blonde hair in the bridge part with a car on fire behind him, who knows?

The dance scene is probably the main highlight of the song as it interchanges with them performing onstage as well as performing the choreography outside with a lot of background dancers which makes it that much better as it is like they all reboot ready to blow your mind with some high-quality choreography.

I like the way the MV starts with the boys hanging out behind a fence that has ‘Youth’ written on it, obviously referring to their album as well as referring to the fact that lyrically and in the MV they portraying themselves as what people stereotype the youth as.

This version of BTS just being crazy and having fun in a music video which is something I enjoy seeing. I can only imagine the laughs and jokes they had when filming it. I remember seeing it for the first time and it made me smile and appreciate that we have a group with such fun and goofy personalities. My favourite part of the video in reference to this is when J-Hope is pretending to DJ using the gas hob or when V has Jin on the table pretending to iron his shirt.
All of this lets people know that the stereotypes are not what make you or define you so ‘don’t try too hard, it's ok to be a loser' instead burn up all of the stereotypes and let them go so you can enjoy your life.
There is a reason why so many Army seem to use this MV as a go-to when it comes to trying to get people to fall in love with the genius group that is BTS which is why it is one of my favourites.

1theK 

Does this week's playlist include any of your favourites? Why not add it and see:  The Playlist Team's Favourites



YouTube part 1

These are exciting times for the playlist team at BTS Radio UK because we have branched out to bring you a YouTube playlist. We had a lot of fun writing about the MV’s this week, including a Japanese version which we asked ARMY to choose.

MV would you like to see featured in part 2? Keep your eyes peeled and tell us @BTSRadioUK

Add our playlist for easy YouTube streaming at the following link: Playlist Part One

Blood Sweat & Tears Japanese version MV chosen by ARMY

Charlie - This music video has so much to unpack that it is difficult to summarise; we see bursts of colour as high notes are hit, the music halts completely at certain points such as when Taehyung and Seokjin are brawling in the kitchen, and the video ends with Seokjin and Namjoon meeting at the gas station Namjoon works at from the HYYH videos. It feels like an abstract experience, with a lot of confusing scenes that require interpretation. However, that is what I love about it: it is not a simple dance video; it tells a story and does not give everything away in one go.

Michayla - The MV appears familiar, with hints and traces of other music videos, such as ‘I Need U’, ‘Epiphany’, ‘Fake Love’ and of course the Korean version of Blood Sweat & Tears. The whole concept is neon in colour and a whole bag of scenes to digest and interpret, which is mind blowing. I feel like this MV is a story that interlinks so many of the theories but plenty of time and many more paragraphs are needed for that!

Cheryl - Blood Sweat and Tears the Japanese version is still all about the temptations of life - drink and drugs etc but this version appears darker to me than the original one.  RM forcing Jungkook to drink the alcohol which then causes him to be sick and to hallucinate. Then there are two members (Jim and Tae) fighting and the menacing look on Tae’s face as he climbs the stairs with what appears to be a knife in his hand.

This video has such a different feel to the original one where they were symbolising being young men and the temptations of life. There was a naivety to the original video whereas, the Japanese one feels more aggressive and mature.  Even the colour style of the video is more explosive and expressive. I have to say I was rather surprised that the same song could have such a different feel.

Universal Music Japan

Serendipity - Charlie

Serendipity, the comeback trailer and introduction to the Love Yourself: Her album, is one of the videos with the most consistent aesthetics that accompanies its song perfectly.

As a Jimin solo, we watch as a soft, curly-haired blonde Jimin wraps himself up in yellow and white blankets, peeking from underneath in a manner that you cannot watch without melting at him. We see him delicately prick his finger on a cactus, and cradle a calico cat; this video delivers on simple yet effective props and gestures. He adorns a soft white sweater as he leans against a muted beige wall, and maintains eye contact as he sings such heartfelt lyrics. The lyrics of the song, though they speak of destiny, are hesitant, just like the subtle pastels of yellow and blue that are present throughout the video.

“As much as my heart flutters, I’m worried

The destiny is jealous of us

Just like you I’m so scared

When you see me, when you touch me”

The themes of destiny and the universe that came later in DNA is hinted at here; the video starts with a zoom in on the planet Earth, before landing on Jimin’s eye, not unlike the opening shot of DNA (which focuses on Jungkook). Later on in the video, we see him flying through a colourful vortex; despite the boldness of it, it still remains calming to watch in the context of Jimin’s light, calming yet nonetheless powerful vocals.

