BTS Members Showcase Diverse Musical Styles in Solo Albums

BTS member Jin has released his debut solo album, marking a milestone as all members of the group now have their own solo projects, 11 years after their group debut. The musical styles expressed in these solo albums vary widely, from K-pop rock bands to albums inspired by the international hip-hop scene.

Jin unveiled his first solo album 'Happy' with a fan showcase, presenting his unique musical style to the world. The album consists of six tracks, including the title song 'Running Wild.' Through these songs, Jin expresses his longing for ARMY (the fandom name) during his military hiatus, as well as the love and happiness shared with them.

The 'Happy' album predominantly features fast-paced rock band sounds, except for 'I will come to you.' The album is characterized by heavily distorted electric guitar sounds and straightforward 4/4 kick-snare drum patterns, utilizing the typical band sound popularized by groups like Day6.

The track 'Another Level' stands out with its intense rock sound, a rarity for solo albums from idol group members, which often lean towards heavier and darker rock sounds.

Just as Jin pursued a domestic band sound for his album, each BTS member has a distinct musical goal. Jin, J-Hope, and Suga have targeted the domestic music market with their releases.

J-Hope's album draws inspiration from the hip-hop styles popular from the late 20th century to the early 2000s. His music evokes the sounds of Korean hip-hop legends like Yoon Mi-rae and Tiger JK, and even some elements reminiscent of Seo Taiji and Boys. His special album 'HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1' features collaborations with artists like Yoon Mi-rae and rapper Gaeko, thrilling domestic hip-hop fans.

Suga has modernized traditional Korean music by incorporating instruments like the gayageum, haegeum, and taepyeongso with heavily distorted 808 bass. His 2020 album 'D-2' with the title track 'Daechwita' exemplifies this approach, achieving global success by charting on the 'Billboard Hot 100.' He continued this experimentation in his recent solo album 'D-DAY.'

In contrast to Jin, J-Hope, and Suga's Korean influences, Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V's music is heavily influenced by Western pop.

Jimin's music aligns with the pop styles commonly seen on the Billboard charts, similar to Jungkook, but emphasizes a sharper vocal style. Songs like 'Who' and 'Like Crazy' feature melodies that rise harmonically in the chorus, showcasing his delicate falsetto.

Jungkook, on the other hand, highlights his vocal control by moving between wide intervals and switching between chest and head voice. His song 'Standing Next to You' exemplifies this, while tracks like '3D' focus on strong bass-driven rap for powerful performances. Unlike RM, J-Hope, and Suga, Jungkook primarily adopts a dance-pop genre based on guitar sounds.

RM's album 'Right Place, Wrong Person,' released in May, showcases his experimental music style. He explores genres like alternative hip-hop, progressive jazz, shoegazing, and alternative pop, reminiscent of the late Mac Miller's laid-back vibe.

V has released emotionally evocative tracks that highlight his deep vocals. His recent release 'FRI(END)S' leans towards pop with a slow tempo that accentuates his vocal tone. His affinity for jazz is evident in songs like 'Rainy Days,' 'Love Me Again,' and 'Slow Dancing,' where he prefers an impromptu rhythm over performance, often imagined singing with a standing mic.

With each BTS member showcasing different styles, they cater to the diverse tastes of global fans, from K-pop to international pop. Their activities post-military hiatus in June next year are highly anticipated.

By Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr