#fafanalyses

[flakandforay]

LY 結: Answer Album Overview

this is the overview of the LY: Answer, the final album of the love yourself series. 

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box. i would only be talking about the tracks that are new considering it is a repackage album, but also be talking about the flow of the whole album. 

overall: this album in general has a lot of techno beats in it, technically, this album is meant to be more upbeat as now they have overcome all their problems. but what i love is how it tells a story on how despite everything that happened, you should love yourself. 

disc 1

euphoria: the intro of the ever first instalment of the love yourself series, starting off with wonder. ( LY 起 ) a song that definitely shows how much jungkook’s vocals shine so much. this, together with that techno game beat has opened my eyes to a whole new love for it. 

honestly, i feel as though with this song, you could feel as though everything is going so smoothly here, everything is perfect, just like how he would have envisioned it. this was the beginning - his euphoria. 

trivia 起 just dance: this is hoseok’s track that he produced and all i could say is that it could easily be blended in into his mixtape called Hope World that he recently released on 2 May 2018. 

trust me, just put this track right after Hope World, or after P.O.P. (pt.1), and the mixtape would still flow smoothly. a lot of upbeat synths - a signature of hoseok to be honest, it’s his style.  

this track talks about hoseok’s love for dance, but im pretty sure, i hear jimin at 2:40 doing some of the backup vocals here. 

notice that all the trivia tracks have the corresponding symbols of which instalment they are from. they are kind of the interlude tracks to the next instalment of the love yourself series - the track that transits to the next love yourself series., 

serendipity ( full length ): aside from the melodic track that we have heard before, this full version has an extra verse inside, sort of like an extended bridge/verse in which he breaks it down even more before he nicely ends it with a note. 

honestly, this sounds like a wonderful lullaby, with its mellow sound and soft instrumentals, say thank you park jimin. 

trivia 承 love: this is namjoon’s track that he produced and mainly talks about love - falling in love in general.

i love how despite the instrumentals are quite soft and mellow, his rapping here is more harsher so it provides quite a contrast to the whole track. 

also, namjoon tries to sing this time round as well at 2:27, though you could tell it is auto-tuned, 

im not sure if he has hoseok as his backing vocals or if its just namjoon doing the backing vocals because of the change in the vocal tone and colour. 

trivia 轉 seesaw: this is the track that yoongi produced and trust me, this has the same vibe as the track that he helped produced for Suran called Wine/If i get drunk today , this could be heard by the straight instrumentals that he used here, very mellow sounds, not much synths, but more towards guitar and little percussion in the beginning. 

also, by the time it hits the chorus, there is the underlying techno vibe of it. i love how yoongi makes an effort to sing in here, and i really love it so much, especially when he sang in the best of me, i would definitely look forward to yoongi singing more. 

overall, i love how each of the trivia tracks done by the rapline has them singing and rapping in them, it shows that they are exploring more and i love how it just fits all in all. a smooth transition. 

epiphany: of course, bighit would release the full version because we all knew that when they uploaded the comeback trailer, they teased us a bit of the track inside and focused more on the whole story telling of it. 

but moving on, i love how it showcased a lot of seokjin’s vocals here and it shows how much improvement he has made. thank you so much seokjin. 

idol: the title track that is very lit. tp be honest, i thought there wouldn't be a title track considering at first, bangtan won't be promoting but they are now!!!

but moving on, trust me when i say this is the type of music you would probably hear at the World Cup but i really love the fusion of the south african music together with the traditional korean music. 

in all honesty, i think the teaser that they show was far off considering it was just the bridge that they showed but the actual song was bass boosted. it had the feels of bang bang bang towards at the end and possibly bollywood too, but wow at the intensity of it. fire could be compared with it. 

i’m fine: so this is the track that is meant to parallel save me, based on the HYYH series, in which you reverse the words etc, you'll get each other. 

talk about bringing memories when you hear the starting of the song with ‘save me’. nice transition though but also, this song has the feels of ellie goulding’s burn by the chorus but they changed it at the second line etc. 

also, trust me, it sounds a bit of wake me up by avicii too, but wow at the amount of synths being used here. again, bringing the whole game music. 

answer: love myself: this song definitely healed me. if you just listen to it without even reading the lyrics, there is this sense of emotion of satisfaction that only bangtan could instil in you.

i love how there is a lot of harmonising in the chorus, it’s as if you are being reassured by them and when you look at the lyrics, this is the reason why you stan them, hands down. 

disc 2

dna ( pedal 2 LA mix ): i am guessing this is the mix that they used at the AMAs, when bangtan was asked to perform there and everyone had a fun time. 

fake love ( rocking vibe mix ): this remix that bighit decides to just drop out of nowhere this year, like thanks.

but this would be the more alternative rock track with the change in the instrumentals and introduction of the guitar, more intensity than the original track that felt a bit like BST. 

mic drop ( steve aoki ) ( full remix ): the mic drop remix track that bangtan has used at 2017 MAMAs and actually sent many of the fans to their graves because of how lit their stage was together with those dance breaks. 

say thank you bighit. 

last thoughts: overall the album has a lot of synths this time round, sounding more techno than before but i love how they still managed to bring across the emotions and messages that they want to bring across, especially the final track: answer: love myself. 

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

Fake Love Analysis

this is the analysis for bangtan’s 3rd full album: Love Yourself 轉: Tear’s title track: fake love. 

i will be analysing several components - music, lyrics, aesthetics and choreography

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box

overall: it is the start of a new era with bangtan!!!! who the hell isnt happy??? and let’s talk about quality voices and quality aesthetics, im sCREAMING!!!!!!!!!

teaser 1: this literally gave us hints to how the story is supposedly going to flow etc ( read my fake love teaser 1 theory here and fake love theory here )

teaser 2: honestly that teaser showed us the bridge yet again just like how they did for BST, spring day etc and going on with these motifs, thank you for blessing my ears and showing a glimpse of jungkook’s abs

music: anyway, diving right into the music !!!!!!!!!!

so the song starts off with Taehyung yet again, just like DNA, kudos to how there are more songs with Taehyung starting off!!! ( honestly going to wait for Seokjin yo start off more songs as well ). one could hear the electric guitar chords and this synthesized flute that being played possibly with the keyboard as well. it has this distinct synth as well that could be heard. it sounds really creepy actually if you hear the synth by itself, much like an empty in an eerie room, the whole impending ominous angst.

there was this brief pause at 0:12, before jungkook comes in to continue the opening verse. the same eerie synth underlying his vocals. this is where jungkook gets his ‘solo’ dance with these lines. i love how the way he sings here, he punctuates each word as if a sword is stabbing him each time he knows it’s fake love. then at 0:23, there are some murmurings of some lyrics, specifically ‘im so sick of’ ; most likely done by namjoon that becomes a lead in to the actual chorus led by jimin at 0:25.

interesting, jimin starts one count before a new bar starts as he dives into the chorus and sings with utmost desperation; as if he is crying out. i love how all the angst is on beat together with the percussion; it’s amazing. and then it allows the ringing of the beat to harmonize with the ‘love’ sang by jimin and seokjin. before seokjin takes over from jimin at 0:31, there is this brief pause of the vocals with the underlying beat still pushing through. yet somehow throughout the chorus, one could hear how there is this sort of ‘barking noise’ out of anger, definitely not snarling or growling though.

then at 0:39, namjoon’s verse comes in, but at the same time, it is together with jungkook as though jungkook is replying to him; much like they are having a conversation. i love how the beat simmers down to provide more emphasis onto namjoon’s verse and this style of rapping. one could hear the subtle synths and percussion throughout this exchange. then at 0:46, interestingly, there’s a slight change in synths that echo out. then there is that rumbling synth that signals the next part of the song which is hoseok’s verse.

hoseok being hoseok has to have an adlib before starting off his verse. hoseok has adapted a more distinct style of rapping - in a way by punctuating each and every word to make it sound like a staccato and not to mention, having the end syllables double by namjoon is what makes me love his part all the more !!!! then at 0:57, hoseok makes it a point to switch up his flow by rapping more words in his last few lines !!! this leads us to the iconic mirror move !!!!!!!!!!!! i love the desperation he evokes when he semi-shouts ‘누구니’. it becomes a huge contrast to the pulp coming prechorus at 1:03. yet between both namjoon and hoseok’s verses, there are these ‘tremolo’ synths that last about one count each underlying in both verses - a nice added touch.

so the prechorus starts with jimin yet again and one could hear the prominent electric guitar chords mhm, what a blessing to my ears. i love how there is a slight short contrast with hoseok’s verse but it doesn’t actually drop in volume but insteads build a steady crescendo to the chorus. even when seokjin takes over at 1:16, the same volume is there but builds up slowly and one would realize that the percussion is only introduced at seokjin’s part though one could be confused as to why there is sort form of percussion during jin in’s part is due to the bass notes of the chords.

i love when seokjin takes over because his voice has this additional layer of desperation that makes the song sound even more vulnerable and befitting for the theme they were going for. then at 1:26, we have that same murmuring of namjoon before the chorus comes in at 1:27 with jungkook.

