SONG REVIEW: Butter – BTS

Well I have been gone for a while haven’t I?

But what better time to return than when the biggest group in the world return with yet another blockbuster single. BTS have been soaring in popularity over the past few years and last years Dynamite was yet another peak for the group, breaking multiple records and shooting them into worldwide super stardom. But while it was the groups most successful single yet, I found it a little too schlocky to stand up with the best in their discography. And as I’ve said before, I’ve felt an inverse relationship between my enjoyment of the groups music and their popularity. And so when it was announced that the group were returning with their second English single Butter, I kept my expectations reserved. Thankfully, Butter takes everything that was so great about Dynamite and 2019’s Boy With Luv to create another fantastic piece of groovy dance pop.

Unlike much of 2020, 2021 has seen the emergence of many exciting and rhythmic instrumental backdrops. And for someone who heavily enjoys such sounds, this is a great thing. Butter is as rhythmic as they come, incorporating an instantly groovy instrumental backbone that employs a great mix of rubbery bass and an insistent kick of percussion. It isn’t the most instantly gripping or commanding of instrumentals but its more simplistic approach is appreciated. It manages to adhere expertly into the current burgeoning retro trend without resorting to the heavy synth pop sound that has conquered much of the market. And while that might still have been a great choice, this more unique approach gives a sense of variety to the track while still sounding distinctly BTS.

The boys also sound phenomenal, matching the groovy instrumental with an equally affecting performance. In tracks like Butter, delivery and performance are equally as important as the instrumental itself and BTS are as charismatic as ever here. The vocal processing, while still present is no where near as distracting as some of last years work and the more unfiltered performance lends a real sense of personality to the track. This is evident during the tracks triumphant chorus, which explodes with an unrivalled sense of optimism. I love songs that go for the pop jugular like this and Butter is bolstered by a melody that is instantly memorable yet not cloying or jingle worthy. But rather than retreat to the same melodic structure for each chorus, Butter evolves as it goes on, adding extra elements after every chorus. Whether it be an immense synth breakdown or the incredibly fun rap based climax, there isn’t a single dull moment during Butter‘s 3 minute run time. I would have loved for the track to break into one final chorus as the ending does feel a little abrupt but honestly, that’s all I have to complain about. This is easily my favourite BTS track since Boy With Luv.

Verses: 9

Chorus: 9

Production: 10

Performance: 9

Final Rating: 9.25 / 10