Be (BTS album): Difference between revisions
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| alt = On a white background, the word "BE" in capital letters. Below, text in cursive writing reads "Life goes on/Like an echo in the forest/Like an arrow in the blue sky/On my pillow, on my table/Life goes on like this again". |
| alt = On a white background, the word "BE" in capital letters. Below, text in cursive writing reads "Life goes on/Like an echo in the forest/Like an arrow in the blue sky/On my pillow, on my table/Life goes on like this again". |
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| released = {{start date|2020|11|20}} |
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'''''Be''''' |
'''''Be''''' is the fifth [[Korean language|Korean-language]] and ninth overall [[studio album]]<!-- See note above in the "| type =" section of the Infobox. --> by South Korean boy band [[BTS]]. It was released on November 20, 2020, through [[Big Hit Music|Big Hit Entertainment]], nine months after its predecessor, ''[[Map of the Soul: 7]]'' (2020). Created in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], ''Be'' was inspired by BTS' perspective of life during the pandemic. The record sees the band members contributing to various aspects of album-making process including songwriting, development, production, and visual design. |
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''Be'' is primarily a [[pop music|pop]] record, encompassing [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Electronic dance music|EDM]], and [[disco]] genres with elements of [[synth-pop]], [[funk]], and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]. Described by BTS as "a letter of hope", the lyrics are about comfort, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, hope, connection, and joy. [[Music journalism|Critics]] hailed the album's pop sound and the eclectic experimentation of musical styles, with many praising its authenticity and simplicity. A few others expressed mixed feelings and found it unadventurous. The album was preceded by the standalone single "[[Dynamite (BTS song)|Dynamite]]", which marked BTS' first number-one song on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. It was followed by the [[lead single]] of ''Be'', "[[Life Goes On (BTS song)|Life Goes On]]", which also debuted atop the Hot 100, becoming BTS' third consecutive chart-topper in the United States. |
''Be'' is primarily a [[pop music|pop]] record, encompassing [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Electronic dance music|EDM]], and [[disco]] genres with elements of [[synth-pop]], [[funk]], and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]. Described by BTS as "a letter of hope", the lyrics are about comfort, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, hope, connection, and joy. [[Music journalism|Critics]] hailed the album's pop sound and the eclectic experimentation of musical styles, with many praising its authenticity and simplicity. A few others expressed mixed feelings and found it unadventurous. The album was preceded by the standalone single "[[Dynamite (BTS song)|Dynamite]]", which marked BTS' first number-one song on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. It was followed by the [[lead single]] of ''Be'', "[[Life Goes On (BTS song)|Life Goes On]]", which also debuted atop the Hot 100, becoming BTS' third consecutive chart-topper in the United States. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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[[BTS]] released their fourth [[Korean language|Korean-language]] studio album, ''[[Map of the Soul: 7]]'', in February 2020, to critical and commercial acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004171099|script-title=ko:방탄소년단 좋아한 것이 최고의 선택임을 증명한 앨범..美-英 해외 유력매체 '극찬'|trans-title=An album that proved that liking BTS was the best decision|last=Cho|first=Na-young|date=February 24, 2020|work=Osen|language=ko|access-date=February 25, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224133802/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004171099}}</ref><ref name=record>{{cite web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/8/bts-smash-record-for-best-selling-album-in-south-korea-with-map-of-the-soul-7-625912|title=BTS smash record for best-selling album in South Korea with Map of the Soul: 7|publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]|last=Punt|first=Dominic|date=August 6, 2020|access-date=August 12, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124133656/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/8/bts-smash-record-for-best-selling-album-in-south-korea-with-map-of-the-soul-7-625912}}</ref> In support of the album, the band was slated to begin the [[concert tour]], [[Map of the Soul Tour]] in April 2020, but the tour was postponed following the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/global/bts-postpone-world-tour-coronavirus-map-of-the-soul-1234591747/|title=BTS Postpone North American 'Map of the Soul' Tour Amid Coronavirus Pandemic|last=Dams|first=Tim|date=April 28, 2020|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 19, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519035827/https://variety.com/2020/music/global/bts-postpone-world-tour-coronavirus-map-of-the-soul-1234591747/}}</ref> During a [[YouTube]] broadcast, band member [[RM ( |
[[BTS]] released their fourth [[Korean language|Korean-language]] studio album, ''[[Map of the Soul: 7]]'', in February 2020, to critical and commercial acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004171099|script-title=ko:방탄소년단 좋아한 것이 최고의 선택임을 증명한 앨범..美-英 해외 유력매체 '극찬'|trans-title=An album that proved that liking BTS was the best decision|last=Cho|first=Na-young|date=February 24, 2020|work=Osen|language=ko|access-date=February 25, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224133802/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004171099}}</ref><ref name=record>{{cite web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/8/bts-smash-record-for-best-selling-album-in-south-korea-with-map-of-the-soul-7-625912|title=BTS smash record for best-selling album in South Korea with Map of the Soul: 7|publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]|last=Punt|first=Dominic|date=August 6, 2020|access-date=August 12, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124133656/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/8/bts-smash-record-for-best-selling-album-in-south-korea-with-map-of-the-soul-7-625912}}</ref> In support of the album, the band was slated to begin the [[concert tour]], [[Map of the Soul Tour]] in April 2020, but the tour was postponed following the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/global/bts-postpone-world-tour-coronavirus-map-of-the-soul-1234591747/|title=BTS Postpone North American 'Map of the Soul' Tour Amid Coronavirus Pandemic|last=Dams|first=Tim|date=April 28, 2020|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 19, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519035827/https://variety.com/2020/music/global/bts-postpone-world-tour-coronavirus-map-of-the-soul-1234591747/}}</ref> During a [[YouTube]] broadcast, band member [[RM (musician)|RM]] revealed that BTS were working on a new album.<ref name="xports">{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001135846|script-title=ko:방탄소년단 RM "새 앨범 준비 중…과정 공유할 것"|trans-title=BTS RM 'Preparing a new album...We will share the process'|last=Lee|first=Deok-haeng|date=April 17, 2020|work=Xports News|language=ko|access-date=September 30, 2020|url-status=live|via=[[Naver]]|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609134643/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001135846}}</ref> He hinted that they would be sharing the preparation process of the forthcoming album through subsequent self-documented videos as part of their initiative to interact with the fans during the [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdown]].<ref name="xports"/><ref name="koreaherald">{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200504000453|title=BTS begins new journey for first self-produced album|date=May 4, 2020|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|access-date=May 4, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=May 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504050815/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200504000453}}</ref> In subsequent broadcasts, it was revealed that the album would be written and produced by the band members.<ref name="koreaherald"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003358046|script-title=ko:"새 앨범 작업 시작, 음악 담당!" 방탄소년단 지민, 팬들과 일상 공유|trans-title='Started working on a new album, in charge of music!' BTS Jimin shares his daily life with fans|last=Yeo|first=Dongeun|date=May 1, 2020|work=My Daily|language=ko|access-date=September 30, 2020|url-status=live|via=[[Naver]]|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930091422/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003358046}}</ref> In addition to writing songs for the album, the band members were heavily involved in the overall production process, undertaking the role of project managers in various fields, which included developing concepts, themes, as well as its visual design.<ref name="newsen">{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000348270|script-title=ko:방탄소년단 새 앨범 콘셉트=편지? 영혼 갈아넣은 위로 기대해[뮤직와치]|trans-title=BTS new album concept = letter? Looking forward to the soul-filled comfort [Music Watch]|last=Hwang|first=Hye-jin|date=October 29, 2020|work=Newsen|language=ko|access-date=September 30, 2020|url-status=live|via=[[Naver]]|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101000956/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000348270}}</ref><ref name=rollingstoneInterview>{{Cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-the-rolling-stone-interview/|title=BTS: The Rolling Stone Interview|last=Chakraborty|first=Riddhi|date=November 9, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]|access-date=November 9, 2020|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109143951/https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-the-rolling-stone-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/04/25/2020042500401.html|script-title=ko:방탄소년단 슈가 "새 앨범 작업 돌입…멤버끼리 상의해서 비주얼, 음악 정해"|trans-title=BTS' Suga, 'Starting to work on a new album... After discussing with the members, we decided on the visual and music'|last=Cho|first=Yoon-sun|date=April 25, 2020|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|language=ko|access-date=September 30, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812095621/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/04/25/2020042500401.html}}</ref> [[Jimin]] was responsible for [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]], acting as a link between the group and their management label.<ref name="koreaherald"/> [[Suga]], [[V (singer)|V]], and [[J-Hope]] handled the production together with [[Jin (singer)|Jin]] and [[Jungkook]];<ref name="linernotes"/> the latter was also responsible for directing the music video.<ref name="newsen"/> V and RM supervised the graphics and design of the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0001162447|script-title=ko:방탄소년단 뷔, 유튜브서 RM·제이홉과 회의..."새 앨범 비주얼 작업"|trans-title=BTS V, meeting with RM and J-Hope on YouTube...'New Album Visual Work'|last=Hong|first=Ji-soo|date=May 7, 2020|work=TV Report|language=ko|access-date=September 30, 2020|url-status=live|via=[[Naver]]|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801090748/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0001162447}}</ref> Speaking about the album in an interview with ''[[Teen Vogue]]'', BTS stated: "An increase of direct participation in the album-making process allowed us to explore more aspects of our music and creativity."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/bts-dynamite-new-album-interview|title=BTS Talks "Dynamite," New Album, and ARMY Creativity|last=Dodson|first=P.Claire|date=August 31, 2020|work=[[Teen Vogue]]|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930002213/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/bts-dynamite-new-album-interview}}</ref> |
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==Music and lyrics== |
==Music and lyrics== |
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⚫ | ''Be'' is primarily a [[pop music|pop]] record,<ref name=Vox/> encompassing [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Electronic dance music|EDM]],<ref name=mtvnews/> and [[disco]] genres<ref name=NMEReview/> with [[synth-pop]], [[neo soul]],<ref name=rsindia/> [[funk]],<ref name=LAReview/> [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]],<ref name=IndependentReview/><ref name=stereogum-rev/> [[1970s in music|1970s]],<ref name=TimeReview/><ref name=id/> [[1980s in music|1980s]],<ref name=billboardjapan/> [[1990s in music|1990s]],<ref name=CoSReview/> and [[2010s in music|2010s]] mainstream music elements.<ref name=SlantReview/> ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'' called ''Be'' "a loudly [[retro]] mix of pop sounds ranging from frothy to funky, melancholic to mellow, filtered through a lens of determined positivity".<ref name=Vox/> The album is 28 minutes and 30 seconds long and features eight songs. |
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| image1 = Jin for Dispatch "Boy With Luv" MV behind the scene shooting, 15 March 2019 01 (cropped).jpg |
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| image2 = Jungkook for Dispatch "Boy With Luv" MV behind the scene shooting, 15 March 2019 07 (cropped).jpg |
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| image3 = RM for Dispatch "Boy With Luv" MV behind the scene shooting, 15 March 2019 05 (cropped).jpg |
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| footer = "Stay" features vocals and writing credits from BTS members [[Jin (singer)|Jin]] (''pictured'' left), [[Jungkook]] (''pictured'' middle) and [[RM (musician)|RM]] (''pictured'' right). |
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⚫ | ''Be'' is primarily a [[pop music|pop]] record,<ref name=Vox/> encompassing [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Electronic dance music|EDM]],<ref name=mtvnews/> and [[disco]] genres<ref name=NMEReview/> with [[synth-pop]], [[neo soul]],<ref name=rsindia/> [[funk]],<ref name=LAReview/> [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]],<ref name=IndependentReview/><ref name=stereogum-rev/> [[1970s in music|1970s]],<ref name=TimeReview/><ref name=id/> [[1980s in music|1980s]],<ref name=billboardjapan/> [[1990s in music|1990s]],<ref name=CoSReview/> and [[2010s in music|2010s]] mainstream music elements.<ref name=SlantReview/> ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'' called ''Be'' "a loudly [[retro]] mix of pop sounds ranging from frothy to funky, melancholic to mellow, filtered through a lens of determined positivity".<ref name=Vox/> The album is 28 minutes and 30 seconds long and features eight songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musikexpress.de/bts-veroeffentlichen-ihr-neues-album-be-1689753/|title=BTS veröffentlichen ihr neues Album Be|trans-title=BTS release their new album Be|date=November 20, 2020|work=Musikexpress|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120152531/https://www.musikexpress.de/bts-veroeffentlichen-ihr-neues-album-be-1689753/|url-status=live}}</ref> It makes heavy use of acoustic guitars,<ref name=rsindia/> pianos,<ref name=NMEReview/> funk [[bass (instrument)|bass]],<ref name=LAReview/><ref name=ESreview/> [[drum machine]]s, [[Horn (instrument)|horn]]s,<ref name=Vox/> and sentimental [[string instrument]]s.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=TimeReview/><ref name=id/> |
