Underrated BTS songs that deserve more attention
K-pop boy group – or should we say, global boy group – BTS has been enjoying worldwide popularity due to their songs, personalities, looks, and various talents. They have even been nominated for the 2021 Grammy Awards, which was iconic because they were the first Korean boy group to do so.
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has released a total of 9 studio albums and 8 EPs. That’s a lot of BTS songs, and we’re not even talking about singles, features, reissues, compilations, soundtracks, and tracks produced for their commercials. Naturally, there are underrated BTS songs that some ARMYs may not even know about. Not to worry though – here is a list of 21 underrated BTS songs so that you can add them to your playlist.
1. Path
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
Path, also known in Korean as 길 (gil), was a hidden track in BTS’s debut album, 2 COOL 4 SKOOL.
RM, J-Hope and Suga took part in writing this song.
Fresh out of trainee life and into the idol world, Path is a song that reflects BTS’s thoughts and emotions about choosing to become an idol. They questioned their decision and wondered what would have happened if they decided to go down another path.
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
RM’s lyrics were about his passion for rap. His desire to write better lyrics spurred him to join Big Hit Entertainment, now HYBE Entertainment, because it felt like a “now or never” situation.
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
Suga raps about his lonely journey in pursuit of success, because he had cut off contact with friends and left his family to go to Seoul.
When he realised that he was going to debut with 6 other members, he no longer felt lonely as he had a team with him to face the future.
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
Like his name, J-Hope’s lyrics were hopeful – he endured the tough training, and he’s now ready to go on stage with a smile on his face.
You can listen to the song here.
Image adapted from: NME
There have been several interviews where they revealed what career paths they would take if they didn’t become idols, and their answers have been pretty consistent.
J-Hope wants to be a tennis player, Suga wants to be a producer, Jungkook thinks he would be an athlete or an artist and Jimin wants to be a police officer. RM said he would likely be a businessman, but there was once he mentioned that he wants to be a father.
Both V and Jin said they would be farmers.
2. Coffee
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
Coffee was one of the songs released in the album, O!RUL8,2?
The song is perfect for cafes. It’s therapeutic to listen to it in a quiet cafe while sipping coffee.
RM, Suga and J-Hope took part in writing this song.
Image adapted from: vlive.tv
Coffee is a bittersweet love song, about missing a lover and reminiscing about the time spent at a cafe together.
The song compares lovers to a caramel macchiato, which is a sweet coffee. We recommend drinking it while listening to the song so that you can really feel as if you are the inspiration for Coffee.
Listen to the song here.
3. Satoori Rap/Paldogangsan
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
Satoori Rap, also known as Paldogangsan, is a rap track in O!RUL8,2?
The name, Paldogangsan, has a unique meaning – paldo means “8 provinces” and gangsan means “rivers and mountains”.
Satoori means dialect. In this song, the members rapped in their own respective dialects. RM and Jin rapped in the Seoul dialect, Jimin and Jungkook in the Busan dialect, and Suga and V in the Daegu dialect. J-Hope raps in the Gwangju dialect.
If you are interested in Korean dialects, listening to Paldogangsan may allow you to recognise the differences between them. There is a dance practice video for this song too.
Video credit: Big Hit Labels
You can also listen to the song here.
4. Where You From
Image credit: ibighit
Where You From is a song from the SKOOL LUV AFFAIR album.
RM, Suga and J-Hope took part in writing this song.
Like Paldogangsan, Where You From has rap lyrics in RM, Suga and J-Hope’s satoori, which means dialect. Suga raps in the Daegu dialect and J-Hope raps in the Gwangju dialect. RM, whose hometown is Ilsan, raps in the usual Seoul dialect.
Image credit: Big Hit Entertainment
In the song, BTS is awestruck by a beautiful girl they come across, so they ask “Where do you come from?” and “What’s your name?”, which are lines in the chorus.
In South Korea, there are stereotypes when it comes to the different provinces. For example, if someone grew up in Busan, the person is sometimes expected to behave coldly and sound manly. This is a fun song because it touches on the stereotypes, like J-Hope’s line “I guess you are attracted to Jeollado men”.
Listen to the song here.
