Best BTS Songs for Beginners

BTS has over 250 songs across albums, mixtapes, and solo projects. If you are new, start here. These are the best entry points organized by what you are looking for.

If You Want Catchy Pop Hits

1. Dynamite (2020) — Their first English-language single. Fun, retro-disco pop that debuted #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The easiest entry point.
2. Butter (2021) — Smooth, funky pop. Spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100. Extremely catchy.
3. Boy With Luv ft. Halsey (2019) — Bright, feel-good pop with one of K-pop's most-viewed music videos.
4. DNA (2017) — EDM-pop with a whistled hook. The song that introduced many Western fans to BTS.

If You Want Emotional and Deep

1. Spring Day (2017) — A poignant song about missing someone. Widely considered one of K-pop's greatest songs. Still charting in Korea years after release.
2. Black Swan (2020) — Dark, atmospheric art-pop about the fear of losing passion for music.
3. The Truth Untold ft. Steve Aoki (2018) — A heartbreaking vocal ballad performed by the vocal line.
4. Butterfly (2015) — Delicate, dreamy track from the HYYH era.

If You Want Hard-Hitting Hip-Hop and Rap

1. MIC Drop (2017) — Confident, swagger-filled hip-hop. The Steve Aoki remix went viral globally.
2. FAKE LOVE (2018) — Dark pop with powerful choreography and emotional lyrics.
3. Fire (2016) — High-energy anthem with explosive performance.
4. Idol (2018) — K-pop meets traditional Korean instrumentation with Nicki Minaj on the remix.

If You Want to Understand Their Artistry

1. Blood Sweat & Tears (2016) — The artistic turning point. References Hermann Hesse and explores temptation.
2. ON (2020) — Epic, marching-band-infused anthem about accepting their path.
3. Daechwita (Agust D/Suga, 2020) — Traditional Korean instruments meet trap. A solo masterpiece.
4. Singularity (V, 2018) — Neo-soul intro track that showcases V's baritone and artistic vision.

Recommended Listening Order for New Fans

If you want to go deeper after the highlights, listen to BTS's albums in this order: WINGS (2016) for the artistic breakthrough, LOVE YOURSELF: Tear (2018) for their emotional peak, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 (2020) for the complete picture, and then Swim (2025) for their triumphant reunion.

FAQ