2019/4/19 Vulture 報導：用 25 首歌帶你進入防彈與他們的音樂世界
Your Guide to BTS and Their Musical Universe in 25 Songs
用 25 首歌帶你進入防彈與他們的音樂世界
With multiple chart-topping albums and a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, K-Pop royalty BTS have, at this point, solidified their position as global-dominating superstars in a league of their own. But, chalk it up to their ostensible boy-band format, theories about the reasoning behind their U.S. push, or the fact that so much of their success has been mischaracterized as manufactured phenomena, and much of what truly accounts for their appeal tends to get lost in the conversation. This is a mistake, as the seven young men who make up BTS — RM, Suga, Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — are first and foremost musicians. And their rise is fundamentally based on their musicality and artistry, captured throughout their six-year catalogue — both together and solo — and in their standout performances.
專輯數度征服榜單，最近還登上了 Saturday Night Live，K-Pop 天團防彈少年團現在鞏固了他們全球超級巨星的地位，而這個聯盟中只有他們。但是，撇開他們的男團形式不談，關於他們能攻克美國的理論，或者是他們成功的這個事實，都被錯置為工廠現象，而他們真正迷人之處經常因此被遺落。這是錯的，由七位年輕人 RM、Suga、Jin、J-Hope、Jimin、V 和 Jungkook 所組成的團體首先是音樂家，這也是他們的本質，他們的竄出基本上是基於他們的音樂性和藝術性，紀錄在他們六年來團體和個人的發行目錄中，還有他們傑出的舞台表演。
In an attempt to cut through all the surface noise, we’ve selected the 25 essential BTS songs that best exemplify their musical universe, presented chronologically by release date, to gain a clearer understanding of what actually makes them so good and equally so unstoppable.
為了堵住這些膚淺的聲音，我們選出了 25 首最能代表防彈音樂世界的歌曲，依照發行日期排列，讓大家更清楚他們為什麼這麼棒，還有他們為什麼如此勢不可擋。
（翻譯註：以下音源皆來自官方 YouTube 或 Soundcloud 頻道，歡迎搭配使用。）
“Tomorrow,” Skool Luv Affair (2014)
Tomorrow，Skool Luv Affair (2014)
This is one of the most-underrated numbers by BTS that strikes the fine balance between romanticism and tragic narrative arc, as the message of the lyrics focuses on finding hope amid despair. Listen for the clear contrast among vocals and the fierce guitar riffs in its latter part.
這是防彈最被小看的歌曲，這首歌完美平衡了浪漫主義和悲劇敘事線，歌詞的訊息為在絕望中尋找希望，注意聆聽歌曲後段歌聲和激烈的吉他即興伴奏間的明顯對比。
“BTS Cypher, Pt. 3: Killer” (feat. Supreme Boi), Dark & Wild (2014)
BTS Cypher, Pt. 3: Killer (feat. Supreme Boi)，Dark & Wild (2014)
With the Cypher series that has appeared throughout their albums, BTS established their identity as a hip-hop-based group from the beginning. Part three represents the peak of the Cypher series, in terms of clarity of thought, sharpness of message, effectiveness of attack, and fluency of technique. With barely constrained aggression, BTS strikes back at the rappers who sneered at them for being a boy band, resulting in a satisfying and cathartic lash.
Cypher 系列持續出現在他們的專輯中，防彈從一開始就建立了嘻哈團體形象。不論是思緒的清晰度、訊息的銳利度、攻擊的效度或技巧的流暢度，第三部是整個 Cypher 系列的高峰。幾乎沒有約束的氣勢，防彈回擊曾經訕笑他們是偶像男團的 rapper，帶給人舒暢的宣洩快感。
“I Need U,” The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 (2015)
I Need U，花樣年華 Pt. 1(2015)
This stands as one of the defining tracks of BTS’s career. The romantic chords in the intro meet the refrain laden with desperation, creating a fierce and tragic atmosphere. Despite the song’s intense trap beat and tense development (especially in the rap and chord progression in the verse part), it leaves the listener with tender softness.
