Jungkook, Golden review: BTS heartthrob is part Ronan Keating, part Craig David – and it’s a triumph

BTS were among the first K-Pop bands to become a global phenomenon. Naturally, then, the solo debut by their rapper and vocalist (and at 26, youngest member) Jeon Jung-kook is hugely anticipated by the “Army” – as the group’s fanbase styles itself – and he isn’t afraid to go charging into action. There is a lot going on across Golden’s 11 tracks – though sometimes you wonder if Jungkook isn’t too open-minded with his influences.

He borrows from