Album: WINGS

Artist: BTS

Year: 2016

Reviewed By: glueckschmerz

BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bangtan Boys, released their second full-length album WINGS on 10th October 2016, which is based on the book Demian by Hermann Hesse. WINGS talks about youth and temptation. The album consists of 15 songs, including seven solo tracks written and produced by each member.

Rap Monster, who is the leader of the band, explained the idea behind the album, saying, "The harder a temptation is to resist, the more you think about it and waver. That uncertainty is part of the process of growing up." This concept is in my opinion awesome as young people are always captivated by music they can relate to.

This album isn't only special because of that concept, but because each member of BTS has their own solo track. Each solo song shows the different styles and struggles of the individual members. While some tracks are upbeat and light, others are deep and emotionally entrancing, which shows the amount of diversity and range the seven-member group has to offer.

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The title track "Blood, Sweat and Tears" talks about the battle between working hard and falling for temptation, with an influence from reggae, moombahton and trap music.

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Lost is sung by the vocal-line (Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook). With a carefree and upbeat instrumental, it delivers an optimistic message towards its listeners, saying 'I will never lose my dream.'

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First Love is Suga's solo piece, and it is a piece that is about his love for a piano and how it symbolizes his wider love for music as a whole. His rap lines are very raw and emotional and talk outspokenly of rough times and occasions where Suga wanted to give up on his passion. Nevertheless, the song sends an important message and provides insight into Suga's past and the motivation that keeps him working.