BTS’s most iconic and influential songs arranged
Page Info
Writer AndyKim
Hit 1,524 Hit
Date 25-02-12 10:44
Content
Below is a curated list of some of BTS’s most iconic and influential songs arranged roughly by their release year. Please note that BTS has an extensive discography—including many album tracks beyond these key singles—so this list focuses on major releases that have defined different eras of their musical journey.
---
**2013 – "No More Dream"**
*Debut and Attitude:*
Released as the debut single from their first album **2 Cool 4 Skool**, “No More Dream” introduced BTS’s raw hip-hop style and rebellious spirit. The lyrics challenge societal expectations and the conventional path to success, setting the tone for the group’s future explorations into youth and identity.
---
**2013 – "We Are Bulletproof Pt.2"**
*Determination and Identity:*
Also featured on **2 Cool 4 Skool**, this track reinforced BTS’s image as a determined group ready to overcome obstacles. Its energetic rap verses and bold delivery helped solidify the group’s identity in the competitive K-pop landscape.
---
**2014 – "N.O"**
*Critique of Conformity:*
As the lead single from the album **Skool Luv Affair**, “N.O” is known for its commentary on academic pressure and societal norms. With a mix of assertive rap and catchy hooks, the song resonated with youth facing high expectations.
---
**2014 – "Boy In Luv"**
*Transition to Pop Appeal:*
Also from **Skool Luv Affair**, “Boy In Luv” marks a stylistic evolution, incorporating more melodic pop elements while still rooted in hip-hop. The song captures the excitement and turbulence of first love, appealing to a broader audience.
---
**2015 – "I Need U"**
*Emotional Breakthrough:*
This track from **The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1** represents a turning point for BTS. “I Need U” features intricate production and emotionally charged lyrics that explore longing, vulnerability, and the ephemeral nature of youth, earning widespread acclaim.
---
**2015 – "Dope"**
*High Energy and Confidence:*
Released in the same year, “Dope” is celebrated for its high-octane beat, dynamic choreography, and confident rap verses. It became an anthem of hard work and perseverance, showcasing the group’s rapid rise in popularity.
---
**2015 – "Run"**
*Perseverance in Youth:*
From **The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2**, “Run” continues the narrative of youthful struggle and relentless energy. Its fast-paced rhythm and impassioned delivery mirror the urgency of chasing one’s dreams despite life’s challenges.
---
**2016 – "Fire"**
*Explosive and Electrifying:*
Released as a digital single, “Fire” is known for its explosive energy and dance-heavy performance. The track blends elements of EDM and hip-hop, making it a favorite for live shows and festival performances, and further boosting BTS’s global stage presence.
---
**2016 – "Save Me"**
*Introspective and Uplifting:*
Part of the repackage album **The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever**, “Save Me” combines pop with electronic influences. Its lyrics, which plead for rescue from emotional turmoil, struck a chord with many fans during a period of rapid change.
---
**2016 – "Blood Sweat & Tears"**
*Mature Sound and Metaphor:*
The title track from **Wings**, “Blood Sweat & Tears” marks a significant evolution in BTS’s musical style. Infused with moombahton and trap influences, its metaphorical lyrics discuss the seductive yet painful sacrifices one makes in the pursuit of passion and ambition.
---
**2017 – "Spring Day"**
*Melancholy and Hope:*
From the album **You Never Walk Alone**, “Spring Day” is beloved for its gentle melody and poetic lyrics that touch on themes of loss, longing, and the hope of reunion. Its emotional depth has made it a timeless favorite among fans worldwide.
---
**2017 – "Not Today"**
*Anthem of Defiance:*
Also featured on **You Never Walk Alone**, “Not Today” serves as a rallying cry against injustice and adversity. With its driving beat and empowering message, the song inspires listeners to stand up against all odds.
---
**2017 – "DNA"**
*Energetic and Global Appeal:*
A standout track from **Love Yourself: Her**, “DNA” merges EDM with pop, creating a vibrant sound that quickly became a global hit. Its catchy chorus and dynamic production symbolize the inescapable, almost fated connections in relationships.
---
**2017 – "Mic Drop"**
*Bold and Statement-Making:*
Originally released as a standalone track—and later remixed by Steve Aoki—“Mic Drop” is a high-energy hip-hop anthem. With aggressive beats and assertive lyrics, it boldly declares BTS’s confidence and success on the international stage.
---
**2018 – "Fake Love"**
*Dark Themes and Emotional Depth:*
The lead single from **Love Yourself: Tear**, “Fake Love” delves into the pain of realizing that a once-cherished love was built on false pretenses. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics mark a shift toward more mature, nuanced storytelling.
