Here's how we broke down every song from the BTS superstar's highly anticipated solo album.
With Jin finally feeling that the “time was right” to release his first solo project, Happy is a glowing ode to exploring his favorite genre in rock music as well as the gratitude he wants to share with fans.
While the BTS superstar's involvement in the album's production is evident throughout the final track 'I will come to you', a soulful ballad he penned for ARMY fans, Jin also recruited a cast of global collaborators to bring it. Happy feelings about life. Electric lead single “Running Wild” was co-produced by Gary Barlow of British boy band Take That, while pre-release track “I'll Be There” marks the latest team-up between BTS and the “Lights Down Low” singer. MAX. There's also Taka and Toru of Japanese rock group ONE OK ROCK, Wendy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet, and some of Jin's longtime collaborators like PDOGG all present so that Happy presents Jin as a versatile singer who is not afraid to experiment with new styles without losing his authenticity.
While listeners have been treated to solo songs from Jin for years — including his Billboard Hot 100 hit “The Astronaut,” which featured contributions from Coldplay — this tight, six-song EP offers fans a greater Jin listening experience while exploring global themes like love. , joy and personal growth.
From the singles “Running Wild” and “I'll Be There” to new solo songs like “Heart on the Window” and “Another Level,” see our ranking of every song from Jin's debut solo album, Happy.
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“Another Level”
A dive into harder rock, the alternative track brims with intensity to liken personal growth to leveling up in a game. Despite the harsh guitars and ominous anthemic construction, “Another Level” suits its theme Happy with inspirational lines like “Don't be afraid/…We'll bounce back and reach another level” in the chorus. The charging performance sees Jin in full rock star form.
With such a tight project as this six-piece Happy“Another Level” charting at number six is no mean feat, but it speaks to the album's strength.
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“Fall”
A collaboration with Taka and Toru of the influential Japanese group ONE OK ROCK, “Falling” is a masterful fusion of J-pop, modern rock and pop sensibilities. The song begins with a catchy whistle, crafted by Taka, a pattern that runs throughout the track, creating an unforgettable sound signature. Jin's vocals are soulful and powerful, especially in the soaring chorus, which captures the intensity of the deepest love. Toru's intricate guitar adds texture, making this one of the most dynamic and layered tracks on the album despite its easy listening.
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“I'll come to you”
Long-time ARMY fans know that some of Jin's best solo moments are just him and a piano: his “Epiphany” solo stage during BTS' Love Yourself World tour, the quiet moments of his wonderful fan track “Abyss ” in 2020 or his ballad “Yous that he contributed to the soundtrack for the Korean drama Jirisan. But perhaps his most meaningful moment on the piano comes through “I will come to you,” Jin's heartfelt letter to ARMY.
The lyrics promise reunion and warmth, capturing Jin's gratitude and yearning after time spent away from fans due to his mandatory military service. The minimal instrumentation allows Jin's soft and clear vocals to take center stage, making for a timeless, heart-pounding peak of his gratitude as he closes the song by repeating the final lines: “I'll come to you/ If you need me, I'll come to you.”
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“Running Wild”
The album's electrifying centerpiece, “Running Wild” blends new wave and British rock — an unexpectedly perfect fit for Jin's bright singing style. His vocals seamlessly transition between soothing low tones and soaring falsetto, sharing the hopeful message of running breathlessly to joy in the midst of chaos. Expertly produced and written by Gary Barlow, the lead singer and main songwriter of the huge British pop group Take That, “Running Wild” is well suited to be shared with the world by a fellow band member.
Sung entirely in English, the track has an added universal appeal to make it a standout track that also manages to resonate with Jin's personality and optimism. The song could probably make the Top 40 Pop Airplay or Mainstream Rock radio charts with the right push.
Paired with a cinematic, visually stunning music video, the “Running Wild” visual underscores its themes of Happy to see the joy in life's simple moments as Gene finds comfort and warmth with his dog even in an apocalyptic setting.
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“Heart on the Window” with Wendy
A touching duet with Wendy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet, “Heart on the Window” is Happy only track with a featured vocalist to mark Jin's collaborative prowess. Another new wave-inspired pop track, the collaboration juxtaposes the excitement of racing beats with reflective, poignant lyrics about enduring love. Jin and Wendy's airy, soulful harmonies blend beautifully and subtly, creating a sense of connection and intimacy for the listener. The imagery of the changing seasons behind a window underscores the passage of time, giving the song a cinematic yet realistic quality (Who hasn't painted a heart on a cloudy rainy window or through a sheet of light snow?). At the same time, the vocal chemistry between them makes this track a notable highlight and one we hope to see live someday.
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“I'll be there”
This pre-release single offers an upbeat rockabilly charm to reintroduce us to Jin's superb live vocals. Co-written with fellow BTS member MAX, who helped write 2022's single 'Yet to Come' and has collaborated with Suga twice, 'I'll Be There' lets a new kind of rock star emerge from Jin with a playful yet honest delivery — one that feels like it encapsulates everything about who Jin is as a performer and 31-year-old kid-joking dad.
The title alone gives the song a message of comfort, with its heartwarming message directed to anyone who may be isolated or lonely in general, but also to ARMY fans in particular: “I swear I'll always sing for you/ Sing for you, o-o-o/I'll be there for you.”
Full of color and cheerful energy, the “I'll Be There” music video portrays Jin as a down-to-earth rock star, effortlessly spreading good vibes and laughter across a city, showing that he can be liked by everyone, even when he's diving. back in the early 1950s at the height of rockabilly, one of the first stylistic breakouts from rock 'n' roll. Whether as soloists or as a group, BTS has always maintained that their private messages are available to everyone. Ultimately, Jin mixing his animated personality and comforting messages through unexpected musical genres is the perfect sum.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/jin-happy-album-every-track-ranked/