By: Brittany Lane
BTS is taking both the Kpop and international music world by storm. Their newest album titled “WINGS” dropped October 10, 2016, to 500,000 pre ordered albums and a MV that reached 3+ million views within 24 hours. Bangtan Sonyeondan, or more commonly known as BTS or Bangtan Boys, debuted in Korea in 2013, and have seven members: Jin, Jungkook, Rap Monster, Jimin, Suga, V, and J-Hope.They have since then risen to the top of the Kpop charts and have even managed to break International music charts; and with WINGS, they’ve even managed to break quite a few records.For good reason, too. Their newest album shows growth and maturity from a “Boy in Luv” to “Boy Meets Evil.” This time around, all of the members have gotten their own solo songs, and the songs they have done together have reflected the maturity in all of the members.
“Boy Meets Evil” and “Blood Sweat & Tears” agonizes about a toxic love that doesn’t end. In “Boy Meets Evil,” J-Hope muses that while their love is evil, he can’t let go. While in “Blood Sweat & Tears,” the boys know the relationship is toxic, but are more than willing to stay in the relationship.
“Reflection” and “Awake” take an introspective look at the respective singers and how they view themselves. “Awake” has Jin asking himself whether it be better to be left behind because he believes he is holding his friends back, while “Reflection” has Rap Monster telling the listener that sometimes, he hates himself and wishes he could love himself.
While differing musically, “MAMA” and “First Love” has both rappers taking a look back on their respective childhoods. “MAMA” has J-Hope thanking his mom, in one of the most upbeat songs on the album, for all the sacrifice she has made for him, and he hopes that he can give the world back to her. “First Love” has Suga talking about his first love, the piano, while ironically playing a piano. “21st Century Girls” and “2!3!” are uplifting songs, encouraging the listeners that they are not alone and they are beautiful just the way they are. “21st Century Girls” has a beat one would hear in a club and deals with female empowerment, while “2!3!” has a slower melody and encourages the listener to carry on even when it is hard, while telling them that they will be right there with them.
“Stigma” and “Lie” deal with guilt due to shortcomings. “Stigma” has V asking for forgiveness for not defending the ones he loves, while “Lie” has Jimin wanting to return to innocence and feeling like he can never do well. “Lost” and “Interlude: Wings” are both about the pains of growing up and wondering if it is the right type of growing up, and “Am I Wrong?” deals with an outward look at how the world is changing and questioning if it is for the better. “Cypher Part 4” continues the rappers dis track tradition, and “Begin” has Jungkook thanking his group members for helping him grow.
This album has something for everyone, Kpop fan or not. WINGS is relatable to anyone who listens to it. BTS continues to show why they are breaking music charts, and WINGS has further cemented that fact. This album is well worth the listen.