BTS Songs: A Complete Guide To Every Track
Hey ARMY! Ready to dive deep into the incredible discography of BTS? From their debut days to their record-breaking hits, we’re covering all the BTS songs you need to know. Get ready to explore the musical journey of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook!
BTS: The Beginning
Let's kick things off with the very beginning. BTS, or Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boy Scouts), burst onto the scene under Big Hit Entertainment. Their initial sound was heavily influenced by hip-hop, reflecting their desire to speak out against social injustices and the pressures faced by young people. Their debut single album, "2 Cool 4 Skool," dropped in 2013, featuring tracks that showcased their raw talent and potential.
2 Cool 4 Skool (2013)
"No More Dream" is the title track that introduced BTS to the world. It's a powerful anthem criticizing the conformist pressures placed on students. The hard-hitting beats and intense choreography made a statement right from the start. The lyrics challenge the listener to pursue their own dreams rather than blindly following societal expectations. The music video further amplifies this message, portraying a rebellious spirit that resonated with many young listeners. The song's aggressive sound and thought-provoking lyrics were a bold introduction to a group unafraid to tackle serious issues.
"We Are Bulletproof Pt. 1" provides a glimpse into the group's determination and resilience. It's a track that emphasizes their dedication to their craft and their commitment to overcoming obstacles. The song highlights their unity and teamwork, essential elements that would become hallmarks of their success. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance against those who doubted them, establishing their identity as artists who would not be easily deterred. This track is a testament to their early struggles and their unwavering belief in themselves.
"Skit: Circle Room Talk" offers a candid and humorous look into the group's early dynamics and personalities. It's a brief interlude that captures the natural and unscripted interactions between the members, giving fans a peek behind the curtain. The track reveals their camaraderie and playful banter, creating a relatable and endearing image. This track provides a sense of intimacy and authenticity, making the group more accessible and human to their growing fanbase. It's a lighthearted moment amidst the more serious themes of their debut album.
O!RUL8,2? (2013)
Their first EP, "O!RUL8,2?" continued their exploration of youth-related themes, blending hip-hop with more diverse musical elements. This release further cemented their reputation as artists willing to experiment and evolve.
"N.O" is the title track, standing for "No Offense," and it continues their critique of the education system and societal expectations. The song challenges the relentless pressure on students to achieve academic success at the expense of their own happiness and dreams. The intense choreography and powerful vocals amplify the message, creating a sense of urgency and defiance. The lyrics call for a rejection of conformity and an embrace of individuality. The music video depicts a dystopian school environment, further emphasizing the song's critical perspective on the education system.
"Attack on Bangtan" is a high-energy track that showcases the group's rapping skills and dynamic performance style. It's a song that celebrates their identity as BTS and their determination to make their mark on the music industry. The track features aggressive beats and rapid-fire rapping, creating an intense and exhilarating listening experience. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and ambition, reflecting their aspirations to reach the top. This track is a showcase of their raw talent and their ability to deliver a powerful performance.
"Coffee" provides a softer, more melodic contrast to the album's more aggressive tracks. It's a song that explores themes of love and longing, showcasing the group's versatility. The smooth vocals and gentle instrumentation create a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. The lyrics use the metaphor of coffee to describe the bittersweet emotions of a relationship. This track is a testament to their ability to create diverse and emotionally resonant music.
The School Trilogy
BTS's early work is often referred to as the "School Trilogy," which includes "2 Cool 4 Skool," "O!RUL8,2?," and "Skool Luv Affair." These albums collectively address the issues and anxieties faced by adolescents, establishing BTS as voices for their generation.
Skool Luv Affair (2014)
This EP delves into the themes of first love and adolescence. It marked a slight shift towards more pop-oriented sounds while retaining their signature hip-hop influences.
