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I’m Over BTS After 8 Years of Stanning: A Response

As BTS reaches new heights of their fame, a long term fan has decided that they’re over them, but are their complaints fair towards the boy band?

Sometimes I wonder what can inspire me to write, and other times the answer is simple: hate. In this case, I have found a reddit post that sparks that very thing. I personally have nothing against this user or what they said, as it is their own opinions they feel like sharing. It is also placed under the subreddit r/kpoprants, so I will say it is a perfectly suitable post for this content. Alas, I am here to let out my own feelings regarding said post - a response, if you will.

I will give full disclosure that it is okay to unstan or lose interest in things over time. Many times said things may change and move away from your interests, or your interests may change with time and will not align with something you previously really liked. That is natural and completely normal. This essay will not be about having to stay a fan no matter what. It will be more of a commentary about a few of the points made in the post, or comments I disagree with and have a different perspective on. So, without further ado, I will begin.

"The BE album was such a half assed lame effort."

This specific comment, I feel, is ignorant of the circumstances surrounding said album. The BE album was never planned to be a part of a series or to be coordinating with the expansive BTS universe as their other albums have. It was an abrupt change of plans as BTS's lives were completely ripped away from their normalcy, along with everyone else's, as the global pandemic had started. Since BTS were about to go on a world tour, they had no plans for releasing any new music until potentially the following year. So, as they have personally mentioned in a couple of interviews, BE was a chance for them to self-produce their own album from concepts to music. As shown in the credits, members were heavily involved with the production and lyricism, even more so than usual. This was just their own way of dealing with a life-changing pandemic, and of course, a way to stay connected with ARMY as they shared a good portion of their creative process through live streams. This was a very personal project that they have never been able to do before, so it is something new to them and their fans. 

"[BE] It felt like [an] album of scraps and leftovers."

This comment, I'm assuming, is referring to the fact that “Telepathy” was a 3 year old song at the time it was written. Oftentimes, artists and producers will create more songs than needed. Sometimes the song doesn't follow the theme or storyline of the album, or other times a better song takes its place. This doesn't generally mean it's a bad song or considered "scraps and leftovers". For example, there have been a couple of Ariana Grande songs that had not made the albums, which were then sold to other artists to use. Specifically, "No More" by f(x) was originally "Boyfriend Material" for Grande's 1st studio album Yours Truly. 

A more recent example is Taylor Swift's re-recorded albums. As Swift re-records all of her older albums, she has chosen to include songs that have never been released to the public, which she refers to as "From the Vault" tracks. Swift has personally mentioned how much these songs mean to her and was sad they weren't picked for the album. Oftentimes the songs matched the theme of the album they were made for and didn't match the theme of the next album, so they continued to be unreleased songs, unfortunately. For "Telepathy", it was a self-produced song by Suga, and he was given the opportunity to share it with the public through BE's release. It portrayed the members' thoughts during the pandemic while giving an energetic beat to uplift the mood. 

Additionally, the comment can also be referring to the use of a skit, which may seem like a "cop out" compared to having an additional song. A skit is often used in hip hop albums and is a form of sketch comedy. As an album tells a story, a skit may allow the artist to talk about something in their life at the time or an intermission of sorts between songs. In this case, BTS started as a hip hop centric group and have previously used skits in their first few years as an artist. In one of their live streams documenting their album making titled "2004** BTS (+ENG)", they talked about how many songs to use in the album. They settled on 6 songs with a skit to split up the slower songs and the upbeat ones. Of course, BE also includes "Dynamite" - the 8th song, so it seems this song was added later, which is most likely due to the topic of the skit. BTS also consciously wanted to make an EP rather than a full length album to not overwhelm themselves, creating too many songs in the short timeframe.

Ultimately, BE was made unexpectedly during a time many people, including BTS, were struggling with the new way of living. I would also like to quote another commenter on this post under the username westernringo: “They’ve voiced so many times how they’ve mentally struggled both personally and artistically [because] their tour was canceled and almost two years of planning/work was shelved." BTS have worked extremely hard and continue to do so despite having many of their efforts for the year of 2020 to be for potentially nothing. They decided to take this opportunity to try something new and challenge themselves as artists and creators. This project was also a way to uplift their fans while simultaneously sharing their emotions many people can relate to. Personally, I think this continues their message that you will never walk alone with BTS.

