We all know that “the English trilogy” songs are super divisive songs both within and outside of ARMY spaces. With Arirang, BTS has a new trio of fully English songs which I’m dubbing the new English trilogy.
Purely based on the songs (you can include the MVs as part of the package), how would you rank them?
Please no snark comments about the members, ARMY, etc. There’s plenty of threads for that already. I’m asking about opinions on the MUSIC itself from those who’ve actually listened to all 6 songs.
OG English Trilogy
Dynamite – Released August 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdZLi9oWNZg
Composition & Lyrics: Jessica Agombar, David Stewart
Butter – Released May 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMweEpGlu_U
Composition & Lyrics: Jenna Andrews, Rob Grimaldi, Stephen Kirk, RM, Alex Bilowitz, Sebastian Garcia, Ron Perry
Permission to Dance – Released July 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuklIb9d3fI
Composition & Lyrics: Jenna Andrews, Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac, Ed Sheeran
New English Trilogy
SWIM – Released March 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4iVv91Z6lY
Composition & Lyrics: James Essien, Tyler Spry, Pdogg, Sean Foreman, Jamison Baken, Ryan Tedder, RM, Kirsten Allyssa Spencer, Derrick Milano,
NORMAL – Released March 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEk4jHwfFTA
Composition & Lyrics: Ryan Tedder, Sean Cook, Pdogg, Sean Foreman, Livvi Franc, RM, J-Hope, Suga, Kirsten Allyssa Spencer, Derrick Milano
Like Animals – Released March 2026
Composition & Lyrics: Toby Daintree, Kevin White, Pdogg, Thomas Wesley Pentz, Artemas Diamandis, Beau Nox, Jesse Fink, RM, Kirsten Allyssa Spencer
My personal rankings:
Like Animals – It’s a 10/10 for me. The howling, The lyrics. The ad libs. The bridge. The guitar solo. There’s nothing about it I don’t like and it’s probably one of my favorites in their entire discography. It’s a shame there’s no MV.
SWIM – I already know this opinion will be controversial but I actually like the song. I don’t LOVE it, but I don’t really have any flaws with it either. I think people wouldn’t be so harsh on it if it was a random B side instead of the title track. The vocal layering is really nice and Jin sounds so angelic closing it out. I’m meh on the video though.
Dynamite – Yes, some of the lyrics are nonsense but I can’t help but smile when it comes on. Sometimes I just want something silly and upbeat. The MV is fun and that last key change will forever be chef’s kiss.
Butter – The MV elevates the song a lot which is why I prefer watching it to listening to the song alone. The dance break is great. I do also like the Megan Thee Stallion remix with the 3J dance.
NORMAL – I like the message and the lyrics in Jimin’s verse especially, but the beat is a bit too monotonous for me. I’d probably rank it above or on par with Butter if I’m only listening though.
Permission to Dance – One of my least favorite BTS songs period. It just feels way too corny for them and they don’t even like it. JK’s “like we’re dancing fools” ad lib / riff in the last few seconds and the use of sign language are redeeming qualities but I just cringe if this ever comes on.
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