On November 30, BTS–a hip-hop centered Korean idol group–topped the charts with their second comeback of the year, releasing The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2. Continuing their theme about the fleeting moments of youth, BTS provides security to youth who may not have found their passion in life, are struggling with objection from their parents, and may feel lonely in this vast world.

Following their hip-hop roots, the album consists of an Intro, seven tracks, a skit, and an Outro.

Their title track off the album is “Run”, providing a refreshing feeling of adolescents with a unique pop and rap mix.  “Run” touches on notions of heartbreak and the crushing feelings that can come after, leaving one feeling like they have to “run” from their  emotions. The song is a mirror image of youth and the adventures that come with–the spontaneous moments of life that one dares to encounter.The chorus’ catchy appeal provides an entertaining twist to this rather heavy song.

“Run” quickly peaked the charts, landing a sixth spot on Itunes top music videos.

Unlike other K-pop groups, BTS touches on subjects hindering their daily life. Take the track “Nevermind”, written and composed by member Min Yoongi. The song takes the listener back to BTS’s past, displaying their fear and anxieties in the music harsh industry. It begins with fans chanting, mimicking that the listener is on stage besides them. The rap is raw and full of emotion, highlighting BTS’s maturity.

The lyrics “No matter what anyone said, I only lived how I wanted, guided by only my beliefs,” depict how entering the music industry is a risk within itself, for they never received positive feedback. BTS advises the listeners to continue following their dreams, no matter the backlash or doubt they may receive.

The album’s imagery is heavily reliant on butterflies. The album showcases a slow-ballad titled “Butterfly” and the cover itself features a lone butterfly amongst flower petals; it is ethereal and imaginative, like the listener is venturing upon fantasy.

The butterfly theme correlates with the theme of youth–you can not let moments escape you, like a butterfly would in an instant. In order to live youth to the fullest, BTS advises to live without regrets.

BTS works intricate metaphors into their ballads about youth, in titles such as “Whalien 52”. The story is based off the 52-hertz whale, whom cry is so high-pitched other sea creatures cannot hear it. With this, they form a tragic tale about loneliness and isolation and how it can often make one feel otherworldly, much like the 52-hertz whale.

In a unique twist, amongst the background of this song BTS has added a cry resembling the 52-hertz whale.

BTS continues to showcase their hip hop roots with songs such as “Crow Tit” and “Ma City”, uplifting raps that continue to highlight important issues along their intricate, toe-tapping rhythms.

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2  showcases BTS’ growth as artists, highlighting their more mature, adventurous side.

Currently, the album continues to stand as No. 1 on international albums for the third week in a row, an unforeseeable record in the K-pop industry.

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http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6835246/bts-most-beautiful-moment-in-life-pt-2-returns-no-1-world-albums