The last BTS member to make his solo debut officially has! V released his solo debut album Layover today, and here are my thoughts from my first listen.
Rainy Days
I love how this is the opening song because it eases us into this soothing, lo-fi vibe that V wants us in while listening to the album. I said in my original quick take that I zoned out while listening to the song, but that is a good thing because listening to it is like taking a mental break to watch the rain pour. And I still stand behind that opinion. I do wish we had a little more breathing room at the end of the song, just a second of pause, before switching to the next song.
Blue
I have to admit that, because the songs seamlessly transition from one to the next, it took me a minute to realize I was listening to Blue. So when I backed up to the start again, I was pretty underwhelmed by the song. It does feel like just a transition from Rainy Days to Love Me Again and I can’t help thinking that when the flow doesn’t let me acknowledge and appreciate the song alone.
Love Me Again
Love Me Again is my favorite song on the album. It could have been the title track, but I think it was best to use it as a pre-release to get us excited for the rest of the album. I could put this song on repeat and be perfectly content for hours, to be honest. I also think it is the best that V vocally sounds on the album. It really highlights his vocal prowess and I greatly appreciate when we get to hear their skills come through.
Slow Dancing
I want to find a way to describe these songs as something other than “perfectly Taehyung” but it is hard when that is the best way to describe them. The soothing vibe and sound fits him so well and he vocally sounds amazing. I see why this is considered the true title track since I think it fully encompasses what V wants his music to be like. This easily is one of my favorite songs on the album.
For Us
I don’t usually love slower songs or ballads. But when it is V’s vocals singing one, it is hard not to love. I also think they did some interesting things in this track so it wasn’t just another ballad. And of all the songs, it is the best one to end on.
Overall Rating
This album really is one to put on during a rainy day, reading a book in a comfortable spot or just chilling with your pet. It is best listened to in its entirety and in order since the flow matters. Actually, my only complaint is that I wish there was more breathing room between songs. The seamless transition is nice, but I want that one second to pause after a song and settle with it before moving on. But overall, Layover is perfectly Taehyung and such a soothing listen that everyone can find some peace while listening to it.
Have you listened to Layover? Tell me what your favorite song is with a comment!