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BTS took inspiration from the emotions they felt during the pandemic, to write songs for the album and convey their thoughts.<ref name=rollingstoneInterview/><ref name=coverstory>{{Cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a34654383/bts-members-be-album-interview-2020/|title=The Boundless Optimism of BTS|last=Holmes|first=Dave|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123050121/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a34654383/bts-members-be-album-interview-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> Created out of frustration, anxiety, and powerlessness,<ref name=theatlantic/><ref name=popmattersrev/> the album title "Be" stands for "being" and encapsulates BTS' reflection on the present times.<ref name=rollingstoneInterview/> As opposed to the vast atmospherics and psychoanalytical themes that can be found in the band's previous works,<ref name=clash/> ''Be'' is lyrically inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref name=LAReview/> with BTS describing it as "a letter of hope" during the quarantine era.<ref name=Vox/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/bts-kpop-new-album-be-letter-of-hope-3b0257e20fa9128f23efce6ebac3b76c|title=BTS says new album 'Be' is a 'letter of hope'|last=Park|first=Juwon|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120144205/https://apnews.com/article/bts-kpop-new-album-be-letter-of-hope-3b0257e20fa9128f23efce6ebac3b76c}}</ref> The record starts off slow with "warm, soothing [[ballad]]-esque comforts",<ref name=AMReview/><ref name=NBCReview/> before picking up pace in the second half with "some of the band's more refined, savvy and uplifting pop yet".<ref name=LAReview/> The album expands on a wide range of emotions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182553/bts-be-album-lyrics-english-translation-meaning|title=Breaking Down BTS' Most Devastating BE Lyrics|last=Morin|first=Natalie|date=November 21, 2020|publisher=[[Refinery29]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120214253/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182553/bts-be-album-lyrics-english-translation-meaning}}</ref> exploring themes of comfort, loneliness,<ref name=Vox/> anxiety,<ref name=RSReview/> depression, burn-out,<ref name=exclaim/> fear,<ref name=LAReview/> frustration, restlessness, sadness,<ref name=CoSReview/> hope, connection,<ref name=AMReview/> resolve, and joy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182018/bts-be-hidden-messages-meaning-rm-thanks-to|title=This Hidden Gem in BTS' BE Isn't A Song at All|last=Morin|first=Natalie|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[Refinery29]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120185437/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182018/bts-be-hidden-messages-meaning-rm-thanks-to}}</ref> Several reviewers, including ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}}s Jeff Benjamin,<ref name=RSReview/> observed that the album explores the different moods that people are feeling during the unprecedented times.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=NMEReview/><ref name=AMReview/> Dani Blum of ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' said that the album "fixates on the frustration and grief of life in quarantine, sifting through the blurry days to construct a new form of intimacy".<ref name=pitchfork/> |
BTS took inspiration from the emotions they felt during the pandemic, to write songs for the album and convey their thoughts.<ref name=rollingstoneInterview/><ref name=coverstory>{{Cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a34654383/bts-members-be-album-interview-2020/|title=The Boundless Optimism of BTS|last=Holmes|first=Dave|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123050121/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a34654383/bts-members-be-album-interview-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> Created out of frustration, anxiety, and powerlessness,<ref name=theatlantic/><ref name=popmattersrev/> the album title "Be" stands for "being" and encapsulates BTS' reflection on the present times.<ref name=rollingstoneInterview/> As opposed to the vast atmospherics and psychoanalytical themes that can be found in the band's previous works,<ref name=clash/> ''Be'' is lyrically inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref name=LAReview/> with BTS describing it as "a letter of hope" during the quarantine era.<ref name=Vox/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/bts-kpop-new-album-be-letter-of-hope-3b0257e20fa9128f23efce6ebac3b76c|title=BTS says new album 'Be' is a 'letter of hope'|last=Park|first=Juwon|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120144205/https://apnews.com/article/bts-kpop-new-album-be-letter-of-hope-3b0257e20fa9128f23efce6ebac3b76c}}</ref> The record starts off slow with "warm, soothing [[ballad]]-esque comforts",<ref name=AMReview/><ref name=NBCReview/> before picking up pace in the second half with "some of the band's more refined, savvy and uplifting pop yet".<ref name=LAReview/> The album expands on a wide range of emotions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182553/bts-be-album-lyrics-english-translation-meaning|title=Breaking Down BTS' Most Devastating BE Lyrics|last=Morin|first=Natalie|date=November 21, 2020|publisher=[[Refinery29]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120214253/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182553/bts-be-album-lyrics-english-translation-meaning}}</ref> exploring themes of comfort, loneliness,<ref name=Vox/> anxiety,<ref name=RSReview/> depression, burn-out,<ref name=exclaim/> fear,<ref name=LAReview/> frustration, restlessness, sadness,<ref name=CoSReview/> hope, connection,<ref name=AMReview/> resolve, and joy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182018/bts-be-hidden-messages-meaning-rm-thanks-to|title=This Hidden Gem in BTS' BE Isn't A Song at All|last=Morin|first=Natalie|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[Refinery29]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120185437/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/11/10182018/bts-be-hidden-messages-meaning-rm-thanks-to}}</ref> Several reviewers, including ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}}s Jeff Benjamin,<ref name=RSReview/> observed that the album explores the different moods that people are feeling during the unprecedented times.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=NMEReview/><ref name=AMReview/> Dani Blum of ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' said that the album "fixates on the frustration and grief of life in quarantine, sifting through the blurry days to construct a new form of intimacy".<ref name=pitchfork/> |
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| description = A 25-second sample of the [[pre-chorus]] and [[refrain|chorus]] of "[[Blue & Grey (song)|Blue & Grey]]", a soft [[pop ballad]], driven by sparse instrumental production and breathy vocals. The lyrics address themes that include depression and anxiety. |
| description = A 25-second sample of the [[pre-chorus]] and [[refrain|chorus]] of "[[Blue & Grey (song)|Blue & Grey]]", a soft [[pop ballad]], driven by sparse instrumental production and breathy vocals. The lyrics address themes that include depression and anxiety. |
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The album opens with the ruminative "[[Life Goes On (BTS song)|Life Goes On]]",<ref name=clash/> a [[midtempo]] [[alternative hip hop]] and synth-pop song underlaid with an acoustic guitar. |
The album opens with the ruminative "[[Life Goes On (BTS song)|Life Goes On]]",<ref name=clash/> a [[midtempo]] [[alternative hip hop]] and synth-pop song underlaid with an acoustic guitar.<ref name=LATimes>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-19/bts-be-kpop-new-album|title=It's here: K-pop megastars BTS release new album, 'Be'|first=August|last=Brown|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120145011/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-19/bts-be-kpop-new-album|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=rsindia>{{cite web|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-return-with-uplifting-new-record-be/|title=BTS Return With Uplifting New Record 'Be'|first=Riddhi|last=Chakraborty|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Rolling Stone#International editions|Rolling Stone India]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120145011/https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-return-with-uplifting-new-record-be/|url-status=live}}</ref> Pertaining to a mellow vibe,<ref name=mtvnews/> the song has a [[folk music|folksy]], stripped-down sound.<ref name=clash/><ref name=theatlantic/> It makes use [[electronic music|electronic]] beats,<ref name=stereogum-rev/> [[Roland TR-808|808 drums]],<ref name=exclaim/> and melodic rhymes,<ref name=AMReview/> with "acrobatic" vocals and harmonies on the [[refrain|chorus]].<ref name=RSReview/> The lyrics deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and speak of being hopeful for better times.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=TimeReview/> RM said that the track has "a simple message but a profound truth".<ref name=TimeReview/> The second track, "Fly to My Room" is a 1990s-inspired R&B,<ref name=IndependentReview/> neo soul,<ref name=rsindia/> and pop song with [[gospel music|gospel]]<ref name=stereogum-rev/> and synth-pop elements.<ref name=mtvnews/> Performed by Jimin, V, J-Hope, and Suga, the vulnerable track features "breathy" vocals and [[falsetto]]s.<ref name=IndependentReview/><ref name=flytomyroom>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bts-fly-to-my-room-song-you-need-to-know-1093419/|title=Song You Need to Know: BTS, 'Fly to My Room'|last=Chan|first=Tim|date=November 20, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120221156/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bts-fly-to-my-room-song-you-need-to-know-1093419/}}</ref> The former two switch back and forth in the verses and chorus, while the latter two [[rap (music)|rap]] in a "sing-song" style.<ref name=flytomyroom/> The song employs a sparse production for which '70s piano,<ref name=NMEReview/> funky keyboards,<ref name=flytomyroom/> and [[trap music|trap]] [[Programming (music)|programmed]] drum beats<ref name=stereogum-rev/> provide [[Minimal music|minimalist]] instrumentation.<ref name=TimeReview/> Lyrically, the track is about loneliness and confinement, and talks about mentally being able to escape the monotony of quarantine life.<ref name=Vox/><ref name=NBCReview/> The melancholic, slow-jam number "[[Blue & Grey (song)|Blue & Grey]]" is a soft pop ballad<ref name=rsindia/> that relies a "sparse-yet-tender" production.<ref name=RSReview/> Set in a cinematic arrangement of minor chords<ref name=stereogum-rev/> that includes acoustic guitar,<ref name=mtvnews/> twinkling pianos, and wistful [[string instruments|strings]],<ref name=ESreview/> the emotional track<ref name=TimeReview/><ref name=RSReview/> makes use of "breathy" and "crooning" vocals to confess about fear, depression, burn-out, and pandemic-induced loneliness, using the colors blue and grey.<ref name=Vox/><ref name=CoSReview/><ref name=exclaim/> ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' labelled it as "one of the exemplary songs of the 'pandemic-pop' era" that acts as "a ribbon of immaculate bedroom [[emo]], gorgeously harmonized but never show-offy or overpowering".<ref name=LAReview/> |
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The fourth track is a non-musical spoken worded "Skit" about BTS' first number one song on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], which serves an interlude to separate the album into two parts.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=NBCReview/> "Telepathy" is a playful 1980s-inflected disco and funk song that makes use of an electronic production.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=NMEReview/><ref name=billboardjapan>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/94602/2|script-title=ja:『BE』BTS(Album Review)|trans-title='BE' BTS (Album Review)|last=Issei|first=Honke|date=November 26, 2020|work=[[Billboard Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126140734/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/94602/2}}</ref> The song is driven by '70s beats,<ref name=id/> [[Auto-Tune]]d vocals,<ref name=TimeReview/> and [[G-funk]] [[whistle]]s.<ref name=ESreview/> Featuring a groovy [[bassline]],<ref name=AMReview/> it employs synth bass, "stacked-up" [[vocal harmonies]], a [[cowbell]],<ref name=theartsdesk>{{cite web|url=https://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/album-bts-be|title=Album: BTS – Be|last=Quinn|first=Peter|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[The Arts Desk]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123205549/https://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/album-bts-be}}</ref> and [[jam band]] percussion in its production.<ref name=VogueReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/miss-vogue/article/bts-be-album-review?|title=BTS 'BE' Album Review: The Seven Members Take On More Creative Control Than Ever Before|last=Dodson|first=P. Claire|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123113235/https://www.vogue.co.uk/miss-vogue/article/bts-be-album-review}}</ref> The lyrics detail the connection that one can feel from someone despite physical distance and sees BTS admitting to the disorientation caused by excessive free time.<ref name=id/><ref name=RSReview/> "Dis-ease" is an [[old-school hip hop]] number that is accompanied by funk-laced horns and guitars. Lyrically, it delivers a message of strength and contains puns on the different forms of illnesses such as, BTS' addiction to work.<ref name=Vox/><ref name=NMEReview/><ref name=id/> Features brassy instrumentals, drums, and a sparse [[scratching]] sound,<ref name=IndependentReview/><ref name=TimeReview/> the track begins with a [[jazz guitar]] before shifting to a [[chopped and screwed]] drum [[Breakdown (music)|breakdown]].<ref name=SlantReview/> The seventh track, "Stay", performed by Jungkook, Jin, and RM, is a [[future house]],<ref name=NMEReview/> dance-pop,<ref name=mtvnews/> and EDM song<ref name=RSReview/> with 1990s<ref name=Vox/> and 2010s influences.<ref name=SlantReview/><ref name=billboardjapan/> Incorporating heavy bass and an instrumental chorus,<ref name=id/><ref name=TimeReview/> the song references how technology binds the band together with listeners.<ref name=clash/> The album closes with the summer anthem,<ref name=flytomyroom/> "[[Dynamite (BTS song)|Dynamite]]", a 1970s-flavoured disco-pop<ref name=popmattersrev/><ref name=stereogum>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2095530/bts-dynamite/music/|title=BTS – 'Dynamite'|last=Breinan|first=Tom|date=August 21, 2020|website=[[Stereogum]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823083835/https://www.stereogum.com/2095530/bts-dynamite/music/|url-status=dead}}</ref> song with elements of funk, [[Soul music|soul]]<ref name=rs>{{Cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-seek-to-light-up-the-world-with-vibrant-disco-pop-single-dynamite/|title=BTS Seek to Light Up the World With Vibrant Disco-Pop Single 'Dynamite'|last=Chakraborty|first=Riddhi|date=August 21, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821065557/https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-seek-to-light-up-the-world-with-vibrant-disco-pop-single-dynamite/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Bubblegum music|bubblegum pop]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-21/k-pops-bts-does-it-again-shattering-records-with-all-english-dynamite|title=K-pop's BTS does it again, shattering records with all-English 'Dynamite'|last=Zornosa|first=Laura|date=August 21, 2020|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821192456/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-21/k-pops-bts-does-it-again-shattering-records-with-all-english-dynamite|url-status=live}}</ref> The upbeat production employs snapping handclaps, [[bounce music|bounces]], grooves, and beats.<ref name=nme>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/bts-dynamite-track-review-disco-pick-me-up-2734184|title=BTS' New Song 'Dynamite' Is The Perfect Disco Pick-Me-Up To Bust The 2020 Blues|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=August 21, 2020|work=[[NME]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821081139/https://www.nme.com/reviews/bts-dynamite-track-review-disco-pick-me-up-2734184|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=rollingstone>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-dynamite-review-1047854/|title=BTS' New Song 'Dynamite' Is a Contender for Song of the Summer|last=Chan|first=Tim|date=August 21, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822031706/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-dynamite-review-1047854/|url-status=live}}</ref> The track features a funky bassline, vocal harmonies, and falsettos, with brass, keyboard chords, guitar sound.<ref name=idolator>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7913633/bts-goes-disco-on-english-language-banger-dynamite?chrome=1|title=BTS Goes Disco On English-Language Banger 'Dynamite'|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=August 21, 2020|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823083836/https://www.idolator.com/7913633/bts-goes-disco-on-english-language-banger-dynamite?chrome=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=stereogum-rev/> Lyrically, it is about the joy and appreciation of little things that makes life valuable.<ref name=cos>{{Cite web|url=https:// |