now at the chorus, the volume is at full force. one could hear that there are several layers of synths that could be heard. then at 1:33, taehyung takes over momentarily. but when jungkook takes over again, like as though it’s a conversation, jungkook’s lines are actually doubled by someone else. moving on, as taehyung completes the chorus, that distinct synth underlies the whole chorus again and at the same time, once taehyung’s part ends, it becomes a lead in to the extended chorus with jimin and seokjin - not much has changed.

then the song moves on to namjoon’s verse at 2:05 and it opens with that same tremolo synth that is descending. interesting that namjoon’s verse is also in a way conversation style and that the ‘replies’ to his lines are also doubled most likely by jungkook. namjoon even managed to squeeze in an adlib of ‘oh no’ before he wraps it up.

then at 2:18, that same tremolo synth is being used as a lead-in to yoongi’s verse as he starts his rap.  yoongi knows exactly where to emphasize and namjoon helps to add extra emphasis by doubling on those parts. he even managed to squeeze in an adlib of ‘ooh’ with his vocal tone being much lower than his rapping one. love how he ended his verse as though he was just stating facts - a clear nonchalance if you will.

then the prechorus comes in again with jimin at 2:31, but there’s a slight difference in a way that there’s an additional layer of synth to distinguish it from the previous prechorus. also that the percussion is removed from jimin’s part and that there’s a clear keyboard synth being used. only when seokjin takes over did the percussion is reintroduced at 2:44.

then the chorus comes back in with jungkook at 2:54. however the difference here is that underlying jungkook’s part is jimin’s vocals. and instead of taehyung doing the next part, it’s jimin instead and one could hear the clear harmonization as well of the higher vocals. then at 3:10, one could hear jungkook harmonizing with his part as well with the word ‘bad’.

in the end, the extended chorus comes back around with jimin and seokjin. but then it ends with jimin singing the prechorus with taehyung doubling it to get a more fuller and contrasting sound at 3:37. the guitar being very prominent here as well. then the song ends with seokjin singing and jungkook harmonizing and doubling as well. it’s as if they repeated the introduction and it’s amazingly done well.

lyrics: i love these lyrics so much???? there’s so many innuendos here, and one could feel their emotions inside

널 위해서라면 난 슬퍼도 기쁜 척 할 수가 있었어 널 위해서라면 난 아파도 강한 척 할 수가 있었어

=

If it’s for you I can act like I’m happy even when I’m sad If it’s for you I can act strong even when it hurts

honestly, i really think that these lyrics already show how much one was willing to give himself up/scarific himself for his loved one, he hides it all, putting up a mask; much like singularity; a facade, another persona possibly.

사랑이 사랑만으로 완벽하길 내 모든 약점들은 다 숨겨지길 이뤄지지 않는 꿈속에서 피울 수 없는 꽃을 키웠어

=

Hoping love will be perfected with only love Hoping that all my weaknesses will be hidden In this dream that won’t ever come true I grew a flower that couldn’t be blossomed

to think that these lyrics came out right at the beginning; already linking us to smeraldo; based on the smeraldo blog posts before, the smeraldo flower was a flower that was based off a myth; it didn't actually exist but because the greater loved someone so much, he made this flower - the same flower that is being referenced here. 

i love how they constantly link the lyrics back to how they are having some sort of facade; a mask on their real face to cover everything else. 

I wanna be a good man Just for you 세상을 줬네 Just for you 전부 바꿨어 Just for you Now I dunno me Who are you?

=

I wanna be a good man just for you I gave you the world, just for you I changed everything just for you Now I dunno me Who are you?

here comes the verse of Namjoon, and honestly this is great. i love how he shos how much he sacrificed himself to the point he doesn't recognise himself anymore. yet, this idea is brought over to hoseok’s part. 

우리만의 숲 너는 없었어 내가 왔던 Route 잊어버렸어 나도 내가 누구였는지도 잘 모르게 됐어 거울에다 지껄여봐 너는 대체 누구니

=

In our forest, you weren’t there I forgot the route that I came on Now I don’t even know who I used to be So I ask the mirror, who are you?

again, the idea of losing oneself for another; much like the lyrics in Taehyung’s intro: singularity, right here. 

but the fact that the lyrics of using the ‘mirror’ adds another layer of nuances inside; saying that one wouldn't recognise their own reflection either. 

그 호수에 내가 날 버렸잖아 내 목소릴 널 위해 묻었잖아

=

I left myself behind on that lake My voice was buried for you

나는 날 잃은 걸까 아니 널 얻은 걸까

=

Did I lose myself? Or did I gain you?

Reference: Colour Coded ©

the idea of losing oneself is brought over from Singularity to Fake love. 

Love you so bad, love you so bad 널 위해 예쁜 거짓을 빚어내 Love it’s so mad, love it’s so mad 날 지워 너의 인형이 되려 해

=

Love you so bad, love you so bad For you, I’m enacting a pretty lie Love it’s so mad, love it’s so mad I’m erasing myself to become your doll

this chorus is amazing, the lyrics are really on another level. for one’s satisfaction, lies are being said and done, and sacrificing oneself to be the puppet to show that they truly love their partners. 

I’m so sick of this Fake love, fake love, fake love I’m so sorry but it’s Fake love, fake love, fake love

what gets to me is the extended chorus, that shows how far this kind of toxic relationship has gone and that it needs to end. 

the fact that the same lines are repeated twice show the added emphasis on this idea. 

Why you sad? I don’t know 난 몰라 웃어봐 사랑해 말해봐 나를 봐 나조차도 버린 나 너조차 이해할 수 없는 나

=

Why you sad? I don’t know, I don’t know Smile, tell me you love me Look at me, I threw myself away Not even you can understand me

i love namjoon’s lyrics so much??? it shows how much he kinda become delusional for this toxic love etc. 

낯설다 하네 니가 좋아하던 나로 변한 내가 아니라 하네 예전에 니가 잘 알고 있던 내가 아니긴 뭐가 아냐 난 눈 멀었어 사랑은 뭐가 사랑 It’s all fake love

=

You say I’m strange when I changed into the person you liked You say I’m not the person you used to know What do you mean? No, I’ve grown blind What do you mean this is love, it’s all fake love

moving onto to yoongi’s lyrics, this shows how much he changed to someone else; one that he thought his partner would like. this fake love is becoming more and more chaotic. 

Woo, I dunno, I dunno, I dunno why Woo 나도 날 나도 날 모르겠어 Woo, I just know, I just know, I just know why ’cause it’s all fake love, fake love, fake love

=

Woo, I dunno, I dunno, I dunno why Woo, I don’t even know myself Woo, I just know, I just know, I just know why ’cause it’s all fake love, fake love, fake love

see, the lyrics of the bridge summarises back this whole fake love concept, not even knowing themselves anymore. 

but what i love is how bangtan ends the whole song with that same lyrics that they started it off with, it felt like they gave closure to the whole song. 

Reference: Colour Coded ©

aesthetics: this video is so full of aesthetics, i am so satisfied. 

like i mentioned before, there are some resemblances to BST, both the korean and japanese version. 

but asides from that, theres very few palette colours they are going for; little monochrome, blue to green, bright pink and most importantly, that one specific place where everything filmed there is saturated. 

several places being filmed, especially given how each member is focused individually in a room and only together when they are doing the choreography. 

also, great lighting, because wow 

also, the fact, no CG, so we have these great scenes 

truly, another aesthetic video. 

choreography: okay, so i must say that this choreography wasnt as fast-paced as i would have expected it to be much like DNA or Dope, but it definitely had some more contemporary elements in terms of their formation though very subtle; more popping as seen through the choruses as well.

one could also say that this choreography also has some semblance with BST, in terms of their intro choreography and their setting.

but moving on, love the use of the shadows right here, it’s so satisfying to watch, much like to say that within a person, there’s so many personas, all trying to come out etc; but regardless it’s only one person. 

then, jungkook comes along to get his solo dance, and that whole taekook pairing yet again. interesting to see taehyung the one to support jungkook here just like how taehyung supported hoseok in i need u. 

then the extended chorus comes in, and as hoseok mentioned before in their comeback show on vapp, they incorporated the moves based on the ‘see no evil, hear no evil, do no evil’ kind of mantra with the 3 monkeys etc. and also, that whole popping thing that they did, hell yeah. 

and the way they transitioned it to seokjin’s part is so smooth.

moving on, i must say i love how they just kinda focused on namjoon and jungkook for their parts; having another unit this time round; an unconventional one too i must say. 

and then when they moved on to hoseok’s part, the key point is the mirror dance, this was truly the highlight. ( and there seems to be no gif i could find for this help )

this part of the choreography to show that they are like dolls, it’s so befitting with the lyrics, and it’s such a quick transition, i love them. 

also, the whole part where the rapline does their parts, mainly namjoon in his 2nd verse and then yoongi, in which they use it to kinda make a chill choreography since more emphasis is placed on their raps. 

but of course, we have the iconic part of where jungkook show this abs and everyone combusts into flames. it’s part of the dance but damn.

but regardless, the moves are amazing, even more so towards the 2nd chorus. 

it’s so fluid, it’s great. 

but of course, the ending is the best. the formation, to actually just leave a hand out, kinda reminds me of a flower blooming, could it be emeralds - the flower that cant be blossomed? 

last thoughts: i really love this title track of theirs, i feel as though it really shines the most in this album and really went for the message that they want to bring across which is fake love. 

