In “Background,” Jin’s voice shines the best where it becomes an intense yet intimate listen.
After being the first member to complete his military service, BTS member Kim Seokjin, popularly known by his stage name Jin, was tasked with carrying forward the rest of the group members. Since his return from enlistment, Jin has carried the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games’ torch, starred in the Netflix show Kian's Bizarre B&B, and even introduced Tom Cruise to his mom. However, he has now returned to show off his strongest skill and finally released his long-awaited album last week on Friday, 16th May.
The album starts subtly with the track “Don’t Say You Love Me.” The music video features the Korean actress Shin Se-kyeong. The melody is an easy listen, and as the piano plays, Jin’s low tone captures the frustration of being lovelorn and haunted by ghosts of a past relationship. The mood is then picked up by “Nothing Without Your Love,” which evolves into a grand declaration of love that spreads warmth all over you.
As the album moves to the third track, things take a turn with the title “Loser,” featuring former IZ-ONE member YENA. The song is edgy, fun, and refreshing. This high energy continues into “Rope It,” a country-rock track. This is packed with charisma and confidence, unlike usual Jin solo songs, which are calm. In the next track, “With the Clouds,” Jin collaborates with RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda in a song that is electrifying and propelled by percussion.
In “Background,” Jin’s voice shines the best where it becomes an intense yet intimate listen. In the final track of Echo, “To Me, Today,” Jin joins the sentimental band-powered vibe that brings us to accepting this heartbreak.
In this album, Jin comes off as an emotional individual who is wrapped in emotions of heartbreak. He is vulnerable yet tender with his words. He tries to comfort his fans for the long-awaited reunion. Every note, every word, and every beat was perfectly executed to show nothing but his artistic abilities. Jin may be an entertainer, but at the end of the day, he is an artist who longs to connect with his people.
The worldwide superstar is now set to kick off his first-ever solo tour “#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR” on June 28th and 29th at Goyang’s Auxiliary Stadium.
The article is authored by Nikhila Kalla, an intern from Christ University Bangalore