The fourth track is a non-musical spoken worded "Skit" about BTS' first number one song on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], which serves an interlude to separate the album into two parts.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=NBCReview/> "Telepathy" is a playful 1980s-inflected disco and funk song that makes use of an electronic production.<ref name=mtvnews/><ref name=NMEReview/><ref name=billboardjapan>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/94602/2|script-title=ja:『BE』BTS(Album Review)|trans-title='BE' BTS (Album Review)|last=Issei|first=Honke|date=November 26, 2020|work=[[Billboard Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126140734/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/94602/2}}</ref> The song is driven by '70s beats,<ref name=id/> [[Auto-Tune]]d vocals,<ref name=TimeReview/> and [[G-funk]] [[whistle]]s.<ref name=ESreview/> Featuring a groovy [[bassline]],<ref name=AMReview/> it employs synth bass, "stacked-up" [[vocal harmonies]], a [[cowbell]],<ref name=theartsdesk>{{cite web|url=https://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/album-bts-be|title=Album: BTS – Be|last=Quinn|first=Peter|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[The Arts Desk]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123205549/https://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/album-bts-be}}</ref> and [[jam band]] percussion in its production.<ref name=VogueReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/miss-vogue/article/bts-be-album-review?|title=BTS 'BE' Album Review: The Seven Members Take On More Creative Control Than Ever Before|last=Dodson|first=P. Claire|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123113235/https://www.vogue.co.uk/miss-vogue/article/bts-be-album-review}}</ref> The lyrics detail the connection that one can feel from someone despite physical distance and sees BTS admitting to the disorientation caused by excessive free time.<ref name=id/><ref name=RSReview/> "Dis-ease" is an [[old-school hip hop]] number that is accompanied by funk-laced horns and guitars. Lyrically, it delivers a message of strength and contains puns on the different forms of illnesses such as, BTS' addiction to work.<ref name=Vox/><ref name=NMEReview/><ref name=id/> Features brassy instrumentals, drums, and a sparse [[scratching]] sound,<ref name=IndependentReview/><ref name=TimeReview/> the track begins with a [[jazz guitar]] before shifting to a [[chopped and screwed]] drum [[Breakdown (music)|breakdown]].<ref name=SlantReview/> The seventh track, "Stay", performed by Jungkook, Jin, and RM, is a [[future house]],<ref name=NMEReview/> dance-pop,<ref name=mtvnews/> and EDM song<ref name=RSReview/> with 1990s<ref name=Vox/> and 2010s influences.<ref name=SlantReview/><ref name=billboardjapan/> Incorporating heavy bass and an instrumental chorus,<ref name=id/><ref name=TimeReview/> the song references how technology binds the band together with listeners.<ref name=clash/> The album closes with the summer anthem,<ref name=flytomyroom/> "[[Dynamite (BTS song)|Dynamite]]", a 1970s-flavoured [[disco-pop]]<ref name=popmattersrev/><ref name=stereogum>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2095530/bts-dynamite/music/|title=BTS – 'Dynamite'|last=Breinan|first=Tom|date=August 21, 2020|website=[[Stereogum]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823083835/https://www.stereogum.com/2095530/bts-dynamite/music/|url-status=dead}}</ref> song with elements of funk, [[Soul music|soul]]<ref name=rs>{{Cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-seek-to-light-up-the-world-with-vibrant-disco-pop-single-dynamite/|title=BTS Seek to Light Up the World With Vibrant Disco-Pop Single 'Dynamite'|last=Chakraborty|first=Riddhi|date=August 21, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821065557/https://rollingstoneindia.com/bts-seek-to-light-up-the-world-with-vibrant-disco-pop-single-dynamite/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Bubblegum music|bubblegum pop]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-21/k-pops-bts-does-it-again-shattering-records-with-all-english-dynamite|title=K-pop's BTS does it again, shattering records with all-English 'Dynamite'|last=Zornosa|first=Laura|date=August 21, 2020|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821192456/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-21/k-pops-bts-does-it-again-shattering-records-with-all-english-dynamite|url-status=live}}</ref> The upbeat production employs snapping handclaps, [[bounce music|bounces]], grooves, and beats.<ref name=nme>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/bts-dynamite-track-review-disco-pick-me-up-2734184|title=BTS' New Song 'Dynamite' Is The Perfect Disco Pick-Me-Up To Bust The 2020 Blues|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=August 21, 2020|work=[[NME]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821081139/https://www.nme.com/reviews/bts-dynamite-track-review-disco-pick-me-up-2734184|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=rollingstone>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-dynamite-review-1047854/|title=BTS' New Song 'Dynamite' Is a Contender for Song of the Summer|last=Chan|first=Tim|date=August 21, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822031706/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-dynamite-review-1047854/|url-status=live}}</ref> The track features a funky bassline, vocal harmonies, and falsettos, with brass, keyboard chords, guitar sound.<ref name=idolator>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7913633/bts-goes-disco-on-english-language-banger-dynamite?chrome=1|title=BTS Goes Disco On English-Language Banger 'Dynamite'|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=August 21, 2020|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823083836/https://www.idolator.com/7913633/bts-goes-disco-on-english-language-banger-dynamite?chrome=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=stereogum-rev/> Lyrically, it is about the joy and appreciation of little things that makes life valuable.<ref name=cos>{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2020/08/stream-bts-dynamite-single-video/|title=BTS Reveal Explosive New Single "Dynamite" and Video: Watch|last=Schatz|first=Lake|date=August 21, 2020|work=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821143300/https://consequence.net/2020/08/stream-bts-dynamite-single-video/}}</ref><ref name=cnn>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/21/entertainment/bts-dynamite-trnd/index.html|title=BTS's first English language song is 'Dynamite'|last=Resper|first=Lisa|date=August 21, 2020|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822020909/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/21/entertainment/bts-dynamite-trnd/index.html}}</ref><ref name=vulture>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/08/watch-bts-new-single-dynamite-music-video-english-k-pop.html|title=Let BTS Charm You Entirely in English for the First Time Ever in Video for 'Dynamite'|last=Murphy|first=Chris|date=August 21, 2020|work=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]]|access-date=August 22, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821161724/https://www.vulture.com/2020/08/watch-bts-new-single-dynamite-music-video-english-k-pop.html}}</ref> |
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==Release and promotion== |
==Release and promotion== |
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=== Live performances === |
=== Live performances === |
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On November 22, 2020, BTS performed "Life Goes On" for the first time at the [[American Music Awards of 2020]], alongside "Dynamite".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-american-music-awards-1092622/|title=BTS Close Down 2020 AMAs With 'Life Goes On,' 'Dynamite'|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=November 22, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120618/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-american-music-awards-1092622/}}</ref> The band performed it from the [[Seoul Olympic Stadium]] in matching black and white outfits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/bts-light-up-amas-2020-life-goes-on-dynamite-2823054|title=BTS light up the AMAs 2020 with 'Life Goes On' and 'Dynamite'|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[NME]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120620/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/bts-light-up-amas-2020-life-goes-on-dynamite-2823054}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a34752332/bts-life-goes-on-dynamite-ama-performance-video/|title=Watch BTS' Beautiful 'Life Goes On' And 'Dynamite' AMAs Performance|last=Bailey|first=Alyssa|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120633/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a34752332/bts-life-goes-on-dynamite-ama-performance-video/}}</ref> The following day, they performed "Life Goes On" on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' and ''[[The Late Late Show with James Corden]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9488479/bts-perform-life-goes-on-gma-video|title=Watch BTS Serve a Pajama-Clad Performance of 'Life Goes On' on 'Good Morning America'|last=Rowley|first=Glenn|date=November 23, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url-status=live|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124064916/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9488479/bts-perform-life-goes-on-gma-video}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-late-late-show-james-corden-1094884/|title=Watch BTS Perform 'Life Goes On' on 'The Late Late Show With James Corden'|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=November 24, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|url-status=live|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124201452/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-late-late-show-james-corden-1094884/}}</ref> BTS made their ''[[MTV Unplugged]]'' debut on the February 23, 2021 special edition of the show titled ''MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS''.<ref name="Billboard MTV">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9530375/bts-mtv-unplugged-best-moments/|title=5 Best Moments From BTS' 'MTV Unplugged' Performance|last=Nazareno|first=Mia|date=February 23, 2021|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224034258/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9530375/bts-mtv-unplugged-best-moments/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> The group's half-hour long "historic appearance", as the first Korean act to headline the series,<ref name="Esquire MTV">{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a35613695/bts-mtv-unplugged-fix-you-cover-coldplay-watch-video/|title=BTS Performed a Powerful Cover of 'Fix You' During Their Historic MTV Unplugged Concert|last=Lee|first=Anna Grace|date=February 24, 2021|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224213630/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a35613695/bts-mtv-unplugged-fix-you-cover-coldplay-watch-video/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> saw them perform a stripped back, five-song setlist consisting of four tracks off the album—"Telepathy", "Blue & Grey", "Life Goes On", and "Dynamite"—and a "surprise cover" of [[Coldplay]]'s "[[Fix You]]".<ref name="Variety MTV">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/bts-coldplay-mtv-unplugged-1234913661/|title=Watch BTS Bring 'Be' to 'MTV Unplugged'|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|date=February 23, 2021|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224034705/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/bts-coldplay-mtv-unplugged-1234913661/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> This marked the live premiere of the first two tracks, B-sides that the group had yet to perform since the album's release.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-telepathy-mtv-unplugged-1132451/|title=BTS Cover Coldplay, Perform 'Telepathy' for First Time During 'MTV Unplugged'|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=February 24, 2021|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224234359/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-telepathy-mtv-unplugged-1132451/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> Each performance was filmed on a different set to match the mood of the song being sung, including an "arcade[-like] gameroom" for Telepathy, and "an indoor field...with blue and grey flowers" for "Blue & Grey".<ref name="Billboard MTV"/> For the third and fourth tracks, the group was accompanied by a live four-piece band, Ghost, comprising a drummer, guitarist, bassist and keyboardist.<ref name="Variety MTV"/><ref name="COS MTV"/> ''[[Consequence of Sound]]''{{'}}s Mary Siroky reviewed the appearance favorably, writing that "the BTS boys brought their A-game...keeping their virtual performances new and exciting, refusing to let their distance from an audience push them into anything repetitive or mundane".<ref name="COS MTV">{{cite web|url=https:// |
