Wow! We’re down the the third and last part of The 30-Day BTS Song Challenge! I really had a great time choosing the songs though I think 30 songs is not enough to showcase how great the Bangtan boys are! Refer to Part 1 and Part 2 first if you want a smooth transition 🙂
As we enjoy the 2020 BTS Festa this month, I would like to share 10 more tracks that will truly comfort you, trigger you to think of some things and make you happy. The fun thing about the discography of BTS is it is so rich with quality content. So Lit!
Anyway, shall we proceed?
Day 21: A Song That Saved You: Black Swan by BTS
I recall watching the first live performance for Black Swan in The Late, Late Night Show with James Corden and wondered why BTS doesn’t have an official music video for it yet. I screamed when they simply dropped the music video on March 4 without fanfare or anything. BTS Army were shocked in a good way and I have to say this is my second favorite music video of theirs. It’s too classy! This song saved me from boredom and the lyrics made me think about my own creative endeavors. I will probably write a separate blogpost about that. Also, I tried learning the choreography of Black Swan. It felt great to dance again while in isolation.
Day 22: A Song for the Summer: Paradise by BTS
I imagine myself enjoying a sunset cruise in Boracay with a bottle of beer in my hand while this song is on full blast. This just gives you that ‘it’s ok to relax you deserve it’ kind of vibe, which is perfect for those who are on vacation but can’t disconnect from their work mentally. It would be nice if they can perform this song live or use it in their next Bon Voyage or Summer Package adventure.
Did you like the first part of my 30-Day BTS Song Challenge? I really had a hard time picking the songs. I guess that’s a good problem to have, right?
On the second part, I noticed that almost half of the tracks in this post are solo songs from the members. Hope you enjoy and take the time to appreciate what they can offer. Who knows, you might have a favorite or bias after you listen to the chosen songs!
Are you ready for a coffee shop-inspired BTS playlist? 😛
Who wouldn’t want to stay in a coffee shop when you hear Jungkook’s endearing intro for coffee? This song was often played in the coffee shop I used to visit in our old neighborhood. This is a teenybopper type of track that will make you feel good and crave for that delicious coffee. I don’t like caramel macchiatto or anything with caramel or super duper sweeteners, but I will give it a go if Jungkook is the barista! LOL!
Day 12: A Song That Makes You Want to Fall in Love: LOVE by BTS RM
I first heard the intro of Love from the BTS Mini Figure teaser in YouTube. The song was played when RM’s cutie mini version was revealed. I searched for the full song and liked it in an instant. I didn’t expect that such sweet song will come from RM knowing that he tends to do groundbreaking rap tracks. I fell in love with it when I saw his live performance for this song and I was just amazed on how he was able to hype up the crowd on his own. Live and Love! That’s what RM’s LOVE can do!
Discovering and falling in love with the boys of BTS is the best thing that happened to me this challenging year of 2020. Well, I heard about BTS and I even saw their breakthrough music video before plus their song are played everywhere, but I never really immersed in their music and fandom not ’till that Carpool Karaoke episode with James Corden. During that time, I was so into The Beatles especially George Harrison. I will forever be a fan of The Beatles, but probably welcoming the BTS in the mix is a good idea.
Last month, I came across the ’30-Day BTS Song Challenge’ where BTS Army (name of the fandom) share their favorite BTS songs or which specific tracks trigger certain emotions or memory. Check my original Twitter thread (changed some songs last minute)
30-Day BTS Song Challenge (credits to @134340child)
Since I have no internet connection as I type this, let me elaborate why I chose these specific tracks. Are you ready for an adventure?
Day 1: A Song You Think Should Be Listened to More: Spring Day
Spring Day is considered as the ‘timeless’ hit song of BTS in Korea. In fact, this song is still in the charts up to this day (the song was released as a single three years ago!). Despite that victorious reign in the charts, I just feel that the international fans (especially newbies like me) will find comfort and solace in this simple yet moving song.
The music video triggers longing feelings in a good way. You can’t help but look back at the happy times with that person you miss the most.
Day 2: A song That Makes You Cry: Awake by BTS Jin
This song is quite familiar though I cannot really pinpoint why. Probably I’ve heard it in the coffee shop I used to visit or maybe I heard it on the radio without realizing it is from BTS. Honestly, I was surprised that Jin is the soloist behind this lovely ballad. He often shows his goofy side in interviews and performances, but in reality, he is the most hardworking member of the group. Why hardworking? He was discovered while he was on his way to the university – the classic ‘scouting’ story.
He was a university student who had no background in singing or dancing. He had to train hard to be a ‘deserving’ member of BTS. I can relate to his sentiments in this song. You know, that feeling of always being ‘not good enough’ or being ‘the second best’ in certain things you’re passionate about.
‘Wide awake, wide awake, wide awake don’t cry’ he sings. Kim Seokjin is a living proof that hardwork and dedication pays off. I just love this guy so much!
Big Hit Entertainment officially launches BTS, the newest Hip Hop group from South Korea. With 7 members, these newbies sing, write and produce their own songs. They are also working hard on their future performances and promises to show slick choreography with their heart-stopping dance routines!
BTS debuts with ‘No More Dream’: Meet J-Hope, Jungkook, V, RM, Jimin, Jin and Suga
Here’s the official music video of the first single of BTS entitled ‘No More Dream‘:
Wow, these rookies aren’t here to play around! They’re here to shock and they’re here to stay! It seems like they aim not only to conquer South Korea or Asia – they want to conquer the world!
BTS working hard for their debut because they want big house, big cars and big rings.
7 idols, 7 personalities. I heard that some of them were hired due to their rapping skills and are known in the underground world while one is a break dancer. One was discovered in an audition for a talent show. There’s a scholar from a contemporary dance school. I think the one who was approached because of his worldwide handsome face while he is leaving the bus will be my favorite and the one who was dreaming of becoming a saxophonist will be my bias wrecker.
I think what happened between this album and the last album is that everything has been happening nice for me. My life is getting better all the time, and I’m happy, and I think that it’s reflected in the music – George Harrison, 1979
George Harrison is my favorite Beatle. I adored him even way before I really knew who he was. I’ve been listening to his solo stuff when I was a kid not realizing he is the lead guitarist of the iconic band called ‘The Beatles’ whose performances are regularly shown in MTV Classics. Who would’ve thought that the ‘quiet’ one and the ‘gardener’ on the cover of ‘All Things Must Pass’ is the same person? A five year old wouldn’t figure that one out right away!
George Harrison (1979) album cover
I got more confused when I saw the music video of ‘Got My
Eyes Set You’. This guy is sporting a different hairstyle. Who is this man?
I decided to finally embrace ‘Beatlemania’ or more of ‘GeorgeMania’ when I visited Liverpool in August last year with my best friend Maire. She is a big Paul McCartney fan while I knew I loved George, but I wasn’t ready to be a fangirl again (I had a serious John Deacon obsession after Bohemian Rhapsody) but since this is George Harrison and I’ll be in Liverpool, I might as well.
After our visit to The Beatles Story Museum and the British Music Experience, I was inspired to finally take a leap and just watch the George Harrison documentary that was available in Netflix that time. Months prior, I’ve been planning of watching the documentary which was directed by Martin Scorsese. Now, if only I can watch the documentary on HandMade Films called ‘An Accidental Studio’ (can’t purchase the film from where I am at the moment).
George Harrison writing ‘Here Comes the Moon’. Something like this for the album cover would’ve been better 😛
Geez. Isn’t George Harrison something? I know he wrote ‘Something’ but there was so much going on in his life and I admire how in a way, he pursued all his interests. I can relate to him in that aspect.
Among all his albums, my go-to record is the self-titled 1979 album ‘George Harrison’. Its cover may not be the outstanding (they could’ve chosen a different photo) but as they say, don’t judge a book by its book. Or rather, don’t judge an album by its cover! I listen to this album these days whenever I need a productivity booster. The first track makes me dance and set a happy tone. Oh yes, I will have a great day today!
If his previous solo works were full of angst, spirituality, regrets and mystery, the 1979 George Harrison album is relaxed, positive and full of contentment. If you’re new to George Harrison, I would like to give you a track-by-track preview:
1. Love Comes to Everyone
It’s so true it can
happen to you all there
Knock and it will open wide
And it only takes time Till love comes to everyone
This is the song I am most familiar with from this album although I was surprised to learn that this is by George Harrison. I used to dance to this song with my parents. Having a radio DJ dad meant I have access to compilation albums and he has a record collection of his own.
‘Love Comes to Everyone’ is the perfect opening track for this album. It sets a tone. I automatically transport in a scenario where I am just dancing as if nobody is watching. When I listen to this song, a part of me wants to fall in love just for the sake of having a dance partner I can dance as this song plays in the background.
If I am not mistaken, George Harrison only performed this song once in the Live in Japan Tour. Too bad there’s no clear recording of his live performance (maybe there’s one, but I am hoping the GH Estates release it ASAP!). No wonder he played it in Japan. I assume that his Asian fans loved this track and I think it was officially released as a single here in the Philippines.
When you hear ‘The Beatles’, people normally associate the band with John Lennon or Paul McCartney. Well, I cannot blame them. George Harrison is rather known as the ‘quiet Beatle’ anyway. Guess what? He is my favorite.
George Harrison
This week, I plan to write some articles in relation to George Harrison for my self-imposed ‘George Harrison Challenge’. I will start with the easiest and that is by ranking my Top 15 Favorite George Harrison Songs that he wrote and sung as part of The Beatles.
When Geri Halliwell decided to leave the Spice Girls while they were at the peak of their world domination, a lot of young fans were left heart broken. How could you? I thought friendship never ends? Liar!
Things were all of a sudden wobbly in Spice World. Then Mel
B announced she’s pregnant. Then Victoria. Then Mel C released a solo album.
Then Emma decided to shed that ‘Baby Spice’ image by posing in magazine and
working on her debut album.
Geri, on the other hand, was in George Michael’s mansion plotting what she’ll do next. She knows that being the first member to leave the group is both an advantage and disadvantage. The curiosity of fans and haters on what she’ll do next and if she will top the charts on her own is just too big to ignore.
The four other girls decided to carry on and release their
third album ‘Forever’. There’s Baby, Posh, Scary and Sporty ONLY.
I can say that
‘Forever’ is an underrated album. It was way ahead of its time. The girls had a
different sound – they focused on the mix of RnB, Hiphop and Urban. Though it
is not a perfect album, there are a number of standout tracks although some are
skippable.
So when you’re ready to make your next Spotify playlist or whatever music streaming site you use, make sure you add your favorites from the FOREVER album! Hold tight now…
1. Holler – When I first heard this song, I was confused. Why this song? However, the song grew on me as time goes by plus the music video is so slick. It is sexy, stylish and it makes you want to be a ‘grown-up Spice Girl’. I especially love the look of Victoria in that video.. and Emma. And Mel B. And Mel C. The girls danced with unity and it seems that they’re stronger than ever – at least on that video.
Victoria Adams-Beckham is my favorite Spice Girl. Well, she wasn’t initially my favorite (because she didn’t have a single solo line in Wannabe), but as time progressed, I find her personality endearing and the one I can relate to among the five. My love for her intensified when I read the book ‘Learning to Fly’ and saw her interviews during and after her days as Posh Spice.
Now, a lot of people know her either as the wife of David Beckham, a fashion icon and a doting mum to four beautiful children.
When the Spice Girls broke up (or when Geri Halliwell suddenly left), the girls worked on solo projects. There’s Melanie C’s collaboration with Bryan Adams with the smash hit ‘When You’re Gone’ which eventually led to the release of her debut album ‘Northern Star’. Melanie B teamed up with Missy Elliot for ‘I Want You Back’ and Emma Bunton with Tin Tin Out for the remake of ‘What I Am’.
Victoria was the last one to pursue a solo music project. She was already pregnant when Geri left the group. Her marriage to David and being a mum to Baby Brooklyn became a priority.
Eventually, she was invited on the True Steppers – David Bowers dance track ‘Out of Your Mind’. By the time she released this, the interest in the solo projects of the Spice Girls is starting to decline. By then, her peers had their #1 songs already and some had released their albums: Melanie C with Northern Star, Geri Halliwell with Schizophonic, Emma Bunton with A Girl Like Me and Melanie B with HOT. The single reached #2 in the charts and she was first enthusiastic about it and finally, she is determined to work on her solo album much to the delight of her loyal fans (like me!).
Kylie Minogue is the Aphrodite of Pop Music. With a colorful career spanning more than 30 years, this goddess is one of the very few lucky ones to start a career as a teen actress in a popular soap opera to pop superstar that she is today.
Kylie Minogue
Last month, my family and I drove to Brighton for the Pride in the Park 2019 show which is one of the highlights of Brighton Pride 2019. Why is it a highlight? Well, Kylie Minogue is the headliner!
The LGBTQ+ community consider Kylie as one of their icons. It is so easy to understand why: From her ballads to her dance tunes to her fashion style and her music videos, she is truly adored and loved by her fanbase.
Speaking of music videos, I thought of sharing my own list of Top 10 Kylie Minogue Music Videos. I never thought it will be this hard! I do applaud her and the whole Kylie team for making the magic happen!
Movies, Music and Travel. These are three things that I am really passionate about. When I am not traveling, I would go to the cinema to escape from reality for a while. When I am on a long trip, I listen to music to still be inspired on my idle time. These three are related in one way or another.
My Vibbidi Narratives featuring Jennifer Lopez (On The 6), Shakira (Laundry Service) and Ariana Grande (Dangerous Woman)
I am happy to announce that I have an ongoing collaboration with a new platform called VIBBIDI! It’s a free web-based music streaming service that’s available on any device that has an internet connection. I’ve been using it for a month now and it is just fun to rediscover some of the albums that I loved in the past and to find new materials from emerging artists.
The thing that I love about Vibbidi is the feature called ‘Narratives’. In this section, music lovers share how a specific album means to them and how they can relate to the artists. As I publish this post, I’ve written the following:
