Love Yourself: Tear
by BTS
  • Record Label: Bighit
  • Release Date: May 18, 2018
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 1209 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,030 out of 1209
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 1209
  3. Negative: 165 out of 1209
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  1. divkrish
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    A truly amazing body of work, Tear is proof that BTS can live up to their hype and push themselves further along their global path. This marks their third full Korean album, following after 2016's masterpiece, WINGS. Rather than showcasing their individual sides as they did in WINGS, the seven BTS members show their unity and their ability to meld seamlessly in their music as a group,A truly amazing body of work, Tear is proof that BTS can live up to their hype and push themselves further along their global path. This marks their third full Korean album, following after 2016's masterpiece, WINGS. Rather than showcasing their individual sides as they did in WINGS, the seven BTS members show their unity and their ability to meld seamlessly in their music as a group, rather than any one member pushing to the front or being left behind. Member V, real name Kim Taehyung, opens up the album with a sultry, haunting jazz track, titled Singularity, whose lyrics (penned by member RM) take inspiration from the Greek myth of Narcissus to describe a love gone wrong. Fake Love, the album's title track, is hit-material with its earworm of a melody, a hypermodern trap beat, and smoothly integrated angst rap. Its lyrics are plaintive and agonizingly beautiful, describing the group's desire to love someone but being unable to do so without changing themselves. Next follows perhaps the greatest plot twist on the album; The Truth Untold features Steve Aoki, known for his shaking beat drops and power production, but functions as the album's pacemaker with its smooth, stripped production, gorgeous melody, and poignant lyrics inspired by an Italian fairy tale. Members Jungkook, V, Jin, and Jimin shine as vocalists over a minimalistic piano backdrop that builds into an angst-ridden guitar climax and leaves the listener emotionally exhausted. The fourth track, 134340, is arguably one of the strongest on the album. BTS once again prove their mettle as lyricists as they use Pluto's demotion from planet to asteroid as a metaphor for a broken relationship, the number 134340 referring to Pluto's designated asteroid name given after its position change. Despite its sorrowful lyrics, 134340 is the very definition of smooth, with buttery vocals and gentle syllabic raps over a fluted trill. With the next track, Paradise, BTS begins to pull away from the album concept to address their fans more personally. Co-penned by MNEK, Paradise reminds BTS fans that it is okay to live a life without a dream or a goal in mind, as long as they are happy. The smooth, bright production and the members' rich vocal tones come together to form one of the album's most satisfying songs. Love Maze, the next track, may be characterized along with Paradise as a smooth, melodic pop song with lyrics thanking fans for staying by them even during their low points. Magic Shop functions as yet another fan song and marks member Jungkook's first production credit. A simple pop-EDM track with a Chainsmokers-like vibe, Magic Shop urges fans to give up their fears and pain in exchange for happiness. The following track, Airplane pt. 2, is a continuation of the song Airplane from member j-hope's solo mixtape, which preceded this album by a couple months. Continuing the self-reflective strain in which j-hope had written Airplane, BTS talk about their dreams of flying both physically and metaphorically and how far they've come over a sultry Latin-pop inspired beat evoking a Havana-like exoticness. Brassy, Fetty-Wap inspired Anpanman follows right after, the designated "hype song" on the album. Here, BTS shows off their ability to flex between genres, seamlessly pulling off stylistic autotune and exaggerated raps as they talk about their desire to give parts of themselves to their fans for strength, just as Japanese cartoon superhero Anpanman feeds starving people with pieces of his bread body. So What brings in a different energy than Anpanman; it feels like a hype song perfect for a large stadium or arena, which is fitting since BTS will soon be launching their Love Yourself world tour. The album closes off with one of BTS' strongest outros to date, a raw, bitter rap track which finds the three rappers (RM, SUGA, and j-hope) describing a relationship being torn apart over a sorrowful orchestral beat. The song evokes the intensity of the BTS Cyphers, tracks by the rap members used to hit out at haters and flex, but travels a different route in its lyrics, proving to BTS fans that while they are above lashing out now, they have not lost their touch.… Expand
  2. tiago88051998
    May 25, 2018
    10
    O melhor álbum deles,coreografias maravilhosas,vocais ótimos,rap excelente,músicas muito boas e de qualidade,eu amei !!!
  3. sofialo
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    My favorite album of the year so far. i love the transition and progression of the songs, the lyrics (really poetic and inspirational as usual in BTS) and how diverse the album is genre-wise speaking. Personally, I really appreciate Tear (hip hop lover here), Singularity (the jazzy vibe is amazing), Aeroplane pt.2 (Latin-inspired song of the good type, Latin Jazz a bit)... Actually it'sMy favorite album of the year so far. i love the transition and progression of the songs, the lyrics (really poetic and inspirational as usual in BTS) and how diverse the album is genre-wise speaking. Personally, I really appreciate Tear (hip hop lover here), Singularity (the jazzy vibe is amazing), Aeroplane pt.2 (Latin-inspired song of the good type, Latin Jazz a bit)... Actually it's hard to not to love every song.… Expand
  4. VR_Love
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    Love Yourself: Tear - meaningful lyrics, refreshing variety of genres (vocals and raps on point) and outstanding production. The album has a little something for everyone. I suggest people check out the album ….It's definitely worth the listen.
  5. Trish93
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    BTS's third full length album comes out as one of their most cohesive pieces of work. With tracks ranging from different genres, it is very likely that you will find something up to your taste!
  6. Mhl319
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    I honestly think they're best album yet. They really experiment with blending music and genres, it's quite bold and I think it pays off. Looking up the lyrics in English gives me new appreciation to put the meaning behind each track. Its honestly greatly done, nothing sounds the same. Each track is so different but none of it seems out of play. Listen to the album beginning to end andI honestly think they're best album yet. They really experiment with blending music and genres, it's quite bold and I think it pays off. Looking up the lyrics in English gives me new appreciation to put the meaning behind each track. Its honestly greatly done, nothing sounds the same. Each track is so different but none of it seems out of play. Listen to the album beginning to end and takes you on a journey. My personal favorite is 134340 which gives me some jazz vibes which i loved. Airplane pt.2 is bop and really matches the lyrics of the song. All in all my favorite BTS album to date and they keep getting better.… Expand
  7. freedomchild
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    LY: Tear is hands down BTS's best album yet. The songs are capable of appealing to people with all different music tastes. Just listen with an open mind
  8. alexmusic
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    Great, unique album. The tracks on it hop from genre to genre. The lyrics are very connecting, remarkable and well written. Creativity at it's finest.
  9. priniv
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    The album is versatile... Lyrics are so meaningful... Metaphors in the lyrics... wordplay... Musically different genes are experimented in the album... If you listen to the album from the 1st track to the last... You'll realise It narrates a story...
  10. logchair
    Oct 4, 2018
    9
    This was my introduction to BTS and, in retrospect, I think it was a really good one. They showed great range with this album, while at the same time adhering to the overall theme of the album.

