Jung Kook “GOLDEN” Album Review

GOLDEN

Jung Kook

• Genre: K-Pop
• Date: 03 Nov, 2023
• Content: explicit
• Region: NGA
• Track(s): 11
• ℗ 2023 BIGHIT MUSIC

On Friday, the K-pop group BTS’s youngest member, Jung Kook, dropped his spectacular first solo album, GOLDEN. Known by his stage moniker “the golden maknae,” or “golden youngest” in Korean, the highly Anglophonic debut is one of the year’s best pop debuts and a clear expression of his passion for retro-pop sounds.

For the most part, GOLDEN succeeds in capturing Jungkook’s diverse artistry, captivating voice, and alluring pop appeal in ten readily digestible songs that are sure to become hits on the charts.  The album feels like it wasn’t entirely created by Jung Kook, even though he selected the tracklist. For the most part, though, the record plays it quite safe.

Despite having no writing or production credits on his debut solo album, Jung Kook is said to have “curated” these tracks to “reflect his artistry.” Despite this, he makes a seamless transition from one song to the next, effortlessly absorbing the emotions and styles of each one like a musical shape-shifter.

Album Cover Art

Donning a black suit jacket and an equally black see-through inner vest, Jung Kook strikes a pose in front of a green backdrop with necklaces adorning his neck.

Tracks and Features

The silky tunes from boy bands from the 1990s that were beloved by many seem to be making a comeback in the R&B song “3-D,” which features Jack Harlow. Jung Kook’s reputation as a pop sensation was solidified by this song. Additionally, Jack was a wise business decision.

For those that listen to and enjoy listened K-pop, it’s no news that language crosses borders and emotions are grasped without the use of words. “Hate You” is clear proof of this. He masterfully portrays emotion; the piano ballad co-written by Shawn Mendes is a heartbreaking track. It is simpler to bear with heartache when one finds himself forced to loathe an ex. The song is a sad yet lovely listen, as Jung Kook uses his amazing voice to bring the song to life, evoking such powerful emotions on first listen.

But out of all the tracks, “Standing Next to You,” the lead single, is the most stunning, especially when paired with the music video that showcases his amazing dancing. Thanks to his love of intricate vocal layering, the song is amazing from beginning to end. From the distinct Michael Jackson vocal inflections to the disco, funk, and house sounds from the 1970s and 1980s, the track is a blast throughout.

“Yes and No” is a wonderful addictive tune that wouldn’t sound out of place on an Ed Sheeran album. The British artist composed and produced the song, which is a traditional Sheeran pop recipe with a simple framework that works wonderfully. Jung Kook personalizes it, though, by harmonizing throughout, conveying the sensation of a summer story in search of solutions.

The heartbreaking “Shot Of Glass Tears” demonstrates Jung Kook’s ability to use his vocals so well that the music is practically unnecessary. The lyrics are dripping with grief and misery, but the chill track, which is eventually joined by soulful backup voices, heightens the excitement, resulting in a magnificent song.

More electronic-influenced collaborations allow the K-pop star demonstrate his artistic flexibility and range. “Closer To You,” featuring Major Lazer, leans more toward a reggaeton groove, and Jung Kook’s voice becomes an enticing whisper briefly for the first verse. “Feeling like I’m floating / Something’s in the air tonight,” he coos, pulling us into a world running over with boiling bliss. Meanwhile, “Please Don’t Change,” featuring DJ Snake, sees him taking charge of the dancefloor and asking his babe to stay the same and not switch up on him.

Some parts fall flat, like “Somebody,” where the singer’s voice is processed robotically, taking away its unique attraction. It’s a welcome attempt, but it doesn’t quite work.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	ARTIST	TIME
1	3D	Jung Kook & Jack Harlow	3:21
2	Closer to You	Jung Kook & Major Lazer	2:50
3	Seven (Explicit Ver.)	Jung Kook & Latto	3:04
4	Standing Next to You	Jung Kook	3:26
5	Yes or No	Jung Kook	2:27
6	Please Don’t Change	Jung Kook & DJ Snake	2:26
7	Hate You	Jung Kook	2:34
8	Somebody	Jung Kook	2:48
9	Too Sad to Dance	Jung Kook	2:55
10	Shot Glass of Tears	Jung Kook	2:47
11	Seven (Clean Ver.)	Jung Kook & Latto	3:04

Album Theme

GOLDEN offers a story in the form of a rollercoaster. The first half is an uplifting pop dream, while the second is a sad and melancholy journey through pain and loss.

Production Credits

Allen Ritter, Banx & Ranx, Blake Slatkin, BloodPop, Cirkut, David Stewart, Diplo, DJ Snake, Jon Bellion, LeClair, Maesic, Roza & watt produced the album.

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