One thing I'd like to point out is perspective. This commenter has had certain expectations of BTS due to their extensive discography, which includes dances, cinematography and imagery, and an ongoing multi-platform storyline. This was all carefully planned out for years with multiple teams to coordinate it, and BE was a self-produced album and focused more on BTS's personal creative presence. According to Jin from the “BTS (방탄소년단) BE-hind Story”: 

[BE] It wasn't part of the BTS Universe, and it was really natural, so I think it felt more comfortable. We can't forget about the universe, but we should make albums like this to take a break once in a while where we all participate together.

BE is within its own realm and is more about the music and the personalities of each BTS member as shown in the individual concept photos reflecting their own spaces. To compare BE to one of BTS's series albums is like comparing oranges to carrots. They are in completely different categories in my opinion. 

On a different note of perspective, there is popularity. Some people simply do not like pop music (pop as in popular music). This has happened before when BTS started to become more popular in the West after the release of the Wings album and the subsequent album Love Yourself: Her. Some fans started to dislike BTS and their new music at the time. Said fans "preferred their older music", and BTS had "changed too much". Some argue that BTS's music hadn't changed as drastically as they mentioned, considering the fact that each era had a new concept and style for their albums. From the School Trilogy to the Most Beautiful Moment in Life series, there was a more drastic jump in genre for BTS than Wings to Love Yourself. I think many people start to dislike things that are popular or mainstream. When BTS started to branch out to the West in 2017, they started to become extremely popular, and this was something completely new for K-pop. I guess you could say history repeats itself because as BTS starts to reach new heights as artists and more specifically Asian artists, fans may start to lose interest just because of their popularity. 

With this perspective, BTS are "chart chasing" and "gimmicky" because they have released an English song that was able to top the charts. Again, BTS's original plans were for their Map of the Soul Tour. Their original intentions were to not release these singles. Even with the planning for BE, English singles were never mentioned. Due to the spontaneity that was the pandemic, they had a change of plan and decided they could make a song that could reach the general public with their platform. Often times Korean companies can use English songs and translate them to Korean or use the melody and instrumental to make their own song. BTS expressed how they liked the song and the original lyrics, so it is possible they decided to use this as their first English single. Of course, this is my own speculation. 

Personally, I think BTS are spreading joy and enjoying themselves with these upbeat singles, which was their whole purpose. Regardless, this person disagreed, calling them "stupid English singles made for Western success disguised as 'something positive in times for the pandemic'”. I would again disagree and also point out that BTS already had Western success to begin with considering their 2020 world tour had 21 tour dates in Western cities without a single English song. 

Through BTS's interviews and other various content, whenever BTS talk about charts and getting number ones, I feel like it is generally good-natured and nothing too serious. Oftentimes, it is interviewers' or fans' questions that prompt BTS to talk about the charts and winning. Other times, it's BTS joking among themselves about the possibility. They are aware of their success and try not to take it too seriously. 

I would like to bring out a couple of quotes from RM's "200927 RM (+ENG)" video log: "'Music truly transcends every barrier like language'. Even while I was saying that, I questioned myself if I indeed believed this." RM is questioning himself when he relays this in interviews because it is clear now that BTS could have had this success (number one on the Hot 100) sooner if they were an English speaking group. BTS are aware of the unfairness in the music industry, and I think they are allowed to have goals for themselves such as a number one or a Grammy. They can try new things and experiment at the same time. "I want to believe that people still listen with sincerity," he relayed to the camera. RM wants people to appreciate the music and listen with sincerity. Putting aside awards and charts, he still wants people to simply enjoy their music and appreciate their artistry. So I sincerely believe BTS are not "gimmicky" or "chart chasing". A song can just exist for one purpose, and it can be to make people happy. If your thoughts listening to any of their music is how it's for the charts, then you yourself are not listening sincerely. 

"I remember Namjoon said they're going to get their first [Hot 100] with a Korean song but look what happened," commented emilymay36.

BTS, especially RM, have made it clear on multiple occasions how much they despise being pressured to do English songs. People have the right to change their minds especially considering the circumstances the world is facing during these times. RM wanted to just make one more person's day by making a pop song in English. BTS understand their influence and also know that English is the most spoken language in the world. BTS put aside their hesitations about this kind of song to brighten people's days. 