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

Airplane Analysis

this is the analysis for Hoseok’s mixtape’s 6th track: airplane

i will be analysing several components - music, lyrics and aesthetics 

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box

overall: this is the 2nd and last mv of hoseok’s mix tape. and based on the daydream mv, it was most likely that airplane would be the one with an mv. a laid-back song honestly but it definitely had the hint of hoseok inside.

music: so the song starts off with some synths, a little taste of what the song would sound like. honestly, this is one of the songs that had an intro that actually leads on to the song itself unlike the other tracks that had unrelated introductions. interesting way to be honest. an interesting choice of synths and then at 0:07, there is this sound that sounds like a bird’s cry. ( don’t get me wrong, but it sounds like possibly a synthesized eagle/hawk ).

but anyway, moving on, there is this twinkling that comes in right before hoseok starts off at 0:16 and here, there is no percussion but just a melody of synths.

his vocal tone here is really interesting because he tries to enunciate each word well. only at 0:26, another layer of synth is being introduced to complement the main beat. then at 0:31, did hoseok did some adlibs as a lead-in before the chorus comes in at full force with the introduction of some different synths that become the percussion.

the chorus has a lot of adlibs in between as a form of doubling and to also fill in the spaces in between.

at the same time, there is the introduction of a keyboard being played, but a rather simple melody. only at 0:45, did the chorus end and the whole beat simmers down to one where hoseok continues his verse.

hoseok raps really calmly here with some doubling here and only did the beat change at 1:04 in which he speeds up his rapping and then one could hear that hoseok is full out doubling. then at 1:14, hoseok managed to include the sound of a camera going off to complement his lyrics. then he quickly wraps up his verse with ‘god bless’ before he moves on to the chorus at 1:20.

see, at this chorus, there isn’t much difference except for the fact that this chorus has an extended part even including a ‘hey yeah’ at 1:43 before hoseok wraps up his part. hoseok even includes the doubling here as well with ‘smile smile smile’.

only at 1:52 was there a change when the song went to the bridge. the same underlying beat to be like the intro. only at 2:08 did the percussion come in. not to mention the sound effect at 2:17 as well, like wind just blew. then at 2:20, he increases the pace of his rap.

then at 2:24, the chorus comes in again but the difference is with the underlying beat of the song, it’s rather empty here. only at 2:40 did the chorus come at fill force with the extended version of it.

only at 2:57 did the song come to and end to sound like the beginning of the song but inclusive of the sound of the airplane flying over and ending with the twinkling sound.

lyrics: this song talk about how Hoseok feels as though he achieved his dream when he flies in an airplane, especially considering that he has never flown in one before. 

아직도 난 안 믿겨 광주 토박이의 비행 삼매경 높고 높았던 꿈의 자리에서 아름다운 세상 위를 날고 있어 늘 탈 때 첫 일본 행 때의 느낀 설렘 아직도 생각해 그게 내 꿈을 띄웠기에 지금을 만들었기에 Everywhere 이젠 issue man 플래시 터질 때 안전한 도착에 축복을 담을게 God bless

=

I still can’t believe it A native of Gwangju’s admiration for flight In my dream’s place that was up high, high I’m flying above the beautiful world Always, when I’m onboard I still think about The excitement I felt flying towards Japan for the first time Because that launched my dream Because it made the present now Everywhere Right now, I’m an issue man, when the flash goes off I will place blessings for a safe arrival God bless

here, Hoseok talks about his story about how he didn't really think that he would actually board a plane until bangtan flew to Japan for the first time for their activities and promotions. 

he also talks about that now wherever bangtan goes, there’s a lot of news reporters and hence the flashes go off and bangtan makes the headlines - hence an issue man.

and he would conclude a safe arrival etc.

그때 나를 다시 기억해 메마른 땅이 날 불태울 때 저 푸른 하늘 보며 뛰었네 이젠 원 없이 날아 airplane 에서

누군가는 나를 개 욕해 그 누군가들 질투도 외롭게 해 신경 안 써 그저 웃게 돼 Drink champagne in my airplane

=

I remember me from that time When the parched grounds set me on fire I ran looking at the blue sky Now I fly to my heart’s content in the airplane

Someone curses the heck of me Those people’s jealousy make them lonely I don’t care, it just makes me laugh Drink champagne in my airplane

at first, i couldnt understand the lyrics of Hoseok’s chorus, but i guess it meant as though now he has an escape if he is in the airplane unlike when he is on ground and reality sinks in ( maybe i dont know ) 

but the next verse and he is blunt about saying that haters are just lonely people and he’ll enjoy his time in the airplane sipping on his champagne 

구름 위를 매일 구름 위를 매일 구름 위에 내 feel 구름 위에 check it 구름과의 케미 구름과 하루 종일 구름 타는 재미, 구름 보며 fade in 너흰 몰라 maybe 몇 년 동안의 비행 탓에 마일리지만 몇 십만 때 못 이룬 너희들을 위로해줄 때야 그 비행 포인트로 선물 할게 Love 에어플레인 모드 신경은 다 off, 그 누구든지 뭐라 하든 그저 계속 퍼스트를 지키며 밤 하늘을 볼게 지금 내 자리에 맞춰

=

Above the clouds everyday Above the clouds everyday My Feel above the clouds Check it above the clouds Chemistry with the clouds All day long with the clouds The fun of riding the clouds, looking at the clouds fade in You guys won’t know maybe Because of the few years of flying When my mileage is at few hundred thousands Is when I comfort you guys who weren’t able to achieve it I will give you a present with those flight points Love airplane mode All care is off, regardless of whatever someone is doing I’ll just keep to first (class) And look at the night sky To match with my current place

this bridge and extended verse, Hoseok shows his versatility in his rapping.

but looking at the lyrics, i guess one would be able to relate to him especially if you keep on flying, the excitement of being in a plane fades off eventually. 

his subtle diss about giving the mileage points as a gift to his haters who aren't able to fly as much ( basically implying that they didnt make it big )

but those last few lines, Hoseok says he’ll keep to first class to match his current place ( aka bangtan made it big and achieved so much etc ) 

really, well-written lyrics that come from experience 

Reference: Colour Coded ©

aesthetics: i feel as though the aesthetics here are very interesting, showing Hoseok in a lot of barren places such as empty carparks both inside and outside etc, lots of scenes focus on Hoseok 

also, not to mention the fixed symbol of the airplane throughout the mv

also, that beginning scenes of the city view that one could probably see in an airplane taking off or landing

moving on, there are several scenes of Hoseok in a room with the background changing. 

also, those few close-up scenes of Hoseok in which the colour schemes change, heck yes

such a chill video aesthetics overall with little fixed colour palettes

last thoughts: truly an interesting song that showcases hoseok’s feelings towards riding an airplane etc.

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

Love Yourself 轉 Tear Analysis

this is the overview of bangtan’s 3rd full album: LY 轉 Tear.

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box

overall: this album has been anticipated by many especially since it was meant to be a continuation of the Love Yourself series that bangtan has been promoting in late 2017!

Though bighit has actually released the Love Yourself Wonder: Euphoria film that they had mentioned in several news articles, they released the next instalment of the Love Yourself series with Love Yourself: Tear. Not to mention how Namjoon literally took part in the producing of all the tracks with Yoongi and Hoseok taking part in 8 of them and our Golden Maknae with one song!!!!

One would know this based on the hints of their 2017 year-end shows. And so, here it is.

intro: singularity: okay, so I actually already gussed that this intro would be done by Taehyung based on their DNA positions towards the end of the brdige ( in this theory ). Since Jimin was revealed followed by Jungkook, next would be Taehyung and the next one would be Seokjin.

This intro is definitely me favourite one out of all the intros so far. I really liked the overall vibe of the song. The soft, slow burn jazz is what I live for. Based on my Singularity analysis, I already mentioned how this song is something that I would prolly listen in some café, sipping some coffee and snapping my fingers as some form of poetry is being recited. ( call me cliché, but I believe this song just encompas this whole vibe )

I really believed Taehyung outdid himself with this intro, although it is slightly longer than the previous intros of bangtab, one must consider that this intro is actually much more slower than the rest in terms of the beats per minute and how there is a lot of space in between.

Truly a song that showcases Taehyung’s vocals, skills and even his dancing skills as seen in the MV ( also, aesthetics anyone?????? ) I am so proud of Taehyung right here.

fake love: To be honest, I must say that this title of the song already gives off a real miserable vibe about it. The title of it wasn’t actually released until it was stated in an article prior to the comeback.

