Featured image: PA

As members of BTS embark on their military services, South Korean singer and songwriter Golden Maknae Jungkook is taking a venture into his new solo journey.

Jungkook is celebrated for his outstanding stage presence and vocal ability to traverse different genres. With the discovery of his new upcoming album Golden, including 11 tracks yet to be released in November, here are our favourite tracks from his musical expedition over the years.

Euphoria (2018)

Remember this one? Released in 2018, his vibrant yellow jacket featured in the music video wasn’t the only iconic moment. ‘Euphoria’, a track featured on the album Love Yourself: Answer, explores the feelings of happiness and new beginnings found through self-love and companionship. The song embodies messages of hope through an uplifting melody. It builds to a climactic high note leaving the listener transported to a state of bliss. Performed live at Wembley Stadium in 2019, Jungkook stunned fans by flying around the stadium: a performance for the history books.

Still With You (2020)

Through a combination of jazz and ballad, you’re bound to fall in love with this track. ‘Still With You’, released in 2020 as part of the BTS FESTA, is a track written, sung, and delivered like a heartfelt letter. Jungkook talks about how his love for the ARMY (BTS’ fanbase), will never fade. The song has a cyclical structure, beginning and ending on the same promise of “I want to walk this path with you” which references BTS’ 2013 hidden track ‘Path’ in which the artist questioned whether or not he had chosen the correct route. However, he now assures fans that he doesn’t worry about the route, as long as he is still walking it with them, it’s okay.

Dreamers (2022)

Part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ‘Dreamers’ is a song that celebrates the footballers in the World Cup. Despite having simpler lyrics than most of his other solo tracks, it takes on the feel of a football chant. The song is fun and upbeat, with the iconic line “Ala ho la dan.” Fun fact: this line was also sung in a famous hymn by sailors of the Arabian Gulf before they started their journey overseas. The song is upbeat and builds up the excitement for the FIFA World Cup. It encourages fans to come together and celebrate football.

My You (2022)

Fancy a more calming track? ‘My You’ is the perfect track to relax too. Released in 2022, the song was used during the 2022 BTS FESTA celebrations. With its acoustic guitar-led backing track. It plays on the heartstrings of ARMY as Jungkook delivers another heartfelt message about his fans being the light for BTS. The lyrics “All these lights are coloured in by you” become emotionally moving for the listener. It allows them to acknowledge the impact they have on the artist.

Seven (2023)

If you think this is about the seven members of BTS like we all originally thought before the release, you’re completely wrong. ‘Seven’ marks a more mature turn for Jungkook’s music, as he explores more adult themes through the lyrics with American rapper Latto. Despite the song’s high energy, there’s also quite a loose and chill feeling. The chorus is simple and repetitive, making it super catchy. Every hour, every minute, this song climbed higher up the charts ranking Jungkook as the first solo member of the group to achieve a number one on the Billboard Global 200. The song also earned Latto her first Number 1 too!