Rising K-pop collective BTS delivers an enjoyable, energetic album with ‘Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’, their historic no. 1 album on the Billboard 200.

Your first time should be special.  In this case, I’m not referencing a ‘rite of passion,’ but rather a new listening experience.  Until this very review, I’ll readily admit, I’ve NEVER listened to a K-pop album.  NEVER.  That’s right folks – I truly did save myself for the right time, which happens to be Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’, the historic no. 1 album by rising K-pop band BTS. Enough with the puns and senseless innuendo already – let’s get into the album!

“Intro: Singularity”

Going in without knowing exactly what to expect, opener “Intro: Singularity” was an unexpected start to Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’.  Rather than dropping an electrifying, quick-paced joint, BTS goes the opposite direction with a lush, smoothly performed urban contemporary slow-jam.  The vocals are stunning, and language barrier aside, the listener feels and hears the authenticity.

“I’m so sick of this fake love, fake love, fake love!” The electrifying, energetic homerun arrives with “FAKE LOVE.” This record is synonymous with an urban-pop or hip-hop infused urban contemporary record in the US.  There’s expressive, rhythmic sung vocals, as well as aggressive, biting rhymes.  Like “Intro: Singularity,” the majority of the record is in Korean, but there are some lines sung in English, including the aforementioned lyrics. Undoubtedly, “FAKE LOVE” is the crowning achievement of Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’. The music video even made history, with the biggest 24-hour YouTube debut of 2018.

“The Truth Untold”

Steve Aoki guests on gorgeous ballad, “The Truth Untold.” Now the question is, what exactly, thematically is “the truth untold?” The select lyrics that are performed in English (“But I still want you”) suggest a longing – a desire for someone special.  Translated, the lyrics reference the garden – specifically flowers.  For whatever reason, the protagonist, who’s in love and desires this person, can’t reveal himself or ultimately fulfill his desires.  While it starts relatively poised, “The Truth Untold” eventually grows more dynamic.

“134340” kicks up the tempo, opting for a smooth, hip-hop infused, urban contemporary sound.  The production definitely establishes a vibe – the killer drum groove (including the tom runs), noodling flute, and the guitar truly stand.  The sleek “Paradise” follows, in all its ‘celestial glory.’  BTS successfully blend agile, easy-going rhymes, melodic lead vocals, and slick, harmonized backing vocals.

“Love Maze” 

On “Love Maze,” there are some prominent English moments, namely one of the rap verses. Essentially, the record suggests that love can be a trap, like a maze is if you go down the wrong path.  Here, the sentiment of BTS is to “don’t give a damn,” have faith, and try love.  The falsetto in particularly stands out on the chorus.  On “Magic Shop” the hard synths of the EDM production shine on the chorus.  Signaling the energetic chorus are soaring, belted, upper register vocals. Another terrific moment comes on the bridge.

“Airplane pt. 2” marks one of those ‘unexpected moments’ from Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’. For whatever reason, there’s this myth that acts from different countries – particularly if we’re unfamiliar with them – only embrace music from their culture.  Here, BTS are right at home in the Latin-pop resurgence dominating pop. They go heroic on the compelling hip-hop, reggae, and auto-tune infused follow-up, “Anpanman.”  The drums go H.A.M. here to say the least.

Penultimate number “So What” keeps the energy level turned up.  The record seems to be about living carefree without worries.  Enjoyable, it runs a bit long approaching the five-minute mark. Closer “Outro: Tear” also runs long, but perhaps to a greater extent than “So What,” makes up for its length with incredible energy and intensity.  The rhymes and the production are the highlights.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ is an enjoyable K-pop album.  The album successfully blends numerous styles including pop, hip-hop, R&B, and even a surprise dash of Latin.  Yes, it’s a Korean pop album, but the key part of that stylistic characterization is pop.  Perhaps Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ didn’t ‘change my life,’ but it is easy to see why BTS is gaining popularity in the United States. Kudos and congratulations by all means.

Gems: “Intro: Singularity,” “FAKE LOVE,” “The Truth Untold,” “Paradise” & “Airplane pt. 2”

BTS • Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ • Bighit Entertainment • Release: 5.18.18

Photo Credit: Bighit Entertainment