#this show was such a perfect blend of songs and bits and improv and awe-inspiring moments

[link-sans-specs]

Rhett and Link's epic return to live performance. I am so glad I was there. 😍

[kpopreviews]

BTS - ‘You Never Walk Alone’ Album Review

BTS has come out with a repackaged version of their iconic ‘Wings’ album. I have really enjoyed all of their releases so far, so let’s get started with how I feel about their latest album! **warning: super long and in-depth**

Rating: ★★★★★

Intro: Boy Meets Evil

J-Hope. Wow. He did that. When the instrumentals were going on and they built up the cymbals and the beat stuttered right before Hoseok started singing, I think I died of anticipation and excitement. Then, when he started doing his thing, the inflection of his voice was so enticing and passionate that I died again. Also, the choreography was super intense and intricate (Dead x3). If you haven’t watched the video for this track yet, PLEASE DO.

피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)

I’m going to be completely honest, I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG. I think this is one of the best if not the best title track release that BTS has ever had. I don’t know why, but there’s something about this song that makes it feel like I’m listening to it for the first time every time. I think it’s because I notice something new every time. It’s so intriguing. When the instrumentals slowly creep up and Jimin starts singing with his alluring voice, I literally had goosebumps all over my body. I also appreciate the Caribbean, moonbahton trap sound that BTS went for. So different and refreshing. I swear, BTS can pull off literally any sound they wanted to. It’s because they put their own twist on every music genre they try out. Although they may be singing a ‘ballad’ or ‘rock’ or ‘trap’ song, they insert their own flavor into the tracks so that they sound distinctly like BTS. I’ll call it the Bangtan Effect. Their voices were amazing, the instrumentals were amazing, the choreography was amazing, the beat was amazing, the music video was amazing... I could go on and on. I think my absolute favorite part of the song is when Rap Monster is rapping with his deep voice and Jungkook starts harmonizing. THAT’S ART RIGHT THERE.

Begin

Jungkook has a stunning, beautiful voice. His voice is airy but hits you right in the heart. I don’t know how he does it, honestly. I love the heavy beat in the beginning of this song. It totally hints at the crazy tempo change that’s to come! I really enjoy listening to this song. And don’t even let me get started on the MEANING behind this beautiful track. Jungkook is given the chance to sing about anything he wants to, and he chooses to sing about his group members aka his brothers aka his best friends aka his role models. I cry.

Lie

Oh Jimin... Your voice... It does things to me. The strings in the beginning did NOT prepare me for this song! I worship the mix between the orchestra and Jimin. I don’t quite know why, but I think that he really fits the dark orchestral vibe of this piece. Maybe it’s his classiness? His seductiveness? His mysterious ways? He just screams ‘royalty’ to me. In addition, I feel like Jimin’s vocals have improved so much. His tone is golden. Pure milk and honey. He flows so well. Also, his ad-libbing absolutely saved me.

Stigma

My poor heart... Where do I even start? V honestly snatched everyone’s weaves with this one. The simple instrumentals complemented so so so well with his voice. And his RANGE. Taehyung... “Why are you like that to me?” His deep, soulful voice in the beginning hit me hard as always, but when those beautiful high notes came out, I was left speechless. I think this song truly embodies Taehyung. Just when you think you know everything there is to know about him, he whips out another talent masterfully.

First Love

DAMN. SUGA. I am in love with the way he carries his voice. He is such a raw, emotional rapper. The thing is, Suga doesn’t simply spit out words as many rappers seem to do. Instead, he mulls them over, contemplating and reflecting on every single one, before imprinting them in your soul. It is an amazing process and I am so glad that I am able to experience it. Also, let’s talk about the meaning behind the words. God, Yoongi. You can tell that music, and being able to create music, means the absolute world to him. He’s experienced loss, hard times, and heartache, but he’s come back stronger and he knows not to take opportunities for granted. I admire this man and the message he’s spreading.

Reflection

Rap Monster, or should I say Vocal Monster? I love when he sings. How does one possibly describe his awe-inspiring, passionate, deep voice? I really appreciate the slow, melancholy rap that Namjoon has been experimenting with these day. The technique was utilized perfectly in this melody, with the stripped down instrumentals and his raw, naked voice. Also, his artistry is next level. Inserting the sounds of Tteukseom at the beginning was genius. Genius and absolutely heartbreaking. I love you, Kim Namjoon.

MAMA

J-Hope is a god. I don’t deserve him. He’s voice is so nice. Songs about parents/grandparents always have a special place in my heart, but this one absolutely KILLED ME. The lyrics are so beautiful. I really liked how the song was upbeat, because although the lyrics could be interpreted in a sad manner, the melody made the lyrics uplifting and inspiring. It made the song more Hoseok-esque. He has a truly beautiful soul. Also, can’t forget the instrumentals! In love with the retro sound that he went for. It suits him so well. It’s incredible. THIS IS J-HOPE’S ERA.

Awake

JIN, WHY WOULD YOU HURT ME LIKE THIS. Seokjin shines SO bright in his solo song, finally showing the world his true range and aptitude. Wow. The first time I listened to this song, I was speechless. His higher range is so well-developed and rich that his voice sounds completely natural up there throughout the whole song. Truly amazing. But the lyrics... Oh my god I cried so hard... Jin saying that he knows he will always be behind the other members, but he’s still going to try hard anyway... Jin putting the rest of BTS before himself... Oh god look at me I’m crying again. I hope he is taking care of himself. I hope he knows that he’s absolutely perfect.

