With release after release, BTS members have shown their individuality apart from the group. Following Jimin’s solo debut, the next member in line for a solo debut is Suga or better known as Agust D. This solo debut doesn’t come as a new concept to ARMYs as Agust D has been an established persona of Suga’s since his self-titled mixtape ‘AGUST D’ in 2016. ‘D-Day’ is the third and final installment of the Agust D trilogy, following D-2 in 2020. While Suga has plenty of studio albums under his belt, ‘D-Day’ is Agust D’s first studio album. With ‘D-Day’ being the biggest Agust D release to date, passion and dedication travel through this album from the first track to the last.
‘D-Day’ begins with Agust D’s signature Hip-Hop sound on the track “D-Day.” Armed with an electric guitar, a trap drum kit, and a microphone, he created the perfect song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. “D-Day” may be a hard-hitting hip-hop track, but if we look deeper, we realize that it’s a song that shares an optimistic message as he reminds us in the chorus that “the furture’s gonna be ok.”More than just an introduction to the album, “D-Day” is Agust D’s introduction to the rest of the world.
Following “D-Day,” we take a firey turn with the intense, bass-heavy track “Haegeum.” “Haegeum,” meaning to unlock something that was once forbidden, Agust D unleashes a rebellious sound with the blend of trap beats and traditional Korean instruments. Agust D’s effortless flow shines in “Haeguem” as he seamlessly switches up his rhythms and cadences throughout the song. We see in the music video, once again, Agust D is fighting Suga. Similarly to”Daechwita,” we see the more powerful and cutthroat Agust D fighting with the protagonist Agust D. Our protagonist confronts the evil Agust D’s gang and provokes them until the situation escalates to an attempted execution. “Haegeum” is a cinematic rollercoaster as the identities of these characters, both played by Suga, clash intensely, keeping listeners engaged until the shocking ending.
Numerous guests joined Agust D in this project. Teaming up with fellow BTS member, J-Hope, they skillfully constructed a track incorporating sounds from the drill genre, showing their artistic ability to adapt to any sound and genre thrown their way. Another familiar name on this album is IU, who teamed up with Suga for a second time after their first collaboration, “Eight.” IU provided her signature airy, dreamy vocals for the chorus of “People pt.2,” a mid-tempo groovy R&B-laced track. Famous Japanese composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto, appears posthumously in the song “Snooze,” along with The Rose’s Woosung. Woosung’s unique raspy vocals provide an extra layer of depth and emotion to the chorus. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s brilliant expertise in music adds an artistic element to the track that perfectly complements its emotional depth.
Agust D uses ‘D-Day’ to open up about his life, struggles, and the future. In the track “AMYGDALA” we follow him throughout the years as he opens up about the hardships endured throughout his life. We learn about his mother’s heart surgery and father’s liver cancer diagnosis while we revisit the shoulder injury he acquired in 2012, a year before debuting in BTS. Even after all of the hardships, at the end of the second verse, he still holds his optimism as he tells listeners, “The never-ending trials weren’t able to kill me, and I bloom a lotus flower again.”
‘D-Day’ gives us a more profound introduction to not only Agust D but Min Yoongi as well. As he poured his heart into this ten-track album, we hear what his music means to him. The album is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his willingness to put his heart and soul into his music.
What ‘D-Day’ song is your favorite? Lets us know on our Twitter and Instagram! Don’t forget to show Suga love on his Instagram!
