Spreading Light and Positivity Through Music: A Deep-Dive into Jin of BTS’s Debut Album ‘Happy’
K-Pop superstar Jin—an embodiment of the words “happiness” and “ray of sunshine”—delivers exactly what these words entail through his debut album Happy. Released on November 15, the six-track album features the multi-faceted singer-songwriter in his element, exploring a spectrum of colors within the rock and pop genres. Apart from the four tracks Jin co-wrote, the project also features prominent names in the music industry, including WENDY from Red Velvet, British icon Gary Barlow, and ONE OK ROCK members Taka and Toru.
Jin, also known as Kim Seokjin, is the oldest member of BTS, the seven-member K-Pop boy group under BIGHIT MUSIC that changed the industry's trajectory for years to come, leaving a lasting impression within music and beyond. Best known for his soothing vocals and personal charms, Jin’s latest project comes about two years after his first solo single “The Astronaut,” which was co-written with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Despite finishing his military enlistment merely a few months ago, Jin has poured his love and time into crafting an album dedicated to his fans, ARMY, in a short period. With a variety of styles to offer, the album is an ode to Brit pop and rock, catered to both old and newer audiences alike. It is evident as you listen through the album that it was a project crafted with a lot of thought and detail, as he intended to create something that would spread positive energy and offer a helping hand through cheerful music at times of hardship.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the tracks one by one.
Running Wild
“Running Wild” is a soft pop-rock track that speaks of running toward love until you're out of breath. “We’ll be running wild // Loving ‘til the sun is out // Running ‘til there’s nothing left // ‘Til our last breath,” Jin sings in the chorus in a perfect falsetto that further accentuates his unique vocal color. The build-up in tempo throughout the song makes it a favorable soundtrack for a coming-of-age movie set in the 1980s. The music video for the track perfectly sums up the nostalgic vibes of the song, as Jin is seen exploring the city of Los Angeles with his pet dog in what seems to be a slice-of-life film.
Apart from the song’s roots centered around the rock genre, the track also incorporates the new wave genre, which was popularized during the 1970s and 1980s through groups such as Talking Heads, Blondie and Duran Duran. Knowing the style of the song, it might come as no surprise that British rock band Take That's frontman Gary Barlow is credited as a co-producer on the track. One could say that choruses are quite reminiscent of tracks such as “Shine,” by Take That and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. For those of you who are always on the lookout for some nostalgic soft rock, “Running Wild” would be the perfect addition to your playlist.
I’ll Be There
For the millennials and Gen-Zs who grew up with the iconic Friends theme song “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts, this song will take you back to the golden days. “I'll Be There” is an uplifting rock-and-roll track mixed with elements of country music. The track was co-written by Jin and American singer-songwriter MAX, who had previously collaborated with fellow bandmate SUGA on the track “Blueberry Eyes.” “I swear that I will always sing for you,” JIN sings in the chorus, a sentiment that he wishes to express throughout this project and his return to the stage. The song speaks of him being present as a beam of positive light and energy amidst the darkness.
Another Level
“Another Level” takes a darker route from the first few songs, incorporating more minor chords. The alternative rock track features powerful drums, and a killer guitar solo after the second chorus that will surely leave a lasting impression on rock enthusiasts out there. Penned by Jin and American singer-songwriter Jon Bellion, the rock anthem is a song about resilience and leveling up, and much like its lyrics, the track sonically builds up into an energetic climax towards the end, giving it the feel of a perfect drama or thriller soundtrack. The opening sequence of the song will immediately remind you of a main character running away to escape the wrath of the villain, similar to that of the 2014 sci-fi film Divergent.
Falling
The track “Falling” starts with a captivating whistling intro, opening the door to a brighter sonic landscape from the previous tracks—almost like a glistening ray of sunshine. The track is slated as a modern rock song with J-Pop vibes. Alongside Jin, Taka and Toru of the Japanese rock band, ONE OK ROCK took part in writing the track, with Toru accompanying on the guitar. The drum build-up in the second verse creates a dramatic entrance to a track about falling deeply in love.
Photo Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
Heart on the Window (with WENDY)
“Heart on the Window” is a pop and new wave track that feels very soothing to the ears. Jin and WENDY’s harmonizations blend quite well with each other, creating a soft, almost lullaby-type of song, strewn in with guitar strums. The track picks up the pace with the synths towards the latter half of the song, where WENDY joins in, whose vocals add a sweet depth to the song. The intense bridge further emphasizes the period drama feel of the song. Similar to wearing one's heart upon their sleeve, the lyrics in this track dive into the change of seasons and the love that stands tall despite all. Swedish songwriter and producer Alex Karlsson and Italian songwriter Shorelle were part of the production along with BIGHIT MUSIC’s resident producer PDogg.
I will come to you
The album draws to an end with the sweet lullaby “I will come to you,” a heartfelt letter to the fans who long awaited his return to the stage. Dedicated to ARMY, the track was penned by Jin promising to meet fans on a warm spring day after time spent apart. This would be in reference to his return from his military service earlier this year. The stripped-back track is reminiscent of Jin’s solo track “Epiphany,” on BTS’s Trivia : Love album which too had a piano instrumental that perfectly highlighted the singer’s blissful vocals.
HALSUG’s Top Picks:
Heart on the Window
Another Level
Falling