BE
by BTS
  • Record Label: Big Hit
  • Release Date: Nov 20, 2020
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 3428 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,051 out of 3428
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 3428
  3. Negative: 334 out of 3428
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  1. enforneha
    Nov 30, 2020
    10
    BE is the best album by BTS so far. still astonishing how they managed to put so much diversity in 8 tracks. the way the album is curated with transition from sad but comforting tracks in the beginning to fun upbeat hopeful tracks towards the end with skit marking the middle. Absolutely loved it
  2. luv4jinnie
    Nov 30, 2020
    10
    I've been listening to this album since it first released, a week ago. Every day I find something new to fall in love with. The title track, "Life Goes On" is beautifully soothing, a floaty flow-y guitar ballad that gets more and more heart-wrenching the more you listen. The opening lyrics of the song and full album, "One day, the world stopped / Without any warning / Spring didn't know toI've been listening to this album since it first released, a week ago. Every day I find something new to fall in love with. The title track, "Life Goes On" is beautifully soothing, a floaty flow-y guitar ballad that gets more and more heart-wrenching the more you listen. The opening lyrics of the song and full album, "One day, the world stopped / Without any warning / Spring didn't know to wait / Showed up not even a minute late," describe the feelings we all have so perfectly. Though the seasons are changing, we all feel stuck in place. The opening verse is followed by RM's, with lyrics, "Running faster than that cloud of rain / Thought that would be enough / Guess I'm only human after all," that resonate so deeply within that I had to take a very very deep breath after reading. BTS's lyrics have always been almost pure poetry, the way they've been able to quantify the human experience. Now, I could go on and on about these lyrics-- throughout this track and the 6 that follow after, but there is, of course so many characters I have. In short, the lyrics on this record, BE, are absolutely gorgeous, and tell a story of something so human and raw and lovely. It's my hope that as many people as possible could have the pleasure of listening and enjoying this album, and could find solace and peace through it as I have.… Expand
  3. Nina-99
    Nov 30, 2020
    10
    One of their best albums to date, a pleasant surprise after the happy go lucky feel of dynamite.
    Sad but hopeful, an appropriate project for 2020.
  4. filinna
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    there are no bad songs and i really like the flow of the whole songs in this album.
  5. Jazzlover78
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    A document of the most unexpected year. 100 years from now, when humans are curious about how regular people were living during the great 2020 pandemic, they might only need to read through the lyrics of the 7 songs in this album. It takes a tad bit of patience to look up lyric translations of course. But I am sure future humans will not be as small minded as the ones living in today’sA document of the most unexpected year. 100 years from now, when humans are curious about how regular people were living during the great 2020 pandemic, they might only need to read through the lyrics of the 7 songs in this album. It takes a tad bit of patience to look up lyric translations of course. But I am sure future humans will not be as small minded as the ones living in today’s world. With that barrier crossed, you are introduced to this document of 2020 with a message of realistic hope (things may be bad now but it will get better. Life Goes On); confinement, frustration and comfort that comes with traveling inside your home (Fly to my room), depression and helplessness and a desire to simply let it consume you (Blue and Grey); a cheerful interruption (I did not see translations for Skit and was sure I would skip it on the first try, but ended up not because it’s infectious to hear cheer after the first three songs that hit a bit too close to home). There is acknowledgement that even though physically apart we are emotionally connected (Telepathy) that brought back memories of the many video calls with family. The most innovative track on this album though is Dis-ease. As a working adult and type A person, probably my most prevalent experience in this pandemic has been the disorientation that comes with running the rat race in full speed as the world around me is literally buckling under the weight of an illness... a dis-ease. I don’t think I have ever heard western musicians (the popular ones at least) tackle this occupational illness, choosing instead to preen about their romance or obsesses in their lineage and history. Yet, this plagues so many of us everywhere and was what made me finally break down in tears. A grown person; I can say I did not expect to cry over music made by seven young men from South Korea, in 2020. But then, what about 2020 was ever within my expectations? The penultimate track, “Stay” is dedicated by BTS to their fans and is about their connection surviving the rest of physical distance through technology. While this might be more relatable for a BTS fan, for me it served as both an interesting thesis on the connection between a celebrity and a fan and a reminder that even though I haven’t seen my beloved friends, I hope our connection will stay the same when we meet again in person. Friendships, lacking the surety of familial bonds, are of course not so different from how BTS talk about their ARMY. Dynamite starts at the high note on which Stay ends. I will be honest, while the beat of this song and the voices of these boys are infectious, as someone who expects lyricism and gravity in music, Dynamite is the weakest of all songs lyrically. Heard by itself, it’s scarcely more than American gibberish, the kind of lyrics that lead to me developing a permanent distaste for chart topping American artists. However, Dynamite’s beauty in this album lies much more in its placement and ordering than its lyricism. An unapologetic and joyous celebration of life, the song evokes pure hedonia. What a bright hopeful note to end an album that through both somber and upbeat songs prior, hits too close to home, leaving us in tears. Some might feel it’s too soon to start acknowledging the scars 2020 has given all of us. That might explain the rather blasé if not completely unintelligent “music critic” reviews I read of this masterpiece. However, I can assure you this. The seven men of BTS are resolutely hopeful and decisive about standing next to you, holding your hand, as you slowly make sense of what happened to you in the lost year of our century. BE, therefore, is catharsis itself.… Expand
