[ALBUM REVIEW] BTS - HYYH PT. 1

For my very first album review, I will be reviewing BTS's third mini album: Hwayang-yeonhwa Pt. 1 also known as The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1. This album was released on April 29, 2015 under Big Hit Entertainment which consisted of 9 songs in total that centered the concept "Youth." Without further-a-do, let's dive into this mini album. Shall we? GO GO GO! :smiley:

*PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL THE CONTENT WRITTEN IN THIS REVIEW WILL BE MY HONEST OPINION. NOTHING LESS. I WILL BE INCLUDING A LITTLE SHORT SUMMARY OF THE SONG AND THEN MY OWN OPINION ABOUT THE SONG.*

Track 1: INTRO: In the Mood for Love

BTS's story of "Youth" starts off with Suga expressing his frustration towards his desire to chase his dream but his fear of reality keeps holding him back from pursuing it in the INTRO.

Right of the bat, upon hearing this song, I was immediately drawn and taken back by Suga's heavy breathing as the song began. As I listened to the song, I felt like I had gone into Suga's mind and soul and felt how emotional distress, frustrated, and lost he was as he tried to find and build his path in life. As a person living in her youth right now, I found this song very relatable. I'm 19 years old about to go into my 2nd year of college. The pressure of succeeding in higher education from my family and meeting the expectations of others is very burdensome. Yes, some may say that it's a good thing when people expect a lot from you but the truth is, once you're unable to meet their expectations, yourself confidence suffers drastically from it. And yes, there has been moments in my life where I strayed away from promising opportunities that would have helped me get one step closer to my achieving my dream because of my fear towards people's harsh and judgmental criticisms towards me. That's why I find this song so relatable. I want to be happy and chase after my dreams but sometimes my fear of facing reality prevents me from pursuing it. And that's life, a cycle in which you choose to face reality or challenge it.

Overall, I like this song but does not listen to it on a daily. For me it's one of those songs where if it happens to pop up on my playlist then I'll listen to it. If it doesn't then I'm not going to trip or search for it. Unless I really want to listen to it. Know what I mean?

Track 2: I Need U

I'm pretty sure everyone is familiar with this song already but "I Need U" is the title track for this album. "I Need You" is a song about a man who basically cannot let go of his ungrateful girlfriend. All his girlfriend do is hurt him yet he can't seem to let her go. Hence the lyrics "Sorry (I hate you) I love you (I hate you)." He's telling her to break up with him and to tell him that all their love was of nothing but a mere lie since he, himself, can't say it to her. But even after wishing that would happen, he still keeps wanting and needing her.

At my first listen to this song, back when it was released in 2015, I didn't really feel the vibe of song as much as I do now. For one, I didn't look up the English translation after listening to the song and two, the music video was so different from their previous music videos that it kind of threw me off. When I first listened to this song, I had no idea about the symbolism or imagery that the music video was trying to portray. So at the first listen, I didn't really enjoy the song or the music video. If anything, I was confused. BUT as I continued to listen to the song, I began to enjoy it more and more. It was not until after I started reading the theories fans had came up with about the meaning behind music video that I began to be amazed and appreciative of the hard work BTS had put into making this music video.

Overall, "I Need U" is one of my favorite song from the album but it's not like on replay everyday. I just listen to it here and there. But I love the meaning behind the song. And I also think it's a very relatable song to those who had been in a relationship where they are less appreciated by their significant other. And I feel like people, especially in their youth goes through this phase where they encounter their first love and have a hard time letting him/ her go even though he/ she is treating them badly. The idea of needing someone by your side so you won't feel lonely is a common thought or feeling upon many youths.

Track 3: Hold Me Tight

"Hold Me Tight" is a song about a man who's in an unhealthy relationship with a woman that is coming to an end. He loves this woman a lot and it pains him to know that the relationship is ending. All he wants her to do is to embrace him, to hold him tight in her arms. He knows she's dangerous and bad for him but he's welling to feel the pain just to be able to be in her arms. Hence the lyrics "if there's a chance, I'll catch you... I'm ready to be cut by your rose-like embrace." The usage of the word "rose-like" symbolizes how hurtful it is to be embrace by her. Roses have thorns on them and if you ever been poked by them before, you would know that it's pretty painful. But even though he knows that, he still wants to be embraced by her.

Anyways, this song... I cannot stress how blown away I was when I first heard this song. Literally from the very second this song started to the very end, I was at awh. This song literally came for my life! I'm telling you! When I first listened to this song, I had to stop and breathe for a second because it literally sucked the living life out of me. I was so done after listening to this song. Like I've been blessed by holy water or something! Lol But quick question, am I the only one who shouts out "YES" during the "can you trust me" part? Lol I'm over here like "Yaaaaaaaaassssssss you can trust me ! Yaaaaasssssss!" :joy:

Overall, hands down is one of my favorite song from 2015 and 2016 so far. To this very day, I still listen to it non stop. It's one of those songs where you encounter and can never get bored of it. From RapMon's singing to Jimin's high note, BTS definitely slayed this one because it was so on point! Highly recommend it those of you who haven't heard this song yet to give a listen. You will not be disappointed!

