BTS' mainstream songs are spectacular, but these 13 undervalued tracks are entire ocean on their own.
BTS has been blazing a trail since 2013, which means that ARMY has 8 years worth of Bangtan content (so far) to be enchanted by.
From "No More Dream" and "Magic Shop" all the way to "On", "Butter", and "Permission to Dance", the Bangtan Boys never failed make waves.
While the better part of their repertoire was always busy raking in millions of views and reigning at the top spot of music charts, they South Korean group has a few hidden gems that shine with underrated beauty.
So, you've got the photocards, you own every album, you've seen every concert, and you know all of their pets' names...but ARMY, do you know these songs?
If you don't, no need to worry! We've compiled 13 of them, all because we purple you.
Here's to the underdogs!
#1 Second Grade
Hailing from BTS' Dark & Wild era, "Second Grade" was partly written by Suga, RM, and J-Hope.
The quirky melody and lyrics give listeners a glimpse into BTS' sophomore year in the K-Pop industry by traversing their accomplishments, their humility, their hardships, and the long road they have ahead to become brighter stars.
#2 Could You Turn Off Your Cellphone?
"Could You Turn Off Your Cellphone?" is a plea for you to stop looking at your phone all day long and connect with people, things, places, and yourself in real life. BTS makes a statement about phones get "smarter" while humanity seems to become dumber from technology addiction.
Yes, it may come as a shock to many, but there is a whole new world out there; and this savagely thoughtful song encourages you to disconnect in order to reconnect.
(You're reading this on your phone, aren't you?! But wait, don't turn it off yet! Finish reading this article first.)
#3 Coffee
Can we interest you in a cup of coffee courtesy of BTS?
Yes? Well, we hope you like your coffee bitter and nostalgic, because this song is about missing an boyfriend/girlfriend while reminiscing the good times spent at a café together. *Sob*
This caffeine-fueled song is best enjoyed on a rainy Saturday afternoon with your favorite cup of coffee...unless you like tea (like we do!), then go for tea. It'll still have the same effect.
#4 Crystal Snow
"Crystal Snow" is painful yet beautiful.
Exhibit A:
I want to protect you one more time before tears run down your face
But crystal gets further from reach, the more I wish for it
Even after hundred years, I want to live with you
Can I be your one?
There is no single star in this snowy sky, oh, someday, someday
Also, Jin's triple high note is definitely the main event in this ballad.
#5 Look Here
Okay, after listening to that emotional song, you deserve to shake it off with a happy beat.
"Look Here" has a vibe that's reminiscent of Pharrell Williams' signature style mixed with some unique Bangtan flair, and it totally works!
If you're looking for a beat to sassy-dance to while you do your homework, go for a run, or clean the house, this is the one!
#6 2! 3! (Still Wishing For More Good Days)
Not gonna lie, "2! 3!" gives you a dose of tough love, ARMY.
Rather than being idealistic or realistic, this song is a hybrid of both. It's a sad/happy melody that has the power to induce a mini epiphany.
A poet takes words and turns them into emotion, whether recited, read or sung; and let us tell you this: BTS and their production team are modern-day poets!
If you're looking for a melody to sassy dance to while you do your homework, run on a treadmill, or clean the house, this is the one! hat it does promise is that we can take each other's hands, erase the bad memories, and hope for better days to come. That is, after all, what keeps us going; hope.
#7 Sea
"Sea" is a hidden track that was only accessible to those who purchased the "Love Yourself: Her" album. So, we don't blame you if you've never heard of it before.
Luckily, you can now listen to this masterpiece on YouTube as well! (Thanks, ARMY!)
We dare you to not have your hearts touched deeply as BTS serenades you about the struggles they faced in the early years of their debut.
Fast forward a few years, and BTS has become South Korea's biggest flex. We can only imagine how grateful and proud they must feel when looking back on this song.
#8 Zero O' Clock
"Zero O' Clock" breaks our hearts and tapes the pieces back together with words of comfort and hope.
This lullaby was partly written by RM and performed by the vocal line of the group (Jin, Jungkook, V, and Jimin). You'll find that this track rips the band aid off with sheer honesty and encourages us to heal.
We all feel sad, helpless, and burned out sometimes, but once the clock strikes midnight, we are given a new day; a new opportunity to turn it all around and be happy.
Whatever you are going through, "Zero O' Clock" wishes you a happy new beginning, and so do we.
#9 Love Maze
"Love Maze" wants you to know that you'll never be lost in love if you walk hand in hand.
It's easy to get lost in a maze; but J-Hope says: hold hands, and together, you'll become a map.
#10 Hold Me Tight
In "Hold Me Tight", BTS asks: Can you trust me? Can you trust me? Can you trust me? Please, please, please pull me in and hug me.
Our answer? Well, if you insist.
#11 I Like It
Rumor has it that women look a million times more beautiful post-breakup, and "I Like It" is an ode to that notion.
Get it, pretty woman!
(In case you were wondering...yes, that is Suga dressed up in a wig and a schoolgirl uniform. It was for a skit during a Run BTS episode.)
#12 Miss Right
Do you believe in soulmates? Do you believe that there is someone pre-determined to be right for you, and all you have to do is find them in this world of 7.9 billion people?
Well, based on "Miss Right", it looks like you can count BTS as believers, and they very specifically describe their ideal type in this upbeat declaration of love, but eventually admit that no qualifications can describe an actual miss right, but rather you just being you.
If you're looking for the lyrics that can hit you in the feels the hardest, here they are:
"With you, I draw out my future In between our couple shoes are a pair of baby sneakers"-SUGA
#13 Lights
This enchanting tune is a reminder that no darkness is too dark. If you feel down and lost in the dark, find your light or be your light. If someone you love is in need of light, hold the flashlight for them. It's all light and love. Plus, the music video takes place in a movie theater and that's always a good idea.
We really wish that BTS would perform "Lights" live soon!
There you go, ARMY! Your BTS playlist is officially revamped with fantastic secret songs. So, "Dynamite" and "Permission to Dance" can take a break for now.
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Image Source: Big Hit Music