#charlie puth collab maybe

[joyswonderland1108]

“You guys have changed”

Hi hello, i’m back again with my “this fandom is shitty” rant.

On today’s live (or yesterday depending on where you live) Joon said this very sentence after reading some comments and what can i say? Surprised? Not the slightest, if anything y’all already know where i stand when it comes to this fandom. 

“Yoongi marry me” “I’m X member’s wife” “Touch your nose if *ship* is real” “Speak English”, etc etc.. 

Let’s talk about each “category” separately. 

“Marry me” “I’m X’s wife” 

It’s okay to joke once or twice about one thing but when it gets too repetitive.. Why the fuck do these boys even bother coming live if every other comment is “marry me” or “I’m X member’s wife” at least be original? Make it funny? Stop maybe assuming that they even want to get married or even intend on marrying the opposite gender? 

I’m going to set the point on my last sentence here. At some point it starts to get a bit too offensive when the boys keep on trying to share things that are personal to them, whether it’s in a direct way or indirect way, just for this fandom to completely misunderstand them or not even bother trying to understand in the first place. It’s bad enough that the boys can’t really say things literally as they are but they still try to get the message out there just for this fandom to completely dismiss it and not give them a chance to be understood, but the fact that they also have to remind them through direct comments that they don’t give one flying fuck about what the boys are trying to share with us, trying to let us understand. 

Yoongi didn’t say that "i focus on personality and atmosphere, i don’t have an ideal type and it’s not limited to a girl”  Just for your asses to be commenting “I’m Yoongi’s wife”, i bet if one of y’all sickos could’ve thought about switching the heteronormativity in this “joke” at least once despite being a woman yourself and go for a “I’m Yoongi’s husband” that would’ve made him smile for the sole reason that it’s not the same bullshit he sees every single time. 

I remember a few days ago i came across a snippet from an SKZ live on tiktok, well it was originally Bangchan’s live and Han decided to join

The way they had fun with that question, the way they just answered it like it was just another monday, the way it didn’t feel annoying, the way it was an open door for them too to crack jokes with stays.. Lemme just tell you beforehand that stays are original and so far from what i noticed their comments are mostly fun they also like to mention memes in the comments to which, i believe usually it’s Bangchan, who actually let’s them know that he DID see this and that, that he did see some edits, etc.. It’s basically a whole conversation in the comments not the same lame ass jokes every single time. 

Mentioning other idols in the comments.. 

And for what? If said idol has NOTHING to do with the members, why even bring up their name? If it wasn’t part of some type of collab, some type of acknowledged outing, or something similar why are we even talking about someone else in the boys lives what are they? A directory service? Mentioning the collab with Charlie Puth to JK is OK, mentioning the collab with Psy to Yoongi is OK, mentioning the collab with Taeyang to Jimin is OK, mentioning the collab with So Yoon to Joon is OK, etc.. but randomly mentioning some idol unprovoked? 

I’m going back to a Bangchan live, the very recent one when he was asked if he saw how Jimin mentioned Felix in Pixid 

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The question didn’t come out of nowhere, they didn’t just ask him about Jimin and called it a day, they precisely mentioned the part where Jimin mentioned Felix who is Chris’s (Bangchan) fellow bandmate and friend, also can you just see how genuine Chris’s reaction is? The way he was so happy to talk about that, the way he was so excited, the way he was just like you and i. And we did end up getting Felix doing the “Like Crazy” challenge after all

“Speak English” 

Well no bitch how about YOU speak Korean for a change? YOU decided to stan a South Korean boy group and for all we know the official language in South Korea isn’t English, they don’t have to speak YOUR language or the language YOU best understand just to soothe your entitlement, if they do speak it from time to time it’s just out of generosity from them that they don’t even have to give to this shitty fandom.

It’s also the fact that they repeatedly keep on telling you that they don’t speak English or their English isn’t really good, that they don’t feel comfortable enough to speak English, but the comments keep on repeating the same bullshit order not even request, not only on every live but on the same live right after they say that they can’t speak English other comments pop up asking the same shit.

YOU go learn Korean, YOU go make the effort, they already make enough effort to give you high quality content, to stay in touch with a much undeserving fandom, to keep this fandom satisfied, you name it, so why on earth are we trying to burden them even more? 