5. Intro: SKOOL LUV AFFAIR
Image credit: ibighit
Intro: SKOOL LUV AFFAIR is a rap track in the album, SKOOL LUV AFFAIR, that features only RM, Suga and J-Hope.
The intro track usually sets the tone and theme of the album.
This rap track is unique because the 3 members are interacting with one another, and trying to justify that their lyrics fit the theme of “falling in love” better.
RM, who comes in last, ends the argument between Suga and J-Hope with his lyrics, with lyrics that reflect the “Bangtan style”.
You can listen to the song here.
6. Outro: Propose
Image credit: ibighit
Outro: Propose is a short and sweet song in SKOOL LUV AFFAIR, sung only by the vocal line: Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook.
The 4 members sing about giving their all in the relationship.
This song has an extended version which was performed in their concert, BTS Live Trilogy Episode II: The Red Bullet. The lyrics for the extended portion of the song were written by Jin.
Unfortunately, there is no official audio of the extended version.
Listen to the original version here.
7. Miss Right
Image credit: ibighit
Miss Right was one of the songs in SKOOL LUV AFFAIR: Special Addition.
If you are curious about what BTS’s ideal types are, the rap lyrics by RM, Suga and J-Hope describe their ideal type.
RM’s ideal type is a sexy girl, Suga’s ideal type is someone who is understanding, and J-Hope’s ideal type is someone who can make his heart flutter.
Suga’s lyrics are especially sweet. He has a line that goes “Between our couple shoes, there’s a pair of baby shoes”.
Image credit: 방탄소년단
If you worry that you may not fit their ideal types, RM assures fans near the end of the song that the main “qualification” is to be yourself.
Listen to the song here.
8. What Am I To You
Image credit: ibighit
The Dark & Wild album is the opposite of SKOOL LUV AFFAIR. It’s not as happy or romantic as the latter. This album touches on topics like one-sided relationships and heartbreak.
What Am I To You is a rap track about a relationship that isn’t going well – one partner is becoming distant and no longer as loving. The rap starts off bright and hopeful, before changing into anger and frustration in the second half.
Only RM raps in this track.
You can listen to the full track below.
Video credit: Big Hit Labels
9. Rain
Image credit: ibighit
Rain is one of the songs released with the Dark & Wild album.
It has a soothing melody with gloomy lyrics, just like a dark and rainy day. The song is about loneliness and aimlessness.
It’s a song you listen to when you are feeling down, to find comfort in the lyrics knowing that you are not the only one who is going through a hard time.
Listen to it here.
10. Second Grade
Image credit: @ilovesmart
Second Grade is a song in the Dark & Wild album. RM, Suga and J-Hope took part in writing the lyrics.
It’s a fun song about BTS in their second year in the K-pop industry, and how they feel accomplished. However, they are reminded that they still have a long way to go when they meet senior artists.
Listen to the song here.
11. Could you turn off your cell phone
Image credit: @samsungmobile
Could you turn off your cell phone is a song in the Dark & Wild album. RM, Suga and J-Hope took part in writing the lyrics.
In the song, BTS pleads listeners to stop looking at their phones and connect in real life, rather than online. They also point out that phones may be “smart” nowadays, but we are all getting dumber from constant usage.
This is a meaningful and relatable song for those who know of friends and family who are constantly on their phones. If you are the one who’s guilty of it, it’s time to listen to BTS and disconnect.
Listen to it here.
12. 2! 3!
Image credit: ibighit
2!3! is a song in the Wings album. It’s a hopeful song written out of gratitude for fans who have stuck by their side.
The lyrics in the chorus encourage listeners to forget about sad memories after counting to 3, which is why the song is called 2!3!
You can listen to the full song here.
13. Sea
Image credit: ibighit
Sea is a hidden track in the album, LOVE YOURSELF: HER. RM, Suga and J-Hope participated in writing the lyrics and producing the song.
Since it’s a hidden track, it wasn’t released publicly. Only those who purchase the album are able to listen to it.
Sea is a touching song about the hope that BTS held onto despite the hardship they faced in the early years of their debut.
14. Paradise
Image credit: ibighit
Paradise is a song in the LOVE YOURSELF: TEAR album.