On November 22, 2020, BTS performed "Life Goes On" for the first time at the [[American Music Awards of 2020]], alongside "Dynamite".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-american-music-awards-1092622/|title=BTS Close Down 2020 AMAs With 'Life Goes On,' 'Dynamite'|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=November 22, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120618/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-american-music-awards-1092622/}}</ref> The band performed it from the [[Seoul Olympic Stadium]] in matching black and white outfits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/bts-light-up-amas-2020-life-goes-on-dynamite-2823054|title=BTS light up the AMAs 2020 with 'Life Goes On' and 'Dynamite'|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[NME]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120620/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/bts-light-up-amas-2020-life-goes-on-dynamite-2823054}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a34752332/bts-life-goes-on-dynamite-ama-performance-video/|title=Watch BTS' Beautiful 'Life Goes On' And 'Dynamite' AMAs Performance|last=Bailey|first=Alyssa|date=November 23, 2020|work=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]|access-date=November 23, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120633/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a34752332/bts-life-goes-on-dynamite-ama-performance-video/}}</ref> The following day, they performed "Life Goes On" on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' and ''[[The Late Late Show with James Corden]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9488479/bts-perform-life-goes-on-gma-video|title=Watch BTS Serve a Pajama-Clad Performance of 'Life Goes On' on 'Good Morning America'|last=Rowley|first=Glenn|date=November 23, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url-status=live|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124064916/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9488479/bts-perform-life-goes-on-gma-video}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-late-late-show-james-corden-1094884/|title=Watch BTS Perform 'Life Goes On' on 'The Late Late Show With James Corden'|last=Shaffer|first=Claire|date=November 24, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|url-status=live|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124201452/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-life-goes-on-late-late-show-james-corden-1094884/}}</ref> BTS made their ''[[MTV Unplugged]]'' debut on the February 23, 2021 special edition of the show titled ''MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS''.<ref name="Billboard MTV">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9530375/bts-mtv-unplugged-best-moments/|title=5 Best Moments From BTS' 'MTV Unplugged' Performance|last=Nazareno|first=Mia|date=February 23, 2021|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224034258/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/9530375/bts-mtv-unplugged-best-moments/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> The group's half-hour long "historic appearance", as the first Korean act to headline the series,<ref name="Esquire MTV">{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a35613695/bts-mtv-unplugged-fix-you-cover-coldplay-watch-video/|title=BTS Performed a Powerful Cover of 'Fix You' During Their Historic MTV Unplugged Concert|last=Lee|first=Anna Grace|date=February 24, 2021|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224213630/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a35613695/bts-mtv-unplugged-fix-you-cover-coldplay-watch-video/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> saw them perform a stripped back, five-song setlist consisting of four tracks off the album—"Telepathy", "Blue & Grey", "Life Goes On", and "Dynamite"—and a "surprise cover" of [[Coldplay]]'s "[[Fix You]]".<ref name="Variety MTV">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/bts-coldplay-mtv-unplugged-1234913661/|title=Watch BTS Bring 'Be' to 'MTV Unplugged'|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|date=February 23, 2021|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224034705/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/bts-coldplay-mtv-unplugged-1234913661/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> This marked the live premiere of the first two tracks, B-sides that the group had yet to perform since the album's release.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-telepathy-mtv-unplugged-1132451/|title=BTS Cover Coldplay, Perform 'Telepathy' for First Time During 'MTV Unplugged'|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=February 24, 2021|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210224234359/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-coldplay-telepathy-mtv-unplugged-1132451/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> Each performance was filmed on a different set to match the mood of the song being sung, including an "arcade[-like] gameroom" for Telepathy, and "an indoor field...with blue and grey flowers" for "Blue & Grey".<ref name="Billboard MTV"/> For the third and fourth tracks, the group was accompanied by a live four-piece band, Ghost, comprising a drummer, guitarist, bassist and keyboardist.<ref name="Variety MTV"/><ref name="COS MTV"/> ''[[Consequence of Sound]]''{{'}}s Mary Siroky reviewed the appearance favorably, writing that "the BTS boys brought their A-game...keeping their virtual performances new and exciting, refusing to let their distance from an audience push them into anything repetitive or mundane".<ref name="COS MTV">{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2021/02/live-review-bts-mtv-unplugged/|title=BTS Bring the Fire and Set the Night Alight on MTV Unplugged: Review|last=Siroky|first=Mary|date=February 23, 2021|work=[[Consequence of Sound]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224024831/https://consequence.net/2021/02/live-review-bts-mtv-unplugged/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> Siroky singled out Jin and Jimin's vocals on "Blue & Grey", noting how the two "soared in their upper registers, offering lush harmonies throughout".<ref name="COS MTV"/> |
||
==Critical reception== |
==Critical reception== |
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{{ |
{{Music ratings |
||
| ADM = 7. |
| ADM = 7.3/10<ref name=ADM>{{Cite web|url=http://anydecentmusic.com/review/12664/BTS-Be.aspx|title=Be by BTS|publisher=AnyDecentMusic?|access-date=November 22, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201205222130/http://anydecentmusic.com/review/12664/BTS-Be.aspx|archive-date=December 5, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| MC = 80/100<ref name=MC>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/be/bts|title=Be by BTS Reviews and Tracks|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205221213/https://www.metacritic.com/music/be/bts|url-status=live}}</ref> |
| MC = 80/100<ref name=MC>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/be/bts|title=Be by BTS Reviews and Tracks|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205221213/https://www.metacritic.com/music/be/bts|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| rev1 = [[AllMusic]] |
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]] |
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| rev2score = 7/10<ref name=clash>{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bts-be|title=BTS – Be|last=Zhu|first=Eva|date=November 29, 2020|work=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]|access-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129122143/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bts-be}}</ref> |
| rev2score = 7/10<ref name=clash>{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bts-be|title=BTS – Be|last=Zhu|first=Eva|date=November 29, 2020|work=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]|access-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129122143/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bts-be}}</ref> |
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| rev3 = ''[[Consequence of Sound]]'' |
| rev3 = ''[[Consequence of Sound]]'' |
||
| rev3score = B+<ref name=CoSReview>{{cite web|url=https:// |
| rev3score = B+<ref name=CoSReview>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2020/11/album-review-bts-be/|title=BTS' Be Comforts Listeners with the Hopeful Message That Life Goes On: Review|last=Siroky|first=Mary|date=November 20, 2020|website=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120215406/https://consequence.net/2020/11/album-review-bts-be/|url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| rev4 = ''[[Exclaim!]]'' |
| rev4 = ''[[Exclaim!]]'' |
||
| rev4score = 9/10<ref name=exclaim>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/bts_be_album_review|title=BTS Remind Us That Things Always Get Better on 'Be'|last=Zhu|first=Eva|date=November 26, 2020|work=[[Exclaim!]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126161545/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/bts_be_album_review}}</ref> |
| rev4score = 9/10<ref name=exclaim>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/bts_be_album_review|title=BTS Remind Us That Things Always Get Better on 'Be'|last=Zhu|first=Eva|date=November 26, 2020|work=[[Exclaim!]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126161545/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/bts_be_album_review}}</ref> |
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''Be'' received generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalised]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 80 based on 11 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name=MC/> Aggregator |
''Be'' received generally positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalised]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 80 based on 11 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name=MC/> Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 7.3 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.<ref name=ADM/> |
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In her review for ''[[PopMatters]]'', Ana Clara Ribeiro felt ''Be'' was a timeless pop offering that incorporated rap to create a sound that established BTS' legacy. Ribeiro said that although BTS' sonic identity was rap, she attributed ''Be''{{'}}s success to the band's vocalists.<ref name=popmattersrev/> ''[[Evening Standard]]''{{'}}s Jochan Embley called the album "exquisitely produced" with "near faultless" vocal performances,<ref name=ESreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/bts-be-review-best-songs-b74275.html|title=BTS – Be review: Life goes on as K-Pop titans embrace the pandemic's ups and downs|last=Embley|first=Jochan|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Evening Standard]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120152530/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/bts-be-review-best-songs-b74275.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a sentiment echoed by ''[[The Arts Desk]]''{{'}}s critic Peter Quinn in his review for the album.<ref name=theartsdesk/> Reviewers were impressed with the experimentation of diverse musical styles, including Embley,<ref name=ESreview/> Lenika Cruz of ''[[The Atlantic]]'',<ref name=theatlantic>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/11/bts-life-goes-on-be-album/617244/|title=BTS's 'Life Goes On' Did the Impossible|last=Cruz|first=Lenika|date=November 30, 2020|work=[[The Atlantic]]|access-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201030800/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/11/bts-life-goes-on-be-album/617244/}}</ref> and Annabel Nugent of ''[[The Independent]]'', who said that the album "avoids the pitfall of sounding like a checklist".<ref name=IndependentReview/> ''Vox'''s Aja Romano described it as a "sublime" album full of "seamless litany of bops intended to commemorate and celebrate getting through the Covid-19 pandemic",<ref name=Vox>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/21579003/bts-be-new-album-review|title=BTS's new album is sublime comfort pop for the soul in lockdown|last=Romano|first=Aja|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121141935/https://www.vox.com/21579003/bts-be-new-album-review}}</ref> with Lexi Lane of [[NBC News]] calling it BTS' "brightest and most unifying album yet".<ref name=NBCReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/bts-s-new-album-be-filled-hope-reasons-dance-again-ncna1248495|title=BTS's new album 'Be' is filled with hope – and reasons to dance again|last=Lane|first=Lexi|date=November 21, 2020|publisher=[[NBC News]]|access-date=November 21, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121093245/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/bts-s-new-album-be-filled-hope-reasons-dance-again-ncna1248495/}}</ref> ''[[Exclaim!]]'' writer Eva Zhu felt that the departure of ''Be'' towards a more "laidback" sound compared to the band's usual offerings was appealing to newer audience.<ref name=exclaim/> |
In her review for ''[[PopMatters]]'', Ana Clara Ribeiro felt ''Be'' was a timeless pop offering that incorporated rap to create a sound that established BTS' legacy. Ribeiro said that although BTS' sonic identity was rap, she attributed ''Be''{{'}}s success to the band's vocalists.<ref name=popmattersrev/> ''[[Evening Standard]]''{{'}}s Jochan Embley called the album "exquisitely produced" with "near faultless" vocal performances,<ref name=ESreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/bts-be-review-best-songs-b74275.html|title=BTS – Be review: Life goes on as K-Pop titans embrace the pandemic's ups and downs|last=Embley|first=Jochan|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Evening Standard]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120152530/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/bts-be-review-best-songs-b74275.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a sentiment echoed by ''[[The Arts Desk]]''{{'}}s critic Peter Quinn in his review for the album.<ref name=theartsdesk/> Reviewers were impressed with the experimentation of diverse musical styles, including Embley,<ref name=ESreview/> Lenika Cruz of ''[[The Atlantic]]'',<ref name=theatlantic>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/11/bts-life-goes-on-be-album/617244/|title=BTS's 'Life Goes On' Did the Impossible|last=Cruz|first=Lenika|date=November 30, 2020|work=[[The Atlantic]]|access-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201030800/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/11/bts-life-goes-on-be-album/617244/}}</ref> and Annabel Nugent of ''[[The Independent]]'', who said that the album "avoids the pitfall of sounding like a checklist".<ref name=IndependentReview/> ''Vox'''s Aja Romano described it as a "sublime" album full of "seamless litany of bops intended to commemorate and celebrate getting through the Covid-19 pandemic",<ref name=Vox>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/21579003/bts-be-new-album-review|title=BTS's new album is sublime comfort pop for the soul in lockdown|last=Romano|first=Aja|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121141935/https://www.vox.com/21579003/bts-be-new-album-review}}</ref> with Lexi Lane of [[NBC News]] calling it BTS' "brightest and most unifying album yet".<ref name=NBCReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/bts-s-new-album-be-filled-hope-reasons-dance-again-ncna1248495|title=BTS's new album 'Be' is filled with hope – and reasons to dance again|last=Lane|first=Lexi|date=November 21, 2020|publisher=[[NBC News]]|access-date=November 21, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121093245/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/bts-s-new-album-be-filled-hope-reasons-dance-again-ncna1248495/}}</ref> ''[[Exclaim!]]'' writer Eva Zhu felt that the departure of ''Be'' towards a more "laidback" sound compared to the band's usual offerings was appealing to newer audience.<ref name=exclaim/> |
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Critics lauded the album's lyrical authenticity, intimacy, and simple message. Writing for ''[[NME]]'', Rhian Daly described ''Be'' as the "most accurate musical encapsulation of the roller coaster that is pandemic life so far" in which the group strikes a "perfect balance between encouragement and reassurance".<ref name=NMEReview/> In an enthusiastic review, [[AllMusic]]'s Neil Z. Yeung complimented BTS' for their openness and intimacy in the lyrics, calling the album an inspiring soundtrack: "Despite its brief runtime, ''Be'' is an expert snapshot of time and place, a document of a worldwide event that manages to strengthen their connection to their listeners and push their songcraft forward with focus, heart, and humanity."<ref name=AMReview/> Katie Goh of ''[[i-D]]'' agreed and viewed it as a "the intimate, introspective lockdown project" that served as an honest depiction of people's struggles during 2020.<ref name=id>{{cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/7k98vx/bts-new-kpop-album-be-review|title=The new BTS album confirms they're K-Pop's most emotional group|last=Goh|first=Katie|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[i-D]]|access-date=November 22, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120162018/https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/7k98vx/bts-new-kpop-album-be-review}}</ref> Reviewers such as Emma Saletta of [[MTV News]], have cited the record as an offering of hope for the future,<ref name=mtvnews>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/3172052/bts-be-mood-music/|title=BTS's Be Has A Song For Every Mood|last=Saletta|first=Emma|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=November 22, 2020|url-status= |
