If you didn’t know that BTS is known worldwide and that they had transcended the barriers of language with their music, then you’re living under a rock. If you think you’re too old or too cool to appreciate these global superstars, you are totally wrong. If you believe the BTS fans are just screaming and emotional females, then you will be shocked by the many YouTube male reactors who are as effusive and vocal about their fandom.
The BTS Army is comprised of a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and ethnicities, from 15-year-olds (and younger) to 70-year-olds (and older) from all over the world. The BTS’ universal appeal is reflected in their sold-out concerts, blockbusters, and record-breaking sales, even breaking Michael Jackson’s and the Beatles’ records. The exponential growth of BTS can only be described as phenomenal, and in fact, they are much more than just K-pop.
BTS is its own genre. Their 300-plus song discography guarantees that even the most skeptical listener will find a song or two that they will like. Their songs are diverse and versatile: pop, ballads, hip-hop, rock, R&B, soul, rap, electronic dance music, and even some jazzy elements. My niece was shocked that I now like rap. I corrected her that I only like BTS rap, especially RM’s “Look Here” verses. The BTS dance choreographies are complex, mind-boggling, and mesmerizing. Their music videos can either be bombastically epic or head-bopping fun, or aesthetically enthralling. No wonder these videos have amassed billions of views.
BTS comprises 7 young men from South Korea: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook (4 vocalists and 3 rappers); all can write and produce their own songs. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has delivered a kaleidoscope of uplifting and hard-hitting songs covering socially-conscious commentaries on social justice, self-love, cyber-bullying, antiracism, child and female empowerment, and mental health.
In a way, there is a more profound reason why I push for BTS. In these times of Asian hate (and other racism), I would like other people to diversify their interests to something other than what they’re used to. By accepting different cultures and other music, maybe all of us will be more respectful of each other, celebrate diversity and shatter the cultural divide. By appreciating other people, we may even treat each other well.
So, before you write them off, listen with an open mind. And maybe just as I became an instant fan when I heard Kim Seok-Jin sing “I’m the One I Should Love,” you will be too. Prepare to be sucked into the rabbit hole.
MY TOP 10 FAVORITE BTS SONGS as of this moment:
My list varies from day to day, not in any particular order.
1. BUTTER (2021)
This is their 2nd English-language song. To complete their global dominance, they started to produce English songs too. Finally, after Dynamite and Butter, BTS songs are getting radio play. They are certainly smooth like butter. I must admit that I love their Korean songs (with subtitles) just slightly better.
2. ON: Kinetic Manifesto Film Come Prima (2020)
This video was set at the Los Angeles' Sepulveda Dam with pulsating dance choreography, a marching band, and incredible drone camera work. The dance break is captivating and unbelievable and holds true to its kinetic energy of bodies twirling, gyrating, and flipping to a delightful harmony of the drumbeat, trumpets, saxophone, and whatever instruments were called for.
When the camera panned to the sky and suddenly dropped down to the dancers, my heart palpitated when BTS unleashed an amazing display of dancing prowess. You can't help but sing along to their rallying cry to “Bring on the pain” because, as they say, you cannot hold down a fighter. There is also another version where BTS performed this at the Grand Central Station.
3. HOUSE OF CARDS (2015)
The 4 vocalists took center stage for this sultry and haunting song about a toxic relationship built on shaky foundations. Like they cannot let go, and they are trying to save the moment until their last ounce of strength. We were witnesses to their hearts breaking for a love that was doomed, and yet we cannot turn our eyes away. Because some of us were in the same place, at our most vulnerable point.
The song hits the heart. Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook (who did a little scatting) delivered powerful and emotional performances. A vocal masterpiece. Beautiful voices. Bravo!
4. SPRING DAY (2017)
Most critics regard it as one of the best songs by BTS, Spring Day has stayed up on the Korean charts even today. This ballad evokes a sense of loss and nostalgia for those people missing in one's life. The song has also been used to remember the tragic Sewol ferry disaster in April 2014, which claimed 304 lives (mostly teenagers) when the ferry caught fire.
This song is a tear-jerker, an emotive paean to life and death. Check out another version with the NPR Tiny Desk concert.
5. AIRPLANE PT.2 (2018)
The Latin-pop influence in this video is quite fascinating, with the amazing dance solo from J-Hope on top of the bar straight out of Havana. It is about traveling artists enjoying life on the road with mariachi bands. Such a light-hearted vibe, and what swag. The best visual, of course, for the female fans is in the Rain part, lol. Imagine clear skies, then the drenching rain and the wet hair.
6. 'MIC DROP: Steve Aoki Remix (2017)
This hip-hop song is a scorching response to their “haters.” They celebrate their trophies, thumbing their nose at those who doubted them. And that’s what you do when you are successful, leave them in the dust with your bag of money and awards. This group is a run-away train on the railroad of global dominance.
Let the "haters" stew in their own envy while you celebrate. Let the haters hate (who cares about them?), and let the lovers love. Just drop the mic. I like the attitude.
7. BLACK SWAN (2020)
The contemporary dance choreography is impassioned, intricate, and simply a masterpiece. The video was filmed in a majestic and cavernous theater and is breathtaking for its play on shadows and mirrors, and of course, the vocals are just amazing.
8. DIONYSIUS (2019)
The music is loosely based on Dionysius, an Olympian god with a mortal mother. Although it may sound first like a party song, it was
really just the group’s celebration of their success, like “getting drunk”
in the creative process.
The spectacular choreography is energetic with a frenetic stage set movement and dance transitions. It is exhilarating to watch. In the end, it was nice to see the Kings on their thrones.
9. LOOK HERE (2014)
I love this song for RM’s rap at around 1:15 of this mini-concert, "yo my genie lambhorgini, be my teenie weenie mini...bikini, martini". Because I cannot find an official video, here is the BTS Room Live FESTA video from 2021, where the rest of the group also sang their earlier songs, including some other favorites, "Save Me" and "Telepathy." I love to see their different personalities and their camaraderie.
10. LIFE GOES ON (2020)
The group’s gift to their fans during the pandemic. It is their “message of healing” in these challenging times. And in the darkness brought on by violence and discrimination, it is an inspiring call to stay hopeful. BTS released the song to provide comfort and hope to their fans. I got the message. Just persevere. Life goes on.
Really, how can one limit themselves to just a top 10 #BTS songs list? My faves list had expanded to a top 50 at this point. Down the rabbit hole, I go deeper and deeper.
Besides their songs, I admire the BTS members for their wholesomeness, brotherhood, and undeniable appeal to fans all-over. They are getting some xenophobic hate just because they are Asians. On the other hand, those who love them will certainly open new doors of understanding and acceptance from those who never thought they would even listen to a non-English song.
BTS stands against racism, donated money to Black Lives Matter and other charities, spoke in the United Nations as global ambassadors, and broke down many barriers and ceilings. God bless them.
Update: May 31, 2022
The past month of May was the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The phenomenal group BTS was invited to the White House and met with President Biden to raise awareness around the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination, especially after Covid-19. BTS showed the group's relevance and their massive power to represent Asians in our fight for inclusion and diversity. President Biden signed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act last year. If anyone can move the needle against Asian hate, it would be BTS.
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