[Album Review] Jin Explores The Joys of Life with New Debut Solo Album “Happy”

The word happy is a strong one; just what does happy mean? It can mean different things to different people. I’m sure his music has made many people happy, and especially in today’s world, it’s a scary place, and more people are finding the warmth and joy that comes from music to escape for a brief moment. This is exactly the embodiment of Jin’s new album, which has three photo concepts: journey, imagine, and navigate, and those are clearly the themes when listening to Happy. Seeking to show that he finds happiness in the small moments, such as fishing, cooking, and playing tennis.

Opening the album with “Running Wild”, a song co-written and co-produced by Gary Barlow, one of the UK’s most acclaimed songwriters and a member of the iconic boy band Take That. Known for writing hits such as Rule The World and Shine, as well as music for films like Stardust. He’s created yet another standout with Running Wild. Starting the album with this track was a wise choice—it’s a true burst of joy, bubbling with a playful energy that is reflecting on lost youth. With lyrics like “Remember how we used to love back then” and “Let’s stay out all night, out all night until we see the sun,” the song captures the spirit of carefree days.

The chorus utilizes Jin’s voice beautifully; it takes the song to new heights and makes the listener feel like they could practically do anything. The instrumental arrangement perfectly complements the song’s focus on happiness. What results is an infusion of pure serotonin, with the continuing drumbeat in the final chorus adding a light-hearted vibe as Jin passionately sings out “We’ll be running wild.”

The pre-release track “I’ll Be There”, which was released on 25th October, saw the singer take a shift in both sound and aesthetic. The music video featured a lively audience having fun and cheering him on. The song itself marked a new genre for the singer with a rockabilly-inspired sound; the track emphasised his promise to be there for his fans. Once uplifting, and paired with a memorable chorus, it quickly became a fan favourite.

“Another Level” is a track that will take many by surprise. Its dramatic, brooding and dark-sounding undertone marks a complete 180-degree direction from what fans might expect. Jin’s known for his gorgeous ballads like 2018’s “Epiphany” and the lighter sounds of 2020’s “Moon“. 

But “Another Level” has an intense sense of determination, taking the listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions. Jin’s strong vocals drive the song to (metaphorically) climb its way to the chorus with the drums beating steadily in the background. When the chorus arrives, it unleashes a thunderous, booming sound, almost euphoric, as he sings out, “Don’t be scared/Even if I fall down at times/One step/We’ll bounce back again.” His soaring vocals hit such high notes, combined with an electrifying guitar riff solo, it makes for an incredible finish. This track serves as the soundtrack for those pushing through hardships and will be perfect for any down day when self-doubt creeps in.

For me, it is undoubtedly the standout track of the album. While the song is without a doubt empowering, it’s also thought-provoking; it makes you think about the idea of happiness and that it can perhaps still be sought after even in trying times. It’s about us shifting our perspective and, in this case, acknowledging the struggle and choosing to power on.

The energy whiplash that comes from “Another Level” allows us to slowly ease into “Falling“, and the track is elevated by the collaboration with musicians Taka and Turu of the Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK. Together with Jin, they fuse together brillantly. It’s interesting to hear Jin’s voice alongside rock elements such as the electric guitar as he explores the universal theme of love, which is a shift from the previous two tracks, embracing life’s every moment from joy, reflection, to love.

Photo Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC

Carrying on the love theme with “Heart Of The Window” featuring Wendy from the girl group Red Velvet, and is a track fans have eagerly awaited. This marks Jin’s first duet, and together they strike gold. Their voices blend together effortlessly on the chorus, with each allowing the other to shine. The result is a warm, harmonious sound that brings an emotional depth to the lyrics. Having this song follow “Falling” was a clever move, with both featuring high-profile artists exploring love in two different ways. 

Listening to his album serves as a reminder that happiness comes in many forms. The narrative continues as he explores different paths of happiness, not just through traditional positive affirmations. The track listing shows that happiness can be experienced in our own individual way that resonates with us—whether it be finding nostalgia in lost youth, reclaiming our power, or the love we surround ourselves with in our lives. Which leads to one of Jin’s own ways of embracing happiness: by sharing his love with his fans.

The last track is the melodic “I Will Come To You”, and it’s what Jin does best. He has this magical way of combining raw emotion, which can be heard in his voice, and this ballad exemplifies that perfectly. Slow, sensual, with nothing but his voice and a piano, it’s where this star truly shines. The song draws you in and has the ability to have you listening to every breath and every note from those soaring big notes as well as embracing the softer, more intimate moments. The song’s message ties in nicely with the album’s opening theme—living free and running carelessly, exploring what makes one happy. Ultimately, it comes down to love—be it whatever that means to the individual listening—to pursue what you love and embody what you love.

Photo Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC

Jin wrote “I Will Come To You” as a heartfelt song for ARMY during his time away. While 2022’s “The Astronaut” served as the goodbye song to fans as he enlisted, I Will Come to You is the warm welcome armed hug that was patiently waiting for his return. The album closes with the final lyric, “If you need me, I will come to you.”

Jin set out for Happy to be a source of comfort to listeners, which was achieved successfully. In many interviews Jin expressed that his main goal has always been to be happy. It sounds so simple, right? But it’s a hard thing to grapple with for anyone, and for Jin it’s been finding a balance not just as Kim Seokjin of BTS but as Kim’s Seokjin as a person.

Happy rounds off the BTS chapter 2, which the boys were so excited to share after that Festa dinner back in 2022. Since then, we’ve seen them create music that talks about the navigation of life outside of fame, the price of it, and living life authentically for themselves. Jin’s debut album has truly been the glacier glossy cherry on a well-baked seven-layered cake celebrating one hell of a golden chapter. 

Happy is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide. The multifaceted global superstar will connect with global fans through his premiere live TV performance of “Running Wild” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 20 ET.