The boys have mentioned to us before how excited and believe that this title track would hit it off and in fact it did!! It actually earned 35 PAK ( Perfect All Kill  ) before they even step foot in Korea since their comeback dropped.

I really love how the vibe of it is just oozing with BST; the whole sensual and intimate side of it coupled with the sadness of the HYYH series. Truly remarkable. A must-listen song.

It definitely showcased more of Seokjin’s underrated vocals together with the new styles of raps that the boys have been trying out especially Hoseok. Particularly, I enjoyed his rap the most. The choreography here is another plus point that has my eyes being so satisfied at the visuals and everything???

Bangtan, has truly outdid themselves this time round with this title track.

전하지 못한 진심 (Feat Steve Aoki):  another wonderful surprise by bangtan by gifting us with another vocal line song!! ( honestly, we are so spoiled because aside from the cyphers, bangtan still delivers vocal line songs!! )

so, while listening throughout the song, I have a feeling Steve Aoki prollu produced thi whole song or co-produced but im not too sure. Honestly, I loved the underlying beat of this whole song, one could consider it similar to a ballad especially from the intro itself with the piano and the soulful voice of Taehyung.

But one could also listen to this as a type of slow burn song as well especially with the lyrics ‘ but I still want you’. With the title itself being translated to ‘The sincerity that I couldn’t show before’; kinda reminded me of the Smeraldo flower which also means ‘The truth that couldn’t be told’.

I love how throughout this song, though there is a nice steady increase in the beats and percussion, it is still a rather slow burn, never actually exceeding the ‘peak’.

134340: im pretty sure this song is much like modern jazz, yet the synths kinda remind me a bit of 이사. But this could easily be altered to Michael Buble if you know what I mean.

Even tha rap done by the rapline especially Namjoon is more towards the laidback one. Also, I really love how there is the use of flutes rifght here which becomes the underlying beat. I loved how there is the use of a female voice that gives the conversation kind of feel in the song.

Also, the way that Seokjin does the bridge sounds a bit like the 80s kind of singing. Truly, it is much like a throwback but in a modern way?

낙원: the title of the song translates to ‘Paradise’. But moving on, I am still learning to grasp onto this song but maybe over some time, it might grow on me.

The synths here are pretty modern actually but the transition from Yoongi to Hoseok is truly one of the key features in this song and the doubling done by the vocal line that gives a much more fuller sound.

love maze: the instrumentals here sounds very traditional until the synths and percussions come in, giving it the modern spin off to something possibly like R&B.

magic shop: out of this whole album, this is one of my fav songs in the entire album actually. To think that Jungkook took part in the prioducing of this song and how that this is their 2ndfan song after 둘!셋! during the Wings era says something!!!

I really love at how calm this song is. The synths are the driving force of this whole song but im so thankful that it doesn’t override the voals of the group especially in the prechorus and chorus as this is where the highlight lies, within the lyrics of it.

Im surprised that the drop of the chorus isn’t so hard but yet it is deemed appropriate and the phrase ‘So show me” “I show you’ just striked a chord within me. I can just imagine the armys just singing along to bangtan truly.

airplane pt.2: honestly, just listening to the intro itself gives me the feel of some Carribean ballroom dancing song specifically th Cha Cha, that’s just how it is. One could easily tell how big the influence of South American music is inside here as well. I mean, you could literally dance to the Cha Cha with this song???

I was actually wondering how is this Airplane pt.2 until I heard Hoseok’s verse. I love how they kinda made a part 2 of Hoseok’s song Airplane and continued from Hoseok’s lyrics to say that now the boys are travelling around the world.

anpanman: this is the kind of song that has the same kind of vibe such as 21stCentury Girls, 고민보다고(GoGo). So, one could easily call this a trilogy to be hoenst. The same fun vibe mixed with a lot of aegyo and audience participation in a way that the dance would most likely involve making some signs or actions towards the audience and capture their hearts etc ( then again, when does bangtan never capture the hearts of their audience?? )

I was actually skeptical to how this is, especially with the title since some speculated that it could possibly be the Jaoanese cartoon superhero but it could also be the name of an asteroid considering the relations with 134340.

so what: this is a song that could be under the same category as Wings: Interlude and the full version of the Wings song, something similar to the kind of 80s disco feel.

outro: tear: let me start off by saying at how pumped I was to actually hear the melodic instrumentals from the 3rdHighlight Reel, specifically (Tear). it is the instrumentals that would increase in terms of volume, speed and percussion that gives off an ominous feeling; and based off the 3rdHighlight Reel, this is where, everything starts to collapse. ( on a side note, I really loved all of the instrumentals from the highlight reel ( I actually enjoyed it by themselves, it’s one whole story itself and it is great )

But I love the twist in which, instead of some kind of slow burn rap down by the rap line, this outro could be considered to be one of the hard songs despite the instrumentals at the beginning. This could easily be one of the songs from Dark and Wild and I wouldn’t even tell the difference except that maybe the rapping styles of the Yoongi and Hoseok have changed slightly. This is especially with Yoongi’s more melodic lines but the breakdown of the underlying beats is easily one of the cypher ones.

The rapline has done it again.

last thoughts: although this album was meant to have more darker themes, I actually expected something like dark and wild in which almost 60% of the songs were just heavily influenced by the heavy angst and rebellious teens so this time round, I was expecting some heavy angst from a recent heartbroken person. Also, they mentioned how this was meant to have some semblamce of rock but only the music structure is of rock but the song itself doesn’t sound like rock.

But regardless, another quality album of bangtan especially with how they mixed their various styles from their earlier albums. One could tell how much they have grown with this album and I could never feel as proud.

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

뱁새 Silver Spoon Analysis

this is the analysis for 뱁새 - the 6th track of bangtan’s 4th mini album, 화양연화 pt. 2

i will be analysing several components - music, lyrics and choreography. 

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box

overall: talk about a really hyped song that could easily be on par or even overtake dope. the heavy bass and lit song is what we all need once in a while to let loose.

music: the song already starts off with some heavy bass and synths that are so intense - one could already sense that this song is going to be hardcore without any lyrics yet; it’s just how it is. for some reason, the synths kinda sound really creepy and this underlying muffled bass complements the whole beat. not to mention this creepy keyboard melody that just seals the deal. it’s a full 10 seconds worth of soaking in the beat and ive never felt so hyped for it. then at 0:10, here comes the impending crescendo percussion that would lead to the chorus.

the chorus drops already with namjoon and one could hear how there is doubling already to enhance the sound of the song especially songs like this where people could easily sing along to etc. not to mention how namjoon’s style of doing this chorus with his volume of the voice only complements the song even more. not to mention that short adlib of ‘whoo’ at 0:19 and that part before yoongi continues at 0:22-0:23 to hype up the chorus even more ( who knew one could hype the chorus even more than it should !!!! ) also i love how the impending percussion comes around to signal the end of the chorus as well.

then hoseok starts off with his rap at 0:35 with a more relaxed tone to complement the beat that is less intense now. yet even at hoseok’s rap, there’s a lot of adlibs as well inside such as at 0:42 and 0:46. then it transitions quickly to namjoon taking over at 0:47, but the way he raps here is more enunciated to go with the beat now and interestingly namjoon’s part can be seen as a link between the rap and the prechorus especially since it’ll be repeated later on. then this quick synth comes in at 0:57 to signal taehyung’s part for the prechorus.

interestingly this prechorus is not driven so much by the percussion but rather driven by the brasses and synth that gives it a unique sound together with how taehyung does his part slightly differently as well. then there’s this percussion rhythm at 1:03 that becomes quite important as signal markers throughout the song. there’s this quick line at 1:12 before taehyung continues his prechorus again but with a voice slightly lighter; yet it still sounds full because of jungkook doubling for him.

the song then quickly transitions to 1:21 with the vocal line but more on jimin and taehyung as their voices stand out more here. oh, and that riff at 1:30 by jungkook and jimin that leads into the chorus by hoseok this time round- yet keeping the same intensity as the first chorus as though it hadn’t even changed. unexpectedly, there is no synth or percussion that builds in the intensity unlike other songs where one could easily predict the drop but for this case, it seemed as though one would already know when the drop would happen honestly- really interesting if you asked me. namjoon then come back to take over the second part of the chorus and one could hear the more prominent creepy synths being used.

then it moves on to yoongi’s part at 1:55 with namjoon doing a bit of doubling as well. but here the beat is less intense again, pushing the emphasis this time round to the lyrics of yoongi much like hoseok earlier on. then at 2:05, there is that quick hype before it moves on to namjoon again being the link of the rap verses to the prechorus. interesting how namjoon has no actual rap verses here but rather does the links between the verses and the prechorus.

taehyung then comes in swiftly at 2:18 and talk about the use of brasses right here and it suits taehyung’s timbre of voice as well. not to mention the percussion inside is great as well and then short line at 2:29 before taehyung resumes again together with the creepy synth back again.

then there is this nice switch in which the bridge comes around with jungkook singing it at 2:42 and there’s his slight breakdown as well in the beat without the synth but more on percussion. then namjoon comes in at 2:48 with ‘you must be kidding me’ before taehyung comes in again at 2.51. interestingly at 3:06, one could hear jungkook singing this time round and taehyung doing the doubling for this one. then at 3:17 with jimin and seokjin wrapping it up with that nice riff at 3:27 before the last chorus comes in at 3:28.

the last chorus starts off with yoongi as he goes with the beat that is heavily driven on the percussion before at 3:38, the beat slightly changes as hoseok does this part with the beat being more focused on his voice rather than the beat. then the song ends with this synth from 3:49-3:51.

lyrics: okay so honestly i am in love with the lyrics because theres so many underlying nuances inside; it’s like a subtle diss. 

but anyway, for some general information, 뱁새 = crow-tit is a type of bird that is found in Korea, it’s a really cute bird with long legs

but it also has another meaning which is ‘try-hard’; the meaning that bangtan is using for this song. 

