Whilst watching a YouTube video of someone reacting to BTS, I realised I was crying.
I wasn’t sad or upset, in fact, it was for the opposite reason. I was incredibly moved and proud. I call myself a fan of BTS, but I’ve never been able to decide whether I’m a true member of their ‘ARMY’, which is the name of their fan base. I’ve heard all these stories of how passionate and dedicated BTS fans are, so I wasn’t sure if I was at their level. But this incident kind of reassured me.
In the reaction video, not only were they watching several music videos, but also paying attention to the lyrics and interpreting the messages BTS were trying to convey. They also learnt a bit about what they stand for and the positivity they’re trying to bring to the world around them. It was incredible to see them genuinely impressed after discovering how BTS are using their platform and popularity to help others. From speaking at the United Nations, to partnering with UNICEF to help end child violence. These guys never cease to amaze me.
The reason why I felt the need to write about this is because I was reminded of a conversation I was having with a group of people recently. They couldn’t understand these ‘crazy’ fans of BTS. Why people would spend so much money to go see them live, especially at a stadium jam packed with people? They couldn’t understand why these young girls were crying their eyes out. They didn’t ‘get the hype’.
I remember feeling mad, but mostly frustrated. How could they not understand this? In that moment I wasn’t thinking clearly, so I ended up getting defensive. But since then, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. How I would present my argument in a more intelligent and constructive way if I had that opportunity once again…
The truth is, not everyone is like me and the rest of BTS’ ARMY. I developed an interest a couple of years ago, so I did seek out more information about them. That’s how this admiration grew to what it is today. They started off as ordinary boys dreaming to make it big in the world of music. They went through the grueling training and hardships that all K-pop artists experience as a trainee. They sang and danced their way into the charts and started to gain popularity amongst fierce competition. But as they started to grow as songwriters, they also started to differentiate themselves from other K-pop idols.
They poured their heart and soul into lyrics; speaking about their struggles and the unjust they see and experience in the world. They shared their inner thoughts; feeling lost and trapped. But as time went on and as they evolved, they started to see promise and hope for positive changes to come. Their songs developed into messages of encouragement – believe in yourself; love yourself. They became the voice of the youth.
The more people started learning about BTS, the more they wanted to explore the lyrics. With their songs mainly being in Korean, it meant that people no longer just watched music videos for the impressive cinematography, catchy tunes or choreography. They also looked into the meaning behind it all. The number of fans that have shared stories of how BTS’ songs affected their lives in a positive way, is outstanding. They lovingly explain how it helped them get through some really hard times, no matter how old they are.
It’s really up to you how much of this you want to believe. You don’t have to take my word for it or blindly accept all of these facts and stories. But have a think about this…
They’re a group of young adults who have more than enough money and power to do whatever they want. They can live their lives in a completely individualistic way, like those in the Western society. Yet they choose to use their platform to spread positive messages, as well as reflect on all the things they’re grateful for and support those in need. They take their responsibility as role models seriously and it shows.
If they don’t deserve the love and praise that they’re receiving right now, then I don’t know who does!
This is less of a review and more of an opportunity for me to gush about how talented and amazing Epik High are. I’m in no way qualified to be a music critic, but I have lots of thoughts on their new album.
But first, a little introduction…
For those of you who don’t know, Epik High are a hip-hop trio composed of Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz. Their sound is a bit different to what you may normally associate with the genre of hip-hop, but that’s what makes them stand out in my opinion. I’ve seen them being referred to as ‘Alternative Hip-Hop’ – whatever that means! They’ve been around since the early 2000s and, until recently, were a part of the well-known YG Entertainment label. I have to admit, I’m not as familiar with their earliest work, and actually fell in love with them when I came across the last two albums they released: ‘Shoebox’ and ‘We’ve Done Something Wonderful’.
‘Shoebox’ was a great introduction to their sound, and their song ‘Born Hater’ was probably the first time I came across their music, which made me want to know more about them. That song had so many great people feature on it, but that was just a taster for the rest of the album, which I listen to a lot even till this day.
‘We’ve Done Something Wonderful’ was THE album of collaborations for me. I still cannot get enough of ‘Home Is Far Away ft. Oh Hyuk’ and ‘Here Come The Regrets ft. Lee Hi’. I never get bored of any of the songs on it to be honest. It’s also the album I refer people to when I want to get across the point that Korean music is so diverse and more than just Kpop.
Track List
01. Sleepless
02. In Seoul (Feat. Sunwoo Jung-a)
03. LOVEDRUNK (Feat. CRUSH)
04. Eternal Sunshine
05. No Different (Feat. Yuna)
06. Rain Again Tomorrow
07. Lullaby For A Cat
Here comes the review…
A sound that is timeless. As soon as I downloaded the album, I played it on loop for hours because I instantly fell in love with it. And the strange thing about it was that it felt like it had been in my collection for years (and not because I’d overplayed it). So quickly it became so familiar; I couldn’t imagine the time before I’d heard it. Is that a weird statement to make?
The first track, Sleepless, is an introduction to the mini album. I never know what to make of these intro tracks – regardless of the artist. But I suppose that’s just one of their ways of telling a story through music. Interestingly, I watched a video clip where they explained that the name of the album has 10 underscores after ‘Sleepless in’ so that you can fill it in with the name of the place you live. It’s an album for those who share a similar feeling.
