J-Hope has been known to be an upbeat and cheery member of the band BTS. However, it has taken the band member some time to find his voice when it comes to solo music. While he may have started off singing some optimistic, happy little character theme songs, he has also started incorporating different aspects of the musical genre and picked up some dark and gritty themes when it comes to music. The man singing Chicken Noodle Soup might have taken a backseat for a moment. Watch as he sets fire in Arson.
5 Music Videos That Show J-Hope’s Music Evolution
Daydream (백일몽)
In this music video, there are some bright colours and visual effects that put a little third-grader with crayons to shame. It is optimistic and upbeat, chronicling the aspects of a daydream that he would one day like to be true. The music recounts that there may be problems in his life, and he wishes that, like a fictional character, he would like to escape the real world. It is quite an innocent request to be in a place where all his dreams come true, and everything is the way he wants. The soft boy J-Hope existed here.
Airplane
While this is still optimistic, the music video has a hint of sadness for the child that would not be able to experience something as cool as the airplane. The story talks about how being in an airplane as an adult is the culmination of every childhood dream and more. Essentially, the artist is counting his blessings because his first plane ride meant that he could have all the cameras clicking his pictures and the goodwill he has been getting from people. The tone is a little solemn and nostalgic but still a happy message.
Chicken Noodle Soup (feat. Becky G)
In this video, Becky G and J-Hope are seen dancing and singing about their careers. The latter expresses his journey coming from a small town in Korea while also joining an underground dance group. This is a confidence anthem speaking about humble beginnings and the climb to the top, perhaps like a Korean Started From the Bottom. Both the artists are emulating confidence perfectly, and the setting with bright sunlight and colours truly makes it seem like this is the video that tracks with his BTS persona.
Also Read: Goodbye Epilogue Film: Brave Girls Bids Farewell to Fans With Disbandment Music Video
MORE
J-Hope decided to branch out of this persona to create something new in this music video. While his music definitely had inklings of this bleak and desolate energy, this music video really captures that essence with low contrast and his dark kohl makeup look in the video. The music speaks to the relentless crash and burn aspect that comes with art.
He is ready to do all that because, as the visual representation shows, his only other option is a day-to-day job that sucks the life out of some people. The punk-rock rhythm truly drives that point home in the music video.
Arson
If there was any confusion that it could not get more gritty than the last video, then you are wrong because this music video is more than just dark and gritty but also embodies the kind of self-sabotaging struggle artists go through. It is interesting to see this video in a similar backdrop to the Chicken Noodle Soup one. Except, the cars are on fire, and the colour seems to have been leached out from the background. This music video is in direct contrast to the ones he released when he started making solo music.
Many artists are interested in changing their personas as they continue to make music. For example, artist Taylor Swift and Halsey consistently change looks and public personas for their albums, continuously showcasing their talents in painting a different picture of the human condition. Likewise, J-Hope’s evolution to making different music is fantastic and shows how versatile he is as an artist. Check out his journey in making the album Jack in the Box in the documentary j-hope IN THE BOX.
What is your favourite solo song by J-Hope? Let us know in the comments below.
Also Read: Fighting Second Win: SEVENTEEN’s BSS Wins Another Trophy at M Countdown