---
**2018 – "Idol"**
*Celebration of Self-Identity:*
Also from **Love Yourself: Answer**, “Idol” is an exuberant fusion of traditional Korean musical elements with modern pop and hip-hop. The track’s energetic rhythm and vibrant visuals celebrate cultural identity and the importance of self-love.
---
**2019 – "Boy With Luv"**
*Joyful Collaboration:*
Featuring American singer Halsey, this upbeat track from **Map of the Soul: Persona** is a bright, catchy ode to love and happiness. Its accessible pop sound and colorful production helped further BTS’s breakthrough in the global market.
---
**2020 – "Dynamite"**
*Global Record-Setter:*
BTS’s first all-English single, “Dynamite” is a disco-pop track radiating positivity and fun. Released during the global pandemic, its uplifting energy and catchy hook broke numerous records worldwide, symbolizing a beacon of hope in challenging times.
---
**2020 – "Life Goes On"**
*Comfort in Uncertainty:*
From the album **Be**, “Life Goes On” offers a soothing, reflective melody that resonated deeply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its message of resilience and continuity provided comfort to fans facing unprecedented global challenges.
---
**2020 – "Blue & Grey"**
*Introspective and Poignant:*
Also part of **Be**, “Blue & Grey” captures a mood of quiet melancholy. With its soft instrumentation and reflective lyrics, the song poignantly expresses feelings of sadness and isolation, striking a chord with listeners during difficult times.
---
**2021 – "Butter"**
*Smooth and Infectious Pop:*
An irresistibly catchy summer hit, “Butter” features sleek production and a danceable groove that quickly charmed a global audience. Its light-hearted, upbeat vibe reinforced BTS’s status as international pop icons.
---
**2021 – "Permission to Dance"**
*Inclusive and Uplifting:*
This feel-good single invites everyone to celebrate life and dance freely. With a cheerful rhythm and an inclusive message, “Permission to Dance” encourages listeners to embrace joy and overcome life’s obstacles with positivity.
---
**2022 – "Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)"**
*Reflective and Forward-Looking:*
Released as part of the album **Proof**, this track is a reflective look back at BTS’s journey while also expressing optimism for the future. Its nostalgic yet hopeful lyrics remind fans that the most beautiful moments may still lie ahead.
---
Each of these songs not only marks a milestone in BTS’s artistic evolution but also reflects the group’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles and address a range of themes—from youthful rebellion and the challenges of growing up to global unity and personal resilience. This progression mirrors both their musical growth and the evolving messages they share with their diverse, worldwide audience.
---
**2013 – "No More Dream"**
*Debut and Attitude:*
Released as the debut single from their first album **2 Cool 4 Skool**, “No More Dream” introduced BTS’s raw hip-hop style and rebellious spirit. The lyrics challenge societal expectations and the conventional path to success, setting the tone for the group’s future explorations into youth and identity.
---
**2013 – "We Are Bulletproof Pt.2"**
*Determination and Identity:*
Also featured on **2 Cool 4 Skool**, this track reinforced BTS’s image as a determined group ready to overcome obstacles. Its energetic rap verses and bold delivery helped solidify the group’s identity in the competitive K-pop landscape.
---
**2014 – "N.O"**
*Critique of Conformity:*
As the lead single from the album **Skool Luv Affair**, “N.O” is known for its commentary on academic pressure and societal norms. With a mix of assertive rap and catchy hooks, the song resonated with youth facing high expectations.
---
**2014 – "Boy In Luv"**
*Transition to Pop Appeal:*
Also from **Skool Luv Affair**, “Boy In Luv” marks a stylistic evolution, incorporating more melodic pop elements while still rooted in hip-hop. The song captures the excitement and turbulence of first love, appealing to a broader audience.
---
**2015 – "I Need U"**
*Emotional Breakthrough:*
This track from **The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1** represents a turning point for BTS. “I Need U” features intricate production and emotionally charged lyrics that explore longing, vulnerability, and the ephemeral nature of youth, earning widespread acclaim.
---
**2015 – "Dope"**
*High Energy and Confidence:*
Released in the same year, “Dope” is celebrated for its high-octane beat, dynamic choreography, and confident rap verses. It became an anthem of hard work and perseverance, showcasing the group’s rapid rise in popularity.
---
**2015 – "Run"**
*Perseverance in Youth:*
From **The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 2**, “Run” continues the narrative of youthful struggle and relentless energy. Its fast-paced rhythm and impassioned delivery mirror the urgency of chasing one’s dreams despite life’s challenges.
---
**2016 – "Fire"**
*Explosive and Electrifying:*
Released as a digital single, “Fire” is known for its explosive energy and dance-heavy performance. The track blends elements of EDM and hip-hop, making it a favorite for live shows and festival performances, and further boosting BTS’s global stage presence.