As soon as you move onto track 2, In Seoul, that’s where the magic begins. It features singer Sunwoo Jung-a, who until recently, was unknown to me. I realised that I’d heard of everyone who had featured on their previous albums. But Sunwoo Jung-a’s voice was a beautiful addition to the song. The lyrics focus on the hustle and bustle of the city of Seoul. They talk about the expectations and inequality in society, and basically the daily struggles people feel in this city. Resulting in the inability to fall asleep; feeling miserable and lonely. Even though I don’t live in Seoul and don’t face the same expectations of the South Korean society, there are definitely some aspects I could relate to when it comes to living in a big city, like London.
What I also found interesting was that the last 50 seconds or so of the song was the continuation of just the music. I hadn’t even realised this until I was looking up the English translation of the lyrics on YouTube. It just goes to show how well produced the song is; it flows so well.
LOVEDRUNK featuring Crush, the title song of the album, is a gift that keeps on giving. This song has so many layers – I don’t even know where to start! First of all, Crush is one of my ultimate favourite Korean musicians, who I was fortunate enough to see live in London earlier this year. His voice makes you melt like butter and his feature on this song is pure perfection.
The song portrays the emotion one feels when going through heartbreak and the dependence on alcohol to get through it, yet making it worse. Wanting to erase someone from your memory, but ending up losing yourself. Although I can’t relate to this scenario of heartbreak and alcohol, I can certainly understand the sentiment.
“Forgetting someone is the most difficult thing in the world.”
Tablo explains the story behind the song and the music video in a clip from the making of the MV. The video they’ve released is so powerful and the cinematography is breathtaking. It also helps that it stars a much loved figure, singer/actress, IU. It truly is a mini movie. When I was listening to my music on my commute into work and LOVEDRUNK suddenly came on, I instantly got all the feels. I forgot where I was and where I was going for a brief moment. You must watch the music video to this song, with the English subtitles on!
Eternal Sunshine is interestingly produced by SUGA of BTS. I heard about this even before listening to the song, so I didn’t know what expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. An upbeat, yet chilled vibe for a song that shook me. When I looked up the translation of the lyrics, I started tearing up. I didn’t realise it would strike a chord with me.
“Do you get lonely? Sick with anxiety? Can’t trust nobody? Well, same here.”
I urge you to look up the lyrics to this song too. It’s so deep and relatable for so many reasons. I don’t know if it’s something that comes with age, but it’s not the first time I’ve heard talks of wanting to hide from the world, because the world outside is darker than under the blanket. This song is clearly about anxiety, and the ups and downs that come with it. When feeling so venerable, yet trying to persevere.
Mithra’s verse impressed me a lot on this track. I love rappers who can spit bars so clean and effortlessly. It also features a female singer on the track who I wasn’t able to identify, even though she sounded quite familiar. Her soothing voice added that chilled vibe that I mentioned earlier. I can see why the world can’t get enough of this unexpected collaboration between BTS member SUGA and Epik High.
No different is the only full track in the album that is all in English. It features Yuna, my favourite Malaysian singer who I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing live in London a few years ago. As soon as heard her voice, I fell in love with the song. She has a beautiful tone, whether she’s harmonising or singing. Once again, Epik High hits it out of the park when it comes to collaborations.
“I might not be the one, could you settle for half?”
The lyrics are so clever and well put together. The track was also jointly composed and arranged by CODE KUNST – a very talented and trendy music producer from the record label AOMG. It totally has a CODE KUNST feel to it, which I’d describe as a catchy slow jam, with impact.
I’m putting it out there, Rain Again Tomorrow has to be my favourite track on the album. I contemplated between this and LOVEDRUNK for ages, but as magical as LOVEDRUNK is, I always found myself looking forward to this song coming on further down the playlist. I just love the rhythm and beats on this track. I even taught myself the key part of the chorus (in Korean) so I could sing along to it (in my head, of course).
There are three parts in the lyrics that I really liked (from the translation, of course):
“The work I do, they give it a likeable name ‘creation’, But I’m building and climbing over my own walls”
This is probably something a lot of people in the creative industry can relate to. Being a creator of any kind is not easy.
“They say tomorrow is another sunrise, those rainclouds tell me otherwise.”
I mean, if that’s not talking about life in the UK, I don’t know what is! Okay, so I know this most probably has another meaning, but I’m going for the literal one in this instance.
“I know it’s my fate to disappear after emptying myself to fill up others.”
Wow. Sometimes I feel this too.
I was fascinated how all of a sudden it switches to a slower pace near the end of the song and seamlessly switches to the final amusingly titled track, ‘Lullaby For A Cat’.
Lullaby For a Cat is like the outro of the album. I’m sure there’s a story behind the name, but the lyrics don’t exactly give you much of a hint. It also samples ‘In Seoul’, with a rather nice addition of a violin.
Overall…
What can I say? If you’ve made it this far into my review, well done and thank you. You may have already gathered how obsessed I am about this album. I can’t remember the last time I was this invested in an album to tell you the truth. I’ve looked up the English translations for all the songs. I’ve taught myself some of the chorus’ in Korean. I’ve also raved about the album to anyone who will listen to me!
It took me best part of a week to put this review together because I wanted to give it the full attention it deserves. I need more people to understand the importance of the messages they convey through the songs on this album. We’re all going through something, we’re not alone in this, but we will get through it with a little perseverance.
And the cherry on the cake is that I am going to see Epik High perform live in London! A dream come true.
Life Untitled 