Circling back to expectations and everyone, including fans, harping on charts and wins. I think it is safe to say BTS have extreme pressure on many fronts. The fans have high expectations of them and their music; the media is ready to knock them down when they don't succeed; and I'm sure their company might pressure them for perfect performances. To top it all off, they have pressure from themselves. The seven members don't want to let anyone down and want to be the best they can possibly be. If you are known as the best of the best, then I would think you would also feel that pressure. That pressure that one day you won't be as famous or successful. The drop from the peak of their career. I think that's terrifying. 

"You guys are supposed to be representing K-pop and showing people how amazing this genre can be."

This comment right here shows another pressure they have. Now BTS is, in your opinion, representing a whole genre. You have given them such high expectations and are now disappointed when they don't meet your own personal agenda of them. I would like to disagree with you once again, since BTS are continuing to represent K-pop in more than one way. Because BTS did create such massive hits known to the general public, they were able to bring more awareness to K-pop and garner more fans for the genre. One part of K-pop is its global-ness. Many other K-pop groups have songs translated into different languages. EXO’s whole concept is a Korean and Chinese global group. Every song they produced is in each language, respectively. Japanese versions of songs are something that is also popular to extend to Japanese fans of K-pop, which BTS has done themselves. English versions of songs in K-pop are also popular, going back to Girls’ Generation’s “The Boys (English Version)” from 2011. In this aspect, this concept is a part of K-pop.

"In my head, BTS hasn’t released any music in over a year; nearly two."

Again, because none of the music matched your taste, you are willing to throw away their hard work for the past 2 years just to match your personal agenda. You admitted that they worked very hard for the past 8 years, and on that note, it almost sounds like they don't deserve a break from that rigorous schedule. Because of this pandemic, things went a little differently, and they tried new things they never had the opportunity to. Most likely, we would have not gotten any of this music to begin with. This is essentially bonus pandemic content. 

"I'm not even Korean, but it irks me that they barely promote their own home country anymore," clubroo commented underneath the original post.

A different commenter on this conversation thought BTS have stopped promoting their own country. Not only has BTS achieved "Western success" with 4 number one Billboard albums - all Korean, stadium world tours, and winning multiple awards. They have been making Korean entertainment - not just music - mainstream in the West. Western media is more open to Asian representation, and people have been actively seeking Korean content despite not knowing the language (e.g., Parasite and Squid Game). 

In 2018, BTS received the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit at the Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards for spreading K-pop and Korean culture around the globe. Following up in 2021, BTS were appointed as South Korean presidential special envoys on a formal diplomatic role as “special presidential envoy for future generations and culture.” President Moon of South Korea had shared that the United Nations (UN) had personally asked for BTS to attend. “That itself shows the enhanced global stature of South Korea,” he said. After the UN General Assembly, BTS continued their duties by presenting gifts for the Met Museum from South Korea with the first lady, Kim Jung-sook. "The eyes of the world are on Korean culture – Korean dramas, Korean film, Korean music – but there are still many great Korean artists who are yet to be discovered by the world,” RM said during his speech. To further iterate how much Korean culture is spreading, the Oxford dictionary has added 26 Korean words, and the very first Asian American muppet on Sesame Street is a Korean named Ji-young. Because of BTS's influence, the world is slowly and all at once getting a glimpse of South Korea and its culture.

Pictured above is BTS in New York City at The Met.

At this point, I feel like this reddit conversation has turned into a hate BTS bandwagon. It's okay to rant, but to be outright negative or hateful just seems mean. It's okay for artists to try new things, and it's okay to not like those new things. To blatantly put down an artist's work and undermine their success is not cool. It's one thing to grow apart, but to call someone a "sellout" when they've done the opposite seems like your perspective of them has changed as they become popular. I hope BTS will not disappoint you the next time they release something, and if they do, then that's also okay. Nobody's obligated to like everything an artist puts out.

P.S.

On a side note, I was initially confused by the title saying "8 years of stanning", which was then followed up by saying, "I’ve been an ARMY since 2015". This is technically 6 years of stanning unless they are referring to stanning the 8 years of work put out by BTS. I thought this seemed inconsistent. 