“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”

The first pre-chorus is one of the bits that hits me the hardest. As Jimin reveals himself from under a bright yellow blanket, we see a gorgeous shot of his silhouette sitting next to a telescope as an electric blue night sky glimmers above him. It is at this point that the music swells, he delivers the unforgettable “blue mold” line, and ARMY know to brace themselves for the chorus.

“Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)

Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)

Since the creation of the universe

Everything was destined

Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)

Just let me love you (let me love, let me love you)”

Even writing this review now, 2 years after this video’s release, I am finding it difficult to not get emotional. Namjoon said in his Vlive that this chorus was catchy and unforgettable, and I still see why to this day. This is a stunning song, the vulnerability and emotions of which are portrayed by Jimin beautifully. I only wish that we received another music video for the full length edition of Serendipity, to receive even more content.

Big Hit Labels

Not Today - Michayla

The first thing you notice about this MV is the scenery because it is stunning. BTS filmed this video in Danyang County in the province of North Chungcheong which has a mountainous terrain and was obviously a great choice for the setting.

‘Not Today’ is a song that kicks butt and the MV certainly echoes this. The members are dressed casually in a similar style to the Mic Drop look, but of course, that arrived 9 months after this so ‘Not Today’ is the trend setter there.

Namjoon walks into what looks like an abandoned warehouse to deliver his introduction and when the music starts, it is one of those songs that you instantly know. This was certainly proven at Wembley at the ‘Speak Yourself’ tour when the music began and ARMY went absolutely crazy before Namjoon even started!

‘All the underdogs in the world

A day may come when we lose

But it is not today

Today we fight!’

That opening verse is iconic and the sound of a heart beating, before Namjoon speaks, really sets the scene. Once again as with other songs like ‘Baepsae’ and ‘Am I Wrong’ there is the mention of an ‘underdog’ or those who are expected to fail. This is a message to encourage the people at the bottom of the food chain and lower classes to continue to fight, even if today is not the day you win, keep going.

This verse is powerful because of the way it is delivered and it certainly motivates me when life gets a bit difficult. Perhaps this should be a mantra that people adopt if they are struggling to cope with a situation.

The choreography is high energy as with songs like ‘Fire’ and ‘DNA’ plus many others and they have a large number of backing dancers too. A large part of the music video is BTS and the dancers performing the choreography on a giant circle of glass against a backdrop of mountains. This is visually stunning and I think most of us raise our hands up at the part:

‘Not not today! Not not today!

Hey crow-tits everyone hands up

Hey friends everyone hands up

Hey if you believe me hands up

Gun! Ready! Fire!’

This MV is energetic and striking and fits the song perfectly. The outfits, the dance moves and the setting all join forces to make this music video what it is. The current views are over 384 million which is surprising as I think it is worthy of many more.

Big Hit Labels

Forever Rain - Cheryl

The animated black and white video starts with a white background and what appears to be a single very large black rock or black raindrops falling from the sky with smaller ones also falling from it.  Then the single falling object is joined by lots of falling objects.

Then we see a very black circle which has circles forming as a reflection - like raindrops in puddles - but the circle remains intact. Perhaps the circle is the sun’s reflection - but would the sun be seen with all the rain?

The circle then vanishes and we see people walking in the rain, holding their umbrellas, except for a lone male walking with a cap instead.  The lone male is the only one walking through the darkness on the ground, it’s like a long strip of blackness. There are a few closeups of people, the lone male, a person who looks their hair is being blown in the wind and another person.

Suddenly the raindrops look like sharp shards of glass and the black circle appears and then it grows and then appears to completely surround the lone male.  The lone male is then walking along and he has two reflections and then we see his face again and then he has multiple faces and then the reflection also multiplies.  I can’t help but wonder if this reflects the many personalities hidden within oneself?

Then there is quite a long period of the video with a black background with white flashing dashes.  Gradually the angle moves upwards and we see the lone figure again. Now he is still standing in the darkness but we can see the dark circle in front of him with the reflection of it in grey behind him.  He is just standing still with the black circle gradually rising upwards.

The blackness then takes up the whole view with white raindrops falling down and his cap is seen falling.  Then we see a person with wet hair even with an umbrella, a bird and then we see the lone figure apparently falling and then we see him upright without the cap from behind.

