Golden
Golden is the debut album for Korean pop artist Jeon Jungkook, who is part of the renowned group of all rounders, BTS.
Previous to the release of his first solo album on the 3rd of November, Jungkook released his first single in collaboration with american rapper, Latto, “Seven” on July 14th, which caused a stir amongst the young artist’s more conservative fans due to the spicy nature of the lyrics; then on September 29th his second single, “3D” in collaboration with Jack Harlow, was released.
While it is no surprise that Jungkook‘s “Golden” was destined to be a success since it was first announced, considering the numbers for his two pre-launch singles, the numbers the young artist has reached have far surpassed expectations and can only be compared to the numbers BTS themselves have reached throughout their career in recent years.
Until November 5th, only two days after its release, it was reported that “Golden” has accumulated 39 653 740 filtered streams accross the globe, becoming the first album of a Korean artist to reach this hit in all of Spotify history, setting a new record for the biggest debut of any K-pop solo album in this platform. The album itself sold over 2 million copies on the first day of its release.
Tracklist
BigHit Music released the tracklist for Jungkook‘s “Golden” album that includes the names of the 11 tracks and the star-studded parade of producers that made possible this very interesting mix of sounds and genres, all perfectly blended together by Jungkook’s versatile, privileged voice.
Some of the big names that accompany Jungkook on his debut as a solo global pop star are: Jack Harlow, Michael Tucker (better known as BloodPop), Ed Sheeran, Diplo, Latto, DJ Snake, Jessica Agombar and Shawn Mendez. This combination of talented producers, musicians, songwriters and composers, joined together by Jungkook‘s talented voice made possible the skyrocketing success of the album within a week of its launch.
The tracklist is listed as follows, however, you can find more information about the album here:
- “3D” ft. Jack Harlow
- “Closer to you” ft. Major Lazer
- “Seven” (explicit version) ft. Latto
- “Standing next to you”
- “Yes or no”
- “Please don’t change” ft. DJ Snake
- “Hate you”
- “Somebody”
- “Too sad to dance”
- “Shot glass of tears”
- “Seven” (clean version) ft. Latto
Jungkook
It is undeniable that Jungkook’s talent has played a part in BTS’ success and in the success of the launching of his debut solo album, however, many people, fans included, have started calling him “The Prince of Pop”.
I’d say it’s too soon to crown him as such, but he sure is in the right path to achieve the title; after all, Jungkook is: 1) one of the most talented K-pop idols currently active, receiving the title of “Golden Maknae” by his fellow band member and leader, RM, when he was still but a school kid with a dream; and 2) one of the most talented, popular artists in the western music industry.
The one and only Golden Maknae has made his debut in the western industry backed by important names in the music realm, standing strong and having a death grip on the language that any artist coming from a non-English speaking country must know up and down, left and right, to even dream of getting a toe in.
As I previously said, it is too soon to crown Jungkook as “The Prince of Pop”, but it may not be long before he crowns himself as such, as hardworking and talented as he is. I hope he continues reaping success after success in his solo career and we can get more music and experiences both from him and BTS.