Critics lauded the album's lyrical authenticity, intimacy, and simple message. Writing for ''[[NME]]'', Rhian Daly described ''Be'' as the "most accurate musical encapsulation of the roller coaster that is pandemic life so far" in which the group strikes a "perfect balance between encouragement and reassurance".<ref name=NMEReview/> In an enthusiastic review, [[AllMusic]]'s Neil Z. Yeung complimented BTS' for their openness and intimacy in the lyrics, calling the album an inspiring soundtrack: "Despite its brief runtime, ''Be'' is an expert snapshot of time and place, a document of a worldwide event that manages to strengthen their connection to their listeners and push their songcraft forward with focus, heart, and humanity."<ref name=AMReview/> Katie Goh of ''[[i-D]]'' agreed and viewed it as a "the intimate, introspective lockdown project" that served as an honest depiction of people's struggles during 2020.<ref name=id>{{cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/7k98vx/bts-new-kpop-album-be-review|title=The new BTS album confirms they're K-Pop's most emotional group|last=Goh|first=Katie|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[i-D]]|access-date=November 22, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120162018/https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/7k98vx/bts-new-kpop-album-be-review}}</ref> Reviewers such as Emma Saletta of [[MTV News]], have cited the record as an offering of hope for the future,<ref name=mtvnews>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/3172052/bts-be-mood-music/|title=BTS's Be Has A Song For Every Mood|last=Saletta|first=Emma|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=November 22, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120221312/http://www.mtv.com/news/3172052/bts-be-mood-music/}}</ref> with Benjamin calling it as BTS' "most on-brand album",<ref name=RSReview/> and Siroky dubbing it as "the cozy comedown" which "brings the listener home in every sense, inviting us into the world of these seven young men in a way none of their other albums have so far".<ref name=CoSReview/> ''[[Stereogum]]'', ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', and ''[[The Quietus]]'' found the album soothing, and praised the introspective lyricism about isolation and quarantine.<ref name=stereogum-rev>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2108135/bts-be-review/columns/the-week-in-pop/|title=On Their Pointedly Chill New Album, BTS Are Mostly Content To Just Be|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=November 23, 2020|website=[[Stereogum]] |access-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123215714/https://www.stereogum.com/2108135/bts-be-review/columns/the-week-in-pop/}}</ref><ref name=TimeReview>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5914352/bts-be-analysis/|title=Breaking Down Every Track on BTS' New Album Be|last=Bruner|first=Raisa|date=November 20, 2020|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120194140/https://time.com/5914352/bts-be-analysis/}}</ref><ref name=thequietus>{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/29270-bts-be-review|title=The Quietus {{!}} Reviews {{!}} BTS|last=A. Bastardo|first=Verónica|date=November 27, 2020|website=[[The Quietus]]|access-date=November 28, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201128045414/https://thequietus.com/articles/29270-bts-be-review}}</ref> |
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A few reviewers found the album unadventurous.<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55014017|title=BTS: New album BE 'authentic' but takes 'few risks', say critics|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120213126/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55014017|url-status=live}}</ref> For ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'', Malvika Padin asserted that the album is "far simpler" than the band's past releases "yet equally comforting" but criticized its lack of appeal to the casual listeners".<ref name=clash/> In the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', August Brown deemed ''Be'' as the group's "most overt attempt to ascend the U.S. pop charts", but he remained favorable towards BTS' songwriting abilities, describing the album as "a trim, reflective and modest LP about resilience, written to meet a weary global mood".<ref name=LAReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-20/bts-be-album-review|title=Review: On pandemic album 'Be,' BTS longs for better times, then dances through the tears|last=Brown|first=August|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121141935/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-20/bts-be-album-review}}</ref> In a mixed review for ''[[Slant Magazine]]'', Sophia Ordaz acknowledged the album for its simple and lucid message, but argued that it exchanged "overstimulating spectacle for low-key introspection".<ref name=SlantReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-bts-be-vies-for-simplicity-but-proves-too-insular/|title=Review: BTS's Be Vies for Simplicity but Proves Too Insular|last=Ordaz|first=Sophia|date=November 24, 2020|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125094430/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-bts-be-vies-for-simplicity-but-proves-too-insular/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
A few reviewers found the album unadventurous.<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55014017|title=BTS: New album BE 'authentic' but takes 'few risks', say critics|date=November 20, 2020|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120213126/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55014017|url-status=live}}</ref> For ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'', Malvika Padin asserted that the album is "far simpler" than the band's past releases "yet equally comforting" but criticized its lack of appeal to the casual listeners".<ref name=clash/> In the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', August Brown deemed ''Be'' as the group's "most overt attempt to ascend the U.S. pop charts", but he remained favorable towards BTS' songwriting abilities, describing the album as "a trim, reflective and modest LP about resilience, written to meet a weary global mood".<ref name=LAReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-20/bts-be-album-review|title=Review: On pandemic album 'Be,' BTS longs for better times, then dances through the tears|last=Brown|first=August|date=November 20, 2020|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=November 20, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121141935/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-20/bts-be-album-review}}</ref> In a mixed review for ''[[Slant Magazine]]'', Sophia Ordaz acknowledged the album for its simple and lucid message, but argued that it exchanged "overstimulating spectacle for low-key introspection".<ref name=SlantReview>{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-bts-be-vies-for-simplicity-but-proves-too-insular/|title=Review: BTS's Be Vies for Simplicity but Proves Too Insular|last=Ordaz|first=Sophia|date=November 24, 2020|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125094430/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-bts-be-vies-for-simplicity-but-proves-too-insular/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Accolades === |
=== Accolades === |
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''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' included ''Be'' on its year-end list of the 30 best albums of 2020.<ref name="esquirerev">{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/gmp30460648/best-albums-2020/|title=The Best Albums of 2020|last1=Miller|first1=Matt|last2=Vain|first2=Madison|last3=Holmes|first3=Dave|date=December 21, 2020|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222174119/http://esquire.com/entertainment/music/gmp30460648/best-albums-2020/|archive-date=December 22, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]'' ranked the album 53rd on its list of the 70 best pop albums of 2020.<ref name="Idolator">{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7917100/the-70-best-pop-albums-of-2020|title=The 70 Best Pop Albums Of 2020|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=December 27, 2020|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211211224604/https://www.idolator.com/7917100/the-70-best-pop-albums-of-2020?chrome=1|archive-date=December 11, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 11, 2021}}</ref> The album won Album of the Year – 4th Quarter at the 2021 [[Gaon Chart Music Awards]] in January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002924778|script-title=ko:방탄소년단, 가온차트 뮤직어워드 올해의 가수상 '6관왕'[종합]|trans-title=[Comprehensive] BTS, Gaon Chart Music Awards, Singer of the Year Award, "6 Wins"|last=Yoon|first=Sang Geun|date=January 13, 2021|work=Star News|language=ko|via=Naver|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113202450/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002924778|archive-date=January 13, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> It also received a nomination for Album of the Year at the [[2021 Melon Music Awards]] held on December 4, but did not win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/cultura-asiatica/2021/11/08/mma-2021-como-votar-link-tutorial-lista-nominados-melon-music-awards-bts-exo-nct-rose/|title=MMA 2021: cómo votar por tu favorito en los MelOn MusiAwards|trans-title=MMA 2021: How to vote for your favorite at the MelOn Music Awards|author=<!--Staff writers; no by-line-->|date=November 8, 2021|work=[[La República]]|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108193237/https://larepublica.pe/cultura-asiatica/2021/11/08/mma-2021-como-votar-link-tutorial-lista-nominados-melon-music-awards-bts-exo-nct-rose/|archive-date=November 8, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> The following week, it won [[Mnet Asian Music Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] at the [[2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=609&aid=0000521283|script-title=ko:방탄소년단, 올해의 앨범상(대상) 수상 [2021 MAMA]|trans-title=BTS wins Album of the Year (Grand Prize) [2021 MAMA]|last=Lee|first=Min-ji|date=December 11, 2021|work=Newsen|language=ko|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211211215014/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=609&aid=0000521283|archive-date=December 11, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 11, 2021|via=Naver}}</ref> At the [[36th Golden Disc Awards]], held in January 2022, ''Be'' won a Best Album [[bonsang]] and earned BTS their record fifth consecutive Album of the Year [[daesang]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=032&aid=0003121329|script-title=ko:BTS 5년 연속 골든디스크 음반 대상…디지털 음원 대상은 2년 연속 아이유|last=Oh|first=Kyung-min|date=January 8, 2022|work=Kyunghyang Shinmun|language=ko|trans-title=BTS won the Golden Disc Album Award for 5 Consecutive Years...The Digital Songs Grand Prize is IU for the second consecutive year|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108232048/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=032&aid=0003121329|archive-date=January 8, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=January 8, 2022|via=Naver News}}</ref> |
''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' included ''Be'' on its year-end list of the 30 best albums of 2020.<ref name="esquirerev">{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/gmp30460648/best-albums-2020/|title=The Best Albums of 2020|last1=Miller|first1=Matt|last2=Vain|first2=Madison|last3=Holmes|first3=Dave|date=December 21, 2020|work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222174119/http://esquire.com/entertainment/music/gmp30460648/best-albums-2020/|archive-date=December 22, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]'' ranked the album 53rd on its list of the 70 best pop albums of 2020.<ref name="Idolator">{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7917100/the-70-best-pop-albums-of-2020|title=The 70 Best Pop Albums Of 2020|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=December 27, 2020|website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211211224604/https://www.idolator.com/7917100/the-70-best-pop-albums-of-2020?chrome=1|archive-date=December 11, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 11, 2021}}</ref> The album won Album of the Year – 4th Quarter at the 2021 [[Gaon Chart Music Awards]] in January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002924778|script-title=ko:방탄소년단, 가온차트 뮤직어워드 올해의 가수상 '6관왕'[종합]|trans-title=[Comprehensive] BTS, Gaon Chart Music Awards, Singer of the Year Award, "6 Wins"|last=Yoon|first=Sang Geun|date=January 13, 2021|work=Star News|language=ko|via=[[Naver]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113202450/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002924778|archive-date=January 13, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> It also received a nomination for Album of the Year at the [[2021 Melon Music Awards]] held on December 4, but did not win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://larepublica.pe/cultura-asiatica/2021/11/08/mma-2021-como-votar-link-tutorial-lista-nominados-melon-music-awards-bts-exo-nct-rose/|title=MMA 2021: cómo votar por tu favorito en los MelOn MusiAwards|trans-title=MMA 2021: How to vote for your favorite at the MelOn Music Awards|author=<!--Staff writers; no by-line-->|date=November 8, 2021|work=[[La República (Peru)|La República]]|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108193237/https://larepublica.pe/cultura-asiatica/2021/11/08/mma-2021-como-votar-link-tutorial-lista-nominados-melon-music-awards-bts-exo-nct-rose/|archive-date=November 8, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=November 8, 2021}}</ref> The following week, it won [[Mnet Asian Music Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] at the [[2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=609&aid=0000521283|script-title=ko:방탄소년단, 올해의 앨범상(대상) 수상 [2021 MAMA]|trans-title=BTS wins Album of the Year (Grand Prize) [2021 MAMA]|last=Lee|first=Min-ji|date=December 11, 2021|work=Newsen|language=ko|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211211215014/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=609&aid=0000521283|archive-date=December 11, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 11, 2021|via=Naver}}</ref> At the [[36th Golden Disc Awards]], held in January 2022, ''Be'' won a Best Album [[bonsang]] and earned BTS their record fifth consecutive Album of the Year [[daesang]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=032&aid=0003121329|script-title=ko:BTS 5년 연속 골든디스크 음반 대상…디지털 음원 대상은 2년 연속 아이유|last=Oh|first=Kyung-min|date=January 8, 2022|work=[[Kyunghyang Shinmun]]|language=ko|trans-title=BTS won the Golden Disc Album Award for 5 Consecutive Years...The Digital Songs Grand Prize is IU for the second consecutive year|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108232048/https://news.naver.com/main/read.naver?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=032&aid=0003121329|archive-date=January 8, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=January 8, 2022|via=Naver News}}</ref> |
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==Commercial performance== |
==Commercial performance== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Taylor Swift GMA 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|BTS became the only act apart from [[Taylor Swift]] (''pictured'') to debut at number one on the Hot 100 and ''Billboard'' 200 simultaneously.|alt=Taylor Swift performing live on a banjo, wearing a beige blouse and pigtails]] |
