Jungkook's debut solo album, Golden, released in November 2023, marks a major milestone in his career as the final BTS member to embark on a solo journey. The album includes 11 tracks, all in English, featuring collaborations with well-known artists like Major Lazer, Jack Harlow, and Latto.
"3D" is an energetic pop and hip-hop track with catchy hooks, showcasing Jungkook’s strong vocals alongside Jack Harlow's rap. It’s a fun, danceable song that kicks off the album with a bang. While I’m not a huge fan of Jack Harlow's rap, the song is undeniably catchy. There's a fan-made remix where RM's iconic "Look Here" verse replaces Jack's rap, which I absolutely love.
"Closer to You" brings a tropical vibe with a lively, upbeat feel. Jungkook’s smooth voice works perfectly with Major Lazer’s vibrant production, making it a perfect summer hit. I especially appreciate how Jungkook experimented with his vocals on this track.
"Seven" was the breakout pop song of summer 2023, taking over the charts and becoming the biggest hit of the year. Latto’s rap is my favorite part of the song, adding an extra spark. It even became the fastest track ever to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify.
The title track, "Standing Next to You", is an '80s-style disco-pop song with an infectious brass section and lyrics about love and resilience. While Jungkook’s vocals are stunning, it's his dancing that truly shines. The choreography went viral on TikTok, and his live performances are even more impressive than the studio version.
"Yes or No" is a bright, catchy pop song with Ed Sheeran-inspired vibes. Jungkook’s vocals are crisp and clear, and the romantic feel of the song makes it one of my favorites from the album.
"Please Don’t Change" holds a special place in my heart, especially after Jungkook’s live showcase on Weverse, where his energy and choreography made the song unforgettable.
"Hate You" is a heartfelt piano ballad that captures the pain of heartbreak. Jungkook’s raw, emotional vocals take center stage in this simple yet powerful track. It was my favorite on first listen, though other tracks grew on me over time.
"Somebody" has a cool effect that gives Jungkook’s voice a deeper tone, and it sounded amazing during one of his Weverse live performances. This R&B-inspired song has a sensual, soulful vibe that highlights his vocal range beautifully.
"Too Sad to Dance" combines cheerful melodies with melancholic lyrics about heartbreak, creating a unique contrast. Despite the sad theme, the upbeat rhythm makes you want to dance.
The album ends on an emotional note with "Shot Glass Full of Tears", a poignant track about love and loss. The layered vocals and gradual build-up make it deeply moving, and it reminds me of the emotional BTS Festa Dinner in 2022 when they announced their hiatus, which was a tough moment for fans.
With Golden, Jungkook has truly established himself as a global pop star, or as Suga put it in the 21st episode of Suchwita, the "Asian Popstar." The album solidifies his place as the most successful Korean soloist to date.
