BTS's Be Has A Song For Every Mood
By Emma Saletta
Immediately after being forced to postpone the
Map of the Soul world tour earlier this year because of the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,
BTS forged ahead with a fire indoor, all seven members coming with each other to write and record new songs. Enter
Be (styled all-uppercase), the group’s fifth Korean-language album, which was first reported in April through the the group’s YouTube account shortly soon following the release of February’s
Map of the Soul 7. Fans clamored to social media to express their excitement, and with the drop of the Bangtan Boys’ first English-language single just several months later, the dreamy disco cut “
Dynamite,” everything blown up in technicolor.
While several fans around the world remained isolated to curb the spread of the virus, and felt the intricate, some days harsh emotions that come with that separation, BTS united them in livestreamed performances, a virtual Festa, and the promise of new tunes. “We hope this song can be your energy,”
RM told MTV News of “Dynamite” in August, prior to their history-making efficiency at the 2020 Video Music Awards. That intention rings while in
Be, which is out today (November 20) in full. Across eight tracks, BTS mixture danceable pop, hip-hop flow, and EDM thuds with powerful lyrics that channel the members’ own fears and anxieties (“Blue & Grey”), and a steadfast determination to conquer (“Life Goes On”).
Ultimately, what comes through is a profound beacon of hope for the future and, perhaps, the sense that BTS needs their fans to work through this tough time much because the Army needs them. Below, we break down “Be,” with all its shiny funk and sentimental strings, track by track and mood by mood.
“Life Goes On”
Listen to it once you’re feeling: optimistic.
Key lyric: “Yeah, life goes on / Like an arrow in the blue sky”
“Life Goes On” is a song that reminds listeners, no matter what occurs in life, we are going to find a way to get through it. With catchy beats and an in general mellow vibe, BTS starts their album with a song that brings us hope for something better.
“Fly to My Room”
Listen to it as soon as you’re feeling: better soon after a breakup.
Key lyric: “Sometimes we get to know / Damaged is beautiful”
Ending relationships is easier for some more than others. “Fly to My Room,” with its triumphant synth-pop flourishes, can support you remember that you deserve to be happy, and the pain of heartbreak will soon be non-existent.
“Blue & Grey”
Listen to it as soon as you’re feeling: vulnerable.
Key lyric: “Oh this ground feels so heavier / I am singing by myself”
“Blue & Grey” is a fresh spin on a ballad, and the mixture of their voices with the acoustic guitar will bring tears to your eyes. Jimin and V bare it all if they let their walls down and cry, “Don’t mention it’s OK / ’Cause it’s not OK.” It’s a positive message that expressing your feelings honestly and openly is usually worthwhile.
“Skit”
Listen to it as soon as you’re feeling: like you have got to be around laughter.
Key lyric: “But it’s really amazing… Each person is really amazing.”
This isn't a song at all nevertheless a recording that was made the day BTS noticed out they hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the opening time. “Skit” lifts the curtain to let fans visualize who BTS are in back of the music, and their laughter is absolutely infectious. It shows they’re more than one of the most popular boy bands in the world; they’re friends.
“Telepathy”
Listen to it any time you’re feeling: nostalgic.
Key lyric: “Even though we're far away right now / Our hearts are still the same”
The warm funk of “Telepathy” will return you to the good times you’ve had. At the end, BTS sings “Every time, even in a different everyday life / You’re the most special person to me.” Your next best memory is just around the corner.
“Dis-ease”
Listen to it as soon as you’re feeling: like you require a jolt of confidence.
Key lyric: “One for the laugh, two for the show / Just like I’m so fine”
Soon after listening to the catchy, hip-hop-led “Dis-ease,” you’ll feel all-powerful, a force to be reckoned with. Try streaming before a job interview or a first date, and you’ll walk into the room without a care in the world, because you’re the shit — you’re incredible.
“Stay”
Listen to it once you’re feeling: loved and energetic.
Key lyric: “Wherever you are / I know you habitually stay”
Jin and Jungkook’s unit track is a blissed-out dance bop that will have you jamming like nobody’s watching. Meanwhile, the lyrics are a soft reminder that there’s routinely someone there for you. It’s joyful, plus it will constantly have you smiling ear to ear.
“Dynamite”
Listen to it as soon as you’re feeling: happy and upbeat.
Key lyric: “'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight / So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight”
BTS end their album with the smash hit that began it all. Transposing nostalgic vibrations and an earworm of a refrain, “Dynamite” has proven to be a preference among Army and behind. Soon after listening to the whole collection, this song is a welcome return plus a reminder that “life is sweet as honey.”
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