Some artists have albums that often take up space of our whole playlist. We can’t help but listen to their songs on repeat or pause it to listen to it carefully if we didn’t pay attention the first time. Grammy-nominated RM of BTS, Kim Namjoon, is one such artist. RM started his journey as an underground rapper from Seoul, going by stage names like Largo, The Nexist, Stealo, and Runch Randa. But he always wanted to do more, and it’s fair to say that he is now more than a K-pop group leader. The fact that Namjoon is the core of the biggest boy band in the world right now says how much K-pop needs him more than he needs K-pop.
RM’s New Era
In his highly anticipated second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person, RM demonstrates his exceptional lyrical skills. This 35-minute long album with 11 tracks came about a year and a half after RM’s Indigo. With the new album, we can witness him greatly broadening his musical boundaries, taking a departure in the greatest conceivable manner from its predecessor. The album represents a mesmerising journey through the depths of his introspection and artistic eye.
View this post on Instagram
With each track, RM effortlessly weaves together poignant lyrics, intricate melodies and captivating beats, showcasing his prowess as both a rapper and an artist. From introspective ballads to seductive tunes, Right Place, Wrong Person offers a diverse sonic landscape that invites listeners to delve into the complexities of RM’s psyche. With its thought-provoking themes and masterful production videos and music, this album solidifies RM’s position as a trailblazer in the realm of K-pop and true poetry.
The Influences
The songs pay perfect respect to psychedelic, alternative and old-school hip-hop, the latter of which is most apparent in his cadence and tone. While listening to the songs in order, you won’t help but enjoy the transition between songs like Nuts and Out of Love. This record isn’t meant for everyone but for people who are looking for healing through these musical notes. The 11 songs are deeply presented and made for slow indulgence.
RM is dynamic and a force to be reckoned with, as seen by his collaborations with Little Simz and Moses Sumney on the songs Domodachi and Around the World in a Day, which enhance the project with influences from progressive jazz and soul/R&B. The album also has heavy influences from Frank Ocean and Tyler The Creator’s discography, of which RM is a big fan. You can also see him going rock-rap with the song Groin, where he is talking about all the unfair criticism he has received in the past.
As expected, there are indie rhythms in songs like Heaven, a fast-paced pop beat in LOST!, whose music video is quite entertaining and thought-provoking. The closing track and one of my current jams, Come Back to Me, is a gentle acoustic piece that unexpectedly transforms into an indie pop anthem celebrating the cyclical aspect of existence. In a nutshell, BTS leader’s album Right Place, Wrong Person is an enticing auditory adventure that may also be a fun way to introduce people to his music.
