BTS B-Sides
BTS is celebrating eight years since their debut this year, so to celebrate this momentous occasion, let’s take a look at some of their best B-side tracks over the years. With a massive discography like that of BTS, there are many B-side songs that deserve the spotlight, but we chose the following six underrated B-sides.
“전하지 못한 진심 (The Truth Untold)” ft. Steve Aoki
“The Truth Untold” is a soaring rock ballad that was a completely unexpected track on 2018’s LOVE YOURSELF 轉 Tear. Being a collaboration with EDM producer Steve Aoki, fans expected the song to be a dance-pop banger. However, the track was an emotional ballad with one of the group’s best vocal deliveries. Performed by Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, the track makes references to “La Città di Smeraldo,” an Italian tale about a man who hides in his house because he’s afraid of showing himself.
“Tomorrow”
A perfect body-roll song, “Tomorrow” actually talks about the serious responsibilities that come with turning 20 years old. From the group’s 2014 album Skool Luv Affair, the song was co-written by the rap line, SUGA, RM, and j-hope. The demo for the song was written before their debut by member SUGA, and contains a static piano and electric guitar melody increasing the track’s excitement.
“Stay”
Reigning from their latest album BE, “Stay” is a subunit track performed by members RM, Jin, and Jungkook with the maknae also leading the songwriting process of the song. On the mellow album, “Stay” is an explosion of positive energy, but still contains emotional lyrics about staying together through all that life throws at you.
“21st Century Girl”
WINGS is often regarded as a turning point in BTS’s career. With a new direction in sound, the album contained a more mature vibe, however “21st Century Girl” was a perfect throwback. Reminiscent of their early years, the song features their powerful and hard-hitting rap and vocal delivery, all while containing a beautiful message of love.
“욱 (UGH!)”
A perfect song for when the world gets on your nerves, “욱 (UGH!)” is a powerful hip-hop song on the group’s quadruple selling album, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7. A lyrical masterpiece, the Korean title comes from the verb “욱하다,” which means “to say words driven by a sudden, strong anger.” Phonetically, it also sounds like “Ugh.”
“Butterfly”
Co-written by SUGA, j-hope, and RM, “Butterfly” expresses the fear of losing someone through the metaphor of a butterfly, representing the ephemerality of time. A beautiful message, the track appeared on their fourth mini-album 화양연화 (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life), and was later included in 2016’s compilation album 화양연화 Young Forever (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever).