Step into the vibrant world of BTS, where music is a language that transcends borders and emotions echo through every beat. This blog post takes you on a thrilling journey through the “Best of BTS Songs,” exploring the heart and soul of the globally acclaimed K-pop sensation. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has not only redefined the music industry but has also become a cultural phenomenon. With over 235 songs spanning a decade of evolution, each track tells a story, evokes emotions, and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
BTS’s rise to global stardom has been nothing short of spectacular, and as we dive into their greatest hits, we uncover the magic behind the music that has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. From the iconic melodies of “Spring Day” to the explosive energy of “Dynamite,” each song is a chapter in the remarkable journey of seven young men who dared to dream. So, let’s embark on this musical adventure and discover why BTS’s discography is more than just a collection of songs – it’s a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and transcend boundaries. Get ready for the “Best of BTS Songs,” where the beats are infectious, the lyrics are soul-stirring, and the journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
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1. Spring Day (You Never Walk Alone, 2017)
Let’s take a closer look at one of BTS’s most iconic songs, “Spring Day,” a timeless gem from their album You Never Walk Alone, released in 2017.
Picture this song as a warm embrace for your ears. “Spring Day” is like a musical hug, comforting and familiar. It’s a bit like that cozy feeling you get when spring arrives after a long, cold winter – hence the name.
Now, why is “Spring Day” so special? Well, it’s a bit of a musical magic trick. The song has this beautiful blend of hip-hop and pop-rock, with instruments that make you feel like you’re on a musical journey. The lyrics, oh, they’re like poetry that speaks to your heart. They talk about things like loss, longing, and the journey of moving forward.
And guess what? Critics and music experts love this song too! They praise the way BTS put it all together – the emotions in their voices, the heartfelt lyrics, and the soulful delivery. “Spring Day” even won Song of the Year at the 2017 Melon Music Awards, which is a pretty big deal in the music world.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. “Spring Day” keeps making records on charts. It holds records on the MelOn chart for being the longest-charting song in the top 100, both daily and yearly. Imagine that, staying on the charts for 7 whole years – it’s like the song has its own special place in people’s hearts.
2. Dynamite (2020)
Now, let’s dive deeper into the electrifying success of BTS’s hit song, “Dynamite,” which took the world by storm in 2020. Imagine a musical explosion of joy, and you’ve got “Dynamite” – the Bangtan Boys’ first English-language song that made history and left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
Released on August 21, 2020, “Dynamite” wasted no time in breaking records. In a blink of an eye, it became the fastest Korean group music video to hit a staggering 600 million views on a popular online streaming platform, breaking the previous record held by K-pop sensation BLACKPINK.
But that was just the beginning of the “Dynamite” phenomenon. The track soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first song by any South Korean musical act to reach such heights. Not only did it reach the summit, but it also held its ground for an impressive seven consecutive weeks.
Best Of BTS Songs: Dynamite: Record-Breaking Anthem On Billboard
And then came the Grammy nomination – a historic moment for BTS. “Dynamite” secured a spot in the ‘Best Pop Duo/Group Performance’ category, making BTS the first South Korean group ever to receive such an honor. The celebration reached new heights when the Bangtan Boys’ live reaction to the Grammy nomination broke the internet, showcasing the genuine joy and excitement of the moment.
The success of “Dynamite” extended beyond charts and awards. On Spotify, the song made a grand entrance with 7.778 million streams on its debut day, marking the biggest opening for any song in 2020. It also reached number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl charts, cementing its global dominance.
YouTube witnessed a whirlwind of records being shattered by “Dynamite.” The music video became the fastest to reach 10 million views, achieving this milestone in just 20 minutes. Within the first 24 hours, it amassed a staggering 101.1 million views, setting three new Guinness World Records. The momentum continued as the video became the fastest in YouTube history to cross the 200 million mark in just four days and twelve hours. By September 26, a mere 35 days after its release, “Dynamite” became the fastest music group video to surpass 400 million views. It’s not just a hit; it’s a party starter, making it a shining star in the galaxy of the “Best of BTS Songs.”
3. On (2020)
BTS’s “On,” a track that made waves upon its release on February 21, 2020, serving as the title track for their fourth studio album, Map of the Soul: 7. This powerhouse of a song showcased BTS’s musical prowess and left an indelible mark on the charts.
The excitement didn’t stop there – a remixed version featuring the sensational Australian singer Sia added another layer of magic to the track. Released on the same day in the digital version of their fourth studio album, the collaboration added an international flavor to the already dynamic “On.”