Fun fact about me: I, too, became an ARMY in 2015. This month, 6 years ago, was when I stumbled upon “Dope”, which has changed my life for the better. Thank you BTS and ARMY for bringing a lot of light into my life. 💜

[openbook7]

The full series is now out! This was my first time video editing, and I hope to work on some more ideas in the future. Click on the playlist above to watch all 8 videos again or click on the title of a specific video below. 

BTS 2019: The Intro

The first installment of my BTS 2019: The Video Series is here. Here is a montage highlighting a few things BTS experienced in 2019.

BTS 2019: The Music

A look back at the music released in 2019 from our first look at “Intro: Persona” to solo releases such as “Winter Bear” and some of the achievements each song received.

BTS 2019: The Performances

A chronological timeline of every BTS performance in 2019 (excluding concert dates).

BTS 2019: The Awards

How many awards did BTS win in 2019? Let’s take a look.

BTS 2019: The Concerts

BTS’s first stadium world tour was a feat in itself. The first Korean artist to perform at many of these iconic venues. Let’s reminisce about the concert dates BTS performed in 2019. 

BTS 2019: The Achievements

From the Grammy’s to breaking many records, BTS experienced a successful year in 2019.

BTS 2019: The Fans

One of the most important aspects of BTS is their fans. BTS is ARMY and ARMY is BTS.

BTS 2019: The Outro

BTS from 2013 until 2019 have shared their lives with us and continue to show us new sides of themselves through each comeback. BTS will forever stay in our hearts. 💜

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Outro 

BTS from 2013 until 2019 have shared their lives with us and continue to show us new sides of themselves through each comeback. BTS will forever stay in our hearts. 💜

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Fans

One of the most important aspects of BTS are their fans. BTS is ARMY and ARMY is BTS.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Achievements 

From the Grammy’s to breaking many records, BTS experienced a successful year in 2019.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Concerts

BTS’s first stadium world tour was a feat in itself. The first Korean artist to perform at many of these iconic venues. Let’s reminisce about the concert dates BTS performed in 2019.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Awards

How many awards did BTS win in 2019? Let’s take a look.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Performances

A chronological timeline of every BTS performance in 2019 (excluding concert dates). 

[openbook7]

Taking Credit: A Melanie Fontana Narrative

Did Melanie Fontana take credit for V’s song? A look into Fontana’s attitude as a songwriter and her response to being called out.

I am not trying to undermine an artist's credit. I understand when working with a team of people, everyone is contributing and collaborating. Especially for a single fluid piece, it may be hard to attribute every person's contributions because, ultimately, it was a team effort. Also, more specifically when working for a singer, every writer and producer is rightfully credited for the song, but the song will be most predominantly under the name of the singer. Therefore, any awards and accolades for the said song will generally be granted to the face of the song on stage - the singer. It is within that effort of teamwork that everyone is willingly giving their contributions to be recognized as the singer's song with appropriate crediting of course. Again, I am not undermining any one of the writers and producers of music, but the public will most likely not look up who contributed to the creation of songs. For example, Max Martin and David Foster both have extensive credits for countless songs that often find themselves in the Billboard Hot 100, but many might not necessarily recognize them.

When regarding the situation with Melanie Fontana (a songwriter who has previously written for BTS), I feel like she could have handled the situation better. Of course, there were others involved in the situation such as her partner, Michel Schulz, and manager, Justin Garza, as well as one of the original posts made by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). When UMPG posted a picture of Fontana on Instagram, they acknowledged her work as breaking the records with the song "Sweet Night" by V. This post itself seemed to attribute the song's success to her sole contribution when the songwriting and producing was credited by Hiss noise and V with additional songwriting credits by ADORA, Melanie Fontana, and Michel Schulz. Fontana had responded by thanking everyone for all the support. This post and interaction did not sit well with BTS ARMY as it seemed to completely leave out everyone else involved in the song and not acknowledge how this was V's song. Not only did V have a big part in writing and producing the song, but the entire song is sung by him and is under his name. As I mentioned previously, a singer is usually the one who is recognized as the face of the song and who would generally be awarded for the song, so this entire interaction seemed as blatant disrespect for V.

Not to discredit anyone who participated in the creation of this song, but Fontana should understand that this is not just her song. She should understand her contributions will be for V and his song. Also, as a songwriter for Big Hit and more specifically BTS, her works are a part of a team effort that is made for BTS and their songs, which are then listened to by their fans. I understand she was getting hate for the interaction and other comments about the situation which is unfortunate. Although, her reaction to said hate was to say how BTS "doesn't know you" and "doesn't need your protection". That was an insensitive comment towards the fans who she helps make music for. In addition, her partner and manager tried to say that she wrote every single lyric which again showed blatant disrespect to everyone working on the song with her. She preaches about not being acknowledged as a lyricist herself and how tedious the songwriting process is but will not give the appropriate acknowledgement to others involved and even to the sole owner of the song.

What’s even further upsetting about this situation is how this is not the first time Fontana has blatantly taken full credit for a BTS song. She had been credited for songwriting to “Euphoria” and “Boy With Luv”. In one Instagram story, while watching Jungkook perform “Euphoria” on tour, Fontana posted a video of the performance and said, “I wrote this [no big deal]”. In an interview with CelebMix, she had said, “I cried for a solid 20 minutes after seeing them perform my song; I was just so touched.” Both times she referred to the song as hers, which again just seems disrespectful towards the whole team of people working on the song.

Another incident was about a year later with “Boy With Luv”. This song was BTS’s title track and had earned the title of a platinum single. Fontana had taken to Instagram to write about her struggle as a songwriter and how she had finally been properly acknowledged for her work “without the help of anyone”. She has worked on a few other songs, but when mentioning the success of “Boy With Luv”, she seems to relate the success to only herself. BTS, at this point, is a major artist having been invited to the Grammy’s earlier in the year, securing millions of pre-orders, and was starting a stadium world tour right after “Boy With Luv” had been released. The success of the single had not been equated to her participation but the name behind the song - BTS. This may have been a breakthrough in her career as she had been credited on a platinum single as a songwriter, but personally, I found it discourteous to BTS and their career to say something like this. Additionally, Fontana used the word “my” when talking about “Boy With Luv”. "Here we are in Times [Square] under a massive screen advertising my work!" Again, she did not properly address the contributions of everyone who worked on this project.

As I mentioned previously, her partner and manager, Michel “Lindgren” Schulz and Justin Garza respectively, had also involved themselves in this situation. In particular, when mentioning how much Fontana had participated in the songwriting. Schulz had written on his Instagram account, "She and I wrote, in fact, every single word in 'Sweet Night' by request of the label and V himself." Garza had affirmed this statement himself in a direct message to a fan. Since Fontana and Schulz had been credited last on the songwriting credits, it generally means they contributed the least. The label may have requested the two to write a full version of lyrics, but that does not mean the label or V had chosen all the lyrics they wrote. Especially considering how they were credited on the song, and how V personally talked about his writing experience for “Sweet Night”. To bring further confusion to the situation, Garza had said, "We sent a full version in all English, then they translated." Now, this correlates with the idea that they did write a full version, but he mentions how it was “translated” when the song is entirely in English. This just seems to make more confusion over the whole songwriting process but shows how they are adamant about taking full credit for writing the lyrics of the finished song.

BTS has worked with many artists. From the likes of Ed Sheeran to Halsey to Troye Sivan. From the three I mentioned amongst others, they showed respect to BTS as an artist and a collaborator on the song. They also have acknowledged how BTS and their fanbase can make a song successful. For example, Halsey made sure to mention how “Boy With Luv” was also BTS’s song, and many records were obtained because of BTS in an interview with Ellen Degeneres. Ed Sheeran had also written on his Instagram, “This is the first K pop song I’ve had the honour of helping write.” This shows another example of how to properly acknowledge working with an artist. Troye Sivan had also not taken full credit when mentioning co-writing “Louder Than Bombs” on BTS’s latest album but mentioned how happy he was working with them. These are more prominent artists who have entire discographies in their own right with their own fanbases, but they still showed sincerity when working with BTS.

