Jack in the Box
by J-Hope
  • Record Label: Big Hit
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2022
User Score
9.7

Universal acclaim- based on 2999 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,906 out of 2999
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 2999
  3. Negative: 59 out of 2999
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  1. bubble44
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wish I was an established music buff so that my review would be taken as seriously as I need it to be but GOD everyone needs to listen to this album. Even if it's not typically your thing, I promise you that you'll vibe with it because j-hope pulls from all sorts of influences that go way beyond kpop. He goes way beyond kpop and I'm so proud that he's getting the recognition he deserves. Intro and Pandora's Box are situated perfectly in the album; the intro hooks you in and intrigues you as it leads straight into Pandora's Box, giving you a little taste--a little nibble--of what you're really in for. An amazing introduction to j-hope for first-time listeners. His song "MORE" alone shows off his insane range and unmatched ability to seamlessly blend genres that you wouldn't expect. I'll actually never shut up about MORE because (I'm sorry but) no one in the kpop industry could make a song like that. Future and Equal Sign are beautiful musically and they carry so much power in the lyrics. Literal anthems of hope!! STOP needs to be talked about and studied by producers, writers, all musicians, even sociologists, and psychologists can learn from it. WHAT IF is wonderfully nostalgic for hip-hop fans and serves justice to a sample of an iconic classic--listen to the album if you're curious ;). Safety Zone for me can be seen as a part two to Blue Side off of his first mixtape as they both explore the importance of finding and owning a sacred place to reflect on yourself. The song just puts you in that relaxing, introspective mood. Even the interlude Music Box: Reflection is addicting in a creepy, alluring way. And Arson...what a way to end a masterpiece of an album. PLEASE read the lyrics (or translations) to all the songs but if I had to pick one to urge everyone to read, it would be Arson. I think anyone reading those lyrics would have a better understanding of j-hope as an artist and as a person. I would say more but I don't want to waste your time because you ~could~ stream Jack In The Box right now. If you're here, I mean, you might as well. :)
    Thank you j-hope    … Expand
  2. guccboy
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Jack in the Box discusses themes of passion, ambition, humanity, insecurity, success, and anxiety about the future. Primarily an old-school hip hop record, the album features a blend of genres, including pop, grunge, and R&B.
  3. nakamahoya
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you are a hip hop lovers, this album is a must to be on your playlists. Jack in the box will bring you to the adventure of j-hope who comes out to discover the outside world. Opened with the intro, the story goes with j-hope's origin and the discovery. After the music box: reflection, you will find a more retrospective side of j-hope. Then this album is concluded with Arson which soars j-hope's ambition. Such an amazing story that become an amazing album. Congratulations, j-hope.… Expand
  4. Voti
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    La inspiración que dio el artista, J-hope, es increíble, la temática, las letras, los colores, su determinación increíblemente impecable, sin duda alguna este álbum está a otro nivel.
  5. sawamaze
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album give an amazing music experience. My favorite one is Equal Sign & More… Expand
  6. Jane22
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Este álbum realmente ha sobrepasado mis expectativas, lo bien que está estructurado, el mensaje que transmite, es simplemente perfecto
  7. Pandereta
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Este álbum es una joya sobre todo las personas que tuvimos nuestra adolescencia en los años 90'. Es una fusión perfecta de estilos Hiphop de la old school con dejos de un rock pop . Cada mensaje se queda grabado en la piel y las melodías pegadizas llenas de euforia para cantar a todo pulmón en los conciertos.
  8. Woos_10
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Jack In The Box It is an album that moves your emotions, you identify with it, it is really spectacular and very special.
  9. mimimoyah
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    this album is pure art. j-hope did it again. the merge of old school hiphop and rock made this album sound so unique
  10. Melgtan
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Literalmente amo éste álbum!!! Cada canción que tiene Jack In The Box es una mezcla fuerte de emociones, sensaciones y sentimientos. Recomiendo mucho éste gran álbum, el artista
    j-hope hizo un gran trabajó al crear cada pieza del álbum, es increíble!!! No me canso nunca de oír su arte.    … Expand
  11. Aniiee
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Demaciado bueno nunca lo había éscuchado pero cuando lo oí wooo!! Voló mi cabeza con su ritmo y sus letras es genial me encantó y se a vuelto mi favorito
  12. shanjiiema
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This album did what it needed to do. It told the world that Jhope is more than a smiling face who dances for a boyband. Jhope is an all-rounder performer who can sing, rap and dance. His rapping and lyricism in this album alone put him up there with the icons of this generation. This album proves that Jung Hoseok is the Greatest Of All Time and the actual ACE OF KPOP. Mic drop.
  13. Fruitybim
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Different but excellent, j-hope range music was diversity...when you play the album, just like story telling with music....bravo j-hope...
  14. Rizwan07
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album is pure masterpiece.J-Hope is not concerned with making a play for chart status; there are no songs of the summer. Unlike BTS’s most recent releases, many of which leaned into bright pop and were sung in English, his Korean rapping is foregrounded, with a few English lines thrown in for emphasis. This feels like early BTS: experimental, influenced by classic hip-hop, unapologetic. (He even samples Wu Tang Clan and Ol Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.”) It does not sound like the K-pop many newer fans may be used to, of singable choruses and uplifting messages meant to make summer brighter or get the people dancing.
