From a four year hiatus due to South Korea’s mandatory military service rules, all seven members of Korean pop boy band BTS took a step back from the spotlight in 2022. However, with their military service time completed and a reunion celebration, the group of seven have returned to the spotlight with a highly anticipated comeback album, Arirang.

Arirang is a heartfelt message from BTS to their fans who have been waiting for years on end for their return. It is an album full of change, highlighting how the band has evolved with time, but most importantly, it is an album that highlights their culture and heritage.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in Korean culture, Arirang stands for “a popular form of Korean folk song and the outcome of collective contributions made by ordinary Koreans throughout generations.” BTS has always paid homage to their culture, but this is the album that comes closest in terms of Western culture. While there is some controversy surrounding the supposed Westernization of this album and their newer songs due to majority of new releases being in English, this album is still representative of honoring their Korean culture. It finds a creative way to feature a blend of Western sounding hip-hop and R&B, but holds true to their Korean roots.

This album, while it takes some warming up to, is different. That is exactly what sets it apart from others.

Below are my general thoughts on each track of the album.

Track 1: Body to Body 

Imagine waiting for four entire years without any new group music, and upon opening the first song of the album, you are met with a deep synth, something different compared to BTS’ previous discography. This song is such a great way to kick off the album. In my opinion, this song is very representative of the entire track list and it serves as the best possible hook. It may be different, but it is a good different. This is BTS’ move to a different style, but if you listen close enough, it is very heavily inspired by their earlier music. This is an interesting song to start with, especially since it seems very different compared to their other track 1s from other albums, but it makes sense.

The most special part of this song is the traditional Korean folk song heard in the track, ‘Arirang’, which is also the name of the album. It’s an interesting sound that perfectly overlaps with the song entirely. This song immediately connects back to their Korean heritage in such an intimate way.

Track 2: Hooligan

The broken up opening of almost a glitchy classical song is amazing. Right away, it just makes you want to keep listening. I’ll be honest, this song took me a bit to get used to, but I’m quickly warming up to it. I think part of what makes this such an enticing track is simply due to the sound. It sounds like the band is having fun here, and it is very infectious. I love hearing this sort of upbeat song and feeling the passion through the tone. Call the laughs and metal banging cringe, but it all only adds to the song.

I appreciate how this track is fun, and it is very reminiscent of their debut albums.

Track 3: Aliens

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this at first. It seemed like it wouldn’t be my kind of song, but it was impressive!

An opening rap from Min Yoongi (Suga) is always quick to impress. The addition of Kim Taehyung’s smooth voice only adds a new depth to this track as a whole. The liveliness of this song is what makes it so great. I especially love the way that certain words are dragged out compared to others. Overall, the song in it’s entirety is something unique, but definitely noteworthy.

Track 4: FYA

Breathing is always an interesting way to start a track, but BTS definitely perfected it here. The guitar in the beginning caught me off guard, and so did the bass. Right away, the most enticing part about this song is the bass and the beat. The beat is consistent and carries throughout the track, while the bass just adds to it. This is really a hype anthem in it’s entirety, there is no doubt about it. I can just imagine listening to this before going out or competing for something.

The bass/beat drop at the end sounds like the perfect opportunity for a dance break during a live performance. I’m guessing that it will happen during their first comeback concert!

Track 5: 2.0

Starting off with a rap-line once again is sort of a surprise. I wasn’t expecting a rap heavy verse for this song, but it works well. This reminds me of their early albums, especially with how sassy it feels. I could definitely see this in their first album. The vocals brought in for the chorus also works very well, it breaks up the rap nicely and I think that this song just works well over all.

Track 6: No. 29

This track is near silence. It starts with a ring, then it echoes and ends throughout the track. At first, it seemed like a quiet hum. I wasn’t sure what to think, but upon further investigation, this track is an homage to BTS’ culture.

Track 7: SWIM

SWIM is the title track of the album. A music video starring Lili Reinhart went live after the album release too.