There's a phrase in Korean "뱁새가 황새 걸음을 걸으면 가랑이가 찢어진다", which means "if a crow-tit walks like a stork, it will break its legs." The meaning is that you’ll ruin yourself if you try to imitate someone better than you. ( Reference ) 

so this is the meaning that bangtan brought across, sort of dissing the older generation etc since many looked down on the current generation - the millennials 

They call me 뱁새 욕봤지 이 세대

=

They call me a try-hard. Our generation has had it hard.

here namjoon already talks about how the current generation is already under pressure from the older generation by being different etc especially now with the different way of thinking and a lot of technology being infused in the current generation. 

알바 가면 열정페이 학교 가면 선생님 상사들은 행패 언론에선 맨날 몇 포 세대

=

At my part time job, it’s “all for experience”.* At school, there’s the teachers. My superiors use violence. In the media they go on about “the generation that’s given up.”

i really love hoseok’s verse because it’s something that many of us can relate to. in korea, it is commonly known that this current generation are ones who give up too easily, similar to the strawberry generation where we are so called ‘easily-bruised’. really love how hoseok literally brought the fact that last time teachers used violence as punishment etc, last time the popular, hitting the hand with the ruler etc, but of course, now it’s different. love how he made comparisons that feels really nostalgic to me. 

룰 바꿔 change change 황새들은 원해 원해 maintain 그렇게는 안 되지 BANG BANG 이건 정상이 아냐

=

Change the rules, change change. The ones who came before us want to, want to maintain. But we can’t do that, bang bang. This ain’t normal.

this verse by namjoon that could somehow be considered as a pre chorus or possibly a hook ( now that i think about it, the structure of this song is a bit different and is more repetitive ) 

namjoon brings up how we change the rules yet those in the older generations wants to keep them, clear polar opposites. he even talks about how the current generation cant do what we want and it’s abnormal. 

아 노력노력 타령 좀 그만둬 아 오그라들어 내 두 손발도 아 노력 노력 아 노력 노력 아 노랗구나 싹수가 역시 황새!

=

Ah, stop going on about ‘effort’ and more ‘effort’. Ah it makes my hands and feet cringe. Ah, try harder, ah, try harder. Ah, you really don’t have a chance. As expected of the ones before us!

okay this pre chorus lyrics are amazing because look at this diss!!! literally bangtan talks about how the older generations mostly talk about putting in effort so much that the younger generations just gets annoyed, hence the ‘cringe’ line. yet the younger generations already know that they dont have a chance to stand out, hence the older generations could easily talk about effort.

(역시 황새야) 실망 안 시켜 (역시 황새야) 이름 값 하네 (역시 황새야) 다 해먹어라 (역시 황새야) 황새야

=

(As expected of them*), they meet your expectations. (As expected of them), they’ve earned their name. (As expected of them), they can just take it all. (As expected of them), those that came before us.

the ‘them’ here refers to the older generations, saying how being the older generations, they could say all this but they should have known that generations change.

난 뱁새다리 넌 황새다리 걔넨 말하지 ‘내 다린 백만 불짜리’ 내 게 짧은데 어찌 같은 종목 하니? They say ‘똑같은 초원이면 괜찮잖니!’ Never Never Never

=

I’ve got a crow-tit’s legs, and you have a stork’s legs. They all say their legs are worth a million bucks. My legs are shorter, so how do you expect me to keep up? They say it shouldn’t matter since we’re coming from the same place. Never, never, never.

in yoongi’s lyrics, he already makes the stark comparison in terms of their legs and already saying how the current generation is already at a disadvantage, though people say it shouldnt matter, but of course in reality, it does matter, some just have it better than others when they were born. 

hence this line in the chorus, 금수저로 태어난 내 선생님 = My teachers were born with it all.

내 탓이라니 너 농담이지 공평하다니 oh are you crazy 이게 정의라니 you mu be kiddin’ me! You mu be kiddin’ me you you mu be kiddin’ me!

=

It’s my fault? You’re joking, right? This is fair? Oh, are you crazy? This is right? You must be kiddin’ me! You must be kiddin’ me, you you must be kiddin’ me!

then this bridge is the final mockery that bangtan has for them, more like subtle mockery because it is known that the older generation literally blames the younger generation for everything and making comparisons that aren't even having the same base to be compared. hence in reality, it is not fair to the younger generation.

but this line as well in the chorus, 황새 덕에 내 가랑인 탱탱 = thanks to those that came before us I’m spread too thin - in which they talk about how before the younger generation does anything, they are already pressured by the older generation etc. 

i really love the witty lyrics that bangtan delivers here, truly remarkable, especially when seen in context as bangtan talks about the current problems of the youths. 

Reference: Colour Coded ©

choreography: so the choreography was actually released on their 3rd muster 22920, in early Jan where the world of hip thrusts was introduced and we are all deceased ( let’s be real ), no one saw it coming, no one could even prepare themselves emotionally and mentally, let alone spiritually. 

but anyway, i really like how this choreography is just really intense to go with the beat of the song and using hip thrusts to actually relay this out. 

like these hip thrusts are even amplified in hoseok’s rap apart from the chorus ( why more?? ) 

but i love how this dance already starts off, talk about some big movements and when they all do it together, it is more pleasing to look at 

love how bangtan does this move too in which they gather together in sync, for some reason it looks as though they are going to gang up on you with all these powerful moves, coupled with their facial expressions; talk about an impact to the audience

also, one could see that throughout this choreography, they found some spaces in between the song to actually just groove to the song without having to actually have full dance steps every step of the way ( for eg. in dope )

such as here

but what’s interesting is also the pre chorus where namjoon is getting it and showing his great leg proportions with everyone behind him, especially when he does this move when he raps a more elongated part ( if you know what i mean )

also, this iconic dance move that hoseok created ( the horse dance in 2014 during their promotions for war of hormone ) and to think they incorporated it in this dance in Jan 2016 !!! ( a legend !! ) a nostalgic dance move!!! somehow i guess hoseok was inspired by the iconic nae nae. 

i really like how they included something to goof around ( a true trait of bangtan ) by even having them kinda hi-five their hands before they do the move, clearly seen by the maknae line

last thoughts: really love this hyped song because it never gets old despite it possibly being on repeat.

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

Converse High Analysis

this is the analysis for their 3rd mini album, 화양연화 pt. 1, 7th track - Converse High

i will be analysing several components - music, lyrics and choreography

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box

overall: this fun youthful track is produced by namjoon in which he wanted to put in his mixtape initially but instead decided to put inside this album instead to become a group song. not to mention, he even purposely named it ‘converse high’ in which he mentioned in an interview before that his ideal girl in 2015 was one who owned a pair of red high tops converse sneakers which led to the name of the song. 

music: it starts off straight away with the use of cymbals inside, specifically the hi-hats and the use of electrical guitar chords that sound more reggae and hippie in the beginning. namjoon also comes in with an adlib of ‘yeah’ as if to feel the groove of the song and to set the mood. actually throughout the first few seconds of the song, namjoon is using it to his advantage to ride the groove etc and only till 0:10 does he begin the song, but he starts it off softly so as to prepare for the impending drop. not to mention that one could hear jungkook doubling inside towards the end of namjoon’s lyrics and that the beat now includes claps inside in time with the hi-hats. then namjoon wraps up the intro with ‘converse high’, intentionally slowing down so that the drop would have more impact as listeners would listen out to it more.

so jungkook comes in at 0:19 with that sweet voice of his to which at the beginning one could hear this ‘shimmering synth’ as now the percussion and guitar chords are dimmed down to amplify jungkook’s vocals. the key part of this song is ‘woah woah woah’ at 0:28 in which it is constantly repeated throughout this song, giving it its own groove.

jimin then comes in at 0:29 at the second part of the chorus and again at 0:37 with the ‘woah woah woah’. one could notice that the chorus is actually more choppy - in a way, several breaths are being taken to sing the chorus as they time their singing with the beat and also to sustain the ‘woah woah woah’. to be honest, almost all of the vocal line members’ make it obvious that they are taking breaths especially seokjin however jungkook is the one that makes it less obvious that he does so.

