Before I start, let me introduce you to BTS if you haven’t heard of them yet!
Bangtan Sonyeondan (방탄소년단), also known as BTS, was formed in 2010 by Bighit Entertainment (now known as HYBE Corporation). The group eventually debuted in 2013, and it is comprised of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.
BTS has become a global phenomenon, overcoming cultural and language barriers to bring people together worldwide and influence tens of millions of fans. Their talent and great music have solidified their place as one of the top music groups of the 21st century.
BTS has released a total of nine studio albums in their career. Here are the Top Five:
5. The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1
This was released on April 29, 2015. Other fans also call this album HYYH or “화양연화” (Hwajangyeonhwa), because it’s just a direct translation of “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life” in Korean. The HYYH era also contained two other albums: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2 (2015) and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016).
This first album was a significant moment of the band’s career, as they explored more mature and deeper themes in their music. The album’s concept is about the transition period between youth and adulthood and the struggles that come from this. HYYH also reflects the bittersweet experience of youth itself, such as the pressure to succeed on one’s own.
This album sits on the bottom of the list, because BTS had a weird transition between their “schoolboy” concept, which was seen in albums like 2 Cool 4 Skool, with its high-energy songs. Meanwhile, HYYH has a more serious and less playful concept.
4. Wings
This album was released on October 10, 2016, and it shows the themes of temptation and self- discovery. It embodies the struggle of young people as they face the consequences of their poor choices. The members of BTS also have their solo track that dives into their own experiences in life.
One of their songs, “Blood Sweat & Tears”, is about temptation and sacrifice. The lyrics address the act of giving into your own desires, while knowing the potential pain that comes with this.
Overall, I like the fact that the album references Herman Hesse’s novel, Demian. But as someone who is not a fan of deep literature and philosophical themes, it’s hard to find some type of connection with this album, as compared to their more straightforward ones.
3. BE
BE was released on November 20, 2020, and it was created during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reveals the themes of resilience, loneliness, hope and uncertainty.
One of their songs, “Life Goes On”, is very comforting, and it is about moving forward despite the hardships that come with it. The song also directly addresses the struggles of people during the lockdown.
All in all, I really love this album, and it just feels like a nice, warm hug. BE is definitely one of the band’s raw and emotional albums, and it also shows the sincerity and work they put into their music.
2. This album was released on April 12, 2019, and it explores the themes of self-expression, identity and love. The album was inspired by Carl Jung’s psychological theories, and this was also the start of BTS’ Map of the Soul series.
In one of their songs, titled “Mikrokosmos”, they suggest that every person has a uniqueness as an individual, and it differentiates each person as a star. All in all, there is nothing bad I can say about this album, as it shows the band member’s quest to better understand themselves.
1. Proof
Proof is an anthology album that was released on June 10, 2022, and it reflects on BTS’ journey over the past nine years. The album serves as both a celebration and the evolution of their own careers, while also showcasing their growth, both as individuals and as a group.
The song “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” describes the future, and the artists suggest that the best moments in life are still to come, even after all they have achieved. Proof is a mix of their newer and older tracks and also some of their unreleased songs. The album marks the band’s success, with a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for the support of their fans.
If you like the albums I mentioned, I encourage you to also listen to three other albums by BTS: Love Yourself: Her, Dark & Wild and 2 Cool 4 Skool. You will not be disappointed. Keep marching, ARMY!
