Jin
Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
With Jin finally feeling like it was the “right time” to release his first solo project, Happy is a radiant ode to explore his favorite genre in rock music as well as the gratitude he wants to share with fans.
While the BTS superstar’s participation in the album’s production is evident all the way through the final track “I will come to you,” a poignant ballad he wrote for ARMY fans, Jin also enlisted a cast of global collaborators to bring his Happy feelings to life. The electrifying main single “Running Wild” was co-produced by Gary Barlow of British boy band Take That, while the pre-release track “I’ll Be There” marks the latest team-up between BTS and “Lights Down Low” singer MAX. There’s also Taka and Toru of Japanese rock group ONE OK ROCK, Wendy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet and some of Jin’s longtime collaborators like PDOGG, all present so that Happy presents Jin as a versatile vocalist unafraid to experiment with new styles without losing his authenticity.
While listeners have been treated to solo songs by Jin for years — including his Billboard Hot 100 hit “The Astronaut” that had contributions from Coldplay — this tight, six-song EP finally gives fans a longer Jin listening experience while exploring universal themes like love, joy and personal growth.
From the singles “Running Wild” and “I’ll Be There” to new solo songs including “Heart on the Window” and “Another Level,” check out our ranking of every song from Jin’s debut solo album, Happy.
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“Another Level”
A dive into harder rock territory, the alternative track brims with intensity to liken personal growth to leveling up in a game. Despite the gritty guitars and the ominously anthemic build, “Another Level” fits the theme of Happy with inspirational lines like “Don’t be scared/ …We’ll bounce back and hit another level” on the chorus. The charge performance sees Jin in full-fledged rock-star form.
With such a tight project like this six-song Happy, “Another Level” ranking sixth is not a slight but speaks to the album’s strength.
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“Falling”
Collaborating with Taka and Toru of influential Japanese band ONE OK ROCK, “Falling” is a masterful fusion of J-pop, modern rock, and pop sensibilities. The song begins with a catchy whistle, crafted by Taka, a motif that threads throughout the track, creating an unforgettable sonic signature. Jin’s vocals are emotive and powerful, particularly in the soaring chorus, which captures the intensity of deepening love. The intricate guitar work by Toru adds texture, making this one of the album’s most dynamic and layered tracks despite its easy-listening atmosphere.
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“I will come to you”
Longtime ARMY fans know that some of Jin’s best solo moments are just him and a piano: His solo stage of “Epiphany” during BTS’ Love Yourself World Tour, the quiet moments of his gorgeous 2020 fan track “Abyss” or his ballad “Yours” that he contributed to the soundtrack for Korean drama Jirisan. But perhaps his most essential piano moment comes via “I will come to you,” Jin’s’ heartfelt letter to ARMY.
The lyrics promise reunion and warmth, capturing Jin’s’ gratitude and longing after time spent apart from fans due to his mandatory military service. The minimalist instrumentation allows Jin’s’ soft and clear vocals to take center stage, making for a timeless, poignant pinnacle of his gratitude as he closes the song repeating the final lines: “I will come to you/ If you need me, I will come to you.”
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“Running Wild”
Image Credit: Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC The album’s electrifying centerpiece, “Running Wild” blends new wave and British rock — an unexpectedly perfect fit for Jin’s shining singing style. His vocals transition seamlessly between soothing low tones and soaring falsettos, sharing the hopeful message of running breathlessly toward joy amid chaos. With expert production and writing from Gary Barlow, the lead singer and primary songwriter for massive U.K. pop group Take That, “Running Wild” is well tailored for a fellow boy band member to share with the world.
Sang entirely in English, the track has an additional universal appeal to make it a standout track that also manages to echo Jin’s personality and optimism. The song could likely make it onto the Top 40 Pop Airplay or Mainstream Rock radio charts with the right push.
Paired with a cinematic, visually stunning music video, the “Running Wild” visual underscores themes of Happy to see the joy in life’s simple moments as Jin finds comfort and warmth with his dog even in an apocalyptic setting.
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“Heart on the Window” With Wendy
An emotive duet with Wendy of K-pop girl group Red Velvet, “Heart on the Window” is Happy’s only track with a featured vocalist to mark Jin’s collaborative prowess. Another new wave-inspired pop track, the collab juxtaposes the excitement of racing rhythms with reflective, poignant lyrics about enduring love. Jin and Wendy’s airy, emotive harmonies come together beautifully and subtly, creating a sense of connection and intimacy for the listener. The imagery of seasons changing behind a window underscores the passage of time, giving the song a cinematic but realistic quality (Who hasn’t drawn a heart on a fogged-up rainy window or through a sheet of light snow?). At the same time, the vocal chemistry between them makes this track a noteworthy highlight and one we hope to see performed live one day.
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“I’ll Be There”
Image Credit: Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC This pre-release single delivers an upbeat rockabilly charm to reintroduce us to Jin’s brilliantly vibrant vocals. Co-written with BTS buddy MAX, who helped pen the group’s 2022 single “Yet to Come” and has collaborated with Suga twice, “I’ll Be There” lets a new type of rock star pop out of Jin with a playful but sincere delivery — one that feels all-encompassing of who Jin is as a performer and dad joke-cracking 31-year-old.
Just the title by itself gives the song a message of comfort, with its uplifting message speaking to generally to anyone who might isolated or alone, but also specifically to his ARMY fans: “I swear that I will always sing for you/ Sing for you, oh-oh-oh/I’ll be there for you.”
Brimming with color and joyful energy, the “I’ll Be There” music video portrays Jin as a down-to-earth rock star, effortlessly spreading good vibes and laughter through a city, showing that he can appeal to all, even when dipping back into the early 1950s at the height of rockabilly, one of the earliest stylistic breakouts from rock ‘n’ roll. Whether as soloists or in a group, BTS has always stood for making sure their personal messages are available to everyone. Ultimately, Jin mixing his animated personality and comforting messages through unexpected musical genres is the perfect summation.