  6. Hoor97
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    BE is a BTS album but like all their works, it sounds very different from previous works. All 7 songs (excluding Skit) sound very different, yet the whole album listened in order feels perfect and well organised. I won’t be exaggerating if I say it is perfect because it really is a mind-blowingly beautiful. In this pandemic, it’s like a comfort for a broken person, it’s medicine forBE is a BTS album but like all their works, it sounds very different from previous works. All 7 songs (excluding Skit) sound very different, yet the whole album listened in order feels perfect and well organised. I won’t be exaggerating if I say it is perfect because it really is a mind-blowingly beautiful. In this pandemic, it’s like a comfort for a broken person, it’s medicine for someone who feels alone, because all the emotions hit close to home. BTS have captured the emotions of a person going through a hard time perfectly while also providing consolation that they will be there for us. It’s like a friend who knows the right things to say. It is pure comfort. It deserves 100 rating but some biased critics as always like to play dirty gave poor reviews. Well their loss because BTS is always going to soar higher while you all can wave them from the ground and cry over not treating the right when you had the opportunity. BTS… Expand
  7. Jinamyte
    Nov 29, 2020
    9
    This album really helps a lot of people deals with their struggle. Lyrically, this was so good, all of the tracks have its own meaning. What makes its more special that the members write their own lyrics and produce it. The only thing that i don't really like from this album is the cover..... It's too basic since their latest album have a really good design. But that doesnt really matterThis album really helps a lot of people deals with their struggle. Lyrically, this was so good, all of the tracks have its own meaning. What makes its more special that the members write their own lyrics and produce it. The only thing that i don't really like from this album is the cover..... It's too basic since their latest album have a really good design. But that doesnt really matter cause the cover really fits the vibes and the meaning from the album. So far, this is one of my favourite album from the band.… Expand
  8. Danielansmdmsns
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    desde la letra significativa, los sonidos de fondo, y las voces, puedo decir que es un álbum completo. BE es el álbum que necesitaba en estos tiempos de pandemia, donde los sentimientos explotaron y no sabia como afrontarlos, hasta que llego el 20 de noviembre. (lanzamiento de BE)
  9. Nargis
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This is a very different and equally amazing album. Every single song in this album is a bop.
  10. Saabirahjeelani
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This album has a song for every mood. Amazing songs, amazing production, amazing lyrics.
  11. Vilashini
    Nov 29, 2020
    9
    The album is one of their best albums yet. Being a self-directed one including the members having partaken in not only the music but also aspects of direction, visual creation and project management makes it a very personal album for both them and their fans. The tracks really ring the colors of each members contribution be it the melodic 'blue and Grey's by V or 'dis-ease' by J-Hope.The album is one of their best albums yet. Being a self-directed one including the members having partaken in not only the music but also aspects of direction, visual creation and project management makes it a very personal album for both them and their fans. The tracks really ring the colors of each members contribution be it the melodic 'blue and Grey's by V or 'dis-ease' by J-Hope. 'Stay's explored an EDM side that the BTS hasn't shown before while 'Telepathy' is so Suga. But the title track 'Life Goes On' feels like this combined output of all their feelings which they wanted to express and it's a beautiful icing on the cake. Much thanks for the album. BTS have a long way to go and with the looks of it they're only going strong with every album.… Expand
  12. T8ish3a
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is amazing teared up listening to Life Goes On and Blue ad Grey. Find translations of these guys songs and just read the lyrics. Music doesn't have to be in English to be loved and appreciated they just keep getting better.… Expand
  13. Sarah_malik
    Nov 29, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Is definitely the bts worst album not a good one despite the message it has and meaning but it's not a good one… Expand
  14. isaaassa
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    is just the best album i've seen in my entire life, is amazing, is wonderfool, perfect
  15. sunworld
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    BTS nos acaba de mostrar una cara diferente de su música con este álbum compuesto por ellos mismos en cada aspecto. En este álbum podemos ver como abrieron sus corazones y sentimientos a su fandom ARMY, resaltando sus vidas durante la pandemia y como pese a todo siguieron adelante.
  16. KarenAyleen
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This albums gave me hope when I didn't see any in this situation. Every single song has an important message so we don't feel alone on this.
    And the fact that they participate more than ever in this album makes it even more special
  17. Lunalimads
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A sweet compilation of songs that remind us that the hard moments aren't forever.… Expand
  18. Vickandbts
    Nov 29, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is incredible, all the lyrics and the songs bring even more comfort in this moment that we are living, it exceeded my expectations that were already super high, thank you and congratulations bts and everyone who was part of this album.… Expand
  19. appado
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    A comfort album, their lyrics are also very beautiful and meaningful. the songs really hit hard. I love the way they played with words on their songs. its starts off with melancholy and longing and finishes with a boom with their hit single Dynamite. Because Life goes on!
