Hey, it’s me.

The runaway and unreliable writer who has written to you today.

I have decided to no longer make excuses.

I think you should read my previous writings when you miss me because I can’t promise I will “improve”. Haven’t still found a rhythm between work, life and writing. I would try to do better.

In the meantime, I was on patreon for a while but came back here because people kept complaining about not being able to access it. 

Find me here.

Anyway, I am back because of one main reason- Kim Namjoon of BTS released his first solo album. I have thoughts and I have come to share them with you.

If you know me, you know I am a fan of Bantan Sonyeondan (BTS). I think they are phenomenal artistes who have brought plenty of happiness to the world. I love all of them because OT7 obviously but I deeply resonate with Kim Namjoon. He is a cool nerd and I love the way his mind works. So of course, it was inevitable that I would write my thoughts on his album.

The last album to move me to write a review was heaux tales

Kindly note these are my interpretations which may be influenced by Namjoon thoughts but it’s ultimately how the album made me feel.

Now, I would be breaking the album down based on my thoughts on each song individually before giving general thoughts on the album.

YUN WITH ERYKAH BADU

When I first saw the tracklist and saw this song title, I was like ‘Where did Namjoon walk that he saw THE ERYKAH BADU, THE QUEEN OF NEO SOUL?’. I expected it to be good but it blew me away. There is a level of creativity, knowledge, talent and expertise you have to reach to make this masterpiece.

Namjoon said this song is a tribute to the fantastic painter- Yun Hyong-Keun. Now, I am interested in art but not on the same level as Namjoon so what connects with me about Yun Hyong-Keun was his history of activism.

As someone who is interested in history and South Korea, it is not surprising that I have read about some aspects of South Korean history. I had run across several mentions of Yun activism against the government. I was just amazed at the resilience when it comes to protesting because if I am being honest, if they arrest me once I don’t think I would protest again oh LMAO. 

Anyway, he had a popular saying about how you had to be human before creating art. As a creative person, I deeply resonate with it because I truly am at my best when I am living life. It was this sentiment RM was trying to convey. Be human first, sit with the sadness, feel the madness and from there you can create beauty. Considering the message behind the song, it is no surprise Erykah Badu is on the song. There is something so convincing about her saying

 “You keep the silence

‘Fore you do somethin’

You be a human

Till the death of you”

I really liked that he is started by just swearing because that is clear understanding that the human sometimes is just described by “fuck”. Also deeply appreciate that the song felt very much a 90s calm song that helps you reflect while you take a glass of juice.

STILL LIFE WITH ANDERSON .PAAK

It is only Kim Namjoon that would take a visual art genre called still life to write a song about pushing forward despite circumstances. I think at this point, you absolutely understand why I am enamoured by his mind.

Back to the song, this is an upbeat and funky song that would get you dancing but have you thinking of moving on despite the box life has put you in. The line that stuck out to me was “Life is better than death, I’ll prove it”. To me that means, no matter what happens I would create a life worth living and loving. When I inevitably enter my tattoo phase, I want to get that tattooed on my arm.

This song makes me dance while also thinking I am unstoppable.

Watch the video here.

ALL DAY WITH TABLO

I know of Tablo because of BTS but they are Korean hip hop royalty so I was happy to see that RM was working with his Idol for his first solo project. Let’s just say, I really love this song. Very upbeat but some part of the lyrics did stand out to me.

“They got you all by your balls and socioeconomics”

“We gotta fight when they say ‘behave!’”

These lyrics made me search for the meaning of the song and I found a song questioning the status quo. Also love the shout out to both Epik High and BTS. Overall, it’s a song that would always make me groove to the beat.

FORG_TFUL WITH KIM SAWOL

I would be honest but when I initially listened to this song, it didn’t immediately connect with me. It took me a  few listens for the richness of the folklore ling song to sink in. It has a special place in my heart especially now that I know how it highlights the complexity of friendships and simple things.

As someone who is currently a hamster on the wheel of capitalism, I too understand the longing for simpler things. Overall, the song feels like a warm hug.

CLOSER WITH PAUL BLANCO AND MAHALIA

I know what RM said about this song being about longing for a relationship that could never be but I honestly think this is a baby making song. This song is so sultry and enchanting. It feels like a good massage. The blend between Paul Blanco and Mahalia’s voice is so, so good.

This song gives me Miguel’s ‘Adorn’ vibes. The first time I listened, I kept on saying “come on!”.  Just look at the lyrics:

“And I make her body di-di-di-diddy bop

Di-di-di-diddy bop

Mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm

I wanna show you how I gets down

Baby girl, come on (come on and oh-oh-oh-oh)”

I know you can see what I am saying! I know!

The song feels like something you should experience with your lover.

Note: If you do this, kindly let me know. *wink*

CHANGE PT2

I think it’s obvious that no army (BTS fan) was expecting this especially considering what Change ft Wale sounded like. The production on this song is legendary, experimental and absolutely insane. Namjoon also said he recorded this when he was drunk and all I have to say is that is talent.

I feel any description I would be giving would be doing the song a disservice so go listen to it yourself. I am plugging you to goodness, thank me later.

Listen here

LONELY

RM found himself stuck in a hotel room during a leg of BTS feeling lonely and suffocated. He then decided to put his feelings in a song and Christ can I relate.

The feelings being conveyed is something that rattled me. Speaking about wallowing in loneliness on a fairly upbeat sound. Maybe it’s because sometime this year, I felt “so fucking lonely”. I probably was shook because I understand what it means to be lonely and surrounded by people. Do I relate a little too much? Yes. Would I still shake my ass when the song comes on? Definitely.

HECTIC WITH COLDE

What feeling does this song evoke from me? Chaos.

This may sound odd considering the pace of the song but this song evokes chaos in me.

Chaos of living.

Chaos of chasing.

Pure and undiluted chaos.

Colde’s voice is so smooth which blends perfectly with RM’s tone. I believe this song should be listened to when you think you are just going through the motions.

WILD FLOWER FT YOUJEEN

I watched the video before I listened to the album and I would say that it brought me to my knees emotionally. My foundation was shaken by watching a mixture of beauty and ashes.

You can clearly feel the angst, fear and frustration in this song. Don’t believe this song is a healing song. I feel it’s a song about someone at the edge of hopelessness, flirting with despair and communing with discomfort. I think that’s the reason, it’s intoxicating because we have all been there. It is an invitation to dine with sadness and not push it away. It feels like an explosion of emotions

Every time I hear this song, I want to give Namjoon a big hug because a lot has to have happened for this song to exist. Then, Younjeen’s voice is so beautiful, enchanting and mind altering. I totally understand why Namjoon said he would make the verse English if she didn’t do it.

Overall, it’s a beautiful song to both cry to and smile that you have overcome with.

Watch video here

No. 2 WITH PARK JI YOON

Like Forg_tful, this is a song I didn’t immediately connect with until I heard RM talk about the message behind. RM said the message he tries to convey with this song was that whatever your choices and experience, you did the best at that time. As someone who is very critical of herself and very prone to regret this was very touching thing to hear.

This song is a call to live in the present. Yes, learn but don’t be stuck in the “what if”. Park Ji Yoon’s voice is magical and I definitely would be checking more of her songs.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Indigo is a multi genre album which has something for everyone. What ties this album together is not the sound but the message. The storytelling and world building is immaculate. The album successfully transport you into its universe. You can see, feel and hear Namjoon explore different uncomfortable topics but you still want to have the communion with him.

Last but not the least, listen to Indigo. I assure you, that you won’t regret it.

For translations I suggest you go here

See you next time.