Lost

I really really really enjoy listening to this song. The very first time I heard ‘Lost’, I think I literally fell in love. It was the best but weirdest feeling. I like how it kind of sounds like the vocal members are tossing the lines around. They change up who’s singing pretty often in this piece (after almost every line), so it creates a very interesting blend of tones. So cool. In addition, love the synthetic beeps in the beginning and the snare beats at the end. Nice touches to a wonderful song.

BTS Cypher Pt. 4

Where do I even start? BTS’ rap line came back with a very different kind of cypher this time. Instead of their usual fit-as-much-as-you-possibly-can-in-4-minutes kind of cyphers, rap line took it down a notch. It’s more of a ‘yeah it’s chill cause we can’t hear the haters from all the way up here’ kind of vibe and I am absolutely loving it! It’s still fire as hell though, as expected. The super hard, distinct beats in the beginning had me bumping before the rapping even began! I live for Rapmon’s ‘Sorry Bae.’ It fits the whole song so well. And once again, rap line killed their raps and their haters. BRRR!

Am I Wrong

Country Music x BTS? Yes, please! How can they pull off literally EVERY genre? It’s astounding. Truly. Didn’t I call it the Bangtan Effect earlier? I love the end of J-Hope’s part, when everyone sings “mayday, mayday.” I treasure the sound of all their voices together. I see this is a pattern among Bangtan songs, but once again, THE MEANINGFUL LYRICS. Goddamn. Talk about SOCIALLY-CONSCIOUS ARTISTS.

21세기 소녀 (21st Century Girls)

I live for female empowerment anthems! J-Hope’s “You’re the best to me just the way you are.” Rap Monster’s “Live your life, live your life, come on baby.” Jimin’s “Tell them that you’re strong, tell them you’re enough.” Suga’s “All my ladies put your hands up!” So many iconic lines and such exquisite voice inflections throughout this song. Hype beat + Hype lyrics = HYPE ME.

둘! 셋! (그래도 좋은 날이 더 많기를) (2! 3!)

A really nice change of pace from the two beat-heavy tracks before this one. My favorite part has to be J-Hope’s line, “For becoming the flower in the most beautiful moment in life.” It’s a undoubtedly subtle and clever reference to their past releases. I know it’s supposed to be their fan song, but it is a bit sad if you look at the lyrics. However, it also speaks of promise and trust: “Hoping for more good days.” “If you believe then one two three.” I think the light percussion and the tone of the lyrics go well together to bring out an optimistic, hopeful song. Great bedtime song.

봄날 (Spring Day)

Let me say it right now, if you haven’t listened to this song yet, DO SO IMMEDIATELY. Absolutely in love with everything about this track. Rapmon starts off the song with his low, soothing articulation, which turns over to Jimin with his stable, airy voice, and then to Jungkook to contrast Jimin with his rich tone. Seokjin made me shed tears over his heartbreaking timbre, Yoongi saved me with his passionate inflection, and Hoseok added so much dimension and color to complete the song. However, the show stopper has to be Taehyung. The breakdown, where he sings, “You know it all. You’re my best friend. The morning will come again” hurt me with his soulful voice. Also, the ending (in the music video), where they all sing together was soul-moving. Furthermore, how about the meaning behind this song? Damn, Bangtan. They impress me time and time again. If you are not familiar with the Sewol Ferry Tragedy and how it ties to the ‘Spring Day’ music video, read a great explanation here. Masterful song with an amazing theme. A+.

Not Today

Hype song, hype message, hype choreography. What more can you expect from BTS? This time, they’re reaching out to the underdogs and telling them to keep working hard and having hope. I love it. The beat is distinct, strong, and original, which all add up to Bangtan’s recognizable formula. Additionally, Namjoon’s “Baby, yes I want it” had me feeling some type of way and of course I can’t talk about ‘Not Today’ without mentioning Jungkook’s iconic “Chong jojun BALSA!”

Outro: Wings

One of my favorite songs of this era. I am so glad they came out with a longer version. Damn. Never expected that insane breakdown and that wild verse from J-Hope. I LIVE FOR IT. But I also live for the exchange between Namjoon and Hoseok. “Yo J, Let’s do it.” OK! Meanwhile, BTS went for a ‘clubby’ sound in this track, with the ‘auto-tuned’ voices and the heavy synths, and they pulled it off once again! Bangtan Effect anyone? The best part of it all is that ‘Outro: Wings’ could be a club song, but it still has a deep, important message about believing in oneself and one’s decisions. That makes my heart happy.

A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone

Suga. Singing. Need I say more? I love when Jin & the rest of the vocal line reference Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quote about flying, running, walking, or even crawling towards one’s dreams. Very nice touch. I want to point out the beginning of the song with the softer beat and the echo-y sounds, which eventually transitions to a harder beat as per Bangtan’s style. Classic. Then, Suga sings and the angels sing with him. Then, J-Hope sings and heaven opens its gates. Am I being too dramatic? I just really enjoy listening to rap line singing. Quite possibly my favorite track from BTS. Yeah... that says A LOT about how much I sincerely adore this song.

Overall, I think that BTS’ 'You Never Walk Alone’ album is a splendid masterpiece. The album is a mix of so many different sounds and genres, but they blend genuinely well together. I really don’t know how BTS could top this one, but I think that thought after each of their releases and they always manage to impress me every time. I’m totally in love with their artistry.

Rating: ★★★★★