After Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) took a hiatus, lead singer Jimin started focusing on individual projects to help him grow as an artist. He released various singles before, such as “Serendipity” and “Lie” in 2018; he also released “Promise” in 2018, which marked his first solo outside of his group’s album. Lastly, he released “Filter” in 2020, which became his highest succeeding song out of his solos to date. Jimin recently released his single called “Set Me Free Pt. 2”, with upbeat hip-hop vibes as he discusses how he does not care what others think or say, making a declaration of freedom for himself.

“I like the title track; I like his voice and I feel like the song matches his voice, but I can tell that it’s a different style; he usually goes for the delicate style. I feel like the title track fits him differently and I believe that he is shining more as a soloist,” junior Lynn Nguyen said.

Jimin released his first solo album “FACE” March 24, with the title track “Set Me Free Pt. 2”, debuting at 30 on the Billboard Top 100, making him the first member of BTS to debut in the Top 40 as a soloist. His song also debuted at eight on the Billboard Global 200, making him the fourth member to earn a Top 10 entry on the Global 200. His music video garnered 11.43 million views in the first 24 hours on YouTube. 

The entire album discusses his experiences, particularly during COVID-19. “Like Crazy” shows a completely contrasting song from his pre-release which plays a slow emotional vibe. In his music video, viewers can see bright colors, him partying in the club and him on the side sitting on the floor with a sad expression. A 2011 drama with the same name inspired him, which explains the effects of relationships and break-ups and constantly living in the memories of the relationship due to the inability to forget. In the music video, he shows various emotions and sides of himself: the happy person partying and the sad, lonely one on side. 

“I like his voice, I think he has gotten the chance to express himself more fully as a soloist and I’m excited to see him explore newer concepts. I hope he releases newer concepts and brand new things and I like to see him explore different concepts,” Nguyen said.

From overcoming his time in the pandemic to learning to face himself, each song in the album represents his journey of self-discovery. He hopes his fans can understand his album, as it represents him facing his past to begin his new journey. Jimin gifts this album to the Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth ( ARMY) for them to explore his journey and past with him.

The Chant’s Grade: A-