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''Be'' debuted atop the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with 242,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s, including 177,000 sales, on the chart dated December 5, 2020. The album is BTS' fifth chart-topper in the United States, making BTS the fastest group to earn five number-one albums since [[the Beatles]] between 1966 and 1968, as well as the first group to have two chart-topping albums in the country in 2020.<ref name=BeBB200>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9490955/bts-be-billboard-200-albums-chart-number-one/|title=BTS Earns Fifth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Be'|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=November 29, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129232337/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9490955/bts-be-billboard-200-albums-chart-number-one/|archive-date=November 29, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 29, 2020}}</ref> Its lead single "Life Goes On" debuted atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 with 150,000 downloads and 14.9 million U.S. streams, becoming the band's third number-one song following "Dynamite" and "[[Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)]]" remix. With this, BTS became the fastest group in over 42 years to earn three number-one songs in a span of three months since the [[Bee Gees]]. They became the second act following [[Ariana Grande]] to score three Hot 100 number one entries in 2020, as well as the first group to land two number-one debuts on the chart. "Life Goes On" marked the first song not sung in an English language to debut atop the chart.<ref name=LFGBB1>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491302/bts-life-goes-on-number-one-hot-100/|title=BTS' 'Life Goes On' Launches as Historic No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=November 30, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130193426/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491302/bts-life-goes-on-number-one-hot-100/|archive-date=November 30, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> BTS became the only act apart from [[Taylor Swift]] to debut at number one on the Hot 100 and ''Billboard'' 200 simultaneously.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491513/bts-taylor-swift-hot-100-billboard-200-chart-club|title=BTS Joins Taylor Swift in Exclusive Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Club|last=Zellner|first=Xander|date=November 30, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201043611/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491513/bts-taylor-swift-hot-100-billboard-200-chart-club/|archive-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> They also became the first group and ninth overall act to prevail on top of the [[Artist 100]], Hot 100, and ''Billboard'' 200 charts at the same time.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9492020/bts-first-group-rule-artist-100-hot-100-billboard-200-charts|title=BTS Becomes First Group to Rule Artist 100, Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Charts at the Same Time|date=December 1, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201210458/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9492020/bts-first-group-rule-artist-100-hot-100-billboard-200-charts|archive-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=December 2, 2020}}</ref> Seven tracks from the album charted concurrently on the Hot 100 chart, with "Life Goes On" and "Dynamite" in the top-10, "Blue & Grey" in the top-20, and "Stay" in the top-40. This stood as the most simultaneous entries on the Hot 100 chart by a Korean act.<ref name=BeBB100>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491645/bts-career-best-seven-entries-billboard-hot-100|title=BTS Scores Career-Best Seven Entries on Latest Billboard Hot 100|last=Zellner|first=Xander|date=November 30, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201042957/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491645/bts-career-best-seven-entries-billboard-hot-100/|archive-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> With over 252,000 physical copies sold by the end of 2020, according to [[MRC Data]], ''Be'' was the fifth best-selling physical album of the year in the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000007746|title=BTS's 'Map of the Soul: 7' sells most hardcopy albums in U.S. in 2020|last=Yoon|first=So-yeon|date=January 8, 2021|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108112426/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000007746|archive-date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live|via=[[Naver]]|access-date=January 8, 2021}}</ref> It was one of two BTS albums to make it on the top-ten ranking, the other being ''Map of the Soul: 7'' in first place, making BTS the only artist with multiple albums on the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0012128091|script-title=ko:BTS '맵 오브 더 솔 : 7' 작년 미국서 가장 많이 팔린 실물앨범|trans-title=[Official] BTS, 1st and 2nd on Gaon Chart's Annual Albums Chart..2020 Cumulative Sales Exceeded 10 Million Copies|last=Kim|first=Hyo-jeong|date=January 8, 2021|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108220859/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0012128091|archive-date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live |access-date=January 8, 2021|via=[[Naver]]}}</ref> In Canada, ''Be'' arrived at number one on the [[Canadian Albums Chart]], giving BTS their fourth chart-topping album in the country.<ref name=canada/> |
''Be'' debuted atop the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with 242,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s, including 177,000 sales, on the chart dated December 5, 2020. The album is BTS' fifth chart-topper in the United States, making BTS the fastest group to earn five number-one albums since [[the Beatles]] between 1966 and 1968, as well as the first group to have two chart-topping albums in the country in 2020.<ref name=BeBB200>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9490955/bts-be-billboard-200-albums-chart-number-one/|title=BTS Earns Fifth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Be'|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=November 29, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129232337/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9490955/bts-be-billboard-200-albums-chart-number-one/|archive-date=November 29, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 29, 2020}}</ref> Its lead single "Life Goes On" debuted atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 with 150,000 downloads and 14.9 million U.S. streams, becoming the band's third number-one song following "Dynamite" and "[[Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)]]" remix. With this, BTS became the fastest group in over 42 years to earn three number-one songs in a span of three months since the [[Bee Gees]]. They became the second act following [[Ariana Grande]] to score three Hot 100 number one entries in 2020, as well as the first group to land two number-one debuts on the chart. "Life Goes On" marked the first song not sung in an English language to debut atop the chart.<ref name=LFGBB1>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491302/bts-life-goes-on-number-one-hot-100/|title=BTS' 'Life Goes On' Launches as Historic No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=November 30, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130193426/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491302/bts-life-goes-on-number-one-hot-100/|archive-date=November 30, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> BTS became the only act apart from [[Taylor Swift]] to debut at number one on the Hot 100 and ''Billboard'' 200 simultaneously.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491513/bts-taylor-swift-hot-100-billboard-200-chart-club|title=BTS Joins Taylor Swift in Exclusive Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Club|last=Zellner|first=Xander|date=November 30, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201043611/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491513/bts-taylor-swift-hot-100-billboard-200-chart-club/|archive-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> They also became the first group and ninth overall act to prevail on top of the [[Artist 100]], Hot 100, and ''Billboard'' 200 charts at the same time.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9492020/bts-first-group-rule-artist-100-hot-100-billboard-200-charts|title=BTS Becomes First Group to Rule Artist 100, Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Charts at the Same Time|date=December 1, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201210458/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9492020/bts-first-group-rule-artist-100-hot-100-billboard-200-charts|archive-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=December 2, 2020}}</ref> Seven tracks from the album charted concurrently on the Hot 100 chart, with "Life Goes On" and "Dynamite" in the top-10, "Blue & Grey" in the top-20, and "Stay" in the top-40. This stood as the most simultaneous entries on the Hot 100 chart by a Korean act.<ref name=BeBB100>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491645/bts-career-best-seven-entries-billboard-hot-100|title=BTS Scores Career-Best Seven Entries on Latest Billboard Hot 100|last=Zellner|first=Xander|date=November 30, 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201042957/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9491645/bts-career-best-seven-entries-billboard-hot-100/|archive-date=December 1, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> With over 252,000 physical copies sold by the end of 2020, according to [[MRC Data]], ''Be'' was the fifth best-selling physical album of the year in the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000007746|title=BTS's 'Map of the Soul: 7' sells most hardcopy albums in U.S. in 2020|last=Yoon|first=So-yeon|date=January 8, 2021|work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108112426/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=640&aid=0000007746|archive-date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live|via=[[Naver]]|access-date=January 8, 2021}}</ref> It was one of two BTS albums to make it on the top-ten ranking, the other being ''Map of the Soul: 7'' in first place, making BTS the only artist with multiple albums on the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0012128091|script-title=ko:BTS '맵 오브 더 솔 : 7' 작년 미국서 가장 많이 팔린 실물앨범|trans-title=[Official] BTS, 1st and 2nd on Gaon Chart's Annual Albums Chart..2020 Cumulative Sales Exceeded 10 Million Copies|last=Kim|first=Hyo-jeong|date=January 8, 2021|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108220859/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=001&aid=0012128091|archive-date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live |access-date=January 8, 2021|via=[[Naver]]}}</ref> In Canada, ''Be'' arrived at number one on the [[Canadian Albums Chart]], giving BTS their fourth chart-topping album in the country.<ref name=canada/> |
||
Line 122: | Line 140: | ||
| total_length = 28:30 |
| total_length = 28:30 |
||
| title1 = [[Life Goes On (BTS song)|Life Goes On]] |
| title1 = [[Life Goes On (BTS song)|Life Goes On]] |
||
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[Antonina Armato]]|Chris James|[[J-Hope]]|Pdogg|[[RM ( |
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[Antonina Armato]]|Chris James|[[J-Hope]]|Pdogg|[[RM (musician)|RM]]|Ruuth|[[Suga]]}} |
||
| extra1 = Pdogg |
| extra1 = Pdogg |
||
| length1 = 3:27 |
| length1 = 3:27 |
||
Line 135: | Line 153: | ||
| length3 = 4:15 |
| length3 = 4:15 |
||
| title4 = Skit |
| title4 = Skit |
||
| writer4 = {{hlist|J-Hope|[[Jimin]]|[[ |
| writer4 = {{hlist|J-Hope|[[Jimin]]|[[Jin (singer)|Jin]]|[[Jungkook]]|RM|Suga|V}} |
||
| extra4 = {{hlist|J-Hope|Jimin|Jin|Jungkook|RM|Suga|V}} |
| extra4 = {{hlist|J-Hope|Jimin|Jin|Jungkook|RM|Suga|V}} |
||
| length4 = 3:00 |
| length4 = 3:00 |
||
Line 167: | Line 185: | ||
* [[BTS]] – primary vocals |
* [[BTS]] – primary vocals |
||
** [[ |
** [[Jin (singer)|Jin]] – songwriting {{small|(track 4, 7)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1, 3–8)}} |
||
** [[ |
** [[Suga]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 1–6)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, rap arrangement {{small|(track 2–3, 5–6)}}, recording engineer {{small|(track 2–3, 5–6)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}} |
||
** [[J-Hope]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 1–4, 6)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, rap arrangement {{small|(track 2–3, 5–6)}}, recording engineer {{small|(track 2–3, 5–6)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}} |
** [[J-Hope]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 1–4, 6)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, rap arrangement {{small|(track 2–3, 5–6)}}, recording engineer {{small|(track 2–3, 5–6)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}} |
||
** [[RM ( |
** [[RM (musician)|RM]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 1–7)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, rap arrangement {{small|(track 1, 3, 5–7)}}, recording engineer {{small|(track 1, 3, 5–7)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1, 3–8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 7)}} |
||
** [[Jimin]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 4, 6)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 2)}} |
** [[Jimin]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 4, 6)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 2)}} |
||
** [[V (singer)|V]] – songwriting, production {{small|(tracks 3, 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 2)}} |
** [[V (singer)|V]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 3, 4)}}, production {{small|(tracks 3, 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1–6, 8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 2)}} |
||
** [[Jungkook]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 4–5, 7)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1, 3–8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 1, 5, 7)}} |
** [[Jungkook]] – songwriting {{small|(tracks 4–5, 7)}}, production {{small|(track 4)}}, vocals {{small|(tracks 1, 3–8)}}, background vocals {{small|(track 1, 5, 7)}} |
||
Line 217: | Line 235: | ||
* Ken Lewis – mix engineer {{small|(track 6)}} |
* Ken Lewis – mix engineer {{small|(track 6)}} |
||
* James F. Reynolds – mix engineer {{small|(track 7)}} |
* James F. Reynolds – mix engineer {{small|(track 7)}} |
||
* Serban Ghenea – mix engineer {{small|(track 8)}} |
* [[Serban Ghenea]] – mix engineer {{small|(track 8)}} |
||
* Elijah Merritt – assistant mixer {{small|(track 1)}} |
* Elijah Merritt – assistant mixer {{small|(track 1)}} |
||
* Heidi Wang – assistant mixer {{small|(track 1)}} |
* Heidi Wang – assistant mixer {{small|(track 1)}} |
||
Line 262: | Line 280: | ||
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|artist=BTS|rowheader=true|access-date=December 1, 2020|refname=canada}} |
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|artist=BTS|rowheader=true|access-date=December 1, 2020|refname=canada}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row"| |
! scope="row"| Croatian International Albums ([[Top of the Shops|HDU]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-37-tjedan-2022/|title=Be – Week 37 2022|date=September 19, 2022 |publisher=[[Top of the Shops|HDU]]|language=hr|access-date=September 27, 2022}}</ref> |
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| 6 |
| 6 |
||
|- |
|- |
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Line 273: | Line 291: | ||
{{album chart|Finland|2|artist=BTS|album=Be *|rowheader=true|access-date=November 29, 2020|refname=finland}} |
{{album chart|Finland|2|artist=BTS|album=Be *|rowheader=true|access-date=November 29, 2020|refname=finland}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
{{album chart|France|2 |
{{album chart|France|2|artist=BTS|album=Be|rowheader=true|access-date=November 27, 2020|refname=france}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
{{album chart|Germany4|4|id=447126|artist=BTS|album=Be|rowheader=true|access-date=November 27, 2020|refname=germany}} |
{{album chart|Germany4|4|id=447126|artist=BTS|album=Be|rowheader=true|access-date=November 27, 2020|refname=germany}} |