“Do this and that if *ship* is real”

No comment really.. It’s like the whole “blink if you’re being held hostage”, why the fuck would anyone with a sane mind think it’s okay to ask any member to do some type of sign to hint at a non-existent romantic relationship and to make it worse it’s sometimes about some very unrealistic pairings too, people they barely even interact with if not at all. Y’all go read some aus or something if that’s all you ever want from the boys. 

Members could be talking about something serious, something touching, and the comments are basically just not caring about any of that more focused on getting their fantasy fulfilled. You should know that if the boys want to hint at something they don’t need a comment asking them to do it, if they’re trying to be cryptic or hint at anything it’ll spontaneously come from them, the same way JK decided HIMSELF to hint at “Letter”, it was his own decision, what HE wanted and if they want to hint at a relationship believe me you won’t even need to bother asking, they’ll be dropping the hints themselves and it’s up to attentive Army to notice. 

~

I love how through years Jin, Joon, Yoongi and Tae have set some boundaries with Army, it’s like.. They’re already so fed up with all the toxicity and the entitlement, on the other hand our 3J are just way too fucking kind for this damn fandom, despite all the crappy things this fandom does they still manage to make time for us, manage to interact with us, manage to play a bit with us, jokingly flirt with us, heck Hobi gave us a whole boyfriend pov during his live and i don’t know if Army are actually dense or.. But do they really think it’s meant in a serious way? That JK being flirtatious some times means he wants to hook up with Army? That Jimin being kind enough to reply to silly questions makes him easy enough? Do they seriously not notice how they just genuinely want to make those interactions more fun but Army make everything regrettable.

Gosh i feel like i had much more shit to say about this but i’m already exhausted enough with long posts and my brain isn’t braining. Can this fandom get any shittier? 

[mrs-monaghan]

Id Tae stans are the most toxic then JK stans are one of the dumbest people in the Fandom.

See Jimin stans are toxic, they do hate JK BUT you will see them streaming for Jimin even if they hate the person he's collaborating with. None of their egos or hatred comes above the love for him. I even saw some solos streaming take two just because Jimin asked to listen to it.

While JK solos ?

1. Boycotted Chakos, which JK was the Main character, just because there was some queer undertones to his character. Trended 'respect JK' just because his character maybe designed as gay. While you WON'T see Jimin solos mass tweeting/trending 'respect jimin' when fandom was making queer theories about his works

2. They were so fuckin unhappy about Charlie puth collab, spread they won't be streaming it but once they understood its making numbers they suddenly started dickriding Charlie oppa. While the whole Fandom was unhappy with Jimin collabing with taeyang or now Kodak but Jimim stans made it clear they doesn't care for anyone who's part of the song but they'll be supporting Jimin's works

3. They literally trended 'Jungkook hostage situation' when he took pic with Jay Park. And Jay Park reacted to it.. how fucking embarrassing?????

4. They trended 'free jungkook' because his group member hugged him ???? Where else you have heard these fuckery ? HAVE YOU EVER SEEN JIMIN STANS TRENDING THESE FUCK ASS HASHTAGS ? they'll rather trend sweet things for him that humiliating themselves on sm.

5. Now they are mass streaming L&R just because they want to outstream lisa. Let's be honest L&R and Dreamers made those numbers because of gp support too. Dreamers was a fucking WC song while L&R is a collab with a western artist. Comparing those numbers with Jimin's records are dumb af. Even if we compare Jimim is still making more numbers on equivalent days of L&R.

6.. Now they are so frustrated that JK may have a collab with Jimin. Somehow collab with Joon or JB is welcomed but not with Jimin. Too bad their fav want the person they hate the most to warm his dick. I bet if that collab comes to life they won't be streaming it even if it's part of his album... but see JM stans streaming it just because it's something Jimin worked for.

7. I wonder if they even love JK except the competitive part. They only stream, brag, vote IF there's a competition. Especially if it's Jimin or Lisa. If JK does something they don't like it's abandoned and they trend stupid hashtags as protest against him.

8. Even yesterday JK stans were exposed for cosplaying as Jimin stans hating JK. Imagine going that low, that you will stream for lisa and spread as if t Jimin stans are doing it, rather than wholeheartedly supporting your fav. They do this clownery every now and then.

9. Jimim is dominating SK spotify chart for days now. JK stans suddenly panicking and asking K JK solos to stream L&R there and outstream Jimin. As if Jimin is not beloved in SK. They only move their asses if there's a competition, not them army too. Even happy if it's one of BP members against the competition. After then they'll drop the song and then wonder why Jimin's streams are stable.

