Instagram | X | HYBE Labels
There’s no doubt that BTS has been spoiling ARMY even while they are serving in the military. Each of the seven members prepared something special for the time leading up to their enlistment and for the period they would be away. From special messages to new music, ARMY always have something to look forward to, helping to ease the waiting process.
Since Jin’s enlistment in December 2022, we’ve seen solo projects from each of the BTS members. I’ve prepared a quick list of the best songs released by each member so far. This list is based solely on my opinion as an ARMY who loves OT7. Hopefully after reading this you’ll feel inspired to share your own list with me.
RM
Let’s begin with our favorite leader, Namjoon, RM. The rapper has released mixtapes and two distinct albums: Indigo in 2022 and, in May, Right Place, Wrong Person. Both works have been praised by the industry and fans alike, capturing attention for the diversity and depth they each bring. Believe me when I say all the tracks deserve recognition, but there are a few that have made it to the top of my list.
The main single from Indigo, Wild Flower, deserves to be mentioned first. Its artistry stands out, showcasing RM’s willingness to be open. The lyrics “my beginning was poetry, my one and only strength and dream that protected me so far”, reflect this beautifully. This song takes us on a journey to the past, capturing the time when Namjoon struggled with the growing fame of the group. It reflects the hardships and responsibilities he faced alongside BTS’s success, all while striving to remain true to himself. Wild Flower deserves more recognition for the masterpiece that it is.
If Indigo showcased Namjoon’s softer side, Right Place, Wrong Person definitely reveals his rage. With verses aimed at those who repeatedly betrayed him, demanding recognition and explanations for things beyond his control, Groin is a powerful hip-hop track that delivers a strong message. Namjoon was ruthless in this song, proving that you’d better not mess with him if you don’t want to end up in one of his tracks. Groin song of the year in my opinion.
Another two tracks worth mentioning are definitely Closer featuring Paul Blanco and Mahalia from Indigo, and Nuts from RPWP. Both songs carry completely different vibes, but they hit so well when you listen to them. If you don’t enjoy these two on the first try, give them another listen!
J-hope
Let’s talk about our ray of sunshine, J-Hope, who, like RM, has released a mixtape and two incredible albums: Jack in the Box in 2022 and Hope On The Street Vol. 1 in March of this year. These two projects are very distinct but equally introspective. While Jack in the Box represents a side of the rapper we weren’t used to seeing, Hope On The Street takes us back to J-Hope’s dance roots. Just like BTS leader RM’s discography, J-Hope’s work is versatile and layered, making his music truly unique.
Among so many highlights, I have to mention Safety Zone from Jack in the Box and I Wonder (ft. Jungkook) from Hope On The Street. The former carries a certain melancholy in how J-Hope expresses himself, exploring turbulent emotions, while the latter feels like an external question posed to ARMYs, as if he’s searching for answers only the fans can provide. Including the youngest BTS member, Jungkook, in this track also shows how this topic has been part of their discussions as a group.
I can’t go without mentioning Equal Sign (=) and NEURON (with Gaeko and Yoonmirae). The first stands out for its beautiful message and the sense of peace it brings every time I listen to it, while the second pays homage to J-Hope’s dance roots – an essential part of understanding who he is as an artist.
SUGA
Now, to wrap up BTS’s rap line, let me talk about the solo work of SUGA – or rather, AGUST D, the rapper’s persona that delivers a perfect trilogy narrating his personal battles with his emotions. Back in 2016, when AGUST D was first introduced to ARMY, we were given a mixtape filled with raw anger. Then came D-2 at the start of the pandemic, where traces of that anger still lingered, but it was a much more reflective mixtape, exploring other emotions like the uncertainty of approaching the end of his twenties and loneliness. Finally, in 2023, with the release of D-Day, his first physical album, it felt like he was replacing feelings of anger and uncertainty, track by track, with new, more peaceful and beautiful emotions.
Since SUGA holds a special place in my heart, his music resonates with me in a deeply meaningful way, making it almost impossible to choose favorites from his discography. However, I have to highlight two songs that deserve all the praise in the world. AMYGDALA reveals the rapper’s vulnerability as he reflects on difficult moments in his life, such as his parents’ illnesses and the accident he experienced as a trainee, which affected his shoulder mobility for years. This song conveys an honesty of emotions that only SUGA can weave into his music. On a completely different note, there’s Daechwita – a masterpiece that takes us back to the roots of Korean culture while delivering fiery, raw lyrics about people and situations around him. This track is a perfect demonstration of SUGA’s immense talent as a lyricist, rapper, and producer.
Since I have these tattooed on my skin, I have to mention SDL and Life Goes On. As I mentioned before, in D-Day, SUGA replaces darker emotions with ones that are the complete opposite, and these two songs perfectly capture that calmness and his desire to showcase a more hopeful and beautiful side of himself.
