Bangtan Boys are back! The immensely popular K-Pop group BTS has made their comeback with their newest EP Love Yourself: Her. This is the group’s first album since their historic win at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2017, where they beat out artists such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes and Selena Gomez in the ‘Top Social Artist’ category. BTS officially announced their Love Yourself series by posting posters of the members hinting at the new series, followed by a highlight reel depicting each member in their own storylines.
Love Yourself: Her was released on September 18th. The album’s official track list has nine tracks, although there are two additional hidden tracks that are exclusively in the physical album. Despite the fact that each song in the album has their own distinct sounds, I’ve emphasized five songs that really captured my attention.
Love Yourself: Her was released on September 18th. The album’s official track list has nine tracks, although there are two additional hidden tracks that are exclusively in the physical album. Despite the fact that each song in the album has their own distinct sounds, I’ve emphasized five songs that really captured my attention.
“Serendipity”
First up is the intro track and my personal favorite, which is the only solo track in the entire album. It is a beautifully-written R&B love song sung by Jimin, whose smooth vocals will make anyone swoon. The track was revealed in a stunning music video featuring Jimin that serves as the comeback trailer for the album. It’s a great song that sets up the tone of the album through its romantic lyrics and truly captures the essence of love.
“DNA”
Second is the lead single, “DNA”, a delightful tune that will make anyone whistle along. The song describes a romantic relationship using scientific and mathematical references and can be considered as a continuation of “Serendipity”, which has similar themes. The song’s music video, which was released on the same day as the album and is currently breaking records, further emphasizes the “science” of love described in the song and makes for an aesthetically-pleasing spectacle.
“Best of Me
The third song in the album, “Best of Me”, is the highly-anticipated track featuring American EDM-pop duo, The Chainsmokers. What makes this track special is that it is the first Asian collaboration from the Chainsmokers and the first American one from BTS. The latter group’s vocals fit in so well with the former’s signature electro-pop sound that many wonder why they haven’t collaborated before.
“MIC Drop”
“MIC Drop” is reminiscent of the group’s previous hip-hop heavy songs. The group sing about the success of their hard work, which brings to mind “Dope”, from BTS’s 2015 album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.1. Interestingly, “MIC Drop” was specifically inspired by President Obama’s infamous “Obama out” mic drop during his last White House correspondents’ dinner.
“Go Go"
One of my other favorites in the album, “Go Go” is a trap-heavy song that describes the phenomena of ‘YOLO’ and ‘frittering away.’ Although the beats and most of the lyrics radiate party vibes, BTS depicts the unpleasant reality that most of today’s youths have no money at all. They further assert the word ‘YOLO’ to be insignificant through via constant repetition. “Go Go” is the group’s more subtle take on extravagance after “Spine Breaker”, from their 2014 mini-album Skool Luv Affair.
First up is the intro track and my personal favorite, which is the only solo track in the entire album. It is a beautifully-written R&B love song sung by Jimin, whose smooth vocals will make anyone swoon. The track was revealed in a stunning music video featuring Jimin that serves as the comeback trailer for the album. It’s a great song that sets up the tone of the album through its romantic lyrics and truly captures the essence of love.
“DNA”
Second is the lead single, “DNA”, a delightful tune that will make anyone whistle along. The song describes a romantic relationship using scientific and mathematical references and can be considered as a continuation of “Serendipity”, which has similar themes. The song’s music video, which was released on the same day as the album and is currently breaking records, further emphasizes the “science” of love described in the song and makes for an aesthetically-pleasing spectacle.
“Best of Me
The third song in the album, “Best of Me”, is the highly-anticipated track featuring American EDM-pop duo, The Chainsmokers. What makes this track special is that it is the first Asian collaboration from the Chainsmokers and the first American one from BTS. The latter group’s vocals fit in so well with the former’s signature electro-pop sound that many wonder why they haven’t collaborated before.
“MIC Drop”
“MIC Drop” is reminiscent of the group’s previous hip-hop heavy songs. The group sing about the success of their hard work, which brings to mind “Dope”, from BTS’s 2015 album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.1. Interestingly, “MIC Drop” was specifically inspired by President Obama’s infamous “Obama out” mic drop during his last White House correspondents’ dinner.
“Go Go"
One of my other favorites in the album, “Go Go” is a trap-heavy song that describes the phenomena of ‘YOLO’ and ‘frittering away.’ Although the beats and most of the lyrics radiate party vibes, BTS depicts the unpleasant reality that most of today’s youths have no money at all. They further assert the word ‘YOLO’ to be insignificant through via constant repetition. “Go Go” is the group’s more subtle take on extravagance after “Spine Breaker”, from their 2014 mini-album Skool Luv Affair.
Overall, Love Yourself: Her is one of the best albums BTS has released so far. It’s an album that demonstrates their versatility in different musical styles ranging from soft, melodic ballads to energetic, feel-good beats. What really made it stand out from other albums was the fact that it cemented BTS as the leader in the K-Pop industry with its continuous record breaking, from 1 million pre-orders to most views on Youtube (for a K-Pop music video).
I definitely look forward to seeing BTS beat more records and hopefully break through the American music industry. The group’s music never fails to impress me and their hard work and dedication will always amaze me.
I definitely look forward to seeing BTS beat more records and hopefully break through the American music industry. The group’s music never fails to impress me and their hard work and dedication will always amaze me.