"Boy in Luv" is the title track, capturing the intense emotions and awkwardness of first love. The song's catchy chorus and energetic performance made it a breakthrough hit, significantly raising their profile. The lyrics express the desperation and longing of a young boy trying to win the heart of his crush. The music video depicts a high school setting, further emphasizing the song's theme of teenage romance. This track is a quintessential example of their ability to capture the essence of youth.
"Just One Day" is a softer, more sentimental track expressing the desire to spend just one perfect day with a loved one. The mellow vocals and gentle instrumentation create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and affection, highlighting the beauty of simple moments. This track is a testament to their ability to create emotionally resonant and heartfelt music.
"Tomorrow" is an inspirational track that encourages listeners to persevere and pursue their dreams, even in the face of adversity. The motivational lyrics and uplifting melody provide a sense of hope and encouragement. The song emphasizes the importance of self-belief and resilience. This track is a reminder of their commitment to using their music to inspire and uplift their fans.
Skool Luv Affair Special Edition (2014)
A repackaged version that included new tracks and remixes, further solidifying their growing fanbase.
"Miss Right" is a sweet and charming track that describes the ideal girl. The lyrics express admiration and affection, painting a picture of the perfect partner. The song's lighthearted and cheerful melody creates a joyful and optimistic atmosphere. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that celebrates love and admiration.
"I Like It" is a smooth and groovy track that expresses attraction and interest in someone. The song's catchy chorus and playful lyrics make it a fun and engaging listen. The lyrics convey a sense of flirtation and excitement. This track is a showcase of their ability to create music that is both entertaining and relatable.
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Series
This series, consisting of "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1" (2015), "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2" (2015), and "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever" (2016), is a pivotal moment in BTS's career, exploring themes of youth, anxiety, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 (2015)
This EP marked a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating more diverse musical influences and deeper lyrical content.
"I NEED U" is the title track, a poignant and emotional song about the pain of unrequited love. The song's haunting melody and raw lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, earning them their first major award. The lyrics express the desperation and anguish of wanting someone who doesn't reciprocate those feelings. The music video is a powerful and artistic portrayal of the struggles and hardships faced by young people. This track is a turning point in their career, showcasing their ability to create emotionally impactful and meaningful music.
"Dope" is an energetic and confident track that celebrates their hard work and dedication. The song's infectious beat and dynamic performance made it a fan favorite. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and accomplishment, reflecting their journey to success. The music video showcases their synchronized choreography and charismatic stage presence. This track is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2 (2015)
This EP continued to explore the themes of youth and uncertainty, further solidifying their connection with their fanbase.
"RUN" is the title track, a high-energy and emotionally charged song about running towards an uncertain future. The song's intense beat and passionate vocals create a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics express the desire to keep moving forward, even when faced with challenges. The music video is a visually stunning portrayal of youth and freedom. This track is a powerful and inspiring anthem for those navigating the uncertainties of life.
"Butterfly" is a beautiful and delicate song about the fear of losing someone precious. The song's ethereal melody and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of vulnerability and tenderness. The lyrics use the metaphor of a butterfly to describe the fragility of love. This track is a testament to their ability to create emotionally resonant and deeply moving music.
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016)
A compilation album that included new tracks and remixes, marking the end of the series and celebrating their achievements.
"Fire" is a high-energy and explosive track that encourages listeners to live life to the fullest. The song's intense beat and powerful vocals create a sense of excitement and liberation. The lyrics convey a message of self-confidence and empowerment. The music video is a visually stunning and energetic performance. This track is a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.
"Save ME" is a heartfelt and emotional song about the need for someone to rescue them from their struggles. The song's poignant melody and raw lyrics create a sense of vulnerability and longing. The lyrics express the desire for someone to offer comfort and support. The music video is a simple yet powerful portrayal of their emotional depth. This track is a testament to their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
"Young Forever" is a reflective and nostalgic song about cherishing the present moment and embracing youth. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The lyrics convey a message of gratitude and appreciation for their fans. This track is a beautiful and emotional tribute to their journey and their connection with their ARMY.
