Album Review: “ARIRANG” by BTS

On Friday, March 20, BTS shook the world with the release of their new full-length studio album, signaling their ultimate return to the Korean pop and international music scene. “ARIRANG” is a 14-track album featuring completely new songs and sounds that mix the unique diversity that the members have explored through their solo albums, each at differing times during the hiatus. “ARIRANG” showcases BTS, what they face, who they’ve become and where they want to go moving forward as seven once again.

As the opening track of the album, “Body to Body” induces hype, fun and brightness with its upbeat, energizing tempo. In this track, the band expresses their bond with their fans and the elevating experience that their concerts produce for both parties. This song also features a sample of the “Gyeonggi Arirang” folksong alongside traditional Korean instruments like strings and percussion during its bridge, which divulges their Korean roots and pride.

The second song, “Hooligan,” keeps with the high energy of the first, with BTS making it known that they are back and ready to retake their place as one of the biggest global sensations. This song defines BTS’s trajectory moving forward; they plan to stay authentic and nonconformative, even if others deem them irrational.

Upholding the upbeat nature of the first half of the album, “Aliens” features the traditional Korean jungmori rhythm, which is hard-hitting, but very clean. This effect clears the way for a heavy focus on the song’s rap. Lyrics that point directly to their Korean roots like “if you wanna hit my house, shoes off at the door” and “pardon me, Kim Gu seonsaengnim, tell me how you feel” elicit BTS’s high status in Korea and relevance in their culture. It is a song filled with high confidence, but it does not fail to mention the alienation that their success also encompasses, especially because of their influence across borders.

“Fya” is one of the most energetic tracks on the album and induces such with its catchy, Jersey club beat. The use of the word fire itself points to themes of passion and excitement as well as the party vibe that the song takes on. The key lyrics are “don’t stand too close, too close to fire,” which reveals a darker, more dangerous side to such high enthusiasm and energy.

To end the first half of the album, “2.0” emphasizes the renewal of BTS and the start to their second chapter. Because the group has been gone for four years and apart for a great amount of that time, each member has had the freedom to experiment with their own unique styles. A recollection of the seven members means a combining of new styles, visions and content. In many ways, they are “brand new.”

“No. 29” is a palate cleanse. It is not a musical track, but a high-definition recording of the Sacred Bell of the Great King Seongdeok, Korea’s largest bronze bell, which was formerly referred to as National Treasure No. 29. It provokes reflection and provides a much-needed silence and reset, moving from the energetic, rap-heavy first half of the album to the calmer, vocally-centered second half.

“SWIM,” the album’s lead single, is a completely English song characterized by pleasant guitar riffs, a steady drum and a melodic bassline with clear R&B references. The repetition of the word “swim” insists on the theme of resilience and perseverance. The song also seems to have a romantic tone, signifying the beginning of a new relationship that holds uncertainty but definite thrill.

“Merry Go Round” features pleasant synth, a resonant electric guitar and evident drums, which produce a trippy-ish beat. It defines clearly the idol experience of consistent, incessant work and pressure. Here, BTS reveals the endlessness and intensity of life in the spotlight.

“Normal” is a more upbeat song and has a more contemporary pop feel to it, as it utilizes electronic drums and keyboards. Through this song, BTS exposes the pain and deep-rooted hardship of fame that leaves a lasting mark. It also seems to be a call out to the industry for normalizing and maintaining these harmful systems.

“Like Animals” features layered instrumentation—most notably the raw and grungy guitar—and key synth textures giving this song its alternative rock sound. This song explores the themes of connection and longing, showcasing a nuanced exploration of these complicated aspects of humanity.

Pertaining to the continuation of the second half’s more mellow sound, “they don’t know ‘bout us” uses synthesizers, keyboards and understated percussion that denotes a heavy R&B influence. The lyrics focus on public scrutiny, emphasizing trust, intimacy and the strength of a bond that exists beyond outside perception.

“One More Night” is unique in that it combines jazz and house elements through its synthetic instrumentation. A sense of urgency and emotional vulnerability is conveyed. The lyrics “z-z-z, don’t wake me up / if it’s a dream, don’t wake up my / fantasy” center on the desire to prolong a fleeting connection and hold onto a meaningful moment.

The instrumentation of “Please” is mainly through digital production, including keys, synth and other rhythmic elements to, once again, pertain to the R&B style. The lyrics convey pleading, vulnerability and are very straightforward. It focuses on the desire for reconciliation and the hope of restoring a strained relationship, specifically the one with their fans.

“Into the Sun” is one of the most experimental tracks on the album, featuring acoustic and electric guitar, programmed drums and bassline and vocoder for the vocals, which adds a funky, robotic sound on top of the instrumentation. The lyrics center on perseverance and self-discovery, emphasizing the pursuit of growth and the determination to move confidently toward a hopeful future.

“ARIRANG” has been long-awaited by fans new and old, and the anticipation sure heightened expectations. Many fans seem to have positive remarks to share about the album while others have their issues with it. Personally, I can acknowledge the immense craft that went into the production of the album, especially in recognition of the impressive, fresh instrumentals. However, I also have my other opinions, which revolve heavily around the intense use of the English language. As trailblazers of the Korean pop scene, it was disappointing to hear a lack of Korean. I do think the album is unique and very experimental in areas the group had not previously explored, but I do hope the trend of increased English is discontinued.