||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" | Greek Albums ([[IFPI Greece|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.gr/charts_el.html|title=Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart (Combined) – Week: 02/2023|publisher=[[IFPI Greece]]|language=el|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121020811/https://www.ifpi.gr/charts_el.html|archive-date=January 21, 2023|url-status=dead|access-date=January 20, 2023}}</ref> |
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| 47 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
{{album chart|Hungary|4|year=2020|week=48|artist=BTS|album=Be|rowheader=true|access-date=December 4, 2020}} |
{{album chart|Hungary|4|year=2020|week=48|artist=BTS|album=Be|rowheader=true|access-date=December 4, 2020}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row" | Icelandic Albums ([[ |
! scope="row" | Icelandic Albums ([[Tónlistinn]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/|title=TÓNLISTINN – PLÖTUR | Vika 48 – 20. nóv. til og með 26. nóv. 2020|trans-title=THE MUSIC – RECORDS {{!}} Week 48 – Nov 20 to 26, 2020|publisher=Plötutíðindi|language=is|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130134835/https://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/|archive-date=November 30, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=March 12, 2021}}</ref> |
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| 14 |
| 14 |
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|- |
|- |
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| 1 |
| 1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row" | New Zealand Albums ([[Recorded Music NZ|RMNZ]])<ref name=nz>{{cite web|url=https:// |
! scope="row" | New Zealand Albums ([[Recorded Music NZ|RMNZ]])<ref name=nz>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/albums/2020-11-27|title=NZ Top 40 Albums Chart|date=November 30, 2020|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130131239/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/albums?chart=4981|archive-date=November 30, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref> |
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| 1 |
| 1 |
||
|- |
|- |
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|- |
|- |
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{{album chart|Scotland|5|date=20201127|rowheader=true|access-date=November 27, 2020|refname=scotland}} |
{{album chart|Scotland|5|date=20201127|rowheader=true|access-date=November 27, 2020|refname=scotland}} |
||
|- |
|||
! scope="row"|Slovak Albums ([[IFPI|ČNS IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifpicr.cz/hitparada/36?weekId=2677|title=Slovak Albums – Top 100|work=[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|ČNS IFPI]]|access-date=September 3, 2024}}</ref> |
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| 5 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="row" | South Korean Albums ([[Gaon Album Chart|Gaon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=47&hitYear=2020&termGbn=week|script-title=ko:2020년 47주차 Album Chart|trans-title=Album Chart – Week 47 of 2020|publisher=[[Gaon Music Chart]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126032132/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=47&hitYear=2020&termGbn=week|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref> |
! scope="row" | South Korean Albums ([[Gaon Album Chart|Gaon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=47&hitYear=2020&termGbn=week|script-title=ko:2020년 47주차 Album Chart|trans-title=Album Chart – Week 47 of 2020|publisher=[[Gaon Music Chart]]|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126032132/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=47&hitYear=2020&termGbn=week|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref> |
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|} |
|} |
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{{col-2}} |
{{col-2}} |
||
===Monthly charts=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
|||
|+Monthly chart performance for ''Be'' |
|||
! scope="col" | Chart (2020) |
|||
! scope="col" | Peak<br/>position |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" | Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/m/2020-11/|script-title=ja:月間 アルバムランキング 2020年02月度|trans-title=Monthly Album ranking – November 2020|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209045943/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/m/2020-11/|archive-date=December 9, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=January 19, 2023}}</ref> |
|||
| 3 |
|||
|- |
|||
! scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Gaon)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=11&hitYear=2020&termGbn=month|script-title=ko:2020년 11월 Album Chart|trans-title=Album Chart – November 2020|website=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210022043/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=11&hitYear=2020&termGbn=month|archive-date=December 10, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=January 19, 2023}}</ref> |
|||
| 1 |
|||
|} |
|||
===Year-end charts=== |
===Year-end charts=== |
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Line 405: | Line 442: | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|type=album|award=Gold|artist=BTS|title=Be|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|access-date=January 27, 2021}} |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|type=album|award=Gold|artist=BTS|title=Be|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|access-date=January 27, 2021}} |
||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|type=album|number=3|award=Million|artist=BTS|title=Be|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|access-date=March 10, 2021}} |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|type=album|number=3|award=Million|artist=BTS|title=Be|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|access-date=March 10, 2021}} |
||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=BTS|type=album|title=Be|award=Silver|id=|relyear=2020|certyear=2023|certmonth=12|access-date=December 22, 2023|certref=<ref>{{cite tweet|author=BRIT Awards|author-link=Brit Awards|user=BRITs|number=1738212918221549751|date=December 22, 2023|title='Be', the album by @BTS_twt, is now #BRITcertified Silver|link=no|access-date=December 22, 2023}}</ref>}} |
|||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=BTS|type=album|title=Be|award=Platinum|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|certmonth=11|access-date=November 1, 2021}} |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=BTS|type=album|title=Be|award=Platinum|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|certmonth=11|access-date=November 1, 2021}} |
||
{{Certification Table Summary}} |
{{Certification Table Summary}} |
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{{BTS}} |
{{BTS}} |
||
{{Gaon Chart Music Awards for Artist of the Year – Physical}} |
|||
{{Mnet Asian Music Award for Album of the Year}} |
{{Mnet Asian Music Award for Album of the Year}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:2020 albums]] |
[[Category:2020 albums]] |
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[[Category:BTS albums]] |
[[Category:BTS albums]] |
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[[Category:Korean-language albums]] |
[[Category:2020s Korean-language albums]] |
||
[[Category:Hybe Corporation albums]] |
[[Category:Hybe Corporation albums]] |
||
[[Category:Pop albums by South Korean artists]] |
|||
[[Category:Albums produced by Pdogg]] |
Latest revision as of 22:57, 3 December 2024
Be | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | November 20, 2020 | |||
Recorded | 2020 | |||
Studio |
| |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 28:30 | |||
Language |
| |||
Label | Big Hit Entertainment | |||
Producer | Pdogg | |||
BTS chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Be | ||||
|
Be is the fifth Korean-language and ninth overall studio album by South Korean boy band BTS. It was released on November 20, 2020, through Big Hit Entertainment, nine months after its predecessor, Map of the Soul: 7 (2020). Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Be was inspired by BTS' perspective of life during the pandemic. The record sees the band members contributing to various aspects of album-making process including songwriting, development, production, and visual design.
Be is primarily a pop record, encompassing hip hop, EDM, and disco genres with elements of synth-pop, funk, and R&B. Described by BTS as "a letter of hope", the lyrics are about comfort, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, hope, connection, and joy. Critics hailed the album's pop sound and the eclectic experimentation of musical styles, with many praising its authenticity and simplicity. A few others expressed mixed feelings and found it unadventurous. The album was preceded by the standalone single "Dynamite", which marked BTS' first number-one song on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was followed by the lead single of Be, "Life Goes On", which also debuted atop the Hot 100, becoming BTS' third consecutive chart-topper in the United States.
The album was BTS' fifth to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, making BTS the fastest group to earn five chart-topping albums in the United States since the Beatles. Elsewhere, the album topped charts in Canada, Denmark, Japan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, and Wallonia; and peaked within the top 10 of 14 other territories. The album has since been certified triple million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). BTS promoted Be with performances at the American Music Awards and television programs, including The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Background
[edit]BTS released their fourth Korean-language studio album, Map of the Soul: 7, in February 2020, to critical and commercial acclaim.[1][2] In support of the album, the band was slated to begin the concert tour, Map of the Soul Tour in April 2020, but the tour was postponed following the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] During a YouTube broadcast, band member RM revealed that BTS were working on a new album.[4] He hinted that they would be sharing the preparation process of the forthcoming album through subsequent self-documented videos as part of their initiative to interact with the fans during the lockdown.[4][5] In subsequent broadcasts, it was revealed that the album would be written and produced by the band members.[5][6] In addition to writing songs for the album, the band members were heavily involved in the overall production process, undertaking the role of project managers in various fields, which included developing concepts, themes, as well as its visual design.[7][8][9] Jimin was responsible for A&R, acting as a link between the group and their management label.[5] Suga, V, and J-Hope handled the production together with Jin and Jungkook;[10] the latter was also responsible for directing the music video.[7] V and RM supervised the graphics and design of the album.[11] Speaking about the album in an interview with Teen Vogue, BTS stated: "An increase of direct participation in the album-making process allowed us to explore more aspects of our music and creativity."[12]
Music and lyrics
[edit]Be is primarily a pop record,[13] encompassing hip hop, EDM,[14] and disco genres[15] with synth-pop, neo soul,[16] funk,[17] R&B,[18][19] 1970s,[20][21] 1980s,[22] 1990s,[23] and 2010s mainstream music elements.[24] Vox called Be "a loudly retro mix of pop sounds ranging from frothy to funky, melancholic to mellow, filtered through a lens of determined positivity".[13] The album is 28 minutes and 30 seconds long and features eight songs.[25] It makes heavy use of acoustic guitars,[16] pianos,[15] funk bass,[17][26] drum machines, horns,[13] and sentimental string instruments.[14][20][21]
BTS took inspiration from the emotions they felt during the pandemic, to write songs for the album and convey their thoughts.[8][27] Created out of frustration, anxiety, and powerlessness,[28][29] the album title "Be" stands for "being" and encapsulates BTS' reflection on the present times.[8] As opposed to the vast atmospherics and psychoanalytical themes that can be found in the band's previous works,[30] Be is lyrically inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic,[17] with BTS describing it as "a letter of hope" during the quarantine era.[13][31] The record starts off slow with "warm, soothing ballad-esque comforts",[32][33] before picking up pace in the second half with "some of the band's more refined, savvy and uplifting pop yet".[17] The album expands on a wide range of emotions,[34] exploring themes of comfort, loneliness,[13] anxiety,[35] depression, burn-out,[36] fear,[17] frustration, restlessness, sadness,[23] hope, connection,[32] resolve, and joy.[37] Several reviewers, including Rolling Stone's Jeff Benjamin,[35] observed that the album explores the different moods that people are feeling during the unprecedented times.[14][15][32] Dani Blum of Pitchfork said that the album "fixates on the frustration and grief of life in quarantine, sifting through the blurry days to construct a new form of intimacy".[38]
Songs
[edit]The album opens with the ruminative "Life Goes On",[30] a midtempo alternative hip hop and synth-pop song underlaid with an acoustic guitar.[39][16] Pertaining to a mellow vibe,[14] the song has a folksy, stripped-down sound.[30][28] It makes use electronic beats,[19] 808 drums,[36] and melodic rhymes,[32] with "acrobatic" vocals and harmonies on the chorus.[35] The lyrics deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and speak of being hopeful for better times.[14][20] RM said that the track has "a simple message but a profound truth".[20] The second track, "Fly to My Room" is a 1990s-inspired R&B,[18] neo soul,[16] and pop song with gospel[19] and synth-pop elements.[14] Performed by Jimin, V, J-Hope, and Suga, the vulnerable track features "breathy" vocals and falsettos.[18][40] The former two switch back and forth in the verses and chorus, while the latter two rap in a "sing-song" style.[40] The song employs a sparse production for which '70s piano,[15] funky keyboards,[40] and trap programmed drum beats[19] provide minimalist instrumentation.[20] Lyrically, the track is about loneliness and confinement, and talks about mentally being able to escape the monotony of quarantine life.[13][33] The melancholic, slow-jam number "Blue & Grey" is a soft pop ballad[16] that relies a "sparse-yet-tender" production.[35] Set in a cinematic arrangement of minor chords[19] that includes acoustic guitar,[14] twinkling pianos, and wistful strings,[26] the emotional track[20][35] makes use of "breathy" and "crooning" vocals to confess about fear, depression, burn-out, and pandemic-induced loneliness, using the colors blue and grey.[13][23][36] Los Angeles Times labelled it as "one of the exemplary songs of the 'pandemic-pop' era" that acts as "a ribbon of immaculate bedroom emo, gorgeously harmonized but never show-offy or overpowering".[17]
The fourth track is a non-musical spoken worded "Skit" about BTS' first number one song on the US Billboard Hot 100, which serves an interlude to separate the album into two parts.[14][33] "Telepathy" is a playful 1980s-inflected disco and funk song that makes use of an electronic production.[14][15][22] The song is driven by '70s beats,[21] Auto-Tuned vocals,[20] and G-funk whistles.[26] Featuring a groovy bassline,[32] it employs synth bass, "stacked-up" vocal harmonies, a cowbell,[41] and jam band percussion in its production.[42] The lyrics detail the connection that one can feel from someone despite physical distance and sees BTS admitting to the disorientation caused by excessive free time.[21][35] "Dis-ease" is an old-school hip hop number that is accompanied by funk-laced horns and guitars. Lyrically, it delivers a message of strength and contains puns on the different forms of illnesses such as, BTS' addiction to work.[13][15][21] Features brassy instrumentals, drums, and a sparse scratching sound,[18][20] the track begins with a jazz guitar before shifting to a chopped and screwed drum breakdown.[24] The seventh track, "Stay", performed by Jungkook, Jin, and RM, is a future house,[15] dance-pop,[14] and EDM song[35] with 1990s[13] and 2010s influences.[24][22] Incorporating heavy bass and an instrumental chorus,[21][20] the song references how technology binds the band together with listeners.[30] The album closes with the summer anthem,[40] "Dynamite", a 1970s-flavoured disco-pop[29][43] song with elements of funk, soul[44] and bubblegum pop.[45] The upbeat production employs snapping handclaps, bounces, grooves, and beats.[46][47] The track features a funky bassline, vocal harmonies, and falsettos, with brass, keyboard chords, guitar sound.[48][19] Lyrically, it is about the joy and appreciation of little things that makes life valuable.[49][50][51]