This heartwarming song tells listeners that it’s okay to not have dreams, and that it would be pointless to run without knowing where you’re heading. Your dreams don’t have to be something amazing too – it could just be eating and sleeping, or having money without doing anything.
If you find yourself grappling with issues about your goals, you can listen to this song for reassurance.
You can listen to the song here.
15. 00:00 (Zero O’Clock)
Image credit: ibighit
00:00 (Zero O’Clock) is a song that’s part of the album, MAP OF THE SOUL : 7. RM took part in writing the lyrics for this song.
It’s a heartbreaking song with lyrics that seem to be about burnout and feeling helpless. When the clock strikes midnight, nothing will change but it’s a new day with renewed hope.
People who are having difficulties in life can find comfort in this song.
You can listen to it here.
16. With Seoul
Image credit: VisitSeoul
BTS, as Seoul’s Honorary Tourism Ambassador, released a song called With Seoul, together with a music video to promote tourism in the capital.
It’s a bright and cheerful song about their love for Seoul.
Netizens pointed out that it’s ironic because none of the members grew up in Seoul, yet they are singing a song about the city. Nonetheless, it’s a good song and we are eagerly waiting for the chance to visit South Korea more than ever.
You can watch the music video below.
Video credit: VisitSeoul TV
17. A Typical Trainee’s Christmas
Image credit: Dispatch
A Typical Trainee’s Christmas is a pitiful song about how BTS spent their Christmas as trainees.
This song was a special release and is not part of any album.
In Suga’s verse, he mentions that all he wants is a company dinner.
RM complains about how he is forever single because their debut is coming soon. Then he goes on to express his disagreement on separating male and female trainees, claiming that it doesn’t make sense to write love songs if they can’t date.
A Typical Trainee’s Christmas is a song that can relate to everyone, not just K-pop trainees, so it’s worth a listen.
18. Adult Child
Image adapted from: Big Hit Entertainment, Big Hit Entertainment and Big Hit Entertainment
Adult Child is a song with honest lyrics about growing up.
This is a special release that’s not part of any album. Only RM, Suga and Jin participated in this song.
Adult Child is about their misconception about turning 20. They thought it would be something special, but it turns out that it’s nothing great at all. They only became adults with more responsibilities.
This song is great for those who are worried about adulthood. The relatable lyrics can resonate with many.
You can watch the music video below.
Video credit: BANGTANTV
19. Graduation Song 방탄소년들의 졸업
Image adapted from: BANGTANTV
방탄소년들의 졸업 (bang-tan-so-nyeon-deul-ui-jol-lob) can be directly translated to Bangtan’s Graduation, but the song is more commonly known in English as Graduation Song.
The music video was released in February 2013, before their debut.
It is a special release and is not part of an album. Only Jimin, Jungkook and J-Hope recorded this song. J-Hope participated in writing the lyrics.
This is a happy song about graduating and being free from school, which is a feeling that most of us are familiar with.
Being the maknae, which means “youngest”, Jungkook sings about graduating from middle school while J-Hope raps about turning 20 years old.
Watch the music video below.
Video credit: BANGTANTV
20. Beautiful by 방탄소년단
Image adapted from: BANGTANTV
Beautiful by 방탄소년단 is a sweet song about having a crush on a girl and longing to be with her. Only J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook recorded this song.
This is a special release that’s not part of an album.
The members sing about being too shy to confess, deciding to remain by their crush’s side as a friend instead.
It’s a cute song to listen to, especially if you are also in the same situation.
Watch the music video below.
Video credit: BANGTANTV
21. Born Singer by 방탄소년단
Image credit: 방탄소년단
Born Singer is a BTS adaptation of Born Sinner by J.Cole. The lyrics were rewritten by RM, Suga and J-Hope.
This song was a special release and is not in an album.
Born Singer contains BTS’s reflections about their debut and trainee days. It’s a touching song because it shows how far the group has come.
You can listen to the song here.
Underrated BTS songs that you may not have listened to
These 21 underrated BTS songs definitely deserve more attention. However, this list is non-exhaustive. We’re sure that there are more BTS songs out there that deserve more love!
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