Rolling Stone ranks SUGA’s ‘D-DAY’ among the 100 best albums of 2023 (at number #69).
“D-DAY, the third release BTS’ Suga has put out as Agust D, is a tight 10-track collection that lyrically and musically probes the concept of freedom — what it means, whether it’s a blessing or a curse. Take the double-entendre title of the thundering “Haegeum,” which wraps around a drone from the two-stringed traditional Korean instrument of the same name. “Haegeum” also can be translated as “liberation,” and Agust D unpacks that idea in knotty, spat-out rhymes that take aim at conformity, the trappings of “success,” and information overload. Meanwhile, “Life Goes On” hints at a brighter future, or at least one where life’s big questions loom a little less ominously.”
Previously in 2022, Rolling Stone ranked J-hope’s Jack In The Box at #9.
The Honey POP lists Jimin’s FACE, Agust D’s D-Day, and V’s Layover in its Top 50 Albums of 2023.
Jimin, FACE
We all know that the BTS members have killed it with their solo releases this year, but let’s go back to the beginning with the first solo album we got in 2023 – Jimin’s FACE. Jimin has long been an artist who explored ideas of identity in his performances and across BTS songs like ‘Serendipity,’ so it was no surprise to see this exploration expand into his solo endeavors. Despite its short runtime, FACE packs a punch with intense declarations of freedom like ‘Set Me Free Pt.2’ and the escapism anthem ‘Like Crazy.’ We aren’t the only ones who love FACE either; ‘Like Crazy’ hit Billboard Hot 100 number one, and the album sold over a million copies on Hanteo in its first day, making Jimin the first solo artist to hit this milestone.
Agust D, D-Day
D-Day is a special album for BTS’s SUGA, as it marks both his debut studio album as well as the last installment in the Agust D trilogy. D-DAY is here and marks freedom and liberation for the rapper and producer as he finds himself being released from the shackles of his pain and suffering, making peace, and moving on from the past. Title track ‘Haegeum’ refers to both the traditional string instrument and the Korean word for “liberation” and raps about escaping “nonsense” from both online and in person, discovering a new sense of freedom. Meanwhile, fan favorite ‘Amygdala’ sees him relive the most painful moments in his life as he reveals his belief that trauma led him to become a stronger person today. A truly phenomenal album and a bittersweet farewell for Agust D… at least for now.
V, Layover
We think it’s probably fair to say that BTS’ V was one of the most anticipated solo albums this year. Even if you’re not ARMY (First of all, what are you doing?), you’re probably familiar with his distinctive, crooning vocals. V, AKA Taehyung, has eclectic tastes, so we had absolutely no idea what direction Layover would take, which is exactly why we were so eager for it! In just five (and a half?) songs, Taehyung introduces us to a kaleidoscope of soft jazz, Mediterranean sunsets, and, of course, ‘Rainy Days.’ Artists often say their albums feel like a window into their soul, and Layover is exactly that. With a music video for every song, Taehyung completely immerses the listener in his world, and ”Don’t tell me it’s over, we can start it over” is us the second that Layover finishes.