    While some songs, such as Singularity, FAKE LOVE, and The Truth Untold, were instant hits, it took me a while to get into others. Love Maze was one of those, but it really grew on me after a    This was my introduction to BTS and, in retrospect, I think it was a really good one. They showed great range with this album, while at the same time adhering to the overall theme of the album.

    While some songs, such as Singularity, FAKE LOVE, and The Truth Untold, were instant hits, it took me a while to get into others. Love Maze was one of those, but it really grew on me after a while. So I definitely recommend listening to the album more than once! You might miss real golden nuggets otherwise. I never did come to particularly love either 134340 or So What, since the former didn't strike my melodic fancy and the latter felt a little too outside of the theme of the album (although not lyrically).

    One of the absolute highlights of the album is definitely Outro: Tear. Each rapper contributes with his own rap style, which really resonated with me emotionally over the orchestra. Each rapper has his own line in the chorus, playing on the "tear" concept; the first one being "you're my tear" (from crying), the second "you're my tear" (as in a rip or cut), and the third "you're my fear". Without even reading the translations, I could derive that each rapper told about his "tear" from his perspective. And oh my, was it effective.

    After listening to the album without lyrics in English, I gave it another go with the translations before me. And wow. Wow. I admit, I had preconceived ideas about the depth, eloquence, and meaning behind k-pop lyrics – but they were all shattered with this album. Poetic and full of word plays! I recommend you check out articles or YouTube videos where Koreans talk about the intricacies of the lyrics, because a lot is lost in translation – which makes me dispel the "Why don't they just sing in English?" thought that crossed my mind during my first listen. I'm honestly kind of grateful, because I got an appreciation for the Korean language. It's so rich! Getting back to the Love Yourself: Tear lyrics, they were profound and meaningful. I read that Magic Shop is a song written for the fans, but I don't think you have to be one to be moved by it:
    "Days when you hate that you’re you
    Days when you wanna disappear
    Let’s make a door in your heart
    If you open that door and go inside
    This place will be waiting for you
    It’s ok to believe, it’ll comfort you, this Magic Shop"