and the after this chorus, there is this short piece of drum melody that signals the start of the verses - actually namjoon’s rap and he’s taking it more chill together with the claps of the beat ( the hi-hats and guitar chords are already dimmed down in this verse ). what’s interesting is that at 0:49 with his lyrics ‘f u’, it adds on to his style of rapping here, clearly showing he could manipulate the beat of the song. yet, he repeats the ‘f u’ several times as he makes a statement.

and then at 0:59, namjoon’s part abruptly ends but is quickly overcome with hoseok’s part as he takes the next verse, as the beat accelerates and picks up speed. the claps actually occur every crotchet and it appears to have ‘speed up’ the song because of it occurring every beat but again, i feel that this is just an ‘audio illusion’, the speed didn’t change, it just sounds faster because of how many more beats there are in a bar. hoseok, too, also knows how to play along, easily integrating his laughter at 1:16 as part of the song.

then at 1:18 with that shimmering synth, taehyung takes over the prechorus and instead of claps, what one could hear are the snaps, the snapping of the fingers to be precise but of course synthesized to make it sound more electronic. in this prechorus, one could hear the adlibs of jungkook and jimin inside as they make up for the loss of percussion inside and guitar chords. and at 1:25, that nice vocal riff by jimin and possibly jungkook as it moves on to the second part of the prechorus which is done by jimin at 1:28. then there is that one synth that signals jimin’s entrance. only during this part did the hi-hats actually come back to play together with that descending synth. again there are some adlibs being done here but subtly done as it is only the middle of the song and not towards the end.

and one could hear yoongi’s ‘ack’ at 1:38 before it makes way for the chorus to start at 1:39 with jungkook and to be honest, there is the percussion that’s in time with the words that adds on to the ‘choppy’ feeling that one could hear. seokjin takes over at the chorus at 1:48 to wrap it up with the drum melody at 1:57 to signal the repeated part of the chorus which actually has a lot of jungkook’s adlibs inside, though very subtle, sounding more like riffs. 

at 2:07 it’s yoongi’s part coming through and for some reason, the song sounds as if it picked up speed again because the claps are back again but in quarters, constantly keeping yoongi’s rap in check. not to mention the use of hi-hats are back in again. yoongi’s small adlib of ‘ah yeah’ at 2:14 as well just to fill in the small gap in between. i like how his voice kinda got dragged down at 2:18 as he said ‘numbers’, something called like text painting where his voice goes down in time with the beat also going down - descending for that matter. but that brief pause ends when he comes back in full speed at 2:19 but he seems to be squeezing more words in a bar in this second part of his rap. and he even dragged his last word to tie in to the prechorus at 2:27 with jungkook.

again, nothing much has changed in the prechorus except that jungkook and seokjin are the ones singing this time round. one could hear yoongi’s adlib again at 2:47 before the beat drops for the final time.

one could tell that this is the last chorus with the number of adlibs being done in this chorus specifically by jungkook such as in 2:49 and then at 2:58 where taehyung takes over, one could hear jungkook harmonizing with him. jungkook’s adlibs could be heard again at 2:59 and at 3:01.

that short drum melody is used again as the go for the coda at 3:05 and jungkook’s adlibs again at 3:08, 3:13 and even hoseok contributing by saying ‘ah yeah’ at 3:17 and that nice melodic riff by jungkook at 3:21 and then at 3:23, hoseok’s giggle that just added more to the youth theme. and then one could hear that drum rhythm at 3:25 before namjoon ends off with ‘converse high’

lyrics: the lyrics here are more laid-back, maybe because the song is called ‘Converse High’ and are singing some praises about the brand ( but then again, who doesn't own a pair

also namjoon did mention before in 2015 in an interview that his ideal girl would actually wear a pair of red high tops converse shoes and is seen here in the lyrics in his rap 

흰 티에 청 반바지 빨간 컨버스하이 that’s it

=

White t-shirt, jeans and red Converse Highs, that’s it

note: it is not common for people in Korea to actually say the brand or name of a product hence which is why when bangtan performed this song on Mnet Countdown, they changed it to ‘Lover’s High’ to be in check with the broadcasting rules 

저 하늘 별보단 오늘은 니 신발의 별을 볼래 하하 다 남준이 몰래

=

Rather than the stars in the sky, I wanna see the stars on your shoes Haha, without Namjoon knowing

now in hoseok’s rap, we see the mention of the brand, converse again, even adding his own humour in his rap lyrics by including namjoon inside 

니가 좋아 그래도 컨버스로우는 신지 마

=

I like you but still don’t wear Converse Lows

this part of the pre chorus got me dying, the clear preference for high tops instead of the low cut converse shoes lmao

너의 컨버스하이에 꽂혔나 봐 별 수 없나 봐 나는 wo 너의 컨버스하이에 꽂혔나 봐 너무 좋아 다 자꾸 wo

너의 컨버스하이 I really really want yo 컨버스하이 I really really like yo 컨버스하이 I really really need yo 컨버스하이 컨버스하이

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I’m so into your Converse Highs I can’t help it I’m so into your Converse Highs I like it so much

Your Converse Highs I really really want yo Converse High I really really like yo Converse High I really really need yo Converse High Converse High

so this chorus and sort of coda talks about how one loves the shoes on that special someone, im here thinking do they dig the person or dig the pair of shoes or the special person they dig wearing those converse shoes being a bonus? 

컨버스 컨버스 i really hate a 컨버스 화려한 니 겉모습에는 말야 검정스타킹에 아찔한 하이힐 그래 그것은 사기야 근데 더 어울리는 것은 조던 numbers Ha 모르겠니 컨버스는 니 매력을 죽이는 옥의 티 아무튼 날 만날 때는 컨버스를 신지마 무엇보다 벗기가 무척이나 힘들잖아

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Converse Converse, I really hate a Converse When you look all flashy with your black stockings and your high heels That’s just a lie But you look better with Jordan numbers Ha don’t you know? Converses kill your charm Anyway, when you meet me, don’t wear Converses It’s too hard to take them off of you

so yoongi’s rap lyrics are actually funny to me, because he is going against the general idea of a girl wearing converse shoes being attractive, here he states, he rather have them wear jordan sneakers instead of those converse shoes and that they are even harder to take off ( is this suggestive hmmMM ) especially since converse shoes are laced up unlike high heels which could easily slip off

i feel that this song, for some reason, is very appropriate, maybe because of the fact that most youth, whether they own a pair of converse shoes, are very familiar with this brand, especially in Korea. i feel that the moment you own a pair of shoes with laces, you have reached that period of youth - which technically overreaches this whole concept of their album - youth. 

Reference: Colour Coded ©

choreography: the choreography for this one is laid-back, possibly the same level as Boyz with Fun choreography  ( which you could see here )

that cute footwork in the beginning, of course. for some reason they all look like boys who see their crush ( or maybe thats what they were going for ) 

and when the chorus hits, here they are dragging their feet, honestly i think the main point of this whole dance is to literally exaggerate their footwork, possibly because the song title is Converse High. 

i dont know, i just really thought that this whole dance was cute?? 

this part when hoseok comes in, well let’s all admire the formation, all i can just say that this whole dance focuses more on their footwork, highlighting those parts which then become the main point of the dance etc 

a cute dance to be honest 

last thoughts: regardless, i think this is still a fun song, not a hype for sure, but one that could still lift the mood

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

Intro: Never Mind Analysis

this is the analysis for bangtan’s 4th mini album’s intro: never mind. 

i will be analysing several components - music, lyrics and aesthetics. 

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. do let me know your thoughts in my ask box

overall: really love how this intro turned out to be, if ever, this song became more angst than usual lmao. maybe it’s the beat of the song or the tone of yoongi’s rap, but definitely this intro is more ‘heavy’ than usual. really love how this gives way to the concept that bangtan intends to bring out in this album which is the more daring and adventurous side of youth - the side in which youth would pick themselves up again etc. and so with this intro, yoongi says ‘never mind’.

music: so this intro actually starts off really interestingly with the cheers and support of fans for a few seconds in which by 0:05, the fans starts to cheer ‘encore’ - something that all artists/idol groups wish to hear as it shows how much love and support they are receiving from fans and that they’ve made it. then by 0:16, one could hear yoongi tapping the microphone so as to check whether it’s working and then by 0:18, the microphone screeches to which at 0:21, yoongi coughs into the microphone. ( i find it interesting that he coughs into the microphone since usually people go ‘1,2, test’ to the microphone but i guess since he wants it to be more subtle and coughs instead ).

then at 0:22, the sound of the piano can be heard as the intro finally starts with yoongi rapping - just in time with the crowd cheering that yoongi is starting his rap. really love the piano melodies that could be heard in here especially at 0:27-0:28. yoongi even made it a point to let out a chuckle at 0:33 with the piano being the background music. also, at this juncture, the percussion is being introduced as a constant beat with the light tapping of the hi-hat and that the cheers of the crowd returns as an underlying beat. ( seriously, how is yoongi using all these casual sounds as the underlying beat ??? just like the intro of 화양연화 pt.1 with the dribbling of the basketball ).