Track 4: SKIT: EXPECTATION

I'm not going to review this just because it's a skit but feel free to watch it below with ENG SUB.

Track 5: DOPE

In this song, BTS basically talk about the dope-ness of hustling, chasing your dreams, and not following society standards.

DOPE! DOPE! DOPE! Literally from the song to the choreography everything was so dope! From the get go, I was so hooked onto the song and so taken back by the choreography. Literally the dance looked so fake because all of them were so in sync! Like whaaaaaat?! Is that possible? Plus I love the message behind the song. I love how BTS named the media and the older generations as one of the younger generation biggest enemy. For one I totally agree with that statement. I do believe that the media and the older generations are two of many antagonist that influence the younger generation the most. Especially the media because in today's society, our generation is more influence by technology and social media. Whatever is said on society media can either be seen in a positive or negative light. There's no in between. And from that alone, you can see how big media is as an influencer the younger generation because it can either make someone likable or end it in a second because of people's judgment. But on top of all of this, I appreciate BTS for reminding their fans or youths in general to keep dreaming and to never give up. Yes there are going to be people along the way that tries to step on you on your way to success but you can't let them stop you. You got to keep hustling and chasing your dream. "Don't ever give up." - BTS - Dope.

With that said, I thought all of BTS member looked extremely good in this music video. Although the song is dope like its title, I don't listen to it on the daily but I do here and there especially when I'm in the mood to dance my ass off lol. I'm sure a lot of us can relate! :sweat_smile: Overall the song was dope. BTS slayed the dance. And the music video was dope.

Track 6: Boyz with Fun

Boyz with Fun is a track about partying and letting loose and not caring about how others perceives you. Basically having fun with your friends and living life. Fun fact, Boyz with Fun is actually a name given to BTS for their enthusiastic and hyper personality by their fans.

This song is my song all they way! It's such a fun song to just dance and groove to. When I first heard this song, I couldn't help but smile and dance along with it. It's so hype and so perfect for BTS.

Overall I really enjoy this song. Whenever I'm getting ready for my day, I always play this song just to get in the mood. Lol. I highly recommend this song if you have not heard it yet.

Track 7: Converse High

In this song, BTS members, aside from Suga cause he like Jordans :joy: , expressed their attraction to girls who wears converse high.

To be honest, I find this song so hilarious! If you had read the lyrics before you'll definitely understand! I love how RapMon rapped about his love for converse high and then J Hope comes in a be like "I wanna see the stars on your shoes, without Namjoon knowing." LOL J Hope trynna steal Namjoon's girl! And then comes Suga and be like f converse. I like girls who wear Jordans instead. :joy: Oh BTS. You gotta love their humor.

Overall, I love this song! It's definitely one of many songs from this album that I reply on the daily.

Track 8: Move

Move was a song inspired by BTS real life move from their home in Nonhyungdong. Hence the lyrics: "Nonhyungdong, 3rd floor, thank you." In this song, BTS reminisce about the three years that had come and gone since their debut. They talked about the struggles they had encountered and felted during their trainee days and after they had debuted. And as they move on, grow, and go higher as artists, they want to remember the struggles they had and all the tears they cried as some "beautiful memories."

This song literally gave me chills from the moment the song started to the very end. Even now I still get chills from listening to the song. After reading the English translation of the song, I literally cried tears of joy and sadness. Tears of joy for how far they have come since their trainee days and tears of sadness for all they struggles and pain they had to deal with as a trainee and after they debuted.

Overall, I love this song. I love how BTS conveyed their honest emotions through this song. Everything from the beginning to the end was perfect. This is definitely one of my favorite song from the album for sure! I have mad love for this song. Highly recommend people to give this song a listen and highly suggest you to read the English translation.

Track 9: Outro: Love is not over

I think the title alone explains the meaning of the song but basically "Love is not over" is about a guy realizing that love between him and his girl is dying. Love is leaving them. She's leaving. And it's hurting him a lot. Hence the saying "love hurts." But he doesn't want that. He doesn't want her to go. He still wants her and still loves her. All he wants from her is for her to embrace him once again. He's not willing to let go of the relationship just yet. Hence the title

After listening to this song, I thoroughly enjoy it. I think this song is very relatable to many people in their youths. You fall in and fall out of love. You make up and break up. You love and you hurt. And yes, sometimes love breaks unevenly. One is left more with pain while the over moves one freely. And I think those ideas were expressed nicely through this song.

And with that said, we had finally come to the end of BTS third mini album: "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life pt. 1" review. Overall, I really really admire this mini album. I thought that all the songs in this album was well put together and the order of the tracks definitely flow well together. BTS concept of their third mini album was youth and I thought they successful portrayed that through this album. If you are planning on buying this album, I highly recommend it! You get 9 songs (enough to be a full album), a photo book, a photo card, and the cd when you purchase the album. I, myself own this album and never once regretted buying it.

I know this album came out a while ago but I wanted to do my very first album review on it, so I hopefully it was somewhat enjoyable and helpful. Also, if you have any recommendations of which album review I should do next, please comment down below! Your suggestion will be truly appreciated! (:

Thank you for reading!

-xoxo,

yamyam.