---
**2016 – "Save Me"**
*Introspective and Uplifting:*
Part of the repackage album **The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever**, “Save Me” combines pop with electronic influences. Its lyrics, which plead for rescue from emotional turmoil, struck a chord with many fans during a period of rapid change.
---
**2016 – "Blood Sweat & Tears"**
*Mature Sound and Metaphor:*
The title track from **Wings**, “Blood Sweat & Tears” marks a significant evolution in BTS’s musical style. Infused with moombahton and trap influences, its metaphorical lyrics discuss the seductive yet painful sacrifices one makes in the pursuit of passion and ambition.
---
**2017 – "Spring Day"**
*Melancholy and Hope:*
From the album **You Never Walk Alone**, “Spring Day” is beloved for its gentle melody and poetic lyrics that touch on themes of loss, longing, and the hope of reunion. Its emotional depth has made it a timeless favorite among fans worldwide.
---
**2017 – "Not Today"**
*Anthem of Defiance:*
Also featured on **You Never Walk Alone**, “Not Today” serves as a rallying cry against injustice and adversity. With its driving beat and empowering message, the song inspires listeners to stand up against all odds.
---
**2017 – "DNA"**
*Energetic and Global Appeal:*
A standout track from **Love Yourself: Her**, “DNA” merges EDM with pop, creating a vibrant sound that quickly became a global hit. Its catchy chorus and dynamic production symbolize the inescapable, almost fated connections in relationships.
---
**2017 – "Mic Drop"**
*Bold and Statement-Making:*
Originally released as a standalone track—and later remixed by Steve Aoki—“Mic Drop” is a high-energy hip-hop anthem. With aggressive beats and assertive lyrics, it boldly declares BTS’s confidence and success on the international stage.
---
**2018 – "Fake Love"**
*Dark Themes and Emotional Depth:*
The lead single from **Love Yourself: Tear**, “Fake Love” delves into the pain of realizing that a once-cherished love was built on false pretenses. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics mark a shift toward more mature, nuanced storytelling.
---
**2018 – "Idol"**
*Celebration of Self-Identity:*
Also from **Love Yourself: Answer**, “Idol” is an exuberant fusion of traditional Korean musical elements with modern pop and hip-hop. The track’s energetic rhythm and vibrant visuals celebrate cultural identity and the importance of self-love.
---
**2019 – "Boy With Luv"**
*Joyful Collaboration:*
Featuring American singer Halsey, this upbeat track from **Map of the Soul: Persona** is a bright, catchy ode to love and happiness. Its accessible pop sound and colorful production helped further BTS’s breakthrough in the global market.
---
**2020 – "Dynamite"**
*Global Record-Setter:*
BTS’s first all-English single, “Dynamite” is a disco-pop track radiating positivity and fun. Released during the global pandemic, its uplifting energy and catchy hook broke numerous records worldwide, symbolizing a beacon of hope in challenging times.
---
**2020 – "Life Goes On"**
*Comfort in Uncertainty:*
From the album **Be**, “Life Goes On” offers a soothing, reflective melody that resonated deeply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its message of resilience and continuity provided comfort to fans facing unprecedented global challenges.
---
**2020 – "Blue & Grey"**
*Introspective and Poignant:*
Also part of **Be**, “Blue & Grey” captures a mood of quiet melancholy. With its soft instrumentation and reflective lyrics, the song poignantly expresses feelings of sadness and isolation, striking a chord with listeners during difficult times.
---
**2021 – "Butter"**
*Smooth and Infectious Pop:*
An irresistibly catchy summer hit, “Butter” features sleek production and a danceable groove that quickly charmed a global audience. Its light-hearted, upbeat vibe reinforced BTS’s status as international pop icons.
---
**2021 – "Permission to Dance"**
*Inclusive and Uplifting:*
This feel-good single invites everyone to celebrate life and dance freely. With a cheerful rhythm and an inclusive message, “Permission to Dance” encourages listeners to embrace joy and overcome life’s obstacles with positivity.
---
**2022 – "Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)"**
*Reflective and Forward-Looking:*
Released as part of the album **Proof**, this track is a reflective look back at BTS’s journey while also expressing optimism for the future. Its nostalgic yet hopeful lyrics remind fans that the most beautiful moments may still lie ahead.
---
Each of these songs not only marks a milestone in BTS’s artistic evolution but also reflects the group’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles and address a range of themes—from youthful rebellion and the challenges of growing up to global unity and personal resilience. This progression mirrors both their musical growth and the evolving messages they share with their diverse, worldwide audience.