Kim Jin Seok-jin, best known for his established career in the K-pop group BTS, has re-established himself as a singer-songwriter and composer after his military hiatus with his first debut solo album, “Happy.”
Jin released the album under his pseudonym of “Jin” on Nov. 15. The album consists of six songs—”Running Wild,” “I’ll Be There,” “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window,” and “I will come to you.”
“Running Wild” is the only English song in the album. Kim’s shining voice is like a breath of fresh air as he blends the genres of new wave and British rock.
The music video showcases a contrast between an apocalyptic reality and a normal reality, including the relationship between Kim and his pet dog.
The blend of different realities is imitated through the seamless transition of low tones and falsettos as he breathlessly runs alongside his dog. The song was co-produced by Gary Barlow of British boyband Take That.
“I’ll Be There” was pre-released on Oct. 25. The music video portrays Jin performing alongside a band for a public crowd spreading the fun, rocking real and fake piercings.
Although the song is upbeat, he delivers the sentiment of the song, softly singing, “When you feel all alone/When you need someone to lean on/I’ll be there for you.”
It’s a playful but careful song as Jin doesn’t lose the real message. Traces of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll can be found as he does an air guitar move. The song was co-written with MAX.
“Another Level” seems like a mixture of EDM and Rock, and it gets the listener going as Jin unleashes his full rockstar persona. It’s a song about personal growth not only directed toward the listener but seemingly the artist as well. The reverbed vocals in the background can be heard throughout, “We’ll bounce back and hit another level.”
“Falling” is a mixture of various song genres, containing influences of J-pop, modern rock, and pop. The song was co-produced by Taka and Toru from ONE OK ROCK, one of Japan’s most famous rock bands.
The song starts with Taka’s whistling and Jin’s soft dreamy vocals, until we’re woken up by the chorus, “I want you/I want you with my whole heart/My heart beats for you/All for you/One step closer/Until I reach you.” A mixture between yearning and gathering the courage to make a move, the lyrics express the intensity of falling in love.
“Heart on the Window” is a new wave emotional duet featuring Wendy from the K-pop girl group Red Velvet. Both Jin and Wendy possess airy heartfelt vocals invoking an enduring love connection throughout the song.
The song is filled with imagery of a person getting to know the other in their darkest times as Wendy sings, “In my heart that was always deeply dark/You suddenly fill the transparent window/With your light.” The duet closes off with both singing, “Totally dazzling at the window/So you can see my heart,” insinuating they both opened their hearts to one another.
“I will come to you” is a classic piano ballad, a staple in Jin’s previous tracks. A soft ballad addressing ARMY, BTS’ fandom name, with a promise for a reunion.
He longs for his members and fans through his clear vocals, the minimalist backing supporting his honesty, “I will come to you/If you need me, I will come to you.”
The album is meant to highlight Jin as a versatile artist and reveal “his honest thoughts and feelings on what happiness means to him with the hope that those who listen to the album will also find joy,” according to his record label, BIG-HIT MUSIC.