I saw one person saying they are streaming and voting or doing whatever in Jimin's name is not to brag infront of others or to beat someone's record, it's just because they love him and want to support him. They are continuously supporting FACE because they want to see him holding an award at this year end shows not because they want to beat Lisa's or JK's or whoever records.

I honestly dk what's wrong with V and JK solos. There's just something wrong with them that makes them really really dumb. Even the hyung line solos as nasty as they can be do their best to give numbers to their favs. But these V and JK garbage solos cannot prioritise what's important.

Saw yesterday Tkkrs pushing hard for V and JK best chemistry votes and apparently it was the final voting. Meanwhile I'm over here not even knowing this was a thing that was happening??? I voted Hyunjin just to be petty, of course. But still, shouldn't they be busy streaming Christmas Tree in June? Way more productive that some dumb pole about ships. So fucking useless. Busy being obsessed with Jimin when they should be working to get V the same records as Yoonminkook. Priorities assholes. Priorities

[roo-bastmoon]

Just thinking out loud...

Charlie Puth is rumored to be the surprise guest on the Angel Pt. 2 song with Jimin, and recently Jungkook sang a Charlie Puth song on his WeLive...

Now Charlie Puth will be in Seoul during Jimtober.

I am wondering if there will be some sort of mini-festival day with Jimin performing his solos and maybe some collabs? Just a thinky thought that came to me. I have no tea to spill or anything.

I just thought it would be lovely if Jimin would release the rest of his music and be able to perform (with others too, if he wants, regardless of how I might personally feel about them) for ARMY before going into service...

Wouldn't that be neat?

[bandzboy]

i think what happened to stray kids was terrible and so many people are being weird and gross about it...but...idk theres something about seeing certain stays make a ton of posts about what happened and how angry and upset they are, when those same people have said little to nothing about the genocide or protests or the pro-palestine protesters at the met gala or the fact that tommy hilfiger is a zionist!!! like idk if im overreacting but some people just seem to care more about racism and injustice when it affects their kpop favs and its making this whole situation leave a bad taste in my mouth.

bc why do some people get upset over stray kids experiencing racism and havent said shit about palestine.........like do they actually care about bigotry if its only when people theyre a fan of experiencing it? idk maybe im overthinking this but some of the discussion around this has made me feel weird

i mean i feel like that is valid to bring up too! this situation is god awful but it's fair to point out how some people have been reacting when we bring up like boycotting the song or the fact they are the face of this zionist brand currently and that is not okay! and i feel like we can talk about how this racism situation is bad while also talk about how them being dressed by th is bad and the charlie puth collab is bad and the genocide! like the picking and choosing is a bit weird

[jorjigirl]

I fangirl therefore I am

It’s been a few months, but I’m locked in as an atiny. Truthfully, I’m a staytiny but at this point I’m 80% tiny, 20% stay. Skz lost me with their Charlie Puth collab and I avoided their content as my own personal boycott which kinda damaged my love for them. I still love them but not as intensely. I didn’t even buy their latest album, only streamed it. It made me realise how fickle my fangirl heart can be and why comebacks are so relentless and fast-paced in order to keep fans’ attention. My loyalty wavered when I clocked out. I ordered skz merch in February and I still haven’t received it yet. by the time I get it, I’ll be like yeah whatever. It’s soooo silly! I spent a ridiculous amount of money too. This post is a downer as I really wanted to talk about Ateez and what I love about them but maybe that will happen in another post. For now, I’m reflecting on what it means to be a fan. How intensely you can feel and how easily that love that switch off. I’m not going to make any expensive purchases for official merch – I can do without. I can love a group in my own way. It feels like the world is collapsing and kpop is my own little bubble of happiness where I can be silly and fangirly. Ateez is my new place of safety - a refuge from a harsh, cruel world. If you're not fangirling over something are you even alive?

[taehyungfirst]

Random thought. Setting aside talent (which is undeniable), JK has had massive success in America not just because he's got the serious company promotion behind him, but because he's also had massive collaborations with American artists. Charlie Puth will be talking about JK to the grave. He's got the industry heavyweights, the newer, buzzier artists, and legends. It's crazy when you think about how much he has done in just his solo efforts.

It makes the fact that Tae is selling units, winning awards, and getting the critical and public recognition that he is just that much more significant. That being said, I'd still love to see him get a big name collab (and I think he will).

Maybe this is gonna be controversial, but I don’t think Charlie Puth is THAT influential 😭 I think he’s the one hit wonder that we see in western industries all the time, but he doesn’t have a fanbase like other artists. Also the collabs are part of the push, so there’s that too.

I’d love Tae to get the collab with Lady Gaga and Jon Batiste but who knows when another Tae collab will see the light.

[findroleplay]

Pretty long shot, but I'm 25+ looking for some RPF, and specifically to pair Jungkook up with one of the male artists he has collaborated with (Charlie Puth, Jack Harlow, The KID LAROI). Looking for something smutty, but with a multi-para/semi-lit style. Maybe something happening during recording, or while shooting the music videos for the collab songs? If interested, give a like and we can talk!

-

[whysojiminimnida]

Our Jungkookie has more new ink:

Oh, and a Beat Fingers drum pad case… because flying to LA for that likely collab he didn’t get to do last time…

Oh and also he saw Pink Sweats at the Seoul Jazz Festival…

Where he met a few fans and signed some autographs…

And caused a bit of a hubbub on the bird app apparently…

Jiminie’s man has been busy.

And here’s me still without HD full shots of this sun or sunflower looking piece.

I’m gonna be needing a certain hwanggeum maknae to wear, like, tank tops in DC.

[stormblessed95]

Hi Storm! Welcome back from your vacay.

TKKrs going crazy lately because Tae has been including JK in his IG stories. They of course see it as a “sign”. I don’t know what Tae was thinking when he posted but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that. But I had a thought, maybe he was doing it as a way to hype up JK because JK’s collab with Charlie Puth is coming out this week. You know, like promoting JK as a solo artist. And then who does he post today, Hobi, the next member who has solo activities up. What do you think?

Thanks,

J

Hi J 🥰 starting this by saying my irritation is not with you, but everyone who I've seen over the past few months lose their minds over this. Lol so if that comes out in this post, please know its not directed at YOU specifically 🥰

I think this is an incredible beautiful photo of a beautiful man in front of a beautiful arch during an important memory for the 7 of them, taken by a talented photographer who has an eye for that sort of stuff. And i think people need to STOP microanalyzing every single thing these guys do. And to especially please stop being so hyper sensitive to taekook. Because my god, did the times when Tae posted mostly to weverse and his photos were a third himself and the members, a third Tannie and a third Jimin freak people out this bad? Or did everyone coo over vmin being cute. Because if this is making you lose your mind but the vmin weverse spam doesn't, that's an issue. I mean, it's an issue either way, but it's a big issue you need to work through about your issues with taekook specially if it's just them causing you issues. A few examples.

Not to mention he also just posted a VIDEO of Hobi on his Instagram Stories. And not a single mention from jikookers? Or anyone else? No one gives AF as long as its not JK on Taes insta? Literally WHY is that?

Or how he posted Hobi all over his stories when they went to Hawaii together on vacation a few months ago with their families. Including a photo of them in a pool in the middle of the night in the rain with the biggest smiles. And a sweet caption AND he tagged Hobi there too and himself lol

Or he also just posted Wooshik to his stories. And tagged him as well. No one notices that or cares about that? Or again. Only matters when it's JK? What's the difference between JKs photo and all these other ones. Someone please tell me. Because I'm not seeing one.

And it's not like Jimin is absent from Taes social media account either on Instagram. Tae took a cropped photo of vmin looking at each other from behind during the esquire shoot.

As for your question about if Tae is posting the members in order to promote them for their solo activities, who knows. I don't personally think so. I think he is just posting things as he wants to post them. I'd think if he was promoting JKs collab, it'd be more clear. Same with Hobi. Both posts had to do with things rhey did as BTS. Performing on stage most recently and their most recent MV filming. And I don't think he is posting with Wooshik to promote their ITS Wooga Squad episodes coming up either. I think he is just out with or recently went out with him and wanted to share. I REALLY don't see the need to over think these things and I really wish people would chill the heck out about it all and just appreciate the photos we are being given. Lol again though, who knows. I'm not Tae, I don't know his thought process. I'm just here for the ride and enjoying how often he is sharing pieces of his camera roll with us 😍😍

Thanks for the ask, sorry for the rant. Lol Hope you all have a good day 💜💜💜

[kanmom51]