When referring to the UMPG post specifically (which has since been deleted), this may be part of a bigger issue in the American media and music industry. UMPG only seemed to be appreciating Fontana – a white woman. Fontana and her partner are listed last respectively on the credits, which is after three Asian songwriters. Alternatively, the company’s media page should have shifted the focus to V but still mention Fontana’s contributions as she is signed under their company. Ellen Degeneres also said to Halsey, "You broke the Guinness World Record for most views in less than 24 hours for a video." The emphasis on “you” in particular without any mention of BTS seems degrading and to equate this song’s success to Halsey. O Music Management also congratulated Fontana and Schulz on their first platinum song without mentioning BTS. This focus on the white person being the only reason a person of color can achieve success is outdated and frankly extremely disrespectful.

Furthermore, there seems to be a clear divide when interviewers ask questions to BTS in comparison to how Fontana was interviewed. BTS almost seem infantilized with basic questions such as, “Who’s the messiest?”, “What’s your favorite English word?”, or “Who would you like to collaborate with?” BTS has featured on most, if not all, of their works as songwriters and/or producers, yet are treated as less than such. Meanwhile, Fontana, who has helped write less than a handful of BTS songs, gets more complex questions about songwriting and the process. This just further proves how the American media will not acknowledge BTS as self-proclaimed artists who have large creative input in their music. In fact, they won’t even acknowledge BTS when they break records through their own success with no one’s help.

In conclusion, this behavior is not only avoidable but should be unaccepted. Fontana is a public figure to some extent and needs to learn how to properly engage on social media. Even attempting to take fault for the miscommunication would have been better than the issue becoming agitated further. Completely ignoring fans concerns for her behavior and seeing no wrong in what she has done shows how she is unwilling to learn from this experience and better herself. This was not the first occasion but should definitely be the last.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Music

A look back at the music released in 2019 from our first look at “Intro: Persona” to solo releases such as “Winter Bear” and some of the achievements each song received.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Intro

The first installment of my BTS 2019: The Video Series is here. Here is a montage highlighting a few things BTS experienced in 2019.

[openbook7]

BTS 2019: The Video Series

Hello! In honor of the “BTS Memories of 2019” DVD being announced, I have been working on a BTS 2019 video series of my own. It’s my first-time video editing, but it’s just a fun little project to highlight some of the moments we experienced in 2019 with BTS. I hope you enjoy it when it comes out!

[openbook7]

Weekly Music Recs

Hello! This week we bring you another five songs we’ve been listening to. Hope you enjoy!

Monster

Irene & Seulgi

I am a big Red Velvet fan, so I was so excited for this unit with Irene and Seulgi. The song has a very sexy and empowering feel to it. The song has heavy dub-step and R&B influences mixing together well to create that feeling. Their vocals are amazing and complement each other well on this piece. It really lifts my mood up listening to it, and the dance is also executed beautifully with the back up dancers.

Fantasy

Vixx

I love this instrumental immensely. Orchestral instrumentals are another big favorite of mine because of the dramaticness the music creates. The music video is also hauntingly beautiful with the sharp dance moves and formations completing the picture. The song is called “Fantasy”, and it depicts trying to escape said fantasy. The music flows calmly or intensely from beginning to end, which can also be the effect of realizing this dream that is consuming them. It’s another powerful song that I recommend this week.

Hard To Say Goodbye (ft. Chloe Angelides)

Ekali, ILLENIUM, Chole Angelides

Another amazing song by Eklai, ILLENIUM featuring Chole Angelides. Lyrics, vocals, and rhythms are just outstanding. Once you listen to this song, it will be on repeat for hours. I highly recommend listening to this song. Some may picture themselves in a situation where they may find it “hard to say goodbye" to their other half. I picture myself in a similar situation but with my friends. When you have so many good memories with your closest friends, you wish that time stays still because goodbyes are hard.

Slow Grenade (ft. Lauv)

Ellie Goulding, Lauv

Ellie’s new release is another lit song with catchy music beats. A song with a perfect combination of drum, guitar, keyboard, and bass along with amazing background vocals. Also, Ellie’s and Lauv’s vocals are just lit. Serban Ghenea and John Hanes, the mixing engineers, behind this amazing piece have done such an outstanding job providing listeners with this catchy song.

no song without you

HONNE

I have been exploring indie music lately, and out of all the songs I listened to, I found this song really cute and sweet. I found it really calming and peaceful. I highly recommend listening to this song. Also, check out their cute music video.

[openbook7]

Weekly Music Recs

It’s been a long week, but let’s all wind down with these five song recommendations!

