BTS are reflecting during the pandemic; both mentally and literally.
The band’s new album, BE, set to be released November 20, 2020 takes their trademark introspection to a new level. The album is stated to be “the most ‘BTS-esque’ music yet;” but what does that mean?¹ In a series of videos behind-the-scenes on the making of the album, the members of BTS have stated that the album will be about the reality of life at this moment, and they have taken part in the complete production of the album this time.
The focal idea for the album is to be brighter than their previous work, Map of the Soul: 7, while still being realistic about the the global pandemic everyone is facing.² While the situation is unique, this is in a similar vein to the Most Beautiful Moment In Life era in which they discussed growing up, losing the innocence of youth, and hardships through uplifting music. Taking this into consideration, the members are likely to express their points-of-view on the situation while being both empathetic and comforting.
While the themes of the album have been widely known, the sound of the album has been vaguely described in the official press release to be of a “richer musical spectrum.”¹ BTS have experimented with a variety of genres throughout their seven years, leaving one to wonder what could be next. Although, the release of three concept clips may provide a clue.
The Mirror version is reminiscent of the interlude from 2 COOL 4 SKOOL, with a fresh and jazzy twist. As each member appears, another instrument, and eventually audio, is layered to the instrumental.³ This, tied with the group photo featuring the members in a room full of instruments, suggests that a focus on instrumental experimentation does seem likely.⁴
In comparison, the Reflection version is an upbeat instrumental reminiscent of 90s hip hop with record scratches in a signature of BTS’ roots.⁵ Could these be clips from the b-sides? This is the likely case given the connecting clips that show BTS goofing around in front of a mirror and the reflection within the mirror.
Eagle-eyed fans will notice that the members walk in the clips in the same order as the letters to ARMY, also discussed in the behind-the-scenes video, that were posted prior. Their idea of a 2, 2, 3 member unit formation for this album matches the pairings of V/Jimin/RM, Jung Kook/Jin, and SUGA/j-hope in the letters.⁽¹⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾
The third and final concept clip, Room version, matches the group concept photo which leads one to believe the audio is a snippet of Life Goes On. The instrumental is an uplifting retro beat that would fit the concept of and also match the smash hit, Dynamite, which wraps the album.
Nine rooms are presented, two of the group matching the concept promotional photo and seven individual member rooms.⁹ Each member also described the process behind curating their room to reflect their personalities.¹⁰ It is clear that BTS have been working to present a level of vulnerability with fans as they tackle how their lives have been affected by the pandemic.
If their past introspection indicates anything, it’s that BTS are going to release their most personal album yet. What appears to be a preview of the chorus of Life Goes On appears on the cover for the album, “Life goes on/ Like an echo in the forest/ Like an arrow in the blue sky/ On my pillow, on my table/ Life goes on like this again.”¹⁰ This sentiment is a reflective take on the pandemic, that BTS are trying to get through this time just like everyone else.
Life does indeed go on, but millions of ARMY around the world will stop to listen and reflect when BE is released.
References
- Big Hit Entertainment. (2020, September 27). BTS “BE (Deluxe Edition)” Release Notice [Press release]. Retrieved from https://weverse.io/bts/notices/492
- BANGTANTV. (2020, May 11). 2004** BTS (+ENG) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7HPWv4apDA&list=WL&index=2&t=1s
- Big Hit Entertainment [@BigHitEnt]. (2020, October 31). #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_BE Concept Clip (Mirror ver.) [Tweet; video]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/BigHitEnt/status/1322553974231166983
- Big Hit Entertainment [@BigHitEnt]. (2020, October 19). #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_BE Concept Photo [Tweet; photo]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/BigHitEnt/status/1318205275690598402
- Big Hit Entertainment [@BigHitEnt]. (2020, October 31). #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_BE Concept Clip (Reflection ver.) [Tweet; video]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/BigHitEnt/status/1322553932414005248
- BTS Weverse. (2020, October 27).[ Dear. ARMY] Special Postcards from BTS (V/Jimin/RM) [Media]. Retrieved from https://weverse.io/bts/media/3912
- BTS Weverse. (2020, October 28).[ Dear. ARMY] Special Postcards from BTS (Jung Kook/Jin) [Media]. Retrieved from https://weverse.io/bts/media/3913
- BTS Weverse. (2020, October 29).[ Dear. ARMY] Special Postcards from BTS (SUGA/j-hope) [Media]. Retrieved from https://weverse.io/bts/media/3914
- Big Hit Entertainment [@BigHitEnt]. (2020, November 8). #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_BE Concept Clip (Room ver.) [Tweet; video]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/BigHitEnt/status/1325453030913830913
- Big Hit Entertainment. (2020). BE [Website]. Retrieved from https://ibighit.com/bts/kor/discography/detail/be.php
