Top 10 BTS Songs
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VOICE OVER: Adrian Sousa
WRITTEN BY: Owen Maxwell
Few bands have a discography as bulletproof as BTS. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 BTS Songs.
We're looking at the tracks that were strong enough to help BTS explode around the world, while proving they were more than just another K-pop band. We're basing our picks on a mix of catchy writing, group dynamics and the energy that's made the Bangtan Boys stand out over the years.
We're looking at the tracks that were strong enough to help BTS explode around the world, while proving they were more than just another K-pop band. We're basing our picks on a mix of catchy writing, group dynamics and the energy that's made the Bangtan Boys stand out over the years.
Few bands have a discography as bulletproof as BTS. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 BTS Songs. We're looking at the tracks that were strong enough to help BTS explode around the world, while proving they were more than just another K-pop band. We're basing our picks on a mix of catchy writing, group dynamics and the energy that's made the Bangtan Boys stand out over the years.
#10: "Butterfly" (2015) The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Part 2
Though BTS established themselves with a unique take on hip hop, 'Butterfly' showed that they could be extremely vulnerable. The dreamy guitars and synths echo the song's romantic themes without ever feeling too sappy. The lyrics talk about a girl so beautiful that the band worries she'll leave and fly away like a butterfly. Each member of BTS bring their own subtle style to the song, while changing the energy of the repeated verses. RM's dramatic verse even ties obscure Asian literature into their love song . As complex as it may seem, 'Butterfly' is consistently catchy thanks to their classic boy-band writing.
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#9: "MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)" (2017) Love Yourself: Her
While the original version of 'Mic Drop' was a fast and dirty hip hop gem , Steve Aoki gave it an aggressive update. Along with a heavier trap energy, each beat is more pronounced and every chorus comes in loud. Desiigner's intro verse is fiery and rhythmically unhinged, and his call-and-response with the production is creative. BTS even manage to discuss elitist discrimination, amongst all their swag-focused verses. The cultural crossover also helped BTS sail up multiple American charts. “MIC Drop” gives Western hip hop a unique twist while also offering BTS's fans something totally new from their heroes .
#8: "Boy In Luv" (2014) Skool Luv Affair
Jungkook pines desperately for a girl on 'Boy In Luv', while V quickly reveals the woman is playing games with his heart . RM also tackles how much a partner can change who you are, though Jungkook still reaches out to his parents for advice. Amidst all the group's stylistic rapping, J-Hope even manages to fit Hakuna Matata into a completely Korean verse. Though the lyrics start off unconfident, they develop a sense of self-worth later on. The contrast of distorted guitars next to the sweet lyrics stood out on BTS's 'Skool Luv Affair' album.
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#7: "Run" (2015) The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Part 2
Underneath all the party beats and bass of “Run,” the mix of Korean guitar sounds bring a distinct flavour to their dance pop. Despite this atmosphere, the song is an uplifting story about learning from your mistakes instead of hiding them. BTS's dark reflections on where they've gone wrong also lends an honesty to the lyrics that make it feel genuinely motivational. This tactic worked so well for “Run” that it was a commercial success in South Korea, while also winning several awards. V, Jungkook and Jin even bring some magical harmonies in the bridge to flesh out “Run” as a cross-genre powerhouse.
#6: "Dope" (2015) The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Part 1
With its saucy sax riff and weird drum sounds, 'Dope' marked a noticeable jump in sound for BTS. Though Suga's guttural yells feel appropriately dirty, J-Hope hits some of his grimiest vocals on this track. RM goes lightning fast on his verse, while the rest of BTS support him through catchy group shouts . The group dissects the struggles millennials face following their dreams, and all the suffering it takes to get there. 'Dope' also reflects BTS's career and all the naysayers they proved wrong. It's BTS's energy, and themes like rejecting rejection, however, that have us addicted to “Dope.”
#5: "Fire" (2016) The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever
As BTS introduced more modern pop tones into their music, 'Fire' found the group hitting their most electronic and house-influenced sounds to date. The song also features some of the band's loudest and most over-the-top choruses, with tons of distortion on their synth riffs. BTS also mix English and Korean lyrics on the song, while doing so with a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour. “Fire” even achieved a rare 'all-kill' achievement in South Korea, when it hit number one on every domestic chart. Along with a sublime percussion track, Suga's vocal breaks provide many memorable moments throughout the song.
#4: "I Need U" (2015) The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Part 1
Where many groups highlight the beauty of young love, BTS wanted to highlight its downsides instead. “I Need U” finds the singers so deep in love that their messy breakup is tearing them apart. BTS also poetically explain how obvious the ugly sides of life can be when everything else is perfect. The track is full of larger-than-life electronic production that mixes in a little dubstep at times. Between all of their growling lines, the group also hits some of their highest notes ever in the chorus. Whether it's the dark story or amazing delivery, “I Need You” is a BTS classic.
#3: "Spring Day" (2017) You Never Walk Alone
Despite their hip hop roots, The Bangtan Boys were most influenced by British rock on “Spring Day.” The guitar riffs and piano chords are a refreshing change of pace, and even hold up on their stripped-down rock remix. J-Hope also pushes himself on this track by singing without rapping, for the first time . The band compares time away from friends to the seasons, for an uplifting lesson on patience. Along with another 'all-kill' for the Bangtan Boys, “Spring Day” was so successful, it temporarily crashed South Korea's MelOn music site. BTS's musical switch paid off, with a hit we keep coming back to.
#2: "Save Me" (2016) The Most Beautiful Moment In Life: Young Forever
BTS sing about needing your lover to save you from yourself and to show you that we all need to grow as people. 'Save Me' also finds the Bangtan Boys' taking a much softer approach to their music, and singing smoothly over their soft production. Between choruses that blend their own style with those of artists such as Major Lazer and Cashmere Cat, BTS’s raps sound fresh over the cool electronic track. Many of the group’s members also offer interjections throughout the song to keep it lively. With so many memorable hooks, “Save Me” is a must-listen from BTS. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: "Don't Leave Me" (2018) Face Yourself "BTS Cypher Pt. 3: Killer" (2014) Dark & Wild "No More Dream" (2013) 2 Cool 4 Skool
#1: "Blood Sweat & Tears" (2016) Wings
With an unusual mix of tropical and Eastern pop, “Blood Sweat & Tears” is one of BTS's most complicated songs. Though the verses and chorus alternate between relaxed and upbeat energies, no two sections feel the same. The Bangtan Boys tie in English verses, while even stopping the song for some narration in the music video version . BTS sing about fighting against temptation, and the inner struggles that force people to grow emotionally. The writing was so infectious and layered that Billboard named it their 16th favourite boy-band song of all time. “Blood Sweat & Tears” is ambitious, and BTS at their most iconic.
