ARMY, rejoice!
The reunion of BTS following the completion of the members’ military service is underway, and anticipation surrounding their upcoming comeback continues to build. Releasing hit after hit, the individual members’ careers as solo artists have left fans and casual listeners alike excited for the group’s reformed sound as a unit — and the possible hits they could make following their time apart.
Nevertheless, as the group’s imminent comeback is soon at hand, it’s important to review the group’s past work, and more importantly, show some love to their discography, whether hidden gems or celebrated title tracks. Having made their official debut all the way back in 2013 with six full-length albums, the group have multiple hits under their belt — but here, we’re highlighting the songs you may not have given enough love to.
On that note, here’s a playlist curated by Billboard Philippines of underrated BTS deep cuts you need to give a listen.
“Autumn Leaves”
Released in November of 2015, BTS’ fourth mini album, The Most Beautiful Moments in Life Pt. 2, was essential to establishing the group’s name in mainstream K-pop. It birthed the group’s hits like “Run” and “Butterfly,” but here, we’re highlighting the album’s eighth track, “Autumn Leaves.” Exploring themes of time’s passage, lost love, and regret, the R&B track features a lush and dazzling production. The song stands as a testament to BTS’ lyrical maturity, solidifying its place as a hidden gem in their expansive discography.
“Tomorrow”
“Follow your dream like breaker / Even if it breaks down, don’t ever run backwards, never,” urges Jungkook in the group’s 2014 track, “Tomorrow.” As the seventh track of their era-defining album, Skool Luv Affair, “Tomorrow” is a mantra to those entrapped in the cyclical nature of everyday life, and urges those to follow their dreams. Unlike the rock-inspired tone of the rest of the album, the song leans into a more R&B direction, with SUGA’s fingerprints dotted around its production.
“Cypher Pt. 3: Killer”
While fans often debate which of BTS’ “Cypher” tracks is the favorite, there’s no question that “Cypher Pt. 3: Killer” ranks among the top contenders. Each verse delivered by RM, j-hope, SUGA (appearing as his AGUST D persona), and collaborator Supreme Boi is scorching hot, delivering one blistering bar after another. Challenging the industry standard of K-pop rap, the anthem confidently stands as a prime example of what happens when passion meets skill.
“Pied Piper”
While “Pied Piper” is definitely one of the more celebrated BTS B-sides, the song’s immaculate production and songwriting still deserves its flowers, and a place on this list. Rarely do idols go out of their way to write a track that calls out their fans for neglecting their studies in favor of their group, but RM wrote a proper scolding in “Pied Piper.” As a whole, the track is a testament to BTS’ ability to critique, tease, and enchant their audience all in one song — and even a sly commentary on fan culture.
“Just One Day”
Sweet, easy on the ears, and almost dream-like, BTS’ “Just One Day” is the perfect soothing morning anthem. Released in 2014 as part of their Skool Luv Affair album, the song fantasizes an idyllic day spent with someone they adore — a moment away from the chaos of youth, fame, and reality. Coupled with the choreography’s subtle romantic gestures as seen in their music video, the track stands out as a delicate love letter, unveiling BTS’ ability to be both hard-hitting and deeply vulnerable, even in their early years.
“Dis-ease”
One of the bigger projects of their BE album with eight collaborators in total, BTS’ 2020 track “Dis-ease” is equal parts funky, groovy, and fun. In spite of its upbeat production, the song itself tackled the common feelings of unease and anxiety as their work slowed down during the pandemic. Even in its title, the track is well-thought out with the wordplay on “disease” and “dis-ease” becoming a powerful reminder of how rest itself can feel like an illness when one is addicted to productivity.
“Ma City”
Serving as the fifth track of the group’s fourth mini album, The Most Beautiful Moments in Life Pt. 2, “Ma City” is an electric fusion of hip-hop and dance music with howling guitar riffs that tie the piece together. Having originated from different cities and regions of Korea, the members all pay tribute to their hometowns in the track, from j-hope’s Gwangju and Jimin’s Busan to V’s Daegu. In its entirety, “Ma City” stands as both a love letter to where they came from and a triumphant declaration of how far they’ve come.