BTS sets sail a new era with ARIRANG

By Staff Writer Fiona Yang

Embellished with eye-catching red, white, and black colors, the BTS world tour announcement poster posted by BIGHIT MUSIC in January dominoed into an explosion of excitement for fans. “ARIRANG”, the title of both the tour and record-breaking K-pop boy band BTS’ fifth studio album, marks the beginning of the band’s activities as a group  after a near-four year hiatus during which members released solo albums and completed mandatory military service. Released on March 20, BTS’ new album and its namesake “ARIRANG” symbolizes a reflection of cultural roots and unity as the band reunites with its long awaited global fanbase. 

BTS garnered worldwide popularity and success through its hybrid of intense hip hop influences and addictive EDM elements, particularly evident in hit songs such as “MIC Drop” and “Idol.” Prior to its hiatus, the band had expanded into Western audiences through English singles “Butter” and “Dynamite,” both of which were nominated for the Grammy Award’s Best Pop/Duo Artist category in 2020 and 2021, respectively. As a whole, ARIRANG feels like a blend between BTS’ older works and newer musical exploration. In this album, BTS worked together with Western producers, namely American music producers Diplo and Mike WiLL Made-It, to integrate more American-pop style elements into their distinctive musical identity. ARIRANG introduces a newer, more experimental side of BTS as the band steps out beyond its initial hip-hop roots and ethereal EDM aesthetic and evolves post-hiatus.

One notable aspect about BTS’ discography, especially exemplified in its recent album,  is its continuous use of catchy hip-hop components. Specifically, “Hooligan” opens with knife-like percussive elements that continue in the background throughout the entire song. Constant mocking laughters, repetitive electronic synth chords, and aggressive low-toned singing create a vivid image of the singers as hooligans, asserting the group as people who continue to break norms and rewrite expectations. Alternatively, the track “FYA” includes beats that gradually build upon each other, leading to an incredible sounding, pulsating chorus. The member’s alternating high pitched, siren-like vocals and sultry voices pair perfectly with the sticky domino sound effect, and the use of echoes, distortions, and sound ramps draws attention to the electronic, futuristic sonic style BTS explores. Undoubtedly, the album soars high over expectations set by previous works, impressively showcasing BTS’ expertise in creating contrasting musical and emotional influences.  

Dynamic production marks itself as a signature characteristic of BTS’ music; the group excels in both hype and soft sounds. While house music and hip-hop construct the first half of ARIRANG, the latter tracks explore the R&B genre, slowing down the energy and evoking more emotional depth. The album’s title track “SWIM” educes a soothing feeling with sensual synth waves and interwoven calming melodies as the members seemingly ride the tumultuous waves of the ocean, reflecting how fans find solace in their music. Complemented with mellow guitar riffs, each members’ unique high-pitched and husky vocal tones shine through this track. “One More Night” embodies a dreamier tone, created through bubbly synth elements. With higher-toned and whispery vocals, the song creates an almost heavenly feel that immerses the listener into a relaxing, levitating atmosphere.

Most importantly, ARIRANG also depicts the way BTS has matured over the four year period. BTS’ first full length album Dark & Wild explored emotional immaturity, heartbreak, and possessiveness, reflecting an overall theme of the darker aspects of love. Later in Love Yourself: Her, BTS commented on the excitement of love, depicting it as exhilarating and hopeful. Stepping towards a more mature side regarding interacting with fame and adulthood, ARIRANG documents the members’ musical journey as a group, uniting fans by giving them a glimpse into the members’ emotions and authentic feelings. In the first verse of “Aliens,” SUGA raps “tick-tock, to the stadium … Born of a different cloth, seven aliens … those civilians / Won’t waste my breath to explain,” framing the group members as aliens to depict their unique identity as Korean artists and connect their heritage to how they navigate global success. Moreover, in “they don’t know ‘bout us,” the members respond to criticism of their ever evolving discography, singing “We’re just seven people though / Ah, you said we change? / We feel the same,” to imply how confident they are in their own musical and creative identities. BTS intertwines deep, personal feelings through expert lyricism, further increasing the connection between fans and artist. 

Overall, ARIRANG represents the perfect homage to the artists’ Korean culture. Aside from its name, the album’s tracks have unique aspects of tradition weaved into them. For example, the hypnotic beats of “Body to Body,” an American alternative pop-inspired hype club track, transition into “Arirang,” the Korean folk song that symbolizes resilience and unity which inspired the album. The sixth track of the album, “No. 29,” begins with a single gong of the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok, also designated as Korea’s 29th national treasure, and its reverberations lead into more than one minute of silence. Aside from serving as a transition from the energetic to melancholy tracks, the resonant tolling of the bell honors Korea’s history. Throughout “Aliens,” BTS sings lyrics such as “if you wanna hit my house, shoes off at the door,” referencing Korean cultural customs and reflecting their desire for others to respect their traditional practices. 

On first listen, ARIRANG feels almost underwhelming, especially as it is overshadowed by extensive hype from social media and high expectations from previous works. Many tracks also seem overproduced with too many EDM elements and sounds clashing together. Combined with the excessive use of autotune and repetitive choruses, at times, the tracks and vocals lose distinctiveness. However, chronological progression through each track truly showcases BTS’ irrevocable, unique identity and its authentic storytelling of the members’ feelings. Each new release also reflects further experimentation into various genres including high energy club music and alternative pop.

As much as the band’s music has changed from previous works, ARIRANG marks a step for BTS into artistic maturity. Indeed, the band returned to its roots of hip hop, but it has also excelled beyond, showing fans a multifaceted impression of its identity and creativity. BTS continues to redefine the bounds of K-pop through its awe-inspiring production and deep emotional, cultural themes.

Overall grade: A-