Best Of BTS Songs: BTS’s ‘ON’ Makes History On Global Charts
But that’s not the end of the journey for “On.” The song also found a place in BTS’s Japanese releases – featuring in their fourth Japanese studio album, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 ~ THE JOURNEY ~, and taking the lead on disc two of their fourth Japanese compilation, BTS, THE BEST.
“Map of the Soul: 7” went on to become a monumental success, winning Album of the Year at prestigious award ceremonies like the 2020 Genie Music Awards, 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, 2020 Melon Music Awards, and the 46th People’s Choice Awards. The accolades continued as “On” itself earned recognition, clinching awards for Best Pop, Best Choreography, and Best K-pop at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards.
Now, let’s talk charts. “On” shattered expectations by making an impressive debut at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking BTS’s third top 10 entry on the chart. This achievement placed “On” as the highest-charting song ever for a Korean group on the Hot 100 – a groundbreaking feat in the history of K-pop.
BTS didn’t stop there; they went on to break their tie with PSY, securing the record for the most top 10 entries on the Hot 100 for a Korean act. With “On” joining forces with their previous hits like “Boy With Luv” and “Fake Love,” BTS solidified their position as chart-toppers and trendsetters.
The impact of “On” extended beyond just music. Variety reported that a whopping 1.54 million viewers tuned in to watch the music video debut on February 27, setting a new record that surpassed the previous one held by BLACKPINK. The official music video for “On” dropped on February 28, and within 65 minutes, it raced to 10 million views, claiming the title of the fastest video ever to achieve this milestone.
4. Blood, Sweat and Tears (2016)
Released on October 10, 2016, as the title track for their second studio album Wings and the repackage album You Never Walk Alone, this song took the BTS experience to a whole new level.
At its core, “Blood, Sweat & Tears” is a masterpiece that goes beyond the surface. It’s not just a song; it’s a musical tapestry woven with sophistication and meaning. The lyrics and the music video together delve into the profound theme of temptation and the challenges that arise when faced with tough choices in life.
From the very moment the music video dropped, it was clear that something special was happening. Within just 24 hours, the visual masterpiece garnered a staggering 6.3 million views, setting a new record and leaving fans and critics alike in awe.
But the records didn’t stop there. On October 13, reports surfaced that “Blood, Sweat & Tears” had achieved the incredible feat of becoming the fastest K-pop music video by a group to reach 10 million views. It took less than 42 hours, nearly cutting in half the time it took for their previous record with “Fire,” which had taken 72 hours.
As the days passed, the momentum continued to build. By February 20, 2017, the music video crossed the monumental milestone of 100 million views on YouTube, becoming the second-fastest music video by a K-pop group to achieve this feat in less than 134 days after its release.
The journey of “Blood, Sweat & Tears” didn’t stop there. It went on to become the third BTS music video to surpass 200 million views on October 29, 2017, solidifying its place in the annals of K-pop history. It’s a journey of temptation, choices, and triumphs, making it a timeless entry in the Best of BTS Songs.
5. Butter (2021)
Let’s melt into the smooth and irresistible world of BTS’s hit single “Butter,” released as a digital sensation on May 21, 2021. This English-language gem not only brought the flavor but also broke records, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.
First things first, the premiere of the “Butter” music video on YouTube was nothing short of a spectacle. With a staggering 3.9 million concurrent viewers during its premiere on May 21, 2021, BTS set a new record for the most viewers for a video premiere on the platform. The excitement surrounding the release was palpable, and the numbers spoke volumes about the global anticipation for BTS’s music.
Within just 24 hours of its release, “Butter” continued its reign by breaking the record for the most-viewed YouTube music video. The numbers soared to a remarkable 108,200,000 views, securing not only a victory for BTS but also marking a new milestone for K-pop groups in the music video realm.
Best Of BTS Songs: BTS’s ‘Butter’ Takes The World By Storm
But the story doesn’t end there – enter Spotify. “Butter” sizzled its way into streaming history by garnering a whopping 11,042,335 global streams in just one day after its release. This feat didn’t just make it a chart-topper; it broke the record for the most-streamed track on Spotify in the first 24 hours, surpassing heavyweights like Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber’s “I Don’t Care” by 64,946 streams.
BTS’s dominance on Spotify is no small feat. As of April 27, 2021, their music had been streamed a jaw-dropping 16.3 billion times on the platform, making them the most-streamed act on Spotify for a group. This impressive figure not only surpassed British band Coldplay but also solidified BTS’s position as streaming giants, standing tall alongside music legends like Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and The Beatles.
The accolades for “Butter” in 2021 didn’t stop there. After securing wins at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in March, BTS tied the record for the most wins by a music group with Fifth Harmony, each boasting five wins. In the world of BTS, “Butter” is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels in the Best of BTS Songs.
