Album Review: BTS Channels The Delectable Brilliance Of K-Hip Hop & American R&B On ‘Dark & Wild’ [AUDIO]

Big Hit Entertainment has released “Dark & Wild,” the first full album for BTS (Bangtan Boys).

After having the opportunity to see BTS perform live at KCON 2014, I can safely state that the group is poised to become one of the most dominant K-Pop male groups.

Over the past year, BTS has developed into a group which not only combines the best aspects of artists like Big Bang, but have also incorporated the essence of Korean hip hop artists like Beenzino. The heart of the group is the sound that many of the competitors on “Show Me The Money 3” hope to obtain from their mentors.

“Dark & Wild” is an album which showcases the best aspects of Korean music while providing the opportunity to reach global audiences with a unique sound.

“Dark & Wild” opens with “Intro: What Am I To You?” which features the solid rhymes of Rap Monster. “Dark & Wild” is a concept album which encapsulates the ups and downs of relationships. On “Intro: What Am I To You?” Rap Monster approaches the vocal ferocity of Eminem, providing an excellent launch into the rest of the album.

“Danger” is the rock influenced lead track on “Dark & Wild.” The track includes electronic breaks, which adds to its unique sound. “Danger” is reflects a mid 80s American pop sound by including synthesizers and guitars to obtain a stimulating effect.

The fusion of rock and hip hop continues on “Hormone War.” “Hormone War” is an uptempo track which is more danceable than “Dark & Wild.”

On “Hip Hop Lover,” BTS return to the hard edged rap sound which combined with R&B vocals, distinguishes them from other idol groups. Rap Monster is generally showcased on the hardest rap tracks but “Hip Hop Lover” provides an opportunity to the vocals of the entire group to shine.

The members of BTS receive numerous credits on the album, with Rap Monster, Suga, and J-Hope listed on “Hip Hop Lover.” Fans who came to love BTS for their rap tracks will enjoy “Hip Hop Lover.”

“Let Me Know” was released prior to “Dark & Wild” and is an emotionally complex, soulful R&B track. The song is representative of a move by BTS towards more diverse musical styles.

BTS ventures into the territory of jazz with “Rain.” The track is breezy, with piano accompaniment. “Rain” bears similarities to “Let Me Know” in that both songs highlight the ability of BTS to transcend the petulant student image used to promote “Skool Luv Affair” to embrace a more mature sound.

“BTS Cypher Part 3: Killer” provides BTS with an opportunity to highlight the strengths of their rap flow. The track features Supreme Boi and one of the most hardcore rap songs to be included on an idol group album. This is the true strength of BTS when compared to their predecessors and contemporaries.

While Big Bang’s T.O.P may have one of the strongest flows in Korean pop, he cannot channel the same of vocal credibility that Rap Monster has been able to infuse into BTS. Rap Monster, Suga, and BTS are on par with artists like Dok2 and YDG on “BTS Cypher Part 3: Killer.” It would be interesting to see BTS perform this track with the contestants on “Show Me The Money 3.”

The inclusion of “Interlude: What Are You Doing?” on “Dark & Wild” is reminiscent of 90s R&B concept albums like Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation.” It is a whimsical addition to “Dark & Wild.”

“Can You Turn Off Your Phone” is a stand out track on the album, which combines the overall vocals of the group. When it comes to vocals, the singers in BTS are on par with groups like 2PM. This same vocal presentation is also present on “Blanket Kick.”

Besides the hip hop tracks, the strength of “Dark & Wild” lies in the R&B songs and “24/7=Heaven” is another prime example of a track which makes excellent usage of the strong points of BTS.

“Look Here” is a funky and bluesy throwback track that is infectious and fun to listen to. It is one of the best tracks on “Dark & Wild” for dancing, preferably while wearing an outfit that would fit in on “The Cosby Show.”

BTS delivers their signature style of high school student hip hop on “Second Grade.” With previous releases like “We are Bulletproof Part 2,” BTS began to hone this rare style of Korean pop meets gangster rap. The gunshot sounds help to place an edge to the song which transitions from whimsical to hard core rap.

“Outro: Does That Make Sense?” provides a sultry R&B conclusion to “Dark & Wild.”

The time spent on production and vocal development following “Skool Luv Affair” is reflected in every track on “Dark & Wild.”

It is interesting that BTS has been receiving comparisons to the recently debuted group Winner, when the group exhibits rapid growth since their debut in June 2013. The fact that BTS has only been a presence in K-Pop for a year is almost inconceivable, especially after one sees the group deliver a live performance.

Beyond Winner, BTS is developing into a formidable opponent for groups like B.A.P and EXO, while channeling some of the best aspects of some of the most revered male groups in K-Pop.


Listen to the new BTS album "Dark & Wild" HERE.

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Bangtan Boys
BTS
Big Hit Entertainment
Dark & Wild
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