    In conclusion, Love Yourself: Tear was an incredible ride, offering a lot of musical diversity and surprises and touching lyrics. It's not what I expected going in, and BTS managed to break pretty much all of my preconceived ideas about k-pop. This album really has it all, whether it is vocals or rapping, upbeat or slow, sensual or innocent. I highly recommend it – and please do read the lyric translations! You won't regret it.    … Expand
  11. MSTT
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    This album just confirms that BTS is not afraid of experimenting with different genres. The songs are really diverse and, I think, everyone can find something they like. My personal favorites are Fake Love, The Truth Untold and Outro: Tear.

    Understanding the lyrics is really important here because it helps you to understand the message of self-love that BTS is trying to spread.
  12. Mark-HipHop
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    I bought Love Yourself :Τear album 3 months ago and since then I listen to it at least twice a week, without skipping any song! That has never happened before. From start to finish, it tells a story beautifully! Songs like Paradise, 13430, Outro:Tear, Truth Untold,, prove why BTS are a band beyond kpop...Listen to this album and you'll understand why! (ALSO: Τhe negative comments are fullI bought Love Yourself :Τear album 3 months ago and since then I listen to it at least twice a week, without skipping any song! That has never happened before. From start to finish, it tells a story beautifully! Songs like Paradise, 13430, Outro:Tear, Truth Untold,, prove why BTS are a band beyond kpop...Listen to this album and you'll understand why! (ALSO: Τhe negative comments are full of hate and from people who have clearly neve listened to the album. I wouldn't take them into consideration, since they don't even know the songs included in this album. )… Expand
  13. Kanu_X
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    This album is one of their most cohesive and experimental albums, Tear is very complex from the msg, genres, deep and well-written lyrics, vocals and flow. The album showed a significant evolution of the group and their boldness in adopting and trying out new things. They just never disappoint
  14. delan
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    I discovered BTS through this album and I became a fan immediately, the lyrics and melody of each song are unique. Would definitely recommend, and the fact that this boys wrote and produced the songs makes me even more amazed. This pure talent!!!!!
  15. Gsilvaa
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    One of the best albums I have listened to. The lyrics are amazing and insightful. My favorite track is outro tear, I can feel the emotion and pain they were trying to portray regarding the dark side of love. Overall this album is phenomenal, definitely lives up to the title of tthe first ever Korean album to get a number 1 on Billboard 200.
  16. AdrianaL97
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    Really love how they delivered a great story about self love coming from self hatred through so many genres of music. Personally i love The Truth Untold which by personal feelings i believe it is the song that is the edge of shattering from that self hatred and unreal love to oneself and to others. This album shows the darker side of trying to find that self love, that dark road everyoneReally love how they delivered a great story about self love coming from self hatred through so many genres of music. Personally i love The Truth Untold which by personal feelings i believe it is the song that is the edge of shattering from that self hatred and unreal love to oneself and to others. This album shows the darker side of trying to find that self love, that dark road everyone goes through. The relatable stories and the positive message written between the lines of these dark lyrics is surprising and just admirable. Good beats, good music, good lyrics (really poetic) and great message.… Expand
  17. hadjer_
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    this album is one of my favorites, every song is very well written and produced, the vocals the rap everything is just amazing, bts really did a beautiful job with this one
  18. MichelleHEART
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    BTS music is so deep, I love it so much. I would love to be a fan of them but I don’t have enough time but I will support them in the shadows hehe.
  19. thisfragilelove
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    BTS has their own sound which is nothing like normal Kpop where the majority of the music is the same. This album has a mix of genres so it has something for everyone. I really enjoyed
    it. They've had some fun with this one. You don't have to understand the lyrics to like it but if you seek out the translations you will understand more about the message BTS are trying to convey.
  20. gabbyhernandez7
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    This album accurately portrays the darker side of loving not just another person but also loving yourself. Each song in the album is relatable to people young or old & of every nationality. I cant wait to see how they continue to showcase their music writing & production in the future.
  21. paklitaxel
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    Love Yourself: Tear is a versatile album with many different genres, going from ballad to hip hop to edm, rock, pop and more. Each song has complex messages in the lyrics.

