Beating the system
BTS
WHEN this latest album by BTS (also known as Bangtan Boys) debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album charts last week, it marked a monumental K-pop moment – it was the highest an album from that genre had ever gotten on the chart.
K-pop had been trying to penetrate the US music market for the longest time, so Love Yourself: Her’s success is very much a victory for the genre, as it is for the group’s loyal and ardent ARMY fanbase.
Musically though, Love Yourself: Her doesn’t really break conventions, and is more content to play it by the book.
There is some experimentation, but for the most part, the seven-member boyband merely cruises through a contemporary set of sonic templates (90s hip hop, electronic-informed R&B and the unavoidable tropical flourishes).
But one certainly can’t accuse the group of being a one-trick pony, not with the assorted musical styles on display here.
Earlier this year, BTS – comprising Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Rap Monster, Jimin, V and Jungkook – extended its identity to mean “Beyond The Scene”.
The group is certainly getting there with this nine-track collection.
Soulful opener Serendipity showcases lead vocalist Jimin’s voice to a tee. With melodies that are delicately arranged against a soft R&B background, the soft and sensual ballad is an exquisite display of the group’s maturity.
The group immediately follows up with the livewire EDM banger DNA. While not the strongest cut on the album, it’s easy to see its live appeal – complete with precision-cut costumes and bootcamp choreography.
The honour of the best song on Love Yourself: Her actually goes to Pied Piper. With its smooth disco connotations and a slightly more relaxed vibe, it shows what the boys can do when in their element. Next to the jarring sound of the record’s main single, Pied Piper is a deft rescue.
Elsewhere, the boys collaborate with The Chainsmokers’ Andrew Taggart on the electronic-heavy Best Of Me. Despite the shuddering baselines and throbbing beats, the
Reviews by CHESTER CHIN
ON his third solo studio album, BIGBANG’s resident balladeer Taeyang is out to break hearts again.
The record kicks off with the stirring White Night, though it’s a shame that it only serves as an intro that lasts a mere 86 seconds.
With an informed trance production, the potential on this one is sadly explored in a rather limited manner. But of course, the intro is a good tease to Wake Me Up. The atmospheric element here brilliantly juxtaposes against the strong EDM beats in the song.
Meanwhile, Darling follows in the vein of the smashing Eyes, Nose, Lips. Unlike that iconic 2014 song though, the R&B stylings here lack the satisfying melodic swerves that are usually associated with the 29-year-old’s slower numbers.
The following Ride is an impassioned afterhours early mid tempo track. It’s an Usheresque transition to more mature waters on the record, featuring smooth early 90s rhythms and a go-weak-in-the-knees falsetto.
Amazin’ is another flirtatious track, albeit with more bombast. It’s a feel-good song
Taeyang
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