Album Review: Golden by Jungkook
Album: Golden
Artist: Jungkook
Label: Big Hit Music
Grade: A
The youngest member of the globally acclaimed boyband BTS, Jungkook, released his debut album Golden on Nov. 3. Jungkook is the last of the band members to release a solo album, with the exception of Jin, before fulfilling a mandatory 18-month military service next year. BTS’ fan base, called ARMY, is one of the strongest K-pop fandoms in the world evidenced by the support behind the boy’s solo activities during a group hiatus.
Golden consists of 11 all-English songs showcasing the artist’s mastery of his vocal versatility and follows a falling in love to heartbreak storyline chronologically. Seven featuring Latto was released in July as a summer hit and reached international recognition on music charts including debuting at number 1 on Billboard Hot 100, setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest song to reach one billion Spotify plays in 109 days, and besting Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” record. The success continued with the release of 3D featuring Jack Harlow in October. The album features star-studded collaborations with DJ Snake in “Closer to You” and Major Lazer in “Please Don’t Change” and writing contributions from Ed Sheeran with “Yes or No” and Shawn Mendes with “Hate You.”
The main track “Standing Next to You” shares a groovy and EDM beat about committing to someone amid hardship. Jungkook has developed a more mature side with infectious tracks and trending dance moves. One of the more notable songs and a personal favourite is “Too Sad to Dance,” a heartbreak song with a pop beat preceding the last track of the album “Shot Glass of Tears,” a more mellow tune. The Golden title comes from ‘Golden Maknae,’ referring to the youngest and most talented in the group, which other members have acknowledged.
-Noel Ormita