Wings (2016)
"Wings" is BTS's second studio album, marking a significant turning point in their artistic direction. Each member had a solo track exploring personal struggles and growth.
"Blood Sweat & Tears" is the title track, blending moombahton, trap, and tropical house, with lyrics inspired by Hermann Hesse's "Demian." The song explores themes of temptation, desire, and the struggle between good and evil. The music video is rich in symbolism and artistic imagery. This track is a bold and innovative departure from their previous work, showcasing their artistic maturity and willingness to experiment.
Member Solo Tracks
- "Begin" (Jungkook): A heartfelt song about Jungkook's journey and gratitude towards his older members.
- "Lie" (Jimin): An emotionally charged track exploring the struggle with self-deception and inner turmoil.
- "Stigma" (V): A soulful and introspective song about guilt and regret.
- "First Love" (Suga): A raw and honest track about Suga's passion for music and his relationship with the piano.
- "Reflection" (RM): A deeply personal song about RM's self-doubt and search for identity.
- "MAMA" (J-Hope): A joyful and upbeat song dedicated to J-Hope's mother.
- "Awake" (Jin): A poignant and emotional song about Jin's acceptance of his role in the group.
You Never Walk Alone (2017)
A repackaged version of "Wings," adding new tracks that offered messages of hope and solidarity.
"Spring Day" is a poignant and nostalgic song about longing for a lost friend. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of warmth and longing. The lyrics are inspired by themes of friendship and reconciliation. The music video is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of loss and hope. This track is a fan favorite and a timeless classic.
"Not Today" is an empowering and high-energy song about standing up against oppression and fighting for what you believe in. The song's intense beat and powerful vocals create a sense of defiance and determination. The lyrics convey a message of solidarity and resistance. The music video is a visually stunning and action-packed performance. This track is a powerful anthem for those fighting for change.
Love Yourself Series
This series, including "Love Yourself: Her" (2017), "Love Yourself: Tear" (2018), and "Love Yourself: Answer" (2018), focuses on self-love and acceptance.
Love Yourself: Her (2017)
This EP marked a significant shift towards more pop-oriented sounds while retaining their signature lyrical depth.
"DNA" is the title track, a vibrant and energetic song about the destiny of love. The song's catchy melody and dynamic performance made it a global hit. The lyrics express the idea that love is predetermined and inevitable. The music video is a colorful and visually stunning portrayal of love and connection. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that is both catchy and meaningful.
"MIC Drop" is a powerful and confident track that celebrates their success and achievements. The song's aggressive beat and dynamic performance made it a fan favorite. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and accomplishment. The music video is a visually stunning and energetic performance. This track is a showcase of their confidence and their ability to deliver a powerful message.
"Best of Me" is a collaboration with The Chainsmokers, blending pop and EDM elements. The song expresses gratitude for the love and support of their fans.
Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
This album delves into the darker aspects of love, exploring themes of heartbreak and loss.
"Fake Love" is the title track, a poignant and emotional song about the pain of a love that is not genuine. The song's haunting melody and raw lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, earning them critical acclaim. The lyrics express the anguish of realizing that the love is built on falsehoods. The music video is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of heartbreak. This track is a testament to their ability to create emotionally impactful and meaningful music.
"The Truth Untold" is a collaboration with Steve Aoki, featuring haunting vocals and a melancholic melody. The song explores the theme of hiding one's true self for fear of rejection.
Love Yourself: Answer (2018)
A compilation album that included new tracks and remixes, completing the series and offering a message of self-acceptance.
"Idol" is the title track, a vibrant and energetic song celebrating their identity and embracing their Korean heritage. The song's catchy melody and dynamic performance made it a global hit. The lyrics convey a message of self-acceptance and pride. The music video is a colorful and visually stunning portrayal of Korean culture. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that is both entertaining and meaningful.
"Epiphany" (Jin): A beautiful and emotional solo track by Jin, emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance.
