The Wings Tour 2017 BTS Live Trilogy Episode III in Chicago
Photo by Baylee Nykole at BTS Live in Chicago March 29, 2017 at the Allstate arena
I scribble this half deaf and recovering from an epic concert that not only hyped you up but also made you pause and reflect. Who does that in 2 ½ hours? BTS does.
It’s not a secret I love music. I love everything about music – creating a melody, writing profound lyrics, the message, theme, and even visuals that enhance the music’s message.
A lot of artist come and go, but some are just meant to be. Musicians becomes famous for various reasons, but there always comes along a group or artist that has the whole package and go a lot deeper than just for entertainments sake – they communicate the reality and complexity of life in their music.
Yes, you can write a kick-ass song that makes you want to dance and rock out, but also challenges you to think through the lyrics. This is exactly what BTS does, and why I think they are one of the top artists who will become classics in our music industry.
These young men are talented, passionate, disciplined, dedicated to their craft, and write song after song that is masterfully crafted with lyrics that come from their heart, experience, in-depth research, and cultural knowledge that addresses the reality of not just Korean culture, but our world today and our current youth. Heck, even my generation. I’m in my 30s and I still feel like Tomorrow was written for me.
In my last blog post about BTS, right before the WINGS album came out, I highlight some of the meanings behind their songs. WINGS brings a fresh set of songs such as 21st Century Girl, that is a female empowerment song, addressing cultures criticism and double standards us women face in this world.
To the 20th century girls
(Live your life
Live your life, come on baby)
To the 21st century girls
(You don't mind
You don't mind that new lady)
Tell them that you're strong
Tell them you're enough
Let you go let you go let you go
Let it go oh +
All my ladies put your hands up
21st century girl, hands up
All my ladies put your hands up
Now scream
And one of my favorite new songs is Am I Wrong, which makes you want to move your body, but is a politically charged song and has so many meanings I’m going to direct you to Muish’s awesome blog for explanation and where you can also read more in-depth details about other BTS songs.
Their concert at Allstate arena on March 29th, was hit song after hit song and included each of them performing their own solo work from their latest album WINGS/You Never Walk Alone. These solo songs are very personal, each of them writing and producing – and with the supportive imagery projected between song sets, breathtaking and beautiful. SUGA’s lament over his First Love, the piano, to Rap Monster singing, “I wish I could love myself” with the crowed responding, “WE LOVE YOU!” I can’t wait till the live DVD comes out so I can relive it.
J-Hope passionately singing his solo piece, "MAMA" at Allstate Arena in Chicago on March 29th. Photo by Shwanah Yang
You don’t have to like K-pop to like BTS (though there are other talented, great groups out there). But BTS stands on their own: the group’s chemistry, talent, goofiness, seriousness, knowledge of the world, and respect of their craft shows they stand on their own outside of the k-pop phenomenon.
This was the last concert tour for their trilogy concept. I look forward to what they have in store next for us.
Check out, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever and WINGS/You Never Walk Alone and then I guarantee you won’t stop there.
PS: BTS has the best fans! I am proud to be apart of the ARMY! :) Shout out to all the cool people I met!