the next part of the song at 0:44 can be detected with the beat of the bass drum - in time for yoongi to take a deep breath and continue his rap and the bass drum could be heard again at 0:49 as yoongi continues the next part of his verse. his style of rapping here is close to spitting words but not exactly it.

then at 0:55, with the beat of the bass drum again, the percussion starts to accelerate as this moves on to the prechorus before the chorus actually drops later on. also, the use of the electric guitar could now be heard as the sound becomes more fuller as well. yoongi’s rap starts to pick up pace as well or seemingly as such as he fits in more words into his bars.

then at 1:08, the iconic chuckle of yoongi as an adlib in this song yet again. then the chorus finally drops at 1:16 after yoongi raps with more intensity. but as the chorus drops, one could say that yoongi is placing more emphasis in the chorus etc.

the chorus in which the electro guitar and percussion can be heard promptly with yoongi’s harsh rapping. but from 1:28 onwards, one could hear yoongi picking up his speed of rapping, managing his breaths really well.

then at 1:39, the intro moves on to the extended chorus to which both namjoon and hoseok join in. to which when hoseok raps, the electric guitar is very prominent then at 1:45, namjoon is the one doing the parts and yoongi returns at 1:51. one could hear the use of strings as well in this intro.

by 2:02, the intro dies down, leaving the synths and mostly the piano left to be heard with yoongi’s slow rapping.  then yoongi ends with ‘never mind’ along with the dying synths.

lyrics: so this intro talks more about youths to not give up generally and not to mind other people - to focus more on themselves

그 때 부터 신경 안썼지 누가 뭐라던지 그저 내 꼴리는대로 내 소신대로 살아갔고

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From that point onwards, I didn’t care No matter what anyone said I only lived how I wanted, guided by only my beliefs

내가 망하길 기도했던 몇몇 놈에게 물을게 집안 거덜낸 것 같냐 새끼야 I DON’T GIVE A SHIT I DON’T GIVE A FUCK

=

I want to ask the several people who prayed for me to screw up Does it seem like my home is going broke, you bastards I DON’T GIVE A SHIT I DON’T GIVE A FUCK

부딪힐 것 같으면 더 세게 밟아 인마 Come on NEVER MIND NEVER MIND 그 어떤 가시밭길이라도 뛰어가 NEVER MIND NEVER MIND 세상엔 네가 어쩔 수 없는 일도 많아 You better NEVER MIND NEVER MIND 부딪힐 것 같으면 더 세게 밟아 인마 NEVER MIND NEVER MIND 포기하기엔 우린 젊고 어려 인마 NEVER MIND 부딪힐 것 같으면 더 세게 밟아 인마 부딪힐 것 같으면 더 세게 밟아 인마 NEVER MIND

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If you feel like you’re going to crash then accelerate more, you idiot Come on NEVER MIND NEVER MIND No matter how thorny the road is, run NEVER MIND NEVER MIND There are lots of things in the world that you can’t help You better NEVER MIND NEVER MIND If you feel like you’re going to crash then accelerate more, you idiot NEVER MIND NEVER MIND We’re too young and immature to give up, you idiot NEVER MIND If you feel like you’re going to crash then accelerate more, you idiot If you feel like you’re going to crash then accelerate more, you idiot NEVER MIND

here, it seems as though Yoongi is telling others to work even harder no matter what, it’s a message he wants to bring across to everyone which is why some idols even mentioned that this song speaks to them

( especially since being a trainee is a lot of work )

but i like how Yoongi ensures that he incorporates the theme of youth inside 

어느새 나는 가족의 자랑이 됐고 어느정도 성공을 했어 사춘기라고 말하는 그 쯤 생각이 나네 문득 그 당시 나는 어렸고 무서울게 없었지

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Without me noticing I have become the pride of my family And I have succeeded to some extent The time we call puberty I think of it suddenly At that time I was young And had nothing to fear

달라진 거라곤 그때에 비해 조금 커진 키와 또 나이대에 비해 조금 성숙해진 시야

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If there’s anything that’s different it’s my height And also being a bit more mature for my age

청춘의 출처 주윈 모두 말했지 오버하지마

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The origin of youth Everyone said it, don’t go overboard

우리는 아직 젊고 어려 걱정 붙들어매

=

We are still young and immature, don’t even worry about it

overall, i really like his lyrics inside especially the iconic moss one ‘구르지 않는 돌에는 필시끼기 마련이거든 이끼 = Moss surely grows on a stone that doesn’t roll’

Reference: BTS Trans ©

aesthetics: i really like how this time round, the intro has a darker colour palette as compared to the first intro that was more into the yellow and orange colours - basically the sunrise/sunset colours and now having the black and blue colour palette

to some extent, this video could be seen as a lyric video towards the middle and the aesthetic shots are definitely not to be missed

also, i like how this seems to be a continuation from the previous intro - by having the same teenage boy again, sort of showing a story line

not to mention, the sudden splash of colour in contrast to the monochrome scenes that they had that introduced several symbols including the butterfly

last thoughts: overall, again, a great intro to this whole theme of youth as bangtan shows a different side of youth with this album 

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©

[flakandforay]

Crystal Snow Analysis

this is the analysis for bngtan’s 8th japanese single, Crystal Snow as part of their MIC Drop/DNA/Crystal Snow release.

i will be analysing 2 components - music and lyrics. 

disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, feel free to disagree. i would love to hear your opinions in my ask box. 

overall: can i just say how beautiful this song is? honestly, listening to it, it just reminded me of spring day so much, that kind of vibe and atmosphere that i get from it. and the fact that namjoon has contributed to producing this track which again reminded me of spring day and even young forever, the rawness inside. 

i read a tweet that said that crystal snow didnt take spring day’s crown but rather both spring day and crystal snow are queen of spring and winter, and honestly, i could never have agreed so much. 

its so calming and the lyrics, oh the lyrics. it makes me feel at peace, so thank you bangtan for this song that puts me at ease during december. 

music: tbh, i wasn't really sure what to expect of this, normally because i dont really listen to bangtan’s japanese albums but this song however, oh my. the moment i listened to it, it felt like spring day all over again. and the amount of lines that seokjin has this time round, i am so happy, he shone so much in this song.

okay so starting off the song is basically a short music interlude of a piano being played of about 16 seconds with a little bit of synths being used but at the 7th second, another sound was used, but its the one thats building up and kinda dissipates afterwards, so im thinking it might be the cymbals being used, hitting on it then letting it ring etc. yet only at the 9th second did the percussion is finally introduced. i dont know about you, but the percussion sounds a bit like train tracks for some reason - like those sounds you hear when trains are on the tracks kind of thing, but it gives this really calming vibe if you know what i mean. 

and then just nice at the 0:16, with the hit of the cymbals, that one clash to signal the entrance of jungkook mhmm, he starts off with line and a short repetition of the last few words at 0:22 and then continuing with another line but dragging the note for about 1-2 seconds until hoseok comes in at 0:32 with his intro of ‘eh’ and the sound of a clap to signal his rap that will start soon. here hoseok raps pretty slow this time round, i mean then again, theres no need to e spitting words especially with the beat that is given, its slow and its too early for him to be spitting words etc. moreover, i like how he takes his time to do his rap etc to me it sounds really peaceful with the piano and the light percussion and then taehyung comes in at 0:42, the beat hasn't changed yet, but at 0L47, you could hear how there is doubling being used, most likely jungkook and taehyung to sing the line but they're singing it a bit faster, which gives a nice contrast to taehyung’s precious line. 

but at 0:50, the percussion was removed and a new piano rhythm is being used with the ad-lib ‘yeah’ and jimin comes in!!! notice how everything kinda calmed down now, to complement jimin’s sweet vocals, giving time before taehyung continues with ‘slowly’ yet having some time for jimin to squeeze in an ad-lib ‘oh yeah’ at 1:01. this is a nice contrast to the verses and the chorus that is about to drop at 1:05!!

i like how before the beat actually drops, jimin already starts singing his line, so its like a rest on the 1st count before the beat comes in! but even when the bet came in, its not so forceful, more on percussions and if I'm not wrong, I'm hearing some violins being used in the chorus!! but seokjin’s vocals are finally here at 1:15. i must say, i really like how seokjin kinda bends the note he is singing, particularly, ‘crystal’ yet he is sort of using a bit of falsetto here to get the higher pitch sound and jungkook comes in at 1:21, but notice how a slightly different beat is used, its the same rhythm but less percussion and more on those strings being used until the end of the chorus at 1:41. yet interestingly, after the chorus, a short interlude of the intro is being used before the 3rd verse starts, specifically where the piano sounds can be heard and the synth that is being in volume is being used with the cymbals used at 1:49 to signal the next section of the song with taehyung.

