The Answer is here! BTS released their repackaged album Love Yourself 結 ‘Answer’ on August 24th, officially ending their two-and-a-half-year long “Love Yourself” series. The series is the fourth era of BTS’s career and is directly connected to their Most Beautiful Moment in Life series, which was kicked off by the release of their 2015 album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.1. This new concept focuses on themes such as love, loss, friendship, and death, and takes inspiration from literature such as Herman Hesse’s Demian and other works.
The album has a total of 26 tracks, with the 26th track only being available digitally. As it is a repackaged album, only 7 tracks are new, since most of the songs come from their previous Love Yourself albums. Here are some highlights.
The album has a total of 26 tracks, with the 26th track only being available digitally. As it is a repackaged album, only 7 tracks are new, since most of the songs come from their previous Love Yourself albums. Here are some highlights.
Euphoria
“Take my hands now, you are the cause of my euphoria”
Sung by the youngest member and main vocalist, Jungkook, “Euphoria” is a song that puts a smile on my face every time I listen to it. Jungkook describes the song as “the tingling feelings in the beginning of a new romance,” which is certainly reflected in the lyrics and the pop tones of the song. “Euphoria” was actually a previously unreleased song featured in a short film promoting the second part of the series, Love Yourself ‘Wonder’, which followed a storyline that depicted time travel, friendship, and sacrifice.
Trivia 承: Love
“I’m just a person/You erode all my sharp edges/You make me into love"
One of three “Trivia” tracks in the album each performed by BTS’s rap line, “Trivia 承: Love” by leader RM is all about the simpleness of love and how it comes naturally. Although the other songs - “Trivia 起: Just Dance” by J-Hope and “Trivia 轉: Seesaw” by Suga - are amazing in their own way, “Trivia 承: Love” is my favorite one because of the way RM showcases his incredible talent for songwriting, while its jazz-infused trap tunes compliment RM’s vocals very well and makes for a great listen. The lyrics describe loving someone is so many creative ways that it’s very poetic and romantic and guaranteed to make you swoon.
“Take my hands now, you are the cause of my euphoria”
Sung by the youngest member and main vocalist, Jungkook, “Euphoria” is a song that puts a smile on my face every time I listen to it. Jungkook describes the song as “the tingling feelings in the beginning of a new romance,” which is certainly reflected in the lyrics and the pop tones of the song. “Euphoria” was actually a previously unreleased song featured in a short film promoting the second part of the series, Love Yourself ‘Wonder’, which followed a storyline that depicted time travel, friendship, and sacrifice.
Trivia 承: Love
“I’m just a person/You erode all my sharp edges/You make me into love"
One of three “Trivia” tracks in the album each performed by BTS’s rap line, “Trivia 承: Love” by leader RM is all about the simpleness of love and how it comes naturally. Although the other songs - “Trivia 起: Just Dance” by J-Hope and “Trivia 轉: Seesaw” by Suga - are amazing in their own way, “Trivia 承: Love” is my favorite one because of the way RM showcases his incredible talent for songwriting, while its jazz-infused trap tunes compliment RM’s vocals very well and makes for a great listen. The lyrics describe loving someone is so many creative ways that it’s very poetic and romantic and guaranteed to make you swoon.
Epiphany
“I’m the one I should love in this world”
One of my favorite tracks from the album, “Epiphany” is the kind of song that is bittersweet yet empowering at the same time. Serving as member Jin’s solo, the song showcases his powerful vocals over a mellow backing track that makes for an emotional listen. However, the lyrics are very inspiring, with its message of self-love and acceptance. It definitely makes me love myself more.
I’m Fine
“I’m feeling just fine, I don’t wanna be sad anymore/I could see the sun shine, I’m just fine”
The first thing that fans noticed about this song was how BTS sampled their 2016 song “Save Me” at the beginning, which is fitting since the two songs are opposites of each other. While “Save Me” had a very melancholy sound and was about needing to hold someone’s hand to get through pain, “I’m Fine” is a lively dance track that is all about overcoming that pain by one’s self. This is in tune with the message of self-love that the group has been spreading throughout the series, which is important in our suicide-ridden society.
“I’m the one I should love in this world”
One of my favorite tracks from the album, “Epiphany” is the kind of song that is bittersweet yet empowering at the same time. Serving as member Jin’s solo, the song showcases his powerful vocals over a mellow backing track that makes for an emotional listen. However, the lyrics are very inspiring, with its message of self-love and acceptance. It definitely makes me love myself more.
I’m Fine
“I’m feeling just fine, I don’t wanna be sad anymore/I could see the sun shine, I’m just fine”
The first thing that fans noticed about this song was how BTS sampled their 2016 song “Save Me” at the beginning, which is fitting since the two songs are opposites of each other. While “Save Me” had a very melancholy sound and was about needing to hold someone’s hand to get through pain, “I’m Fine” is a lively dance track that is all about overcoming that pain by one’s self. This is in tune with the message of self-love that the group has been spreading throughout the series, which is important in our suicide-ridden society.
IDOL
“It’s okay, I’m in love with myself/It’s okay, I’m happy in this moment”
The lead single of the album, “IDOL” is a track that will make anyone dance along. The song mixes traditional Korean musical elements and modern hip-hop tones with uplifting lyrics that talk about the power of self-love. The “IDOL” music video was released on the same day as the album and shows the members in a very surrealistic and fun environment. There is also another version of the song that features American rapper Nicki Minaj that is only available as a digital single.
Answer: Love Myself
“You’ve shown me I have reasons I should love myself”
As the conclusion of the “Love Yourself” series, “Answer: Love Myself” reiterates the message of loving one’s self. The track, which was co-written by and produced by British singer-songwriter and Youtuber Conor Maynard, has very sentimental vocals over a piano/guitar instrumental that combine to create a pleasant-sounding song. I manage to cry a little whenever I listen to the song because of its positive lyrics of self-love, and how it is also BTS’s expression of gratitude to their fans for always supporting them. “Answer: Love Myself” really is the perfect conclusion to this wonderful and inspiring era.
“It’s okay, I’m in love with myself/It’s okay, I’m happy in this moment”
The lead single of the album, “IDOL” is a track that will make anyone dance along. The song mixes traditional Korean musical elements and modern hip-hop tones with uplifting lyrics that talk about the power of self-love. The “IDOL” music video was released on the same day as the album and shows the members in a very surrealistic and fun environment. There is also another version of the song that features American rapper Nicki Minaj that is only available as a digital single.
Answer: Love Myself
“You’ve shown me I have reasons I should love myself”
As the conclusion of the “Love Yourself” series, “Answer: Love Myself” reiterates the message of loving one’s self. The track, which was co-written by and produced by British singer-songwriter and Youtuber Conor Maynard, has very sentimental vocals over a piano/guitar instrumental that combine to create a pleasant-sounding song. I manage to cry a little whenever I listen to the song because of its positive lyrics of self-love, and how it is also BTS’s expression of gratitude to their fans for always supporting them. “Answer: Love Myself” really is the perfect conclusion to this wonderful and inspiring era.