Map of the Soul Series
This series, including "Map of the Soul: Persona" (2019) and "Map of the Soul: 7" (2020), explores the Jungian concepts of persona, shadow, and ego.
Map of the Soul: Persona (2019)
This EP explores the different facets of the self and the masks people wear in society.
"Boy With Luv" (feat. Halsey) is the title track, a cheerful and upbeat song about finding joy in the simple things in life. The song's catchy melody and dynamic performance made it a global hit. The lyrics express the idea that love can be found in everyday moments. The music video is a colorful and visually stunning portrayal of happiness and connection. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that is both uplifting and meaningful.
"Mikrokosmos" is a beautiful and uplifting song about the beauty and wonder of the universe. The song's ethereal melody and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of awe and inspiration. The lyrics convey a message of hope and connection. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that inspires and uplifts listeners.
Map of the Soul: 7 (2020)
This album delves deeper into the Jungian concepts of shadow and ego, exploring the darker aspects of the self.
"ON" is the title track, a powerful and intense song about embracing one's shadows and moving forward with determination. The song's aggressive beat and dynamic performance made it a fan favorite. The lyrics convey a message of resilience and self-acceptance. The music video is a visually stunning and action-packed performance. This track is a showcase of their confidence and their ability to deliver a powerful message.
"Black Swan" is a haunting and artistic song about the fear of losing one's passion. The song's ethereal melody and introspective lyrics create a sense of vulnerability and depth. The lyrics express the anxiety of losing inspiration. The music video is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of artistic struggle. This track is a testament to their ability to create emotionally impactful and meaningful music.
Member Solo Tracks
- "Intro: Persona" (RM): A powerful and introspective track exploring RM's identity and persona.
- "Interlude: Shadow" (Suga): A raw and honest track about Suga's struggles with fame and the darker aspects of his personality.
- "Outro: Ego" (J-Hope): An uplifting and energetic track celebrating J-Hope's self-acceptance and embracing his true self.
BE (2020)
"BE" is a deeply personal album reflecting on the challenges and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was created with significant input from the members, making it a truly collaborative effort.
"Life Goes On" is the title track, a comforting and hopeful song about finding solace and resilience in the face of adversity. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of warmth and hope. The lyrics convey a message of perseverance and optimism. The music video is a simple yet powerful portrayal of their daily lives during the pandemic. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that is both comforting and inspiring.
"Fly to My Room" is a creative and experimental track exploring the feeling of confinement and isolation during the pandemic.
"Stay" is an uplifting and energetic track about the importance of staying connected with loved ones during difficult times.
Butter / Permission to Dance Era (2021)
This era saw BTS releasing two massive hits that dominated the global charts and brought joy to fans worldwide.
"Butter" is a catchy and upbeat song with a retro-pop vibe, designed to uplift spirits during the pandemic. The song's smooth melody and playful lyrics made it a global sensation. The music video is a visually stunning and energetic performance. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that is both fun and engaging.
"Permission to Dance" is an uplifting and joyful song that encourages listeners to dance and celebrate life. The song's catchy melody and positive lyrics made it a global hit. The music video is a visually stunning and inclusive portrayal of people from all walks of life. This track is a testament to their ability to create music that unites and inspires.
Proof (2022)
"Proof" is an anthology album celebrating BTS's 9th anniversary, featuring a collection of their greatest hits, unreleased tracks, and demos.
"Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)" is the title track, a reflective and nostalgic song looking back on their journey and looking forward to the future. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The lyrics convey a message of gratitude and hope. The music video is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of their past and future. This track is a beautiful and fitting tribute to their incredible career.
Solo Activities and Future Projects
Currently, the members are focusing on solo activities, showcasing their individual talents and exploring new musical directions. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are all working on exciting new projects that promise to be just as impactful and meaningful as their work as a group. Keep an eye out for their future releases – the best is yet to come!
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the incredible world of BTS songs! From their early hip-hop roots to their global pop domination, BTS has consistently delivered music that is both meaningful and entertaining. Keep streaming, ARMY!