這首歌定調了防彈的生涯。開頭浪漫的和弦遇上了帶著絕望的克制負擔，營造出激烈的悲劇氣息。儘管歌曲具有緊湊的 trap 節奏和充滿張力的發展（特別是饒舌和主歌 (verse) 部分的和弦），還是能讓聽眾有溫柔的舒適感。
“Butterfly (Prologue Mix),” The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2(2015)
Butterfly (Prologue Mix)，花樣年華 Pt. 2 (2015)
Butterfly (Prologue Mix)” is the representative number of BTS’s Most Beautiful Moment in Life trilogy, with deeply rich musical texture. Between the two remixes, the “Prologue Mix” amplifies the music’s flowing romanticism. Set against a sensuous melody, the several different voicings of the refrain “Butterfly” produce a sophisticated variation on theme.
Butterfly (Prologue Mis) 是防彈花樣年華三部曲的代表曲，具有豐富的音樂質感。在兩個混音版本中，Prologue Mix 放大了音樂的流動浪漫主義。與感性的旋律相反，Butterfly 裡幾種不同的聲線為主題創造出了複雜的變化。
“House of Cards,” The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2 (2015)
House of Cards，花樣年華 Pt. 2 (2015)
Along with “Butterfly,” this is the most distinctive song in the Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2. The jazzy chord progression was previously unheard of in BTS’s repertoire, revealing a new level of sophistication. The atmosphere is theatrical, with double bass intro and string orchestra accompaniment, as if the piece were intended to serve as music for an end-credit roll.
這首跟 Butterfly 是花樣年華第二部中的出眾歌曲，爵士和弦沒有出現在防彈過去的曲目中，表現出新層次。戲劇性的氣息，低音提琴的前奏和弦樂團伴奏，彷彿要把音樂當成終結一般。
“Burning Up: Fire,” The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever(2016)
Fire (불타오르네)，花樣年華：Young Forever (2016)
The shocking energy of this song could only be properly experienced through live performance, such as the one BTS gave in KCON 2016. “Burning Up” is not necessarily the most sophisticated number among BTS’s music, much less contemporary K-Pop. The inexplicable, intuitive attraction of this song is all about the synergy of each member’s individuality, often imitated but never duplicated.
這首歌的驚人力道大概只能通過現場表演才能完全地感受到，例如他們在 2016 KCON 的表演。Fire (불타오르네) 並不完全是防彈音樂中最複雜的一首歌，相較現代 KPOP 不複雜很多。這首歌最莫名吸引人的地方在於每個成員結合在一起的效應，有很多人仿效，但無法複製。
“Save Me,” The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016)
Save Me，花樣年華：Young Forever (2016)
Throughout BTS’s music, regardless of genre or style for each particular piece, there is an underlying vulnerability and tragic sensibility. This aesthetic shines even through this song’s tropical sound, as BTS asks the listener, Give me your hands. Despite the speedy rhythm, the ticktock effect and the overall theme of salvation make the music emotionally compelling. This clever place of musical elements makes “Save Me” one of BTS’s signature numbers.
在防彈少年團的音樂中，不論是每首歌的類型或風格，都藏有脆弱與悲劇性，這首歌隨著防彈詢問聽眾＂give me your hands＂，此種感性更是從熱切的聲音中散發出來。儘管節奏快速，時鐘滴答聲伴隨者救世的主題，使這首歌讓人陷入情緒之中。這些音樂元素的聰慧之舉讓 Save Me 成為防彈的經典歌曲之一。
“Epilogue: Young Forever,” The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever (2016)
Epilogue: Young Forever，花樣年華：Young Forever (2016)
The grand finale of the Most Beautiful Moment in Life trilogy attempts to collect all the messages BTS wished to convey in the series and give them a conclusion. The “youth” discussed here is not exclusively about age, but refers to anyone who has a dream. This was the first piece in which RM participated as a producer, hinting at his potential as a musician. The chorus is reminiscent of a gospel choir, rejoicing the hope of youth.
花樣年華三部曲的結尾試圖聚集防彈在這個系列中所有想要傳達的訊息並做出總結，這裡所討論的＂青年＂並不單指年紀，而是指所有懷抱夢想的人。這是 RM 參與製作的第一首歌，顯示出他的音樂人潛力。和聲部分讓人想起福音合唱團，為年輕人的希望慶賀。
“The Last,” Agust D (2016)
마지막，Agust D (2016)
Even to those familiar with BTS’s music, Suga’s solo mixtape came as a shock to the system. Stepping out of the group’s success, and perhaps the shadow of the group’s leader RM, Suga took on the new persona of Agust D to reveal his raw and honest self. “The Last” is the most impressive piece in this mixtape, as Suga fiercely describes the cynicism eating away at him but sublimates the negative emotion into pride over his achievements.
即使是熟悉防彈音樂的人，也一定會被 Suga 的個人 mixtap 嚇到。從團體的成功中跨出來，或許是被隊長 RM 的光芒所致，Suga 用 Agust D 這新人格來展現自己真實的一面。마지막 是整個 mixtape 中最讓人印象深刻的一首歌，Suga 用激烈的方式敘述憤世忌俗將他吞噬，但最後負面情緒昇華成自我成就的驕傲。
“Blood Sweat Tears,” Wings (2016)
피 땀 눈물，Wings (2016)
A piece that represents a turning point in BTS’s career, as the group began stepping away from hip-hop and moving toward being a pop group. Despite being influenced by dancehall, reggaeton, and moombahton, the number eschews the partylike atmosphere of its influences, electing instead for a baroque mysticism.
代表防彈職業生涯轉捩點的一首歌，他們從此開始離開嘻哈音樂轉變為流行樂團體。儘管受了舞場雷鬼、雷鬼凍和慢波特的影響，這首歌避開了這些音樂中的派對氣氛，反而呈現出巴洛克式的神祕主義。
“Lost,” Wings (2016)
Lost，Wings (2016)
The producers at BigHit prefer minimalist and elegant composition, and this number represents the greatest success of this approach. The melodic progression is smooth and logical, clearly displaying the variety of timbre and techniques in the group’s vocals.
BigHit 的製作人喜歡優雅簡約的編曲，這首歌便是這種編曲方式的成功代表作。旋律的僅展平順且合乎邏輯，清楚地展現了團內主唱的音色和歌唱技巧。
“Spring Day,” You Never Walk Alone (2017)
봄날，You Never Walk Alone (2017)
This song opened a new chapter in BTS’s aesthetics, substituting the group’s previous calling card in hip-hop with the romanticism in pop and rock. Each component of the song contains a clear melody, evoking overwhelming nostalgia and longing. Its music video hints at the Sewol ferry disaster in which nearly 300 high-school students perished, further adding a sense of tragedy and loss.
這首歌開啟了防彈美學新篇章，用流行樂和搖滾樂中的浪漫主義取代他們先前的標誌性嘻哈。這首歌的每個元素都包含了清楚的旋律，喚醒強烈的懷舊與渴望，音樂錄影帶也暗示了造成近三百名學生死亡的世越號悲劇，加強了悲劇和失去的感受。
“Intro: Serendipity,” Love Yourself: Her (2017)
Intro: Serendipity，Love Yourself 承 'Her' (2017)
Arguably the most sensitive and vulnerable intro in all of BTS’s discography, it sets the tone of lightness to an album that represents a strong contrast with the darkness in their previous work. Jimin’s vocals, which had reached maturation at this point, are silky and elegant.
可以說是防彈所有專輯中最敏感脆弱的 intro 曲，這首歌定調專輯的明亮感，與先前作品中的黑暗形成對比。Jimin 的聲音在此時已屆成熟，相當平滑優雅。
“Mic Drop,” Love Yourself: Her (2017)
Mic Drop，Love Yourself 承 ‘Her’ (2017)
Steering back from their detour as a pop group, BTS returned to their hip-hop origins in the latter half of Love Yourself: Her, starting with “Mic Drop.” The beat is distinctive, making every part of this song instantly recognizable. It became their most successful single in the U.S to date.
雖然演變成為流行樂團體，在 Love Yourself 承 ‘Her' 專輯後段，從 Mic Drop 開始，防彈重新回到他們原先的嘻哈形象。節奏非常獨特，讓這首歌從頭到尾都具有高度辨識度，是他們在美國截至目前為止最成功的單曲。
“Outro: Her,” Love Yourself: Her (2017)
Outro: Her，Love Yourself 承 ‘Her’ (2017)
This is the greatest demonstration of BTS’s deep knowledge of old-school hip-hop throughout their discography. The atmosphere is classic hip-hop throughout, with jazzy chords from the 1990s and rap verses reminiscent of Chuck D and Tupac.
這是防彈歷代專輯中最能展現他們對 old school 嘻哈具有高深知識的歌曲。歌曲氛圍是經典嘻哈，結合九零年代爵士和弦與饒舌，讓人想起 Chuck D 和 Tupac。
“P.O.P. (Piece of Peace) Pt. 1,” Hope World (2018)
P.O.P. (Piece of Peace) Pt. 1，Hope World (2018)
Hope World is perhaps the most surprising release in BTS’s discography, as it focuses on J-Hope, BTS’s main dancer whose musical talent was not deeply explored until this mixtape. “P.O.P.” is the most sophisticated track on the mixtape, delivering the message that behind his stage name Hope lies peace, or freedom from despair or anxiety. Even with its summery Latin vibe, the piece conveys a subtle sense of solitude, reflecting J-Hope’s contemplative side.
Hope World 大概是防彈發行過最令人驚喜的專輯，因為這是 J-Hope 的個人 mixtape，作為防彈的主要舞者，他的音樂才能並不是那麼為人所知，直到這張專輯的發行。P.O.P. 是這張 mixtape 中最精緻的曲目，傳達了他的藝名 Hope 背後，在絕望或焦慮中存在的平和或自由。即使歌曲中帶有拉丁風情，但還是傳達出了一種微妙的孤獨感，反映出 J-Hope 沉思的一面。
“Intro: Singularity,” Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
Intro: Singularity，Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ (2018)
Love Yourself: Tear is a heavy and complex affair, establishing BTS even more firmly as global superstars. The opening piece of the album sets the tone with a hypnotic R&B ballad. The vocals by V, whose low tone is a rarity among idol groups, contributes to the song’s dark and jazzy atmosphere.
Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ 是最沉重複雜的故事，將防彈塑造為不可撼動的世界巨星。專輯的開場曲設定了抒情催眠 R&B 的曲風，由 V 獨唱，他的聲音是偶像團體中少見低音聲線，對整首歌的黑暗爵士氛圍有極大貢獻。
“Fake Love,” Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
Fake Love，Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ (2018)
Undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in K-Pop in 2018, not only in terms of its chart placement (they made K-Pop history by climbing to №10 on the Billboard Hot 100) but also in terms of complexity of music and presentation of its message. “Fake Love” contains the central message of the Love Yourself series: that any love wherein one does not love oneself is not real. The music was carefully selected to amplify this message. The tension between electric guitar and a hip-hop beat creates a sense of dark resolve, unique among contemporary K-Pop and even among BTS’s other music.
這首歌無可置喙的是 2018 K-Pop 最高成就，不只在榜單的表現（他們成為 K-Pop 史上第一個進入告示牌 Hot 100 前十名的團體），也在音樂的複雜度以及訊息傳達上。Fake Love 包含了 Love Yourself 系列的核心訊息：任何不愛自己的人所具有的愛都不是真實的。精心地選擇了音樂來放大這個訊息，電子吉他與嘻哈節奏間的緊張感塑造出一種黑暗的決心，在現代 K-Pop 甚至防彈的其他音樂中都非常少見。
“134340,” Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
134340，Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ (2018)
BTS’s longtime producer Pdogg is unrivaled in the K-Pop-idol scene in his ability to fuse the old and new into the format of idol pop music. “134340” is a fine display of this talent in its peculiar arrangement involving acid jazz, a genre not commonly encountered in K-Pop. The contrast between RM’s intellectual rap and Suga’s cynical rap enhances the atmosphere.
防彈長期合作的製作人 Pdogg 在 K-Pop 偶像界無可匹敵，他融合新舊創造出出新型態偶像流行音樂的能力不容置疑。134340 是展現他才能的精緻作品，特別是歌曲中使用的酸爵士是在 K-Pop 中極少出現的。RM 的知識分子饒舌跟 Suga 玩世不恭的饒舌對比，更為歌曲增添趣味。
“Magic Shop,” Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
Magic Shop，Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ (2018)
This is arguably the greatest song on this album, as it sublimates the relationship between the artists and the fans to a new dimension. Warmth emanates from every part of the song, and especially from Suga’s rap part.