If you’re unfamiliar with AGUST D’s journey, I highly recommend listening to his mixtapes and album to truly understand his story as both a person and an artist. If there’s one thing SUGA has always aimed to do with his music, it’s to share his emotions honestly, which, in my opinion, brings us closer to him and helps us better appreciate his artistry. Trust me—it’s worth taking the time to explore his discography!
Jimin
Continuing the trend of those who have released two solo albums, let’s talk about Park Jimin, who dropped FACE in 2023 and MUSE this year. These albums are quite distinct but equally exceptional, showcasing his versatility as an artist through his vocals and dance. In FACE, we see a more introspective Jimin, exploring complex emotions and a longing for something almost unattainable. Meanwhile, MUSE reveals a more relaxed, romantic, and playful side of him.
My pick from FACE is Set Me Free Pt. II, while from MUSE, I have to highlight the beautiful duet with Sofia Carson, Slow Dance. These tracks are entirely different: the former dives into Jimin’s darker emotions, while the latter is soothing and perfectly blends the sweet voices of both artists. Jimin’s unique vocal tone for a male artist gives Set Me Free its distinct edge and brings a captivating charm to Slow Dance.
Beyond their immense success, these songs also showcase Jimin’s incredible versatility as a singer. Honorable mentions go to his Spotify billion-stream hits, Like Crazy and Who. Without a doubt, Jimin is a complete artist, brimming with talent in both his voice and dance, and his discography reflects that – and so much more.
V
Now that we’re on the topic of romance within BTS, let’s talk about the most romantic member of them all—our beloved V. With his jazz and R&B influences, V released Layover in 2023, charming ARMYs around the world. His debut album dropped in September last year, and while I adore the solo work of every BTS member, I have to admit that Layover holds a special place in my heart.
Love Me Again and For Us are my favorite tracks from the album—and from his entire discography. Both are beautifully melancholic, filled with “what-ifs” and a longing nostalgia. They are incredibly romantic songs that perfectly complement his voice, carrying V’s signature charm from start to finish.
I also can’t go without mentioning Slow Dancing, the main single of Layover, and making room on my playlist for Winter Ahead, which is set to release soon. Just from the teaser, I can already tell it might become my new favorite V track. Once it’s out, I’ll be sure to share my thoughts with you here on United By Pop!
Jungkook
Time to talk about BTS’s maknae and his album Golden, which, honestly, offers so many bops to choose from. With his solo album, Jungkook decided to take a completely different route from his bandmates, releasing an album entirely in English, allowing him to reach an audience far beyond the BTS ARMY universe. But I can’t overlook all the solo work Jungkook released even before Golden.
Still With You, a song he gifted ARMY during the pandemic, deserves to be the first mention among Jungkook’s solo tracks – not just for its touching lyrics but for the sense of belonging it brings every time I listen to it. Moving back to Golden, I have to highlight Somebody. The way the maknae plays with his voice and delivers flawless vocals throughout the track makes it one of the best and most well-crafted songs on the album. Even with Standing Next To You stealing the spotlight, Somebody remains one of the most remarkable tracks from Golden.
Now for my two personal favorites, which I can listen to multiple times a day without getting tired: Too Sad To Dance and Shot Glass of Tears. The first is the cutest song on the album, while the latter hits me the hardest, stirring up my emotions with its heartfelt lyrics, melody, and Jungkook’s unique vocals. I’m sure you all have your own favorites, so let me know in the comments which of JK’s solo tracks you love the most!
Jin
To wrap things up, let’s talk about BTS’s most recent solo debut: the Worldwide Handsome Jin, who recently released HAPPY and showcased his vocal power and musical talent in a diverse album filled with incredible tracks. While I initially thought about including some of his solo songs released prior to HAPPY, as I wrote this article, only tracks from this amazing album came to mind.
My absolute favorite, where every detail is just perfect, is definitely Heart On The Window featuring Wendy from Red Velvet. This song makes me feel like I’m transcending every time I listen to it – it’s that good. I Will Come To You also deserves a mention, not only because it’s a beautiful song but because it reflects Jin’s emotions during his time in the military, which kept him away from the stage for over a year.
Honorable mentions go to I’ll Be There and Falling. The first is fun and feels like a warm hug, perfectly capturing Jin’s comforting personality, while Falling is a masterpiece in every sense, from the lyrics to the rhythm. However, I have to admit that my favorite version of Falling is the duet with Lee Mujin on his show.
Below is a playlist with all the songs mentioned, if you are an ARMY hope you enjoy it and share your favorites with me on the comments. If you’re not familiar with BTS solo work, hopefully this will guide you into their world and I hope you love it as much as I do.