  20. BoTaecito
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    It's amazing! the music, the concept, all!! I love it.
    In the situation that we are going through now we have to continue with our lives, I think many of us identify with the title song and with the album
  21. Frikis
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    Es un álbum increíble me gusta la música y el mensaje que mandan en este álbum
  22. KarlySoVe
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    An album where members are fully involucrated.
    Either you can chill with the tracks or you can dance.
  23. mehaxbrave
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best album I've heard this year. With songs that reflect our life in quarantine like the main title Life Goes On and songs to lift the spirits like dis-ease.
    It is worth highlighting Blue and Grey produced by V with a great message about moments in life where we are not well.    … Expand
  24. Loomin
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really loved the lyrics and the sounds. It felt very personal and I was able to connect with the songs. Amazing.… Expand
  25. igor90ib
    Nov 28, 2020
    0
    The worst BTS album. I can't see anything new in this album. I heard this 100 times in previous BTS albums
  26. KatherineMeli
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    Es un álbum espectacular, fácilmente las personas se pueden sentir identificadas con las canciones, BTS muestra perfectamente la versatilidad que tienen al abarcar distintos géneros musicales, son músicos innatos. Personalmente DIS-EASE, Blue & Grey, Fly To My Room, Dynamite, Telepathy y Stay son canciones que todos deben escuchar porque son increíbles.
  27. samplam
    Nov 28, 2020
    6
    I'm very conflicted on this album. While I do love the songs, there's nothing new that we haven't heard from the septet before. The sounds of 'Life Goes On' and 'Blue & Grey' are very reminiscent of the early stages of the band's discography, such as the sounds in 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life' and in 'You Never Walk Alone.' The songs 'Fly To My Room' and 'Telepathy' could easily beI'm very conflicted on this album. While I do love the songs, there's nothing new that we haven't heard from the septet before. The sounds of 'Life Goes On' and 'Blue & Grey' are very reminiscent of the early stages of the band's discography, such as the sounds in 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life' and in 'You Never Walk Alone.' The songs 'Fly To My Room' and 'Telepathy' could easily be on the tracklist of 'Love Yourself: Her' and I wouldn't notice. 'Dis-ease' is very similar to the bouncy 'HOME' in 'MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA' and 'Stay' is basically the second part of 'So What' in the mellow but contradictory 'Love Yourself: Tear.' And yet, I still love this album. I still love the septet's sound. I can't help but sing to the final distorted notes on 'Life Goes On' and I can't help but dance in my chair to 'Dis-ease' and 'Telepathy.' But in the end, I was just very underwhelmed after hearing this for the first time. I was waiting for more. Sure, this is an EP with barely thirty minutes of music but honestly, I've seen MANY other EP's just as short as this one be more exploratory and miles ahead in lyricism and production (for example, 'RINA' by Rina Sawayama and 'M3LL155X' by FKA twigs, just to name a few). I know BTS can do better and I know the boys are amazing producers and songwriters. They have produced and wrote heartfelt and heartBREAKING songs, such as 4 O'Clock (a duet between RM and V) and House of Cards (a quartet featuring the vocalists of the group). The lyrics on this EP are honestly just lackluster. Sure, they have that message of hope for the future and dealing with situations of the present (especially on 'Life Goes On') but we've heard this too many times this year.

    However, at the end of the day, this is still a decent EP. This is still a melancholy, yet bouncy, EP. This is still a nice, but lackluster, EP. I'm just hoping the septet explores more and reaches further heights on their next EP or studio album because I know they can do better than this.    … Expand
  28. Hatake86
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    Este álbum me encanto siento tranquilidad y no solo eso si no que en esta cuarentena tuvimos momentos donde ya no podíamos más y ellos sintieron lo mismo eso nos conecta las con ellos tiene canciones tan hermosas que en realidad transmiten sus sentimientos
  29. Riley27
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The difference between BTS and all artists is evident in their creativity. They write music based on their feelings, experiences and fears .. The main difference between the album from all previous cases is this album of everything that is happening in the world now. That is, through BTS wanted to convey their feelings and instill hope in others, isn't this a sign that they (BTS) care? They literally write music about the problems of people and the world, and not what is popular and hype.… Expand
  30. Manask
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    Album is truly a beautiful experience
    Blended with the emotions every human being is going through due to this pandemic.
    All the tracks are unique with different genres.
    The main title track life goes On perfectly defines the present situation and gives a picture of hope that even in the new normality life goes On!!
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. PopMatters
    Jan 15, 2021
    80
    BE is the album in which BTS's sound crosses over to cement the type of legacy they're building – one that started in youth and is very proudly Korean, but that makes sense for any age or place.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    Dec 5, 2020
    70
    Frustration and grief animate these songs, but it’s their simplicity and specificity that make them compelling.
    Read full review
  3. The Quietus
    Nov 30, 2020
    80
    Deciding to reflect on states of mind some of us could resonate to – especially this year – BE serves as a chronicle of what 2020 has been during lockdown: a year of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and frustration. But it also delivers hope for the future.
    Read full review
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