When Jin, the eldest member of BTS, announced his first solo album Happy, fans were eager to hear how he would carve his own path as an artist. Now that the album is here, it’s safe to say it took everyone by surprise—not just for its polished production, but for its unexpected direction.
This album delivers a vibe that’s distinctly different from what we’ve come to expect from Jin. While we’ve seen glimpses of his solo artistry in tracks like “Epiphany” and “The Astronaut,” Happy solidifies that each BTS member has a unique and unmistakable style. Jin’s versatility shines here, but the standout moments are undoubtedly the hidden gems: “Falling,” “I Will Come to You,” and “Heart on the Window” featuring Wendy from Red Velvet.
These tracks capture the essence of Jin’s artistry with their poignant lyrics and melodies that truly showcase his emotional depth. “Heart on the Window” is a heartfelt duet that melds Jin’s warm vocal tone with Wendy’s ethereal voice, creating a track that feels timeless. Meanwhile, “Falling” is a standout for its raw vulnerability, co-produced by Take and Toru from ONE OK ROCK, who brought a rock sensibility that perfectly complements Jin’s voice.
However, the album’s focal tracks, “Running Wild” and “I’ll Be There,” left us feeling somewhat puzzled. While the production quality is undeniably high, these songs don’t quite capture the full range of Jin’s unique vocal strengths. Jin has a distinctive voice that excels in emotional storytelling, yet these tracks seemed more focused on showcasing intricate production rather than allowing Jin’s voice to take center stage.
진 (Jin) 'Happy' Tracklist#진 #Jin #Jin_Happy #Jin_RunningWild #Jin_IllBeThere pic.twitter.com/YUGZfUXRzs
— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) October 16, 2024
“Running Wild,” co-written with Take That’s Gary Barlow, brims with energy but feels slightly mismatched with Jin’s introspective vocal tone. Similarly, “I’ll Be There” is polished and heartfelt, yet it doesn’t have the same emotional resonance as the album’s hidden gems. While these songs were clearly crafted with care, they don’t feel as personal or aligned with the style we associate with Jin’s musical identity.
Still, Happy is undeniably a high-quality album that underscores the meticulous work put into every track. It’s a bold step forward for Jin, proving that he’s unafraid to experiment with styles and collaborate with a range of talented artists. This debut not only highlights his growth as an artist but also reaffirms that each BTS member has their own distinct voice in the global music landscape.
For fans, Happy is an exciting and surprising listen. While not every song feels perfectly tailored to Jin, the album’s highlights more than make up for it, offering moments of pure artistry that will resonate deeply with listeners.