Solo work of Kim Taehyung, better known as V of BTS, has been well-received. Billboard has unveiled their ‘The 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2023,’ a ranking of albums that embody “greater visions and conceptual narratives.” ‘Layover,’ Taehyung’s debut EP, garnered the runner-up spot as he skillfully presented listeners to a world he had created, influenced by music and visuals that spoke to him.
.@billboard Best K-pop albums of 2023:
1. ‘Circle’ by ONEW
2. ‘Layover’ by V
3. ‘OO-LI’ by WOODZ
4. ‘MY WORLD’ by aespa
5. ‘The World EP.Fin : Will’ by ATEEZ
6. ‘FML’ by SEVENTEEN
7. ‘I feel’ by (G)I-DLE
8. ‘D-DAY’ by Agust D
9. ‘5-STAR’ by Stray Kids
10. ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ by… pic.twitter.com/YJhUPOCMJL— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) December 30, 2023
According to Billboard’s review of ‘Layover,’ Taehyung is an old soul who mixes his love of jazz, lo-fi, and R&B to make an immersive listening experience that is very different from BTS’s albums. They also brought attention to Taehyung’s daring and endearing dedication to his musical vision, as shown in choices like the unorthodox flute solo in ‘Slow Dancing.’
Taehyung’s art world was further immersed by the music videos that accompanied each song. The record art as a whole looked better because of the vintage touches. Not only that, but prominent music journals such as Rolling Stone, TimeOut, and Consequence of Sound have praised ‘Layover’ and its tunes, considering them among the top albums and songs of 2023. Fans are also excited about BTS V’s collaboration with Compose Coffee.
