There’s no question that the K-pop group BTS is taking over the music industry right now. The group, formed in 2013, has become more prominent in western culture in recent years thanks to chart-topping songs like “Boy With Luv” and their latest hit, “Dynamite.” Their impressive discography spans multiple different genres, meaning anyone is bound to find a song they will enjoy. As someone who became a fan of theirs over quarantine, I’m excited to share their music with people who may not listen to them on their own. Here are 5 of the group’s biggest hits, as well as some of my personal favorites, that you should add to your current playlist!
- “ON”
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“ON” is the song that got me interested in BTS, specifically their performance in Grand Central Station on “The Tonight Show” (which you can watch here). This song showcases everything BTS is known for: amazing vocals, impressive dance moves and overall showmanship. The lyrics are about the group ignoring haters and tackling any problems that come their way, challenging people to “bring the pain.” Add in cool marching band drums and you’ve got one of their best songs.
- “Life Goes On”
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“Life Goes On,” off their latest album, “BE,” is the perfect comfort song we all need right now. The song was inspired by how the world has changed over the past year due to the pandemic. Despite all of the horrible things that have happened, life will continue to go on and will eventually return to normal. As said in the English translation, “Like an echo in the forest, the day will come back around as if nothing happened. Yeah, life goes on.” The soft instrumentals and chill vibes make this one of their best songs.
- “IDOL”
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BTS is all about promoting self-love. They even have a UNICEF campaign called LOVE MYSELF that works to end violence against children and teens around the world. “IDOL” is the perfect power anthem to instantly boost your confidence. The lyrics preach that you don’t have to change for anyone and that who you are is enough. If the message isn’t enough, perhaps the colorful and over-the-top music video will entice you. This song is guaranteed to make you get up and dance and sing, “You can’t stop me lovin’ myself!”
- “Save ME”
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“Save ME,” released in 2016, is the oldest song on this list, but it is still one of their best. The lyrics are about how love can always save someone, no matter how dark life can get. The song’s music video is one of my favorites because of its simplicity. The gloomy color scheme and empty field not only play into the lyrics but allow the members to shine without the need for extreme wardrobe and sets. This catchy track is sure to get stuck in your head!
- “We are Bulletproof: the Eternal”
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To top off this list, I thought I’d include my absolute favorite BTS song. Many artists will write songs dedicated to their fans, but none are as meaningful as “We are Bulletproof: the Eternal.” The song is a love letter to their fan base, aka ARMY, thanking them for their love and support over the years. Perhaps the most meaningful lyric is, “We are not seven with you,” highlighting how BTS has a community of fans who have elevated them to levels of success they never imagined. This song makes me want to sing along and cry at the same time. The animated music video features cartoon versions of the members going through the group’s different eras, not to mention it’s super cute!
The success of BTS proves that music can bring people together across cultures and language barriers. Their achievements and popularity have helped expose the K-pop industry to western audiences, cementing K-pop as an industry to be taken seriously. I hope these songs will interest you to explore the rest of their music catalog! There is much more to BTS than “Dynamite” (even though it is a fantastic song)! Who knows? Maybe you’ll soon become a member of the BTS ARMY!