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BTS, the bulletproof boys that are sweeping the world by storm, is back with a full length album, Wings. Wings contains 15 original tracks of various pop flavors that showcase the boys’ amazing individual vocals and their range of song writing skills. Having dominated the charts and music shows for weeks now, Bangtan Boys‘ blood, sweat, and tears are truly paid off. Without further ado, let’s dig into this biblical-inspired, earworm-packed album.
Track 1 – Intro: Boy Meets Evil
Wings starts off strong with a trap beat and rhythm that reminded me of an Eminem song. As J-Hope goes on with his explosive rap about being consumed by infatuation and meeting the devil, Boy Meets Evil turns into an EDM-infused tune with hints of dubstep music. Though I do like the intensity of the rap, I think it lacks a bit of BTS’s original flavor.
Track 2 – 피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)
The title track, Blood Sweat & Tears, is not only breaking records but also shattering the usual Kpop composition progression we’re used to. This groovy dance track has a tinge of West meets East with tribal synths and a melodic winding tune. The boys’ whisper-like vocals and Catholic church organs also add depth to the song. While other groups weren’t as successful in making this style suit their image, BTS got a firm grasp and put their own kick into it.
Track 3 – Begin
Kicking off the upcoming line-up of individual songs is Jungkook with his song, Begin, co-written by leader Rap Monster. Begin has the same groovy vibe as the title track but is more toned down and slower in pace. This synthpop ballad has some hints of reggae mix into it and when combined with Jungkook’s sexy vocals, makes an interesting experiment.
Track 4 – Lie
Opera-like orchestra violin riff welcomes us to Jimin’s solo track, Lie. The low and fast guitar plucking and haunting female vocals not only gives Lie a Latin vibe but also a dark feel. If the beat was more dominant, this could have been a soundtrack fit for Fifty Shades of Grey. Nonetheless, this track that Jimin co-wrote is sexy and dramatic enough to make it the fans’ favorite solo track in the album.
Track 5 – Stigma
V takes on the high notes with Stigma. Stigma gives off a chill lounge vibe with jazzy piano and trumpet sounds which combines well with V’s sexy voice. Though the song would be great already even without the high notes and falsettos, he still went for it and added more pizzazz to the track.
Track 6 – First Love
The songwriter of the group, Suga, is up next. First Love is a beautifully written track with plays on symbolism and rap style. The gloomy and somber piano chords serve as the perfect simple background punctuating Suga’s angst-filled half monologue half rap at appropriate places.
Track 7 – Reflection
The familiar synths from the title track opens up Rap Monster’s solo track, Reflection. At first, the eerie intro got me interested to listen, but as the verse went on, there is a lack of variation in tempo and rap. Though you can definitely feel the pensive emotions that laddered up to the title of the song, it would have been even stronger with a more dynamic melody.
Track 8 – Mama
Mama starts with the sound of a giddy film reel then breaks into a smooth hiphop track with DJ disc scratching sounds and hints of swing jazz. The mood of the album lightens up thanks to this upbeat track and with a refreshingly fun beat and positive energy.
Track 9 – Awake
We are back on the mellow side of things with Awake. This is what you would call a traditional pop ballad compared to the other songs on this album. Jin’s soft and sweet voice fits this sentimental ballad so well. Violins, piano, subtle synths, and Jin’s voice together create a beautifully heartfelt song perfect for a relaxing evening.
Track 10 – Lost
Lost seems like the more graceful and tapered sibling to the title track with a dreamy piano and bouncy videogame-like sounds in the background. There are all the elements to a ballad track but it’s coupled with upbeat rhythm and digital synths. Sung by the ‘vocal line’ of BTS, this is an oddly relaxing number despite the danceable beat.
Track 11 – BTS Cypher 4
BTS Cypher 4 begins with heavy handed synths and beat that made it sound like a track mix from Show Me The Money. This swag-filled song by the ‘rapper line’ is so good in many ways. From the addictive trap beat and the layered synths to the powerful rap, one would definitely enjoy this dynamic track whether they’re a hip hop lover or not.
Track 12 – Am I Wrong
The Western mood is back with Am I Wrong. With playful clapping beat, this dance pop track showcased the boy’s high energy and Jimin’s high notes alike. However, the position of the song on the album is the problem as it comes right after a powerful track, which when coupled with a relatively repetitive hook, made it less noticeable for me.
Track 13 – 21세기 소녀 (21st Century Girls)
21st Century Girls brings back the funky tribal music vibe in the backbeat and Rap Monster’s rough, throaty voice. This track has the perfect combination of smooth vocals and spicy low voice rap. It’s the type of song you’d jump up and dance to in a club as Rap Monster shouts “Put your hands up!”.
Track 14 – 둘! 셋! (그래도 좋은 날이 더 많기를) (Two! Three! (Still Wishing There Will Be Better Days)
Following the club banger is a much more laid back pop ballad song, Two! Three! (Still Wishing There Will Be Better Days). The light synths, mild beats, and subtle guitar strumming blend well to create a harmonious melody. The track then ends with anthem-like chants and gave off a carefree feeling.
Track 15 – Interlude: Wings
A dance pop party track, Interlude: Wings, wraps up the album appropriately. Just like how a movie ends with an pumping feel-good song, Interlude: Wings gives off that fun and celebratory vibe with clapping beats and bouncing synths layered on top of groovy bass. This uplifting track seems to symbolize the boys breaking free from the dark energies earlier in the album and flying high with their new found wings.
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