The repetition of lyrics throughout the song serves as a great hook. All of the lyrics are very catchy, as is the instrumental in the back. This song is less rap heavy and relies heavily on vocals, however, I think it works in favor of the track! The chorus is the catchiest so far.

This is the title track for a reason. Out of every song on the album, I believe that this is the one that perfectly sums it up.

Track 8: Merry Go Round

The opening of this song immediately sounds like the tune of a children’s merry go round. It is interesting how they had a different take on it! I think it is such a creative beat made from the general tune of a carnival ride. The lyrics are also very personal and touching, it seems like a very personal song that might be related to each of the members’ experience while in the military and returning to music.

This track has a somber tone and a slower pace, which breaks up the album from the initial quick songs, such as ‘2.0’ and ‘FYA’.

Track 9: NORMAL

I’m not going to lie, this track sounds very similar to something that the band ‘Imagine Dragons’ would release. It sounds like a cliche inspirational track that would be heard during a TED Talk. I’m not the biggest fan of the instrumental due to that. However, the lyrics are clearly very personal. It feels like this is commentary on their career, especially based on their return to music. This song seems like it is a wannabe relatable track, and I can see how this is relatable, but it isn’t exactly my cup of tea. Its not like I hate it, I’m just not the biggest fan of this track compared to the rest of the album.

Still, I am glad that this song feels like commentary from their behalf on their return to the music industry from a four year hiatus.

Track 10: Like Animals

The guitar in the beginning sounded very raw. It makes sense for the album, but I wasn’t prepared for the echoes that almost sound like an animal call, like a howl. Despite the surprising opener, it is clear that this song is more mellow compared to others. I appreciate how it is quieter, but just as impactful as other tracks. It is definitely more of a rock song with the guitar and drums, but it is a good change of pace in the album.

Track 11: they don’t know ’bout us

At first, I thought the beginning of this song was a sample taken from somewhere. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this is actually vocalist Jimin’s voice. This song sets itself apart from other tracks right from the beginning, specifically with the opening and closing parts. These parts are reminiscent of 1950s-60s vocals from a radio. It is a creative choice, but it was very effective for the song.

Track 12: One More Night

Right away, the instrumental of this track jumps out. It is very catchy and serves as a perfect hook for the entire song. The rap in the beginning is smart, especially with the otherwise vocal heavy chorus. I really liked how the beat seemed to seamlessly blend with both the vocals and rap of the song.

This entire song seems very summer-y, it just reminds me of upbeat music that is typically released in the summer.

Track 13: Please

This song seems very jazzy, which I love. Jazz hasn’t really been heard throughout the album yet, but it is just slightly prevalent within this song. Also, the bass seems very heavy in this track. It rattled my brain a little. The lyrics of this song add to the vibe, which just seems really relaxed and laid back. I love how this track breaks things up before the end.

Track 14: Into the Sun

As the closing song, this is bound to tie everything together nicely. However, this song was definitely very lacking at first.

The opener is full of decent lyrics, but the vocal effect is definitely love or hate. Personally, I hate it. It scratches my brain in the worst possible way when it is alone, but when the instrumental starts, it is definitely a little better. I’m not a big fan of the effect used on the opening vocals, but I can appreciate how it sounds with the track behind it. It sounds very country and wannabe southern, which I think is questionable. Throughout the song it becomes bearable, but it still is difficult to listen to.

However, what saves the song is the pure lyrics and Jin’s vocals at the end! “I’ll follow you into the sun” is such a great phrase, and his vocals are very touching. I wish the entire track sounded like this because it is such an emotionally vocal moment. If the entire track sounded like this, it would be ten times better, but it is still a decent closing track.

Final Thoughts

While this is album is very different in comparison to other releases from BTS, I think that this is the best possible comeback album that they could have released. Even while considering that they curated over 120 different possible songs, I firmly believe that this is the best outcome.

It takes some getting used to, but this album deserves praise for how different it is.

RATING: 4/5