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.
Genius Korea ranks RM’s Indigo as #1, and Agust D’s D-Day as #5, in their (25) Best K-pop Albums of 2023 list.
RM, Indigo
With a blend of different genres, a roster of eclectic artists, and masterful penmanship, RM created the poignant Indigo, an intimate yet universal composition of his twenties. While lyrics can be interpreted in multiple ways, RM’s storytelling prowess is the core of the album as he allows himself and helps listeners navigate through the depths of emotion and human experience. With songs like “Lonely” and “건망증 (Forg_tful),” RM captures introspection and the complexities of isolation in adulthood, which are more often than not too complicated for us to unpack by ourselves.
Certain albums deserve to be listened to the way they are presented by the artist and don’t necessarily boast singles, and Indigo is one of them. Not only is each song a lyrical journey in and of itself, but they come together to weave a story that leaves a lasting impression on listeners’ minds and hearts. With songs like the Anderson .Paak assisted “Still Life”, “All Day” with Tablo, and “No.2” featuring Park Ji Yoon, Indigo provides listeners with solace, inspiration, and a moment to reflect and move forward with more determination. The album grapples with nostalgia of our younger years, our aspirations, and the inevitable challenges that come with growing up and maturing. Even though the album explores themes of uncertainty and doubt, the project itself always maintains a cohesive identity, which is all thanks to RM himself. A lyrical masterpiece, Indigo offers both reflective and ambitious perspectives, making it the best album of the year.
Agust D, D-Day
D-DAY, Agust D’s third studio album, delivers on its grand finale status. As the last installment in the three-part trilogy of albums that included D-2 and Agust-D, D-DAY is a flavor-thick blend of smoking guns and thorny roses. Aggressive compositions like the title track “해금 (Haegeum),” a track about the toxicity of living in a polarized society, contrast with more reflective tracks such as “사람 (People) Pt.2” ft. IU), and the absolute golden goose of the album itself, “Snooze” ft. 坂本龍一 (Ryuichi Sakamoto) & WOOSUNG. Evidently, more mature than 2016 Agust D and another step in self-acceptance and maturity compared to 2020 Agust D, D-DAY acts as the older brother to his younger self, providing insight that only someone standing on the other side of hardship can have realized.