Future Nostalgia

Dua Lipa

I love the 80’s theme this whole album has, hence the “nostalgia”. I chose the song that shares the name of the album because it’s definitely a good introduction for this album. It encompasses that familiar 80’s sound with a “future” twist. I also really like how much personality Dua Lipa’s voice has in this song with her vocals and melodic rap highlighting her British accent. I would definitely recommend listening to this fun song.

How You Like That?

Blackpink

Blackpink’s most recent comeback includes this pre-release single, and I definitely think it’s a bop. My favorite part of every Blackpink song is definitely the pre-chorus which highlight the smooth vocals of Jisoo and Rosé, and this song is no exception. I also particularly love the push and pull of the dramatic to soft instrumentals to complement their voices appropriately. I’m excited for more to come from them with their new album being released soon.

Who (ft. BTS)

Lauv

Personally, I absolutely loved this song when it was released, but I recently rediscovered it. It was definitely on repeat this week. This only features two members of BTS’s vocal line, Jimin and Jungkook, but their vocals paired with Lauv truly made this song a beautiful piece. The only real complaint I have is how short it is - just 3 minutes. Despite its short length, it definitely gives a lasting impression. 

In Your Eyes (with Doja Cat) - Remix

The Weeknd, Doja Cat

I like the remix version of this song more compared to the original because this collab version is just so phenomenal. This song gives you catchy Michael Jackson vibes, and I really enjoyed it. Also, this is a great song for a travel playlist. The original version is also great, but I like this version more.

Twenty Something - Stripped Sessions

Nightly

This is the first song that made me listen to Nightly, and I went on to explore all of their previously released songs. Even though this song was released in 2019, I still listen to this song because I really enjoy slow jams. Comparing this version with the original, I found this version a little different yet amazing.

[openbook7]

Weekly Music Recs

Here we are with our 3rd week of music recs. We hope you enjoy it!

Kinda Crazy 

Selena Gomez

I am not going to lie, this song has been stuck in my head all week. It’s one of my favorite songs from this album. It’s a more mellow song with the instrumental of the trumpets mixed with the beat of the guitar and drums. Selena Gomez’s voice takes a lighter tone to match the theme of the song. I also like the contrast of the song being about someone acting “kinda crazy” and a rather calm song delivering that message. This song is great to add to a mellow and calm playlist.

Say So - Japanese Version

Rainych

Although this is a cover song, Rainych’s voice is just so majestical, and it matches the song so well. I thought this could be an original version of the song due to the quality of the entire piece and how beautiful it sounds in Japanese. I highly recommend listening to this version of “Say So” and give Rainych some love on her other covers.

Stay Gold

BTS

I don’t even know where to start. BTS always knows how to impress me with their new music and the lyrics behind the song in Japanese or Korean. In this case, it’s an inspiring song about staying gold (hence the title). Throughout the entirety of the lyrics, BTS give positive affirmations about trying to overcome the brutal reality of the world starting with the opening lyrics of the song below. 

In a world where you feel cold You gotta stay gold

One of my favorite parts of the song is the pacing and progression because it helps highlight the chorus well. In particular, the grandness of the “Stay gold” that is repeated throughout the chorus. The music video just came out today as well, which again shows that grandness of the chorus and its euphoric message by having the beautiful imagery during just the chorus.

Yes, I agree with Rhea. To be honest, this song is so unique and is a masterpiece. Every member’s unique voice is just so great, and this song is a sweet gesture to the loved ones.

Summer Feelings (feat. Charlie Puth) 

Lennon Stella, Charlie Puth

I would describe this song as a great song with happy vibes. Everyone is missing the summer feelings because of this COVID-19 pandemic. This song put it all together from wanting to spend time in the sun to visiting wonderful places around the world. The video of this song is so adorable even though it’s all animated.

Lose Somebody 

Kygo, One Republic

Ryan’s voice along with catchy music beats make this song a unique combination of pop rock and tropical genre.

I guess you don't know what you got Until it's gone

Sometimes people don’t really appreciate what they have, and when it is too late and is gone, people begin to realize how somethings are really important to them. This line reminds of me of the time when I did not spend enough time with my parents. I hope everyone cherishes little things in every moment of their life.