Hello, there! Before I get to my ask, I just wanted to quickly mention that I love your blog and I hope you’re having a great day…now, I’m freaking out because it’s all happening! The tannies are on their way to Las Vegas (sans Hobi, for now, but I’m sure he’ll get there soon!). That means Jimin’s OST is coming REALLY soon and maybe new music? Their comeback might also be looming, perhaps? Anyway…What do you think about JK leaving a few hours before the rest of the members? This might be no more than what was said to the media - that he’s gotta prep some stuff for the grammy’s - but if it’s not then what are we thinking? A solo? Mixtape-related work? A collaboration? Or maybe a health precaution given that he’s the only member who hasn’t had covid (and I hope he stays that way🤞☘️) and he’s really only gonna be in the US for a few hours more than the rest of the boys (apart from hobi…I really hope he’s feeling well and that he’ll be able to joint them soon💕). Any thoughts? Okay, bye, and thank you👋😊

Hey there. Thanks for the kind words.💜

So we had BTS minus 2 flying out to the US.

One, JK, flying up ahead of the others (we are talking about hours in advance, not likely more than that, although we don't know for sure), and the other (poor Hobi) awaiting a health clearance to be able to fly out to join the others.

Funny thing how no one knew JK was leaving, how the media were notified about the band leaving (exact timetable), and only a couple of hours prior to them showing up at the airport the media were told that JK already left "earlier" (that was the term used, so we don't know exactly when).

The big mystery is why did JK fly out ahead. And aren't we all scrambling around on that one, lol.

I've heard the health theory, him flying out ahead being the last one not to catch covid, but thing is, wouldn't they have sent him to the US days ahead? I am kind of assuming that "earlier" isn't actually "last week".

Anything else other than that is fair game. Could be something related to the Grammy's. Could be something to do with a collab (Grammy or other). Could be something to do with his mix tape.

But let's think a second. Out of the lot of those theories, which one would be the logical one given we are talking about only slightly earlier than the others (I'm running on an assumption that "earlier" doesn't mean days ahead)?

Let's also take into consideration that the formal explanation is:

"It is known that he boarded the plane early with some of the staff because there was something to check first to prepare for the awards ceremony."

I'd say that the safest bet would be that it does have something to do with the Grammy's performance. Could there be a collab performance style the Charlie Puth one in MAMA? If so, who with?

In any case every single theory is pure speculation with zero information, so I guess we will all have to wait patiently and maybe see what it's all about.

[gunsatthaphan]

I see you reblogging bts posts once in a while, are you an army? cause me too~ can I ask you when did you turn an army if you don’t mind?

P.s: More and Jack in the box are coming 1 & 15 July and hoseok is k*lling that horror concept. I feel like this is his rock era. It’s a new and different side of him. complete opposite of hope world. I’m excited :)

Sorry for the rant😅🫠

hi anon!!!

yes I am!!! maybe not as hardcore as some other people on here lmao but I am a big fan!! 🥺

I first started noticing them back in 2017 I think but I would say I became a legit fan in 2018 ish.

the jack in the box and more concepts have me shook lol it looks so good 😭 I’m just generally so stoked for their solo projects!!! everything that I’ve seen so far has been amazing. Also the Charlie Puth/JK collab slaps so hard lol.

This might be an unpopular opinion but I’m kind of glad that they’re taking a break. I think they need to work by themselves for a while. And I’m super excited 🥺

xxx

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

It never fails to amaze me how some Jungkook stans see him as someone he so clearly isn't. Your anon claiming he's done being some introvert killed me. The man went camping BY HIMSELF. He's so introverted he went to the wilderness without friends 💀. Introverts love traveling alone, btw. So going to NYC is no big deal. Is it cool he was able to so some work without needing members around? Absolutely. But his personality hasn't changed.

He still gonna act basic with Jimin. Like all the people making proclamations ding dong the witch is dead over jikook are gonna look stupid next time they bite and hickey each other late at night 'cause that's what good friends do 🌝

That anon perhaps thought that knowing a collab with Puth was in the works, managed to change Jungkook's entire personality. He is now a #girlboss who don't need hickeys from his friend. Maybe Charlie will give them to him cause that's what friendship is for. I hope Puth won't ever cry cause the moment it happens, Jungkookie is ghosting the man. No negativity in his life, just #goodvibes.

