BTS’s album, “Arirang”, signifies their homecoming after a forced hiatus of four years. The album, inspired by a traditional folk song, affirms BTS’s growth and identity as they make their long-awaited comeback. The album is hard to fit into a genre; it explores pop-rock, synth pop and leans heavily on hip-hop. As “Arirang” departs from BTS’s earlier dramatic hip-hop and pop style, the shift brought mixed reactions among fans. Though the album marks a bold return for BTS, its inconsistent execution and heavy reliance on English tracks prevent it from truly standing out.
Due to the South Korean-mandated military service, BTS’s hiatus began in the summer of 2022. Their most recent release, “Proof” (anthology album), includes some of the group’s most popular songs, three of which are entirely English tracks. After a four-year hiatus, BTS returned with their 10th mini album, “Arirang”. The name “Arirang” comes from a traditional Korean folk song which was historically sung during the Japanese occupation as a song of defiance. With this context, it is clear that BTS’s path for this release is to redirect to a place that connects them to their roots and show the cultural foundation that shaped the group.
The album functions as a performance-driven project, designed for a stadium tour. The opening tracks lean into an intense hip-hop style and highlight the rap line. “Body to Body” sets itself apart as a concert opener, using strong percussion and production to create a sound reminiscent of 2016 music. It ends by blending in elements of the folk song with modern instrumentals, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
In contrast to “Body to Body,” the next track, “Hooligan,” pushes into a more experimental side. It opens with a string arrangement before shifting into sharp, cutting sounds. As a rap song, the majority of the lyrics are in English, which is a recurring feature in many of the songs. Overall, the track falls short of the ambition. The chorus feels shallow and repetitive. While I could see the vision behind the production, the outcome came off as dissonant.
Following “Hooligan” come “Aliens” and “FYA.” “Aliens” continues the album’s heavy focus on rap but relies almost entirely on English lyrics. While the group is sufficient in English, it sometimes feels awkward compared to them rapping and singing in Korean; it comes off as less expressive. Produced by JPEGMAFIA, “FYA” stands out as one of the album’s strongest tracks. While the chorus lacks depth, the bass gives it energy and distinction as it follows a Jersey Shore-type beat.
The interlude “No. 29” marks a turning point. It opens with 1 minute, 38 seconds of peaceful gong echoes that gradually fade, transitioning into the title track “Swim”. “Swim” shifts the album’s tone, creating a softer, lo-fi sound. Its airy vocals supporting the chorus, along with simple production create a sense of resolution, making it catchy and have a nostalgic feel.
Following “Swim” is a notable track “Merry Go Round”. The song begins with a nostalgic, dreamy feel as melancholic vocals lay over a trippy rock-inspired track. It’s a continuation of Swim’s easy-to-listen-to style and sentimental lyrics.
Later songs like “One More Night,” “Please” and “They Don’t Know ‘Bout Us” aim for an upbeat love story. Each has distinct styles, but all share a somewhat generic feel. “Normal” and “Like Animals” are English tracks that similarly explore themes of fame and isolation. In “Normal” deep lyrics and melancholy hold remembrance of Lorde. Although the vocals flowed nicely, they are heavily autotuned, and overall, the song is not very memorable. “Like Animals” offers a distinct sound, leaning toward a grungy edge, featuring a heavy bassline throughout.
As BTS reenters the music industry, they explore new genres and a concept based on Korean culture to signify a new era. Given the album’s title, it promises a deeper connection to Korean identity, but, the only song that truly reflects these themes is “Body to Body.” The considerable amount of English often feels at odds with the concept. While the album shows moments of potential, it ultimately falls short of expectations after the long-awaited break.