    #1 on BB 200 chart
  22. Noona
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    The album's lyrics & music is so beautiful & meaningful and that's why make things album a Masterpiece
  23. hatakekakashi
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    In short, I loved this album. The catching and complex beats, the genre diversity throughout the album, the lyrics, the wordplay (understand it is a massive privilege that comes with knowing the language, for which I’m very grateful I learnt Korean), and the overall message of the album has me in awe everytime I listen to it. Easily a 10.
  24. AnaClara
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    LY: Tear is an amazing & unique album! The storyline, the concept, the different genres, use of various sounds, the message... It is so rare to find an album that you can hear from beginning to end without skipping a single song. Truly a remarkable album!
  25. helenyangster
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    In a nutshell, "Love Yourself: Tear" offers a diverse balance of songs that mix genres; it's fresh, exciting, and includes songs for every mood while still staying true to BTS's group message. The seven artists of BTS showcase their individual taste and vocal talents by meshing hard-hitting grunge rap with daring African beats, soft ballads with jarringly unique harmonies, upbeat anthemsIn a nutshell, "Love Yourself: Tear" offers a diverse balance of songs that mix genres; it's fresh, exciting, and includes songs for every mood while still staying true to BTS's group message. The seven artists of BTS showcase their individual taste and vocal talents by meshing hard-hitting grunge rap with daring African beats, soft ballads with jarringly unique harmonies, upbeat anthems with traditional Korean instrumentals, The lyrics (translations available online anywhere) assert that one must love oneself first and foremost--not in a narcissistic sense, but rather as a first step towards expanding beyond. How can you help others and bring good to the world if you haven't even learned to accept yourself? Even the tallest building start with solid foundations buried deep in the earth.… Expand
  26. RoseNas
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    A masterpiece. Meaningful lyrics. Just beautiful. Learning that they also took part in the writing and production process of their albums speaks a lot. This men are so talented- being able to produce, write, meaningful songs. People should try reading the lyrics, it's amazingly good.
  27. safetyfairy
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    This album is probably their best work so far. They managed to showcase their originality, talent and versitality creating an amazing album in which everyone can find something for themselves. Every song has its meaning and it perfectly fits the concept, nothing feels out of place. BTS really outdid themselves i highly recommend it
  28. Roxane_
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    This album is one of BTS's best works yet, where they show beautiful lyrics and concepts along with it. The different music genres and concepts really show that they're not simply a "k-pop" group, but a new foreign artist on their road to history making and success. If you're looking for something different but honest (in their music), you only need to have an open mind to love this albumThis album is one of BTS's best works yet, where they show beautiful lyrics and concepts along with it. The different music genres and concepts really show that they're not simply a "k-pop" group, but a new foreign artist on their road to history making and success. If you're looking for something different but honest (in their music), you only need to have an open mind to love this album and BTS; it didn't reach #1 in Billboard 200 for no reason, so please give it a chance, you won't regret it.… Expand
  29. sallyrs
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    Love Yourself: Tear is BTS’s most mature work to date. You can see the growth of the group since their previous releases. The album is very like a story, the story of love and life, about its’ ups and downs. The lyrics are very well done. The lyrics of Fake Love and Singularity are very poetic, the lyrics of Paradise, So what & Anpanman are encouraging and hopeful and beautifulLove Yourself: Tear is BTS’s most mature work to date. You can see the growth of the group since their previous releases. The album is very like a story, the story of love and life, about its’ ups and downs. The lyrics are very well done. The lyrics of Fake Love and Singularity are very poetic, the lyrics of Paradise, So what & Anpanman are encouraging and hopeful and beautiful storytelling lyrics of Tear and 134340 show how sincere BTS are in their music. No matter if you are a fan or just an ordinary listener like me, in this album you will definitely find a song that suits you. Just give it a try.… Expand
  30. btsxnshine
    Oct 4, 2018
    10
    Their best album to date. Even though each song has its own unique style and BTS go from genre to genre including R&B, latin style, EDM, pop-rock and so more, the album as a whole is amazingly cohesive.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. The 405
    May 29, 2018
    70
    Love Yourself: Tear shows off each individual member’s qualities fairly and acts as a well-structured introduction to a wider global audience that is all too eager to pick out negatives.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    May 24, 2018
    71
    Tear aims for cohesion and produces fun, prismatic songs in the process.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    May 24, 2018
    70
    Throughout it all, the members of BTS affect melodic sincerity, singing with intensity and melisma, rapping in tones that show their effort and strain, as if caring never went out of style.
    Read full review
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