[bisexualhobi]

Re: jk/j.park collab. (I’m the first anon) I don’t care what he will sing about as long as it’s not so straightforward and cheap as in j.park’s song or the song you posted! Maybe something like ‘all I wanna do’ or ‘BTBT’! Although I think hybe won’t let bts be too explicit, just some f word here and there, because they still have to keep up with bts image. I doubt busan’s local government would like their expo ambassadors singing about good pussy or fat ass. Also, I’m worried that if jk writes the lyrics it’s gonna be on the same level as the one you posted :( and about the musicality of bts. I agree with you! Rap line are really good musicians. Maybe some of them aren’t made to be idols (rm and yoongi - who didn’t want to be an idol in the first place) ) but all of them are great artists, rappers, song writers and producers. The vocal line are lost cause. I know jk joined bts because he wanted to be musician and he has potential but I feel like he doesn’t do much with it. I’m on JK’s stan twitter and I’ve seen that people started wondering what jk really has to offer because he has two solo songs (beside songs in bts) and I don’t even know if he knows in what direction he wants to go so I hope that he has someone who looks after him and the whole process. If not then we will get cheap version justin Bieber/Charlie puth or jay park and songs that sound like pop/disney channel mashup… awful! If he wants to be great/phenomenal/legendary, he has to work for it, practice and improve! I’m blaming it all on him being a Virgo sun with Leo moon lmao

hgdkdhdkfk don't worry I doubt hybe would ever let him sing that explicitly but yeah as long as it's a chill sultry r&b bop I think he'll be fine. I think he will really gun for that r&b style which he dabbled in with my time.

also yeah I think out of vocal line jungkook has the best musicality (he records their vocal guides for a reason) and if there's someone to take care of him and guide him I think he could tap into better songwriting skills! i am genuinely excited for his solo the most after hoseok because I think with good direction he could be great even if his vocals are not the best. all we need as you say is for him to steer clear of justin biebers and charlie puths of the world

[bandzboy]

idk if this is what youre implying or not but i do feel like it is entirely possible that theyre going to the met gala to distract from all the zionist stuff with jype...like skz fans will absolutely be excited seeing them there and unfortunately that could overshadow everything shitty at that company...at least for a short period of time. and idk which brand theyre partnering with ( i havent been keeping up with kpop stuff) but they could also be going there to network and talk about it with other celebrities maybe??? so that also helps them gain support

i mean it can also be possible atp i am not excluding any possibility and i mean that stupid song with charlie puth is coming out this week too and it's kinda a good distraction so nobody talks about how there's this collab with a zionists singer and a zionist israhelli producer and just yeah mess mess MESS

[roo-bastmoon]

Jungkook is a very sweet person, he's kind and really sweet but I think that the group, the members and him being the youngest may have clouded his judgement on some things. He's very protected, I always thought bangtan babied him a lot (in a positive way, I don't mean it negatively) and they shower him with attention and praise at everything he does, Jimin especially so I feel like the possibility of going solo may have put in him in a different kind of mentality where his career means more than a lot of other things. Ever since they got instagrams I've felt he has been showing himself very differently, with all the flirting and stuff with fans. Particularly I don't think it's odd that he didn't comment on jimin being sick, because that's just not how he is. He usually doesn't get online to comment on other members actions (although funnily enough he was the only one to congratulate hobi on lollapalooza), what I think it's odd is how he's changing the way he presents himself, maybe odd is not the word per se but it's interesting to watch it happen. All of this to say it seems like his priorities are different now, I would have never in my life expected jungkook to go to a festival, that man hated going outside but here we are, and he was alone. Meeting with Jay Park, that's so weird to me too. But, I guess he's taking steps on his career and his public image.