and at taehyung’s part now, the percussion is back in full swing, giving the beat the much needed bass, yet jungkook comes in as well with ‘how can i be closer’ with an ad-lib of ‘ooh’ at 1:54, a nice way to distinguish their timbres of voices and it seems as if jungkook is responding to taehyung in this case. and this kind of effect is repeated again when taehyung takes over and jungkook answers again for the 2nd time till 2:05 and then at 2:06 onwards, its young’s rap!!

okay, interesting is that yoongi’s rap starts straight away, theres no intro, no pause, no ad-lib, but yoongi kinda dives in with his rap with a short drum beat to signal his rap. but yoongi’s rap is a nice contrast to hoseok’s one, because it seems as if he picked up the pace of his rap, fitting more words within the beat ( actually to be honest, i wasn't so sure if this was yoongi rapping because at first listen, it sounded a bit like hoseok, maybe because it was in japanese but until i heard the whole rap, i was like, ah, this is yoongi, from the timbre of his voice in the later part of his rap and the style of the rap ). again, yoongi has a thing for putting a small ad-lib of ‘eh in between his rap, but i like how he ended his rap by dragging the last word of his rap, to kinda pass it on to seokjin in this case at 2:15 which again has a short ‘eh’ before seokjin officially comes in for a brief pre chorus before the chorus drops again at 2:21 with jimin! i like how they made this prechorus shorter than the 1st time round, so it gives the song a bit of variation to be honest. 

and again the chorus at 2:24 with jimin to seokjin to jungkook at 2:37. but whats interesting is that when jimin started off, there was no beat at all until maybe 1-2 seconds later with the return of the percussion and strings but at 2:37, specifically at jungkook’s part, the volume of the strings became more louder, the more dominant sound in this case and the percussion taking a backseat. and then taehyung comes in at 2:47 with the same beat as jungkook aka the strings are dominant. but what i like is how taehyung’s last few words, ‘someday’, he drags it longer till 2:56 for namjoon to come in.

but when namjoon comes in, it sort of is the bridge or 4th verse i guess in this case, makes me remember about Butterfly ( HYYH pt. 1 full version when namjoon took the bridge with his rap ). but during his part, the piano is the one that is more dominant, with some synths being used in between to indicate the pauses or breaks in between his lines of rap, sort of like signal markers. namjoon’s rap is pretty laid-back from when he started but he only changed his style of rapping at 3:13 with ‘oh crystal snow, crystal snow’, ensuring he is enunciating his words more ( but do note that before this, he actually had an ad-lib of ‘oh yeah’ before starting this second part of his rap ). the second part of his rap, the piano takes a backseat and the synths become more dominant this time round. then at 3:21, you can hear jungkook for a short while before namjoon comes in again, but this time, his rap is more faster now, and with more adlibs of ‘yeah’ - a really nice contrast between his rap before which was more slow and laid-back. 

then it moves on to taehyung at 3:30 straight away with the beat being unchanged, till seokjin comes in at 3:38. but the more important part is that 3:43 till the chorus drops again at 3:48, the synths stopped, and the piano is being played till 3:45 and then it goes silent as this is where seokjin does that high note for some time, the silence being used to emphasise his vocal tone which is a good thing as now seokjin is shining in his vocals more!! then jin comes in again at 3:49 with the strings and that short drum rhythm again. 

seokjin comes in again at 4:00 with the beat being unchanged, bending his note so effortlessly, i really love it ( its at 4:02 ) before jungkook comes in at 4:08 to cover the chorus, but before he comes in, there was a short ad-lib of if I'm not wrong, it sounds a bit like jungkook doing some riffs. 

but when jungkook comes in at 4:08, it is in sync with the percussion and with seokjin doing those 3 heavenly high notes ( reason being its him is because of the vocal tone, and is definitely not by jimin, kinda reminds me of seokjin more especially if you watched the Wings Tour Korea Edition DVD specifically during the band practice and it was during the free time that seokjin was fooling around and yelling/singing ( Here ) this definitely showed seokjin’s true potential as a vocalist, that he too can do these high notes, hence now bangtan can actually utilise seokjin too, instead of relying on jimin on those high note adlibs especially. so let us all appreciate these 3 high notes that are done so well for seokjin who didn't know much about singing when he entered bighit. 

then taehyung comes in at 4:15 to kinda complete the chorus and then the coda starts at 4:25 with jungkook ‘it’s always your, it’s always you’ but what’s nice is that they actually dragged taehyung’s last note of ‘someday’ to harmonise with the beginning of the coda sung by jungkook. personally, i really love this coda, because theres so many opportunities to do adlibs so it is crucial to not overdo them. 

taehyung being the first to do an ad-lib at 4:28 and then at 4:35, its jimin’s turn doing an adlib and then at 4:40, jimin took over to sing a line, not the coda though, but he made use of his line to actually even riff off it at a higher pitch, a nice contrast to taehyung’s ad-lib beforehand. and then at 4:44, its jungkook’s famous adlib of ‘ooh’ ( for some reason, i just know its him, this is a common ad-lib for jungkook to do even at concerts especially during the fan song, 둘!셋! towards the end ) and it kinda breaks into a falsetto and then seokjin comes in at 4:49 with his own version of an ad-lib, not so much of riffing this time round. throughout this, the beat remains constant and the same line ‘it’s always you’ is being repeated. then jungkook ends it at 4:56 with the percussion dying down, and its more of chords of a guitar being sounded ( most likely an electric guitar but muffled ) yet jungkook finds an opportunity to still squeeze in an ad-lib at this time to not make the song sound empty towards the end, even at 5:11 and ending it nicely with ‘crystal snow’ at 5:15 with the guitar sound echoing till the song finally ends at 5:17.

lyrics: oh my, looking at the translated lyrics, wow. this song talks about unrequited love. the distant looks, the walls built around one and the one who attempts to tear down those walls. 

apparently, according to Billboard , crystal snow is what bangtan compares to love - a beautiful, temporal romance that they hope to hold once more before it disappears ( somehow reminds me of their outro: her, how is there possible to love without any pretence etc, I'm not too sure why )

yet love that was once there, is now fading.

君を抱き締めたい 消えてしまう前に もう一度 Ah どこまでも 舞い上がる crystal ねぇ何もいらないから もう少しだけ 感じてたい Can I touch your heart? 触れたくても すり抜けていく someday, someday

=

I want to hold you one more time before you disappear Ah, crystal flies high wherever it goes Hey, there’s nothing else I want, I just want to feel a little more Can I touch your heart？ I want to touch it but it keeps slipping through my fingers, someday, someday

somehow, this talks about how the person they love is being distant, building walls, and slipping away from them, the person who they didnt fall in love with at first 

もう二人は遥か遠い 一つのはずなのに 今では僕らを 彩る絵の具など 選べやしない黒い息も 深い君の白い霧も I feel, I feel, I feel, I feel Oh yeah, oh, crystal snow, crystal snow 真っ白なその中で 君が僕を通り過ぎ 水になろうと胸でまだ流れてる (奏でてる) 輝くもの全てに映る 光る君を見つめてる 待ってるさ またどこでも 会いたい嘘でも 握ってこの手を

=

The two of us are already far apart Even though we are meant to be together Now we can't choose the paint that colors us Even the black breath Even your thick white fog I feel, I feel, I feel, I feel Oh yeah, oh, crystal snow, crystal snow Inside the white fog Even though you pass through me and turn to water, you are still in my heart (You are in my heart) I watch you shining and reflecting on every single sparkling thing I’ll wait for you no matter where I want to see you, even if you're pretending, please hold this hand

i really love namjoon’s verse, the longing of wanting to wait for someone no matter what, to just be with them even though they dont feel the same way. a pair who was destined has now been distant. 

愛する温度が 溶け出す メロディ 確かな 温もりよ 永遠に続け  

=

The warmth of love started melting This genuine warmth, please stay forever

the love that first started is now dying, and how they wished it stayed forever but of course, people change, its not always the same.

It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow (Let me see your smile, oh baby, eh) It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow (Let me feel your love そう どこまでも hoo) It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow (Let me feel your love, our crystal snow yeah) It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow Oh yeah, crystal snow, oh, oh どこまでも baby (baby), crystal snow

=

It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow (Let me see your smile, oh baby, eh) It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow (Let me feel your love そう どこまでも hoo) It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow (Let me feel your love, our crystal snow yeah) It’s always you, it’s always you, crystal snow Oh yeah, crystal snow, oh, oh どこまでも baby (baby), crystal snow

then the coda right here, pay attention to the lyrics in the brackets. you can see the need of the person wanting to feel the love from the other, who doesn't feel it. then again, the love is temporary. 

Reference: Billboard ©

last thoughts: i really love how the whole song panned out together with the lyrics, its as beautiful as spring day, and we all know how beautiful spring day is. crystal snow is definitely a sister song to spring day. a song that will touch any listener’s hearts with the vocals and the rap.

a definite listen.

[Photo Source] Bighit Entertainment  Credits: maxine ☕️ DO NOT REPOST ©