These days music is mostly a melting pot of different genres in one song, which is totally fine, music evolves, we get it. But sometimes all you want is Pop, so Jung Kook listened and delivered.
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Just like the 80s gave us Michael Jackson, the 90s a plethora of boy bands, the 2000s were dominated by Justin Timberlake, and in the 2010s Justin Bieber reigned supreme, the 2020s seem to have an open slot, and with the release of his debut solo album, GOLDEN, Jung Kook seems to be putting his name in the ring.
From jump, GOLDEN, a nod to his BTS nickname “golden maknae” (golden youngest), smoothly pops off with JK’s second single, the Jack Harlow assisted “3D.” An “R&B Pop song that tells a story of meeting someone in 3D to be always together with them,” so said Jung Kook himself when he checked in with Audacy earlier this year.
From there, Jung Kook serves up some more electronic-leaning collabs including the synthy, reggaetonish rhythm of “Closer To You” featuring Major Lazer, and then a few tracks later, the slinky, dance floor-inviting “Please Don’t Change” featuring DJ Snake.
In-between you’ll find yourself bopping to the album’s cheeky debut single “Seven” featuring Latto and the, "it’s giving Michael Jackson Off The Wall vibes" of “Standing Next to You.” Oh, and if you’re asking about “Yes Or No,” written by and featuring Ed Sheeran on guitar, well the answer is yes — for many good reason too, but especially for that catchy chorus.
Slowing things down and delving into heartbreak with “Hate You,” a piano ballad co-written by Shawn Mendes, about how it's easier to hate an ex than feel sad. Followed by a slightly more chipper, R&B influenced “Somebody,” and finishing off the album with back-to-back bummer bops, “Too Sad To Dance” and “Shot Glass of Tears.”
So what are you waiting for, listen to GOLDEN above, and stay close to Audacy for more from Jung Kook.