Okay you're also raising good points to consider. JK is growing up and finding himself. I love that sweet kid who crushed on my bias and adored all his hyungs with a full heart. But he's also a bit of a brat and a rogue. If he wants tattoos, doesn't matter if it's taboo. If he wants to collab with Jay Park or Charlie Puth and everyone around his like "ummm?" doesn't matter. I have to realize that him getting Jimin a birthday present once was the OUTLIER not the new norm. That he just doesn't demonstrate his inner landscape much or do much emotional labor. Like, he clearly loves the hell out of Yoongi's That That. But it's like he's never heard of With You in his life. How much to read into that? Maybe not at all. Sometimes I think JK thinks very very carefully about everything. Other times I think he just suits himself without much thought. He's definitely repositioning himself in this transition. Gone are the random insta stories and Q&As with fans. Now it's a carefully curated, polished aesthetic. Gone are the declarations of affection for Jimin and all things Jimin-related. Now it's pleasant on-camera interaction and intense moments on stage. I think JK's set his sights on breaking into the West. No easy feat, considering the way the American music industry is hostile to any threats to its chokehold on the global market. But if anyone can do it, it's him. Jimin however... I think Jimin would be content to stay in Korea and collaborate with artists from all over the world from time to time. Maybe the distance we're seeing isn't because they don't like each other any more, but the both want different things. I just sit here in my own brain wondering how anyone can NOT be in love with Park Jimin? Like, how you gonna do better, JK? ;-) But everyone needs room to grow up before they can truly grow together, right?

[jazsplaylist]

JANUARY FAVORITES

A little overdue, like most of my habits are, but here’s a little collection of my favorite music from January!

FAVORITE SINGLES (in no particular order)

1. Head On Fire - Sigrid & Griff

Even though I haven’t listened much to Griff before, I can recognize that this is a strong pop collab that had the potential to be extraordinary and was. “Head On Fire” is a harmonious mix between Sigrid’s and Griff’s signature sounds, and it manages to capture both something that sounds new yet timeless, as if it was released decades ago. It successfully caters to both their strengths, and made me want to listen to Griff more than I have before. 

2. Payback (feat. Knucks) - Kojey Radical

I’ve never listened to either of these guys before I came across this on a New Music Friday. The new music playlists that Friday was extremely hip-hop heavy, and most of what I went through felt extremely uninspired to me, so I was ready to give up when this started playing halfway through the list. As someone who has only really listened to hip-hop semi-actively for five years, I’m more drawn to catchy hooks and beats with something unique and something “extra”. While most mainstream hip-hop does have that to some extent, a lot can end up being very uniform and repetitive, which is why I really appreciate it when something catches my ear in a way that other songs don’t. This song is funky, catchy and it was nice to hear a new, different voice. I definitely will be checking out both Kojey and Knucks more after this.

3. all my ghosts - Lizzy McAlpine

I’m surprised that this is a song I deem worth mentioning, because it balances on the line of being too indie for my taste. It’s not like I don’t like indie music, I just often find it wildly uninteresting, and I am after all, more of a pop girl. I do, however, really enjoy both the production and the melody of this song. It’s repetitive enough that it sticks to my brain, and the way the song is built up makes it interesting enough to keep my attention. Lizzy also has an amazing, soothing voice.

4. How Long - Tove Lo

Charlie Puth outsold. Tove Lo rarely ever misses, and this hits just the spot. The BLUE LIPS (2017) sound fits the vibe of Euphoria so well, so it feels just right that she delved into that era to make this song for the show. I also have a weak spot for sad, emotional songs with an upbeat production. You know, the whole crying on the dance floor vibe? The lyrics fit a prominent storyline of the season well, the melody is so deeply melancholic and addicting, but you also just have to vibe to it because of the production? Perfection from Tove Lo, once again.

5. I’ll Never Not Love You - Michael Bublé

Is this as good of as a song as the others I’ve mentioned? No. Is it one of Michael Bublé’s better songs? Hm, maybe. Maybe not. Will I still mention it just because it’s Michael Bublé? Yes. It’s cheesy and it follows a pretty simple formula. But slap his voice on anything and I will worship it. I’m a simple girl - I see Michael Bublé, I like.

Honorable mentions: Next To Normal - Lucius (for fans of Jessie Ware, Tame Impala) / Night Call - Years & Years / Fallen Angel - Bernhoft / Tusen Tårer RifMix - Arif

FAVORITE ALBUMS: (in no particular order)

1. Dawn FM - The Weeknd

I, along with the rest of the world, have been obsessed with the sound that he brought with After Hours (2020) and honestly? I think he did it better this time around. After following the internet’s opinion on it, it seems like liking Dawn FM more than After Hours is an unpopular opinion, but I stand by it. The latter didn’t particularly stick with me, and while I highly appreciate the singles that came out of it, I didn’t care for the deep cuts, and therefore didn’t care much for the album. I have yet to revisit it since Dawn FM, and I realize that I probably have to, because I’m almost sure I’ll end up liking it a lot more because of this. Anyway. I love the transitions in this album, I love the entire run from the first track all the way to “Best Friends”, I love the radio theme and I love that it dives into that 80s and early 90s sound. I find the second half of the album a lot weaker, although “Less Than Zero” is a solid track and worthy of a single status. I have a feeling this is an album that will be hard to beat for the Album of the Year title.

