It goes without saying that BTS has a very extensive discography full of hits. However, there are some lesser known gems that the band has released over the years. From early rap songs to each member’s more serious mixtapes, the artists have created plenty of pieces that deserve to be heard, even if they don’t get enough attention. Here are 10 BTS songs you should add to your playlist right now.
1. ‘The Sea’
‘Love Yourself: Her’ is a secret track on the album that can only be found on physical release due to the ease with which it can go unnoticed by more streaming fans. With the metaphor of sea and desert used by BTS, the song talks about the feelings the group feels in the process of achieving their goals. A calm and gentle instrumental part combines airy vocals that sound like ocean waves.
2. ‘Rain’
From the album ‘Dark &Wild’, ‘Rain’ is a jazz-centric number with a focus on laid-back vocal lines, unlike most of BTS’s previous hip-hop tracks. The airy melody flows over light percussion and piano, creating a melancholic mood that matches the song’s lyrics about the gloom of a rainy day. A bonus rap expert J-Hope makes a rare appearance singing the sweet verses on this track.
3. “To break the spine”
From ‘Skool Luv Affair’, this song bravely confronts BTS’s income inequality early in their career. The meaning of the song’s name is that the youth always ask their parents for expensive clothes and shoes, which causes the village to bend its back for work to meet their demands. One of the most memorable things about this album is V’s low voice about materialism.
4. ‘We’re good’
Released as part of the group’s debut year, ‘O!RUL8,2?’, ‘We On’ is one of BTS’ first instances of speaking directly to naysayers through their music. RM addresses the critics squarely, while Jungkook’s harsh lyrics make the message even harder with sweetness. It remains one of the least discussed songs from the early catalog.
5. “Am I wrong”
One of the only blues-tinged songs in BTS’ catalog from the ‘Wings’ album, co-written by Grammy-winning musician Keb’ Mo. Funky beats and upbeat melodies overshadow the song’s sad message about apathy in the information age. It was particularly provocative when it was released in 2016, given the political climate in South Korea.
6. ‘BTS Cypher Pt. 3: the killer
From ‘Dark & Wild’, this song is part of the ‘Cypher’ series of rap songs written and performed by RM, Suga and J-Hope and is one of the rawest numbers in their discography. Exciting rap verses glide over the gentle melody of oriental instruments in a scathing speech against those who question hip-hop’s roots. It also acts as a predictor of the rap unit’s future songs with higher production.
7. ‘Pied Piper’
From ‘Love Yourself: Her’, this song BTS delivers a gentle yet sharp warning directly to their fandom. Members face behaviors that are common among fans, spending too much time watching content instead of focusing on their responsibilities. It’s tougher love than harsh criticism, as Jin has reassured fans, “You’re not being punished.”
8. ‘So Far’
From Suga’s solo mixtape ‘Agust D’, this track features poignant lyrics about existential dread and the struggle of living without dreams. Suga’s sharp rap verses contrast beautifully with singer-songwriter Suran’s ethereal chorus throughout the track. BTS is one of the most quietly devastating pieces of writing in the entire universe.
9.’UghOkay ‘
One of the least-discussed tracks from RM’s 2018 solo mixtape ‘Mono’, ‘UhGood’ is a vulnerable statement of the BTS leader living up to expectations. The song’s title means “falling short” and “missing each other” in Korean, with both meanings carefully woven into the lyrics. It’s one of the most honest moments of self-reflection RM has ever recorded.
10. ‘Baseline’
From J-Hope’s solo ‘Hope World’ mixtape, this groovy rap number is often overshadowed by the two songs that received music videos. At 90 seconds, the track is packed with brass instrumentation and J-Hope playfully alternates high and low raps. In an interview with TIME in 2018, J-Hope shared that the foundation behind the song is gratitude for his life and work.