    With Jack in the Box, though, he returns to his roots as a serious rapper, and to BTS’s roots as an act focused on shedding light on the fears that drive us. The album is mostly in Korean, with no features. The first half is tinged with darkness in its beats and its focus; the second half a bit lighter, with some R&B moments.J-Hope has not lost that passion for personal growth and willingness to be his own critic. He also uncovers a new desire to be open with his audience about the pressures of the last decade of hard work.    … Expand
  15. Nathy1306
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    I love how J-hope use this album to try new things and he did it perfectly.
  16. Arakim
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is so amazing, can't wait for your next project! Let's meet in 2025… Expand
  17. Egoli
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    Now Jack in the box reminds me of ODB and crew growing up. The difference in language makes it all the better. JHope is quite the performer and this album shows that he transcends the genre that his group portrays.
  18. dglz96
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Me encanta como JHope exploto su esencia en este álbum, cada vez que lo escucho es como dejar salir una parte de mi
  19. abchocohayoung
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    I love the concept so much! I was in awe when it was first released and my 2 utmost favorite tracks are the title song Arson (방화) and the lead single More. j-hope was so crazy for this. If only there were a physical album it would have been perfect (I totally blame Hybe for this
  20. Knina
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    El arte no tiene restricciones y jhope con JACK IN THE BOX manifiesta tanto deseo como aspiraciones, expresando que el conformismo no debería normalizarse, que la sociedad debería quitarse prejuicios para aspirar a más. Además de plasmar a través de dicho álbum su crecimiento artístico y logrando ser muy versátil al incluir el rock y llevarlo a su estilo tan único.
  21. Alondra1
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Un álbum lleno de canciones energéticas y emocionales que te dejará queriendo Más
  22. rdiaz0
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Inspiring, thought provoking, and healing! I love this album! My favorites are STOP, What if, and Pandora's Box.
  23. puthedevil
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    one of the perfect albums ive heard. THE PRODUCTİON İS SOOO GOOD. i liked the lyricism
  24. Hinmkg
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Best album the way jhope has expressed a different side of his in this album is just mindblowing it was dark and deep in comparison to his before albums but it was so good jhope bever disappoints he is trully a musician and also compassionate about his music
  25. pricelesss
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    “Jack in the box” was a completely different concept from J hope. His personality and previous mixtapes always represented him as a shiny human, but his recent album showed his ability to be more than just a “nice guy”. Originally he wasn’t a rapper, so it’s even more exciting for me to witness his raw thoughts. “=“ is my most beloved song on this album. Thank you hobi for this“Jack in the box” was a completely different concept from J hope. His personality and previous mixtapes always represented him as a shiny human, but his recent album showed his ability to be more than just a “nice guy”. Originally he wasn’t a rapper, so it’s even more exciting for me to witness his raw thoughts. “=“ is my most beloved song on this album. Thank you hobi for this masterpiece!… Expand
  26. ammichar
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    If I was the artist, I would be very proud of myself for producing such an album. Not only does the artist explore not so popular sounds with outstanding mastery but the artist also raises important questions amongst society…something which is very hard to hear from artists of today. Truly a masterpiece
  27. Hope00100
    May 21, 2023
    10
    The Jack in the Box album is amazing. This album is full of creativity.The album is deep and purposeful
  28. Bangtannedlife
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    i really enjoyed it...thank you j hope for such an amazing album... hardwork always pays off
  29. SindhuB
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    The album was cohesive with every song flowing well with the theme, experimental vocals and genre fusion like I've never heard before. The lyrical direction leans towards individual self reflection that is very well relatable to the masses. Some of the best beats of the year and production complements theme. This album is going to remain a legendary debut album which leads as a insight toThe album was cohesive with every song flowing well with the theme, experimental vocals and genre fusion like I've never heard before. The lyrical direction leans towards individual self reflection that is very well relatable to the masses. Some of the best beats of the year and production complements theme. This album is going to remain a legendary debut album which leads as a insight to j-hope's Hope World.… Expand
  30. Mialishu
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    The best album ever, love his diversity, his flow, the evolution of the lyrics, with some complain but yet hopeful.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 28, 2022
    80
    Whether the music on Jack in the Box suits your taste or not, it’s hard to dismiss this album as an artistic statement rather than just chapter 1/7 of BTS proving they can also make money in ways beyond official group releases.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Jul 22, 2022
    80
    The artist born Jung Ho-seok delivers emotional depth and irresistible energy. Backed by rowdy production, his aggression, raspy delivery, and tongue-twisting bars take center stage, showcasing the rap-focused perspective that he brings to the BTS formula.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Jul 15, 2022
    83
    There’s an excellent three track run from “What if…,” an energetic song that samples Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” into mid-tempo standout “Safety Zone” before a touch of Hope World familiarity returns in the optimistic “Future.”
    Read full review
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