Then it appears he is floating upwards from the fall and he continues walking whilst those around him are either stationery, or floating with their umbrellas. Then we are back to the white raindrops against the dark background, which then turn into a flying bird, which then breaks up and dissolves, as do the umbrella holding people - they dissolve and the particles float upwards. This scene makes me think of death - we all disintegrate eventually and then there are RM’s lyrics, which also leave a deathly feel:

‘Wanna live in the ashy world

I know that there’s no forever’

We are then with the lone figure and he is just standing still in the darkness with large black blobs in the background.  Then his cap falls down and he looks up with very wet hair. He appears to be looking at the big black circle and the rain appears to have stopped - so it’s like a photo and the picture is panning out slowly.

Then once again the circle expands and takes up the whole screen and we are back to the white raindrops which fall to the ground and cause a ripple in the puddle.

I wonder if the darkness in the video relates to depression - RMs lyrics below seem so deep and sad:

‘When it rains I

Get a little feeling that I do have a friend

Keeps knocking on my windows

Asks me if I’m doing well

And I answer, I’m still a hostage of life’

For a black and white animation video it is filled with so much detail, that I am actually having difficulty grasping the whole meaning of it.  It has left me wondering what else is RM trying to tell me?

Big Hit Labels

Daydream - Onomey

Seeing J-Hope without his other 6 members by his side is weird to see but I’m glad that we have been blessed with music from each member as individuals and as well as being part of BTS.

The starts with J-Hope waking up from sleeping and as a result, is daydreaming, but by the end of the video, you realise he never actually woke up at all that everything he went through in the so-called daydream was him actually dreaming. The main thing I noticed and Respected well this music video is that although J hope is usually known for his dancing skills, the Director and team behind this music video decided to go for a story around where not that much dancing was included which I think was a good idea as it shows different side to him where he can tell a story through different means other than dancing.

I love the groove of this song with the synth keyboard and strong bass that leads the chords, especially during the chorus. The upbeat happy and colourful vibe in the music video makes the listener forget how about the true meaning of the lyrics. As an example when I first watched this video I just thought it was a fun video talking about J Hopes experiences that led to his fame as at the beginning it starts with him in the small bedroom, then in a wide setting where he is sitting on a bed. The times where he isn't, his bed lights up whilst the rest of the room is dark which says to me that his movements are limited when in real-life settings and that his bed is calling him so he can dream and be free again to imagine endless possibilities.

‘I like my character’s like half and half. Who knows?

A public figure’s striving life. Who knows?

Abstaining from large cravings. Who knows? 

Always out of breath for daydreaming. Who knows?’

J Hope is saying here that his life is split into half being a public figure because he has to hold back from achieving certain desires that normal people are allowed to do and as a result, he tends to be exhausted from dreaming about being free and able to do these things. As the video shows the walls closing in, it is highlighting that he feels like he’s in a goldfish bowl ‘in a net called ‘desire’ with the thirst in life’ as the room closes in on him once he is dreaming, he can see things more clearly.

The first scene change looks beautiful as it is a bigger room before that as a canvas background of desert mountains as he delivers his lines in an almost whispering like tone as the walls open up and he now has the freedom to do whatever he wants and to see ‘beyond the borderline over there’.

I like the part of the video where he is stating what is the big deal if he goes out and gets drunk as others do, he’s young and deserves to know what it feels whilst deciding to leave his room through a small box to another world, referring to Alice in Wonderland, to see what it would be like to experience it without any consequences.

‘No eggshell walking, errday

I do what I want with my feelings, errday

A love-expert sniping the heart when you fall in it, errday

Work out on my desire without a formula, errday

Ignore my character, errday

Wanna cry with no shame, errday

Dream list, the first priority

With no concerns on money

Deep sleep’

By waking himself up at the end of the video, J-Hope understands that despite his desire to be normal he has a job to do making music which he still enjoys to do.

The biggest praise I can give J-Hope regarding this Music video is that if I were to watch it not knowing that J-Hope is part of BTS, I would think that he is has been a solo artist for many years and would never have guessed that he was in a group as he looks so comfortable being the star. Sometimes you watch music videos and you think that the video looks very bare with just one person throughout the video and think that they need back up dancers or something but this isn’t the case because of the presence that J-Hope has, as well as the props that are used through.

Big Hit Labels