[openbook7]

Weekly Music Recs

Welcome to our 2nd week of music recs! We hope you enjoyed last week’s songs. This week we have 5 more songs that are definitely worth the listen. Keep reading to find out why we chose these songs.

Candy 

Baekhyun

This is Baekhyun’s second solo comeback, and he continues with the R&B genre which is one of my favorites. The overall comeback was creative with the unique spicy and sweet versions of the song. Baekhyun describes how “the lyrics compare [his] various charms and looks to various flavors of candy.” Additionally, it’s a very funny and cute song with “many witty expressions like ‘mature cinnamon’ and ‘funny mint’”. After listening to the song, be sure to check out the performance video to watch the dance.

Can’t You See Me?

Tomorrow X Together

“Can’t you see me?” is another song I’ve been listening to often this week. Not only is the song really beautiful with the instrumental and complimentary vocals, but the music video has some incredible imagery that matches the theme of the song. The vocals go from angelic to warped sounding as it reflects the friendship being described in the song. A friendship where they were supposed to be “together together” and “forever forever”, but it is crumbling when they needed each other the most. The lyrics follow the tribulations of not being understood to the point where they feel as if they are not being seen. The music video shows the playfulness of the friendship, but the picture is distorted with disastrous scenery as the video plays on. This is definitely a song you should listen to at least once. 

Dance Dance Dance 

Astrid S

This is a new single by Astrid S. I just love it because it has everything from really nice uplifting lyrics to catchy music beats, and the music video is really cute. 

Good Things Fall Apart (with Jon Billion) [SLANDER Remix]

ILLENIUM

This is one of my favorites songs by ILLENIUM, and this remix is just lit. I am going to be honest, I like to listen to songs like this when I am sad, but at the same time, want to enjoy music.

Like It is  

Kygo, Zara Larsson, Tyga

This is such a powerful song by Kygo with Zara’s amazing voice along with Tyga. This song is a whole combination of catchy lyrics and music beats. I love Zara’s voice. This is a song which I can listen to for a whole day and dance around with my funny dance moves.

[openbook7]

Weekly Music Recs

This is our first music recommendation ever. The playlist title is a spin-off of our username. We have picked out five songs we’ve been listening to a lot this week. We’ve added brief explanations as to why we like these songs below. Hope you enjoy it!

Spring Day 

BTS

Recently, I just graduated college and was unable to have a proper ceremony due to COVID-19. Although, youtube did host a “Dear Class of 2020” hosted by Barack and Michelle Obama with featured guest BTS. BTS played three songs for their performance, and one was “Spring Day”. It was a really thoughtful song considering the circumstances. This can be a representation of the spring days that were lost to us all. Additionally, the song is about missing a friend. As a student, all classes were moved online, so I definitely miss my friends, but as a graduate, it may be my last time seeing some of my classmates. I hope you think about the friends you miss while listening to the song.

People

Agust D

This song is from Agust D’s latest album D-2. The song is extremely soothing, and the lyrics really hit you with reality. The added backing vocals give the piece a soft and flowing sound, which is personally my favorite part. 

What kind of person am I? Am I a good person? Or a bad person? Many of ways to judge Just a person 

These lyrics in particular highlight a self-reflection of a person. There are so many ways someone can judge you especially as a celebrity. When you’re in the spotlight, everyone seems to have an opinion about your life. With so many opinions in one’s ears, it may be easy to forget how you thought of yourself. It’s definitely a great song to add to your playlist. 

Rain On Me (with Ariana Grande)

Lady Gaga

I was anxious to hear the song when I first heard about the collaboration. It’s an uplifting, dance song, and I will probably have this on repeat for the rest of the summer. A few of my favorite lyrics include: “Gotta live my truth, not keep it bottled in”, “I didn’t ask for a free ride”, and “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive”. The whole theme of the song reminds me of looking at the bright side despite any harsh conditions. Whenever I’m feeling down, I like to play this song to brighten my mood. 

Paper Planes

Elina

This song is a single by a rising singer Elina. Ever since I started listening to her songs, I have just fallen in love with her voice. Even though this song is about relationships, I found it really calm and peaceful.

Army

Ellie Goulding

This song is the sweetest open letter of appreciation for close friends. Ellie wrote this song for her best friend. Whenever I listen to this song, it makes me think of the tough times when my best friends were always by my side to cheer me up.