Release Date: September 18, 2017
Tracklist:
- Intro: Serendipity
- DNA
- Best Of Me
- 보조개 (Dimple)
- Pied Piper
- Skit: Billboard Music Awards Speech
- MIC Drop
- 고민보다 Go
- Outro: Her
Total Runtime: 00:30:40
Recommended for: Those into modern, trendy pop sounds.
NOT Recommended for: Fans of BTS’ more hip-hop influenced music.
The past year for BTS has been one full of high-scale success from their full album Wings, earning them several daesangs, a Billboard Music Award, and a sleuth of new fans across all oceans.
Now the mega popular seven-member superstar group has returned with their fifth mini-album Love Yourself 承 Her, featuring nine brand new tracks for fans to sink their teeth into.
But this time around, unlike previous releases, BTS has a lot more to prove. They’ve garnered so much attention not only in Korea, but around the world as well; making this album an incredibly important turning point in BTS’ career.
Track Review:
Track 1 – Intro: Serendipity
Introduced to fans in early September in a comeback trailer, Serendipity features only the gentle vocals of Park Jimin. Certainly living up to its title, Serendipity has that joyful, serene feel that soothes the senses and ushers fans in gently to the preceding higher energy tracks.
Track 2 – DNA
Racking up YouTube hits like there’s no tomorrow, the title track of Love Yourself – DNA, is one that entices listeners with an undeniably catchy whistle. But it’s that perfect synth that breaks through in the chorus that keeps you wanting more. And much like its accompanying music video, it’s got a pretty colorful and bright sound that can easily be seen as the overall feel of this album. If you’re looking for a track that defines Love Yourself, dare to look no further than DNA.
Track 3 – Best Of Me
Let’s preface this by saying most things that The Chainsmokers have touched are very hard to love. So it’s no surprise that this song really isn’t that stellar. Yes, it’s pretty amazing that BTS got to collab with such a big name, Grammy award-winning artist. And yes, it’s definitely better than most Chainsmokers songs simply because the lyrics don’t involve Rovers and stolen mattresses from Colorado. However, this track, while well produced at its core, lacks a certain flair to make it stand out, and can easily be considered the most skippable track on this album.
Track 4 – 보조개 (Dimple)
If Best Of Me is your terrible, unattractive, cheating ex-boyfriend than Dimple is your hot rebound that buys you expensive dinners and new shoes. Seriously, Dimple is a great song and the perfect bounce back from its preceding track. If it’s not the body wave inducing chorus that’ll have you hooked, then it’ll definitely be the smooth melodies driven solely by BTS’ vocal line. Plus, not to mention the lyrics saying “those dimples are illegal” are insanely adorable.
Track 5 – Pied Piper
There’s a lot of things that can be said about this song, but I think the best to describe it is simply with the word: “Fantastic”
Seriously, this is the most stand out track on this album. There’s nothing unlikable about it. The way the flute gently hums throughout the song, the way that crawling bass line shines through it all. If there was one track you had to listen to off this album, you should definitely make it this one. It’s so beyond worth it.
Track 6 – Skit: Billboard Music Awards Speech
Not too much to say about this one seeing as it isn’t a song. Nevertheless, the “skits” that make their way onto BTS albums are always an interesting break in the middle of the songs. But the most interesting thing about this skit in particular is the fact that it’s no longer talking and laughing, or just them being silly. It’s a recording of one of the most special moments of their career so far; and something really special for fans to look back on.
Track 7 – MIC Drop
Starting off with a grungy, distorted guitar this song quickly turns into a hip-hop track that channels BTS’ sound from their earlier days. It’s comparable to their Cypher tracks from albums prior, but not quite as great. MIC Drop isn’t bad, but in comparison to other BTS rap tracks, it could certainly be better.
Track 8 – 고민보다 Go
Out of all the songs on this album, 고민보다 Go might be the most forgettable. It lacks a certain flair that many of the other tracks garner and it doesn’t fit too well into the album’s overall cohesive sound. The rapping and vocals in this track are also slightly off-putting, which is especially surprising seeing that BTS is usually able to deliver great raps and solid vocals.
Track 9 – Outro: Her
The final song on this album, Outro: Her begins with a beautiful, sweet piano that quickly turns into a chill rap track. Wrapping up the album perfectly, Outro: Her is a rap line only track that shows us another side of BTS’ rappers, and a better one than we saw in the other rap focused track MIC Drop.
