Agust D, BTS’s Suga’s solo moniker, released his debut studio album D-Day today and I knew I had to write my thoughts while listening for the first time. Here are those thoughts.
D-Day
What a perfect first track for the album. Not only does it hype listeners up but it is also lyrically a surprisingly motivational and comforting song. I definitely fell in love with this track after one listen.
Haegeum
Haegeum has two meanings. The first is a traditional Korean musical instrument that belongs to the family of bowed string instruments, with a sound between a viola and a violin. We hear this instrument during the song. The second meaning which is vital to understanding the song is lifting a ban and allowing something that is forbidden.
This is definitely what I expected for an Agust D title track, but still brought surprises to keep us on our toes. The lyrics are brilliant and I like how that instead of this being a self-hype track like Agust D or Daechwita, it is instead about the corrupt world we live in and both cuts it down and also insists on a new beginning, lifting us from the hatred and corruption. This is Agust D at his finest.
HUH?! ft. j-hope
This is the hater call-out track, but it has more nuance than that. I think it is less about calling out individuals and more about calling out the systems and trends we have that foster hate and misinformation. Having J-Hope on the track helps keep it interesting since the beat is so consistent, so the two styles together helps make the song interesting beyond its subject matter.
Amygdala
What a powerful song. And so personal as well. I have nothing negative to say and I am mostly in awe of both his lyrics and sharing his life as well as the overall sound and beat. Just wow honestly. I’m going to be thinking about this song for a while.
There is a music video for this song, but it is age-restricted by YouTube. You can watch it here if you so choose.
SDL
The tone shift between Amygdala and this song is a bit sudden for me, but we do need a pick-me-up after such an emotional song. And by pick-me-up, I mean the beat and overall tone since lyrically this is a post-break-up song talking about love. The lyrics are where I’ll always be most impressed, and this song is not different.
People Pt. 2 ft. IU
I like this song better within the context and flow of the album than I did when it was released individually. No matter what it is a good song and the more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it, but you can get clouded by confusion and expectations when you anticipate an Agust D track which this song doesn’t fit that stereotype. But now that we have the whole album, it just fits into the track order like a perfectly fitting puzzle piece for me.
Polar Night
This song hit me hard, because this subject has been on my mind recently. I am definitely going to have to really sit with the lyrics and listen some more to get a full grasp and opinion on the track, but it has definitely left a strong impression.
Interlude: Dawn
What a beautiful interlude honestly. It actually reminds me of the soundtrack for the game GRIS, which I absolutely adore. I also like the placement of this song in the track order because, after such powerful messaging, we need a moment to breathe and process.
Snooze ft. Ryuichi Sakamoto & WOOSUNG
I’m honestly speechless at this point. What a beautiful, powerful song with such an important reminder to all of us. These lyrics are so poignant and meaningful, and I honestly got a little choked up listening to this song which very, very rarely happens.
Life Goes On
I was most curious about this song since BTS has a title track with the same title. And Agust D’s version actually develops on his verse in the BTS song. There is something comforting and reassuring about this song which is definitely needed after the emotional moments and hard-hitting truths of the rest of the album. I think it also encompasses the overall thoughts of Agust D and what Yoongi wants us to remember through every hardship: life goes on.
Overall Rating
Overall, this is a perfect album. I will absolutely listen to all of it again and again, without a skip in sight. Truly a masterpiece which is not a term I use lightly.
Have you listened to D-Day by Agust D? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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