BTS, 약 4년 만의 정규 5집 '아리랑' 발매
타이틀곡보다 수록곡의 음악적 완성도 높아
군 전역 후 겪는 고뇌와 방향성 고민 담아
타이틀곡보다 수록곡의 음악적 완성도 높아
군 전역 후 겪는 고뇌와 방향성 고민 담아
《Songwriter's Insight by Min-Kyung Lee》
Min-Kyung Lee, a singer-songwriter and journalist, delves into the world of music from an artist's perspective, uncovering hidden meanings and unheard stories behind the songs.
What is 'ARIRANG' About?
Released on the 20th, BTS's fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' lays bare the confusion and introspection experienced post-military service.
The album is divided into two parts. Tracks 1 to 7, including the title track 'SWIM', depict BTS's post-discharge disorientation with intense hip-hop tracks. Following 'SWIM', the songs transition into heartfelt confessions to their fans. The latter half of the album features more listener-friendly tracks, spanning genres like country, rock, and EDM, catering to diverse tastes.
Are There Tracks Better Than the Title Song?
Track 9, 'NORMAL', stands out as a song that could easily be the title track instead of 'SWIM'. It is a poignant monologue revealing vulnerability within the dopamine-fueled entertainment industry.
The rich sound, organic progression, and honest lyrics are reminiscent of Billie Eilish's 'WILDFLOWER'. Eilish's song won the Grammy for 'Song of the Year' due to its authenticity and musicality, proving that even deeply personal stories can resonate globally. It's regrettable that the song's value was overlooked in favor of safety.
Another notable track is 'Body to Body', the album's opener. This old-school hip-hop track impresses with its vocal effects and grand bass from the start. The expansive drum beats and electronic instruments evoke BTS's past works like 'ON' and 'Black Swan'.
The song samples the Korean folk song 'Arirang' in the second chorus, capturing Korean listeners' attention. Unlike other tracks, it directly ties to the album's title. The beat slows to half-time during the 'Arirang' section, drawing focus to the folk song.
The final track, 'Into the Sun', is also noteworthy. It's the most soothing song among the 14 tracks. The members sing about finding the bright sun together even in tough times, conveying a message of hope and perseverance.
'Into the Sun' features a dreamy atmosphere with a lazy guitar and whistle sounds, using a vocoder for an ethereal vibe. The song's mood is reminiscent of late Mac Miller's works like 'Surf', 'Good News', and 'Blue World'. The track ends with a shift to rock, adding to its diversity.
Title Track 'SWIM': A Mixed Bag
The title track 'SWIM' leaves some room for disappointment. Despite finding a 'Sweet Spot' by balancing the members' individual styles developed over the past four years, their unique energy seems to have faded. A music producer likened it to 'too many cooks spoil the broth'.
HYBE's genre description for 'SWIM' is ambiguous. It's labeled as 'Alternative Pop', a term often used for songs that defy specific genre classification. The track doesn't clearly fit into synth-pop, electronic hip-hop, or EDM.
Nevertheless, 'SWIM' was chosen as the title track likely due to its lyrics and the word 'SWIM', which offer multiple interpretations.
The music video portrays the lyrics about navigating through love, featuring the members and a woman on a boat journey. The members assist the woman, who remains unaware of their presence, shedding tears. Fans speculate the woman represents ARMY, longing for the members during their military absence. The members' unseen presence mirrors their constant thoughts of ARMY.
The video lacks visual impact. Unlike BLACKPINK's 'GO', which uses AI for stunning effects, 'SWIM' neither embraces such flair nor natural simplicity. The attempt to depict the ocean's grandeur through graphics falls flat, as the video focuses more on the members' visuals. However, it doesn't enhance their appearance, leaving rough skin textures unrefined.
'ARIRANG' candidly reveals BTS and HYBE's struggle to find direction. As a major Korean artist returning after a long hiatus, the pressure was immense. With BTS embarking on a new journey, their future musical direction becomes even more crucial.
Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr