November 15th, 2024, will forever go down in ARMY history as it marks the final solo debut album from BTS. Last but absolutely not least is Jin. He treated ARMY to a special gift in the form of ‘The Astronaut,’ a message of comfort and hope before he became the first member to begin his military enlistment back in 2022. Almost two years later, Jin is back and has been letting his adoring fans know just how much he loves and missed them. Happy is the first album from Jin and has been hugely anticipated for a long time. The six-track mini-album gives us a more thorough insight into Jin as a soloist. With a large majority of his solo songs in BTS and on OST soundtracks being ballad-based, Happy shows us a new side to Mr Worldwide Handsome, and we’ve loved every second of it. Let’s dive into each of the tracks together.
‘Running Wild’
Happy opens up with the energetic Brit rock ‘Running Wild,’ which also serves as the title track for the album. Co-written by the legendary Gary Barlow, this song has a racing beat that makes you feel as though you’re running alongside Jin in this all-English single. It’s proof that Jin’s vocals truly do fit an instrumental band with rockish vibes. If he wasn’t in BTS, we could totally see him being the lead singer of a band and absolutely slaying every single performance!
‘I’ll Be There’
‘I’ll Be There’ was the pre-release single that was our first taste of the Happy era that oozed a rockability vibe. It ignited our dreams of seeing him front a band for a live performance someday, and we’re still not over it despite the complete album finally being in our possession. You can read our full review of the single over here.
‘Another Level’
‘Another Level’ really does take the rock vibes to another level. Fused with grungy licks and harboring a darkly dramatic rise, you’d be forgiven to assume that the song was of a shadowy narrative, but lyrics such as “Don’t be scared // Even if I break down sometimes // One more step // Now I walk towards that light” offers hope and optimism, a stark contrast between the melody and lyrics that truly keeps you on your toes while listening to the beauty of Happy.
‘Falling’
‘Falling’ sees collaboration with Taka and Toru from ONEOKROCK, which explains the delicious blend of J-Pop and rock with a sprinkling of pop throughout. The track opens with an ear-catching whistle—Taka’s creation—that becomes a recurring motif, adding a playful yet haunting touch to the song’s identity. Jin’s vocals shine with emotional depth and power, especially in the sweeping chorus that embodies the intensity of falling in love. Toru’s intricate guitar work adds richness and complexity, making ‘Falling’ a standout piece that feels both accessible and layered.
‘Heart on the Window’ featuring Red Velvet’s Wendy
Serving as the only duet on the album, ‘Heart On The Window’ – featuring Red Velvet’s Wendy – was perhaps the song that ARMY were most curious about. A fresh take on new wave-inspired pop, the collaboration pairs vibrant, fast-paced rhythms with tender, contemplative lyrics about enduring love. Jin and Wendy’s ethereal harmonies intertwine seamlessly, evoking an intimate and heartfelt atmosphere. The imagery of changing seasons viewed through a window adds a poetic touch, symbolizing the passage of time in a way that feels both cinematic and universally relatable (after all, who hasn’t traced a heart on a foggy window or frosted pane?). This visual metaphor, combined with the pair’s vocal chemistry, elevates the song’s emotional resonance. With its delicate blend of nostalgia and hope, ‘Heart On The Window’ stands out as a memorable highlight and leaves fans yearning for a live performance of this heartfelt duet.
‘I Will Come To You’
Closing the album is classic Jin, an ode to the ballad sound we’ve grown to know and love from him over the course of his career. The heartfelt lyrics reflect themes of reunion and warmth, expressing Jin’s deep gratitude and wistful longing after time away from fans during his mandatory military service. Stripped-back instrumentation highlights the purity of his soft, emotive vocals, allowing every note to resonate with sincerity. The song reaches its emotional peak as Jin repeats the final lines, “I will come to you // If you need me, I will come to you,” leaving listeners with a moving and timeless reminder of his unwavering connection to his fans. It’s a beautiful letter penned to ARMY that will surely be held close to their hearts.
Happy is a stunning celebration. It marks the end of the cold winter without Jin and the start of a new beginning. A loveable and irresistible idol, it’s no wonder that Happy creates so much serotonin akin to its creator. It shows us a new side to BTS’s eldest while still radiating all the positive emotions he radiates wherever he goes. We’re obsessed, and serving as one of the last albums we’ll receive from 2024, it’s easily earned a place on our list of favorite albums from the year.
Happy by Jin is out now!
Are you loving Happy? What’s your favorite track? Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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