B-Sides: BTS Edition Part 2 - The Solos
Photo: BigHit Entertainment
March 20, 2026, was a remarkable day for the music industry as BTS returned, stronger than ever, with their exceptional new album ARIRANG. Last month, we looked at some of my favorite B-sides from BTS as a group, to celebrate their long-awaited comeback, but now it’s time for the solos. So, here are my favorite B-side solo tracks from each member that make up the global pop phenomenon that is BTS.
“Lonely” - RM
In 2022, RM released his debut solo album, Indigo, featuring 10 tracks whose lyrics delve into personal moments and uncertainties in his life. Each production adopts a different style and sound, painting a distinctive picture of his solo career with musical influences and collaborations that shine a light on his identity and music taste outside of BTS. Depicting isolation and loneliness, RM unveiled a vulnerable side to himself in the seventh track “Lonely,” with his sharp, sincere words offering comfort and relatability as he sings “I’m f*ckin’ lonely / I’m alone on this island / So f*ckin’ lonely / Somebody call me” in the chorus. RM’s voice journeys across the soothing yet melancholic sounds of “Lonely’s” poignant, pop-rock arrangement, having me hooked from start to finish, not wanting to break away from the contentment that “Lonely” provides.
“Rope It” - Jin
Last year, Jin temporarily stepped away from the pop genre in his second EP, Echo, to channel an inner cowboy persona through the EP’s theatrical, country-rock track, “Rope It.” Despite not having a music video to accompany its fun, high-energetic nature, “Rope It” instantly takes Army (BTS's dedicated fandom) to the Wild West with Western sound motifs playing a vital role throughout the song’s production. As Jin “spin[s] the lasso ‘round,” images of ranches and saloons enter the mind, with “Rope It” being the perfect song to play over the contents of a quirky music video, one starring Jin as the leading cowboy or sheriff who runs the town with his worldwide handsome visuals and charming vocals that keep everyone in check.
“SDL” - Agust D
Known as Min Yoongi, SUGA, and Agust D in different aspects of his life and career, the 2023 debut solo album D-Day gifted Army with 10 rap-enriched singles, addressing themes of liberation, freedom, and acceptance, being the third and final instalment of the Agust D trilogy. Meaning “Somebody Does Love,” the fifth track “SDL” shines light and warmth into the album as Agust D alternates between laid-back rapping and melodic singing; his vocals beautifully elevated by the endearing harmonies of ADORA, with love and romance at the song's core. For die-hard BTS fans, this loving, softer vocal side of SUGA may come as no surprise but for casual listeners, hearing SUGA outside of a gritty, rap heavy performance, especially as Agust D, may be an unforgettable experience they would never have imagined hearing before, with him having many, intricate, layers to his craft.
“STOP (세상에 나쁜 사람은 없다)” - j-hope
j-hope released Jack In The Box, in 2022, his debut studio album full of surprises and songs that dive deep into a heavy, and more powerful, rap dynamic, accentuating his versatile, artistic approach to music. Leaning into old school hip-hop and rap throughout, the fourth track “STOP (세상에 나쁜 사람은 없다)” implements a boom bap beat of the ‘90s as j-hope reflects on societal issues and conflicts, inspired by the book “There Are No Bad People In The World” by Won Jaehoon, to which “세상에 나쁜 사람은 없다” translates to. Through his sharp, distinct, playful rap flow, j-hope spreads a powerful message that calls out the problems amongst society, encouraging people to “Please stop,” “Don’t fight,” “Calm down,” and “Change our minds”– a lyrical message needed now more than ever, with j-hope living up to his name and providing listeners with that glimmer of hope.
“Face-off” - Jimin
Jimin left a prominent mark on the road of solo music in 2023, debuting with the incredible album FACE that saw him take on new directions across six tracks, each one further cementing his presence in the music industry. This is Jimin, and FACE made sure listeners could never forget that, with the album diving into intense productions that somewhat break away from the soft, angelic persona he has become known for in BTS. Of course, this persona is still there but the opening track “Face-off” spotlights Jimin under a new musical light, one where initial thoughts are instantly thrown out of the window, as “Face-off” unravels itself to be of the dark-pop, R&B genre, boldly revealing Jimin’s bold artistic color. Opening with a tuneful carnival melody, Jimin approaches the song with fierceness; cursing and projecting his anger at being betrayed over a production and sound that had ARMY hooked and in full-support of the emotions he possessed in that moment.
“For Us” - V
V made a triumphant solo debut, in 2023, with the release of his first studio album Layover. Here, V fully immersed himself into a place of dulcet jazz and soothing soul with each one of the six tracks delicately crafted to complement his beautifully rich, tender vocals,and allowing him to stand out amongst modern music trends. V’s unique, sentimental approach to his music adds an abundance of warmth and comfort to each listening experience with the penultimate track “For Us,” being one to highlight this with its intimate blend of R&B where listeners become instantly captivated by V’s old school charm. The only song on the album to be sung entirely in English, “For US” plays like a soundtrack to a sorrowful moment in life, sung against a backdrop of summer with a melodic piano-driven arrangement that feels thematic and enriched in personal depth that many could relate to.
“Yes or No” - Jungkook
Maknae Jungkook has shown several sides to himself over the last 20+ years, growing up as the youngest member of BTS whose musicality has strongly evolved alongside him, leading up to a remarkable solo debut in 2023 with his first album Golden. Army knew the album would be great but Golden blew all expectations with the songs truly distinguishing Jungkook's sound as a global pop star with a distinctive R&B flair. Featuring big names across the music industry, the fifth track, "Yes or No," saw Jungkook collaborate with British musician Ed Sheeran, who lent his guitar and writing skills to the melodious love track. Here, Jungkook seeks confirmation in a relationship asking, “And are we falling in love?” to a significant other, expressing strong emotions and desires through his velvety, smooth vocals that has listeners falling in love alongside him, becoming mesmerised by his soothing tones.
Edited by Cara Musashi