Since the summer of 2022, the pop megabandBTShave been on hiatus a pause that both gave space for each member to embark on his mandatory military service and allowed them to spread their creative wings on solo projects that showed their varied musical interests and star-stuffed contacts lists.
(Neo-soul muse Erykah Badu popped up on leader RMs sonically adventurousIndigo, while swaggering Louisvillian Jack Harlow cameoed on Jungkooks poppyGolden.)
WithHappy, the debut album by smoothly charming vocalistJin, the second chapter of BTS is more fully fleshed out, as is the puzzle of where the groups seven members have ventured creatively since their split two-plus years ago.
BIGHIT MUSIC*
On The Astronaut, Jins 2022 solo debut, the singer showed how his supple tenor meshed with big-sky rock music co-written by British rock stalwarts Coldplay and EDM crowd-pleaser Kygo, its moonlit synths allowed Jins voice to slice through them like a bright laser.
Jins first full-length continues his journey around the rock world, with his winning voice and bright outlook adding panache to synth-washed New Wave and unadorned piano balladry alike.
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Happyopens with Running Wild, a peppy cut that sounds tailor-made for convertible rides, or at least movie montages featuring them.
The track was co-produced by Gary Barlow of the British boy-band sensation Take That a neat squaring of the pop-idol circle that could help explain why its bubbly urgency fits Jins overall demeanor like a glove.
Elsewhere, the vocalist and guitarist of the J-alt-pop act ONE OK ROCK bolster Falling, a stomping love song that opens up into a widescreen chorus, while WENDY of the K-pop vocal fivesome Red Velvet plays Jins foil on Heart on the Window, a sweetly romantic offering that splits the difference between winsome dreampop and heart-pounding anthem.
Ill Be There is a hip-shaking rock confection, and the shred-heavy guitar solo that caps Another Level makes its pomp and crash and Jins impassioned vocal hit harder.
I will come to you, a stripped-down piano ballad that puts the spotlight on Jins subtly shaded emotionalism, closesHappy, and Jin has said its a tribute to his fans that he wrote after being discharged from the military earlier this year.
With BTS expected to come back in 2025, the placement of I will come to you atHappys feels like a portent for the future that doubles as a salute to Jins faithful.