6. Black Swan (2020)
Released as the eleventh digital single on January 17, 2020, this track served as a prelude to their fourth studio album, Map of the Soul: 7, and quickly became a captivating piece of art.
At its heart, “Black Swan” delves into the vulnerability of artists and their fear of losing their passion for music. The music video, a visual masterpiece, metaphorically portrays this struggle. Dancers clad in black represent the pressures faced by artists, while the main dancer, seemingly shirtless, symbolizes the artist trying to break free from these constraints, akin to a swan attempting to break away but finding itself unable to do so.
Upon its release, the “Black Swan” music video made an immediate impact, amassing 18 million views and garnering 4 million likes within the first 24 hours. The global resonance of the song was further emphasized as it soared to the number one spot in 94 countries on iTunes during the same timeframe. It’s not just a song; it’s an introspective masterpiece that adds a unique hue to the canvas of the Best of BTS Songs.
7. Fire (2016)
Released on May 2, 2016, as part of the compilation album “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever,” this song goes beyond its catchy melody, resonating with fans worldwide for its deeper meaning.
“Fire” is more than just a tune; it’s a rallying cry for youth empowerment and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. Drawing from their own experiences and the challenges faced as young artists on the road to success, BTS infuses the song with a message of embracing individuality, breaking free from societal expectations, and fueling the flames of passion to overcome obstacles.
The track’s infectious beat and dynamic choreography not only earned it a place on the dance floor but also secured a Best Dance – Male nomination at the 2016 Melon Music Awards. “Fire” stands as a testament to the group’s commitment to inspiring and uplifting their audience. It’s a celebration of youth, dreams, and the fiery determination to forge one’s path, making it an integral part of the Best of BTS Songs.
8. Life Goes On (2020)
November 20, 2020, as the lead single from their fifth Korean-language studio album, “Be,” this track emerged as a comforting and relatable voice during tumultuous times.
Addressing the struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, “Life Goes On” is a musical embrace, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, strength can be found. Big Hit Entertainment, ahead of the release, hinted that the single would convey “a message of healing to fans and to the world.” In a world disrupted by the pandemic, BTS aimed to reassure their fans, stating, “Even in the face of this new normality, our life goes on.”
The impact was immediate and profound. “Life Goes On” debuted at an impressive #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking BTS’s third chart-topper on this prestigious ranking. Simultaneously, it dominated the Global 200 and Global 200 Excluding U.S. charts. In the realm of the Best of BTS Songs, “Life Goes On” stands tall, representing not just a musical masterpiece but a beacon of resilience and optimism that struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
9. Save Me (2016)
Released in 2016, this soul-stirring track goes beyond melodies, delving into themes of compassion, empathy, and the unyielding desire to extend a helping hand to those in need.
The essence of “Save Me” lies in its poignant lyrics, a sincere call to reach out to someone lost in the labyrinth of life, yearning for rescue and solace. Filled with emotion and vulnerability, the group’s vocals convey a profound message – the wish to be a savior, a steadfast presence promising unwavering support.
Commercially, “Save Me” soared to the top, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The impact extended beyond charts, as the music video for “Save Me” secured the second spot on the Most Viewed K-Pop Videos in America, Around the World: May 2016 list, as revealed by Billboard.
10. Best Of BTS Songs: Boy with Luv (2019)
Released on April 12, 2019, this track quickly became a global sensation, achieving remarkable feats and setting records that underscore its monumental success.
The song’s music video, a visual extravaganza, shattered records for online viewership. Within the first 24 hours of its release, “Boy With Luv” amassed over 74.6 million views, making it the most-viewed online music video in a single day at that time. Simultaneously, it claimed the titles of the fastest-liked and fastest-viewed video on YouTube, garnering 3 million likes within 2 hours. This remarkable achievement averaged about 860 views per second, emphasizing the unprecedented global demand for BTS’s music.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA in June, the track further solidified its dominance by achieving the record for the fastest video to accumulate at least 100 million plays in under two days. This feat, previously held by another K-pop favorite, Blackpink, marked BTS’s unparalleled influence in the realm of online music consumption.
“Boy With Luv” continued its victorious streak by securing the record for the song with the most music show wins in South Korea after the 2000s, totaling an impressive 21 wins. This record, though later surpassed by “Dynamite,” showcased the group’s consistent ability to resonate with audiences and dominate music charts. Notably, “Boy With Luv” etched its place in Spotify’s history as the first-ever Korean-language track by any act to surpass 800 million streams.