Release and promotion
[edit]On August 13, 2020, Big Hit Entertainment held a corporate briefing where the agency confirmed that the new album would be released in the fourth quarter of that year.[52][53] On September 27, Big Hit uploaded a teaser poster with the album's name, also announcing the release date.[54] Preorders for the deluxe edition began the following day.[55] On October 30, BTS teased the title of the album's lead single "Life Goes On" on Twitter.[56] On November 10, the band posted the album's track list and digital cover.[57] Three days later, they held an unboxing session of the album which was broadcast live on their YouTube channel.[58] Nine months after Map of the Soul: 7, Be was released worldwide on November 20, 2020, through Big Hit, in conjunction with a music video for "Life Goes On".[39]
An "Essential Edition" of the album was announced by Big Hit on January 24, 2021, as a thank-you to fans for the milestones the band achieved. Pre-orders for this version opened on January 25.[59] The album retained the same eight-song tracklist as the deluxe edition, but the packaging's internal components contained some differences. "Surprise gifts" for the band's fandom were sequentially unveiled in the days leading up to the release on February 19.[60]
Live performances
[edit]On November 22, 2020, BTS performed "Life Goes On" for the first time at the American Music Awards of 2020, alongside "Dynamite".[61] The band performed it from the Seoul Olympic Stadium in matching black and white outfits.[62][63] The following day, they performed "Life Goes On" on Good Morning America and The Late Late Show with James Corden.[64][65] BTS made their MTV Unplugged debut on the February 23, 2021 special edition of the show titled MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS.[66] The group's half-hour long "historic appearance", as the first Korean act to headline the series,[67] saw them perform a stripped back, five-song setlist consisting of four tracks off the album—"Telepathy", "Blue & Grey", "Life Goes On", and "Dynamite"—and a "surprise cover" of Coldplay's "Fix You".[68] This marked the live premiere of the first two tracks, B-sides that the group had yet to perform since the album's release.[69] Each performance was filmed on a different set to match the mood of the song being sung, including an "arcade[-like] gameroom" for Telepathy, and "an indoor field...with blue and grey flowers" for "Blue & Grey".[66] For the third and fourth tracks, the group was accompanied by a live four-piece band, Ghost, comprising a drummer, guitarist, bassist and keyboardist.[68][70] Consequence of Sound's Mary Siroky reviewed the appearance favorably, writing that "the BTS boys brought their A-game...keeping their virtual performances new and exciting, refusing to let their distance from an audience push them into anything repetitive or mundane".[70] Siroky singled out Jin and Jimin's vocals on "Blue & Grey", noting how the two "soared in their upper registers, offering lush harmonies throughout".[70]
Critical reception
[edit]Aggregate scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AnyDecentMusic? | 7.3/10[71] |
Metacritic | 80/100[72] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [32] |
Clash | 7/10[30] |
Consequence of Sound | B+[23] |
Exclaim! | 9/10[36] |
The Independent | [18] |
NME | [15] |
PopMatters | 8/10[29] |
Pitchfork | 7/10[38] |
Rolling Stone | [35] |
Slant Magazine | [24] |
Be received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 80 based on 11 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[72] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 7.3 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.[71]
In her review for PopMatters, Ana Clara Ribeiro felt Be was a timeless pop offering that incorporated rap to create a sound that established BTS' legacy. Ribeiro said that although BTS' sonic identity was rap, she attributed Be's success to the band's vocalists.[29] Evening Standard's Jochan Embley called the album "exquisitely produced" with "near faultless" vocal performances,[26] a sentiment echoed by The Arts Desk's critic Peter Quinn in his review for the album.[41] Reviewers were impressed with the experimentation of diverse musical styles, including Embley,[26] Lenika Cruz of The Atlantic,[28] and Annabel Nugent of The Independent, who said that the album "avoids the pitfall of sounding like a checklist".[18] Vox's Aja Romano described it as a "sublime" album full of "seamless litany of bops intended to commemorate and celebrate getting through the Covid-19 pandemic",[13] with Lexi Lane of NBC News calling it BTS' "brightest and most unifying album yet".[33] Exclaim! writer Eva Zhu felt that the departure of Be towards a more "laidback" sound compared to the band's usual offerings was appealing to newer audience.[36]
Critics lauded the album's lyrical authenticity, intimacy, and simple message. Writing for NME, Rhian Daly described Be as the "most accurate musical encapsulation of the roller coaster that is pandemic life so far" in which the group strikes a "perfect balance between encouragement and reassurance".[15] In an enthusiastic review, AllMusic's Neil Z. Yeung complimented BTS' for their openness and intimacy in the lyrics, calling the album an inspiring soundtrack: "Despite its brief runtime, Be is an expert snapshot of time and place, a document of a worldwide event that manages to strengthen their connection to their listeners and push their songcraft forward with focus, heart, and humanity."[32] Katie Goh of i-D agreed and viewed it as a "the intimate, introspective lockdown project" that served as an honest depiction of people's struggles during 2020.[21] Reviewers such as Emma Saletta of MTV News, have cited the record as an offering of hope for the future,[14] with Benjamin calling it as BTS' "most on-brand album",[35] and Siroky dubbing it as "the cozy comedown" which "brings the listener home in every sense, inviting us into the world of these seven young men in a way none of their other albums have so far".[23] Stereogum, Time, and The Quietus found the album soothing, and praised the introspective lyricism about isolation and quarantine.[19][20][73]
A few reviewers found the album unadventurous.[74] For Clash, Malvika Padin asserted that the album is "far simpler" than the band's past releases "yet equally comforting" but criticized its lack of appeal to the casual listeners".[30] In the Los Angeles Times, August Brown deemed Be as the group's "most overt attempt to ascend the U.S. pop charts", but he remained favorable towards BTS' songwriting abilities, describing the album as "a trim, reflective and modest LP about resilience, written to meet a weary global mood".[17] In a mixed review for Slant Magazine, Sophia Ordaz acknowledged the album for its simple and lucid message, but argued that it exchanged "overstimulating spectacle for low-key introspection".[24]
Accolades
[edit]Esquire included Be on its year-end list of the 30 best albums of 2020.[75] Idolator ranked the album 53rd on its list of the 70 best pop albums of 2020.[76] The album won Album of the Year – 4th Quarter at the 2021 Gaon Chart Music Awards in January.[77] It also received a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2021 Melon Music Awards held on December 4, but did not win.[78] The following week, it won Album of the Year at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards.[79] At the 36th Golden Disc Awards, held in January 2022, Be won a Best Album bonsang and earned BTS their record fifth consecutive Album of the Year daesang.[80]
Commercial performance
[edit]Be debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with 242,000 album-equivalent units, including 177,000 sales, on the chart dated December 5, 2020. The album is BTS' fifth chart-topper in the United States, making BTS the fastest group to earn five number-one albums since the Beatles between 1966 and 1968, as well as the first group to have two chart-topping albums in the country in 2020.[81] Its lead single "Life Goes On" debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 with 150,000 downloads and 14.9 million U.S. streams, becoming the band's third number-one song following "Dynamite" and "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" remix. With this, BTS became the fastest group in over 42 years to earn three number-one songs in a span of three months since the Bee Gees. They became the second act following Ariana Grande to score three Hot 100 number one entries in 2020, as well as the first group to land two number-one debuts on the chart. "Life Goes On" marked the first song not sung in an English language to debut atop the chart.[82] BTS became the only act apart from Taylor Swift to debut at number one on the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 simultaneously.[83] They also became the first group and ninth overall act to prevail on top of the Artist 100, Hot 100, and Billboard 200 charts at the same time.[84] Seven tracks from the album charted concurrently on the Hot 100 chart, with "Life Goes On" and "Dynamite" in the top-10, "Blue & Grey" in the top-20, and "Stay" in the top-40. This stood as the most simultaneous entries on the Hot 100 chart by a Korean act.[85] With over 252,000 physical copies sold by the end of 2020, according to MRC Data, Be was the fifth best-selling physical album of the year in the US.[86] It was one of two BTS albums to make it on the top-ten ranking, the other being Map of the Soul: 7 in first place, making BTS the only artist with multiple albums on the chart.[87] In Canada, Be arrived at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart, giving BTS their fourth chart-topping album in the country.[88]
Be debuted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart with over 2.2 million copies sold in its first week. This marked the second-highest opening week sales figures in the chart's history, only behind Map of the Soul: 7 which holds the record with over 3.3 million copies its first week.[89][90] Be became BTS' eighth consecutive million seller in the country.[91] The album exceeded sales of 2,692,000 copies by the end of 2020, achieving the second position on Gaon's year-end chart, only behind Map of the Soul: 7. BTS had the most entries on the 100-spot ranking, with 13 of their albums entering the final chart.[92] In March 2021, the album received a triple million certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).[93] In Japan, Be reached number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).[94][95]
Be debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart with first-week sales of 19,562 copies, behind Michael Ball and Alfie Boe's Together at Christmas.[96] This became BTS' fourth top-10 album in the country.[97] In Ireland, the album topped the Irish Albums Chart, becoming the band's second chart-topper following Map of the Soul: 7. By doing so, BTS became the first group in eight years to have two number-one albums in the same calendar year since One Direction in 2012, and also the first act since Ed Sheeran in 2017.[98] The album was also a chart-topper in New Zealand, giving BTS their third number one album in the territory.[99] By reaching the same position on both the Norwegian Albums Chart and Ultratop 200 Albums chart, Be became BTS' first number one album in Norway and in the Flemish region of Belgium.[100][101] It also topped the charts in Denmark,[102] Poland,[103] and Portugal.[104] In Australia, Be entered at number two on the ARIA Albums chart, giving BTS their seventh top-10 entry.[105] The album also attained number two position in Finland,[106] France, Italy,[107] Netherlands,[108] Spain,[109] and Switzerland.[110] Similarly, Be reached number three in Sweden and Wallonia region of Belgium.[111][112] The album also entered Germany's Offizielle Top 100 at number four,[113] and the Czech Albums at number five.[114]
Following the release of the Essential Edition in February 2021, Be returned to the top 10 of the US Billboard 200 at number seven on the chart dated March 6,[115] with an additional 36,000 equivalent album units sold. Of this number, 28,000 copies were pure sales, giving the album a third non-consecutive week at number one on the Top Album Sales chart. BTS also returned to the top of the Artist 100 chart for their 16th week overall, further extending their record among all duos/groups.[116] In Japan, the album sold an additional 95,853 copies for the period February 15–21 and re-entered the top three of the weekly Oricon Albums Chart at number two on the issue dated March 1, 2021.[117] The album also ranked at number two on the monthly chart for February, with 118,912 cumulative sales.[118] On March 26, Billboard reported that 32 albums saw an increase in sales—for the week ending March 18—following the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Of these, Be was the 12th highest-selling album—experiencing a 6% increase—and moved 15,300 units, which helped push it into the top 40 of the Billboard 200 at number 39.[119] As of August 2021, the album has remained on the chart for 37 consecutive weeks.[120]
Track listing
[edit]No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Life Goes On" |
| Pdogg | 3:27 |
2. | "Fly to My Room" (내 방을 여행하는 법; Nae bang-eul yeohaenghaneun beob [lit. "How to travel in my room"], performed by Suga, V, J-Hope, and Jimin) |
| Cosmo's Midnight | 3:42 |
3. | "Blue & Grey" |
|
| 4:15 |
4. | "Skit" |
| 3:00 | |
5. | "Telepathy" (잠시; Jamsi [lit. "For a moment"]) |
|
| 3:22 |
6. | "Dis-ease" (병; Byeong [lit. "Illness"]) |
| Brasstracks | 4:00 |
7. | "Stay" (performed by RM, Jin, and Jungkook) |
| Arston | 3:25 |
8. | "Dynamite" |
| Stewart | 3:19 |
Total length: | 28:30 |
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from liner notes, Big Hit's website, NetEase Music and Tidal.[10][121][122][123]
Main Musicians
|
Instrument
Technical
Extra Vocals
|
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Monthly charts[edit]
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications and sales
[edit]Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[161] | Gold | 10,000‡ |
France (SNEP)[162] | Gold | 50,000‡ |
Italy (FIMI)[163] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
Japan (RIAJ)[164] | Platinum | 250,000^ |
Poland (ZPAV)[165] | Gold | 10,000‡ |
South Korea (KMCA)[166] | 3× Million | 3,000,000^ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[167] | Silver | 60,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[168] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
Summaries | ||
Worldwide (IFPI) | — | 2,690,000[169] |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
[edit]Region | Date | Format | Label | Edition | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Various | November 20, 2020 | Big Hit Entertainment | Deluxe | [170] | |
CD | [171] | ||||
February 19, 2021 | Essential | [59] |
See also
[edit]- List of 2020 albums
- List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2020
- List of number-one albums of 2020 (Belgium)
- List of number-one albums of 2020 (Canada)
- List of number-one albums of 2020 (Ireland)
- List of number-one albums from the 2020s (New Zealand)
- List of number-one albums in Norway
- List of number-one albums of 2020 (Poland)
References
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