Favorite tracks: How Do I Make You Love Me, Take My Breath, Sacrifice, Best Friends, Gasoline, Out of Time

2. Are We Gonna Be Alright? - Fickle Friends

I only knew of one of their songs before I listened to this album, but I was glad to find out that the rest of the songs had a similar vibe. The song I’m talking about is “Pretty Great”, a song I think was on my Discover Weekly sometime in 2020. I didn’t realize that it took them two whole years to make an album and still put this song on it, but I’m glad they did. If you like energetic, electric indie pop with a lot of electric guitar, then this is a treat for you. It has something for fans of dance-y, disco-y tracks, rock-oriented songs and indie vibe-y songs. I’m sorry that my vocabulary is so lacking that I have to add a -y to every word, but that’s just how it is. 

Favorite tracks: Glow, Pretty Great, Love You To Death, Write Me A Song

3. Fix Yourself, Not The World - The Wombats

I went into this album not expecting to really like it, mostly because I had never listened to a Wombats album before in my life. But the energetic kicker of an opening song, “Flip Me Upside Down”, hit me so hard that I became very excited going into this. Was only slightly disappointed when the rest of the album wasn’t as good as that song, but it made for a new, exciting addition to my music library. It’s not the kind of music I normally would go for, but there’s something about their energy that made this album the exception. Unfortunately, I can’t compare it to their other music as I’m not familiar with it, but if their discography is as fun as this one, I think I can call myself a fan.

Favorite tracks: Flip Me Upside Down, If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You, Method To The Madness, Wildfire

Honorable mention: 25 - D’Sound, a total vibe for funky soul lovers with a lot of exciting features like Macy Gray and Shontelle! The lyricism is a weak point on this album, though.

FAVORITE DISCOVERIES: (in no particular order)

Also known as: I’m stupid enough to have slept on these or was just a little too late finding out about these.

1. In The Meantime - Alessia Cara

I didn’t know Alessia Cara released an album in 2021. And I also just realized I still have her previous album in my “to-listen” list, and that came out in 2018... I was surprised how solid this album was, and I was kind of upset that I didn’t know about it until last month! Underrated artist, underrated album.

Favorite tracks: Bluebird, Lie To Me, Somebody Else

2. Raketter - TØFL

This could actually qualify to be under “favorite singles” because it was released the last week of December, so it’s not like I could include it on a December list even if I tried. Still. I don’t have a lot of success paying attention or even liking Norwegian bands, but TØFL easily became my favorite Norwegian band/group the moment I heard them. It’s even better that they’re from the same area as me, therefore sharing my dialect, which means I can sing along to their songs exactly how I talk. If you speak a language with widely different dialects, you’ll understand what a struggle this can be. Their music is so funny (yes, funny), energetic and just feel-good. It’s silly, but not goofy in a way that makes it parodic. This song is no exception of this description. They also manage to be so silly with their lyrics, yet they’re always so honest and authentic. While this particular song isn’t silly, the vibe of the production is so playful that you don’t realize that the song isn’t particularly positive at all. A few of their songs are like that, actually. 

3. Stand Up - Tierra Whack

Another December track that was completely off my radar until recently. It’s so simple and effective, and I love her flow and energy in this. Tierra Whack has been on my radar for quite a while - I keep seeing her name, and I keep thinking that I’ll check her out but somehow I never do. This song finally catching my attention is just what I need to keep my eyes and ears open.

4. MUST BE - Lou Phelps

I’m always looking for funky and groovy tracks, and I came across this when I randomly decided to listen to my Spotify-curated “Funk Mix”. I actually added this to my playlist just because I thought he said “Oslo” in this song, although in hindsight it made no sense for the song overall. Luckily, I ended up listening to this song a lot anyway, so it was worth it!

5. run away - MIXIE

A cute little bop that seems to be growing - it had 10k streams when I first found it and is at 76k right now. As this appeared on my Discover Weekly, and this is the only song by this artist on Spotify, I have absolutely no idea who they are and what the story is. But judging by this song, they have a lot of potential, and I hope there’ll be more releases soon!