Global superstars BTS are back with a bright and cheerful new track that makes them direct candidates for ‘Song of the Summer’ honors.
The boy band released their new song ‘Dynamite’ on Friday, marking the first all-English release of the K-pop group. The gleaming, disco-lite track bounces and grows with an infectious beat and uplifting chorus that will make you sing back to someone listening.
The three-and-a-half-minute track is one of the most poppy songs the band has ever released, and was written by David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, who collaborate most for the Jonas Brothers hit, ” What a Man Gotta Do. “
The new song finds BTS members trading verses about bringing the party, while everyone from King Kong to Lebron James names it. A release says the song “aims to bring a new stream of much-needed ‘energy’ to restore the global community in the midst of Covid-19.”
‘So see me bring the fire and the night to the battle,’ sang the boys in the choir. “Shining through the city with a little funk and soul / So I light it up like dynamite.”
The accompanying music video for “Dynamite” also dropped Friday and quickly broke YouTube records for most views for a video community with nearly 20 million views after just its first hour of release. Directed by frequent contributor Yong Seok Choi, the fun throwback video finds the boys performing on a basketball court, in the record store, dinner and other nostalgic locations – while dressed in retro-inspired outfits and hairstyles.
The clip ends with the group showing some meme-worthy choreography for “Dynamite” against a cotton candy-colored background and explosions of colored powder shooting into the air.
Although “Dynamite” marks BTS ‘first full-length English single as a group, Jungkook, RM and Jimin previously guest starred on Steve Aoki’s dance-pop hit, “Waste It on Me,” in 2018 (the song was credited as “DJ Steve”). Aoki “with BTS”).
While “Dynamite” certainly gets attention for its full English lyrics, it’s worth noting that BTS has three Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 featuring mostly Korean lyrics, not to mention four Number One albums and multiple sold out world tours – all without the perceived benefit of an “English hit.”
“Dynamite” seems like a safe haven, but how it performs on the charts is now almost secondary, as the group has already proven themselves as heavyweights in the industry, while releasing music – and keeping fans busy – on own terms. However, BTS fans (better known as Army) have put together a joint campaign to deliver the boys their first Number One single.
“Dynamite” comes six months after BTS’s latest studio album Map of the soul: 7, which was released back in February for reviews. The band is expected to perform the track as they take the stage at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards on August 30th.