這無疑是專輯中最棒的一首歌，將藝人跟歌迷的關係昇華至另一個境界。歌曲中的每個部分都散發著溫暖，特別是 Suga 的饒舌部分。
“Outro: Tear,” Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
Outro: Tear，Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ (2018)
The finale of Love Yourself: Tear is one of BTS’s greatest hip-hop numbers. The grandiose intro is followed by a feast of luxurious rhyme and flow in which RM, Suga, and J-Hope take significant risks by straying far from their usual lanes.
Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ 專輯最後是防彈最棒的嘻哈歌曲，雄偉的開場接著奢華的韻味盛宴，然後轉入 RM、Suga、J-Hope 三人冒險做了偏離他們平常風格的嘗試。
“Euphoria,” Love Yourself: Answer (2018)
Euphoria，Love Yourself 結 ‘Answer’ (2018)
Opening the final album of the Love Yourself series, “Euphoria” harkens back to the beginning of the series, which was characterized by a sense of wonder. The guitar riffs in the beginning of the piece represent the beating heart of emotion, and each additional instrument elevates that emotion, finally leading to the cathartic synthesizer. Jungkook’s sensitive vocals put the finishing touch to complete the romantic narrative.
開啟 Love Yourself 系列結尾的，是由 Euphoria 帶我們回到系列的起點，也就是 Wonder，奇妙的感覺。開頭的吉他即興代表著心跳的情緒，每加上一種樂器就是再堆疊一種情感，最後帶到傾瀉的合成樂器。Jungkook 富有情感的聲音完整了整首歌的浪漫故事。
“Epiphany,” Love Yourself: Answer (2018)
Epiphany，Love Yourself 結 ‘Answer’ (2018)
This rock ballad may seem uncharacteristic of BTS, but it may be the keystone piece of Love Yourself: Answer in terms of the role it serves in the progression of music in the entire album. It is the ultimate display of emotion on the part of Jin, conveying the message about the reckoning at the end of despair.
這首搖滾抒情歌曲乍看之下不是防彈的風格，但這首歌在 Love Yourself 結 ‘Answer’ 整張專輯的音樂進展上可說是拱心石。Jin 的演唱展現了終極情感，傳達出絕望結束時的清醒。
“IDOL,” Love Yourself: Answer (2018)
IDOL，Love Yourself 結 ‘Answer’ (2018)
In many senses, this is a history-making piece. The song’s use of Korean traditional instruments and singing technique, as well as the traditional visuals in the music video, point to BTS’s roots. The participation of Nicki Minaj serves as a stamp of approval, leaving no doubt that BTS has arrived as the world’s greatest boy band.
從很多方面來看，這首歌都寫下了歷史。這首歌使用了韓國傳統樂器和演唱技巧，音樂錄影帶也用了傳統視覺呈現，指出了防彈的根源。Nicki Minaj 的參與如同蓋上了認證章，讓防彈的世界最大男團地位不容置疑。
“Forever Rain,” Mono. (2018)
Forever Rain，Mono. (2018)
This stands as one of the greatest pieces produced by RM throughout BTS’s discography, and it comes off his second solo mixtape. The notes extend into lethargy and listlessness, then the guitar riffs quickly change the pace. The lyrics explore the paradoxical meaning of solitude for an artist, which is not always an empty space but a trusty companion. The rain is a true friend because it enables one to face oneself. The trailing guitar sound makes the listener want the song to never end.
這是 RM 在防彈所有專輯裡所製作過最棒的歌曲之一，在他的第二個 Mixtape 中發行。音符延伸出嗜睡和無精打采，接著吉他即興又馬上改變了節奏。歌詞描繪了藝人所有的矛盾孤獨，不一定跟空無一人的空間有關，而是值得信任的陪伴。雨是可以信任的朋友，因為它讓人面對自己。結尾的吉他聲讓聽眾不禁希望這首歌永遠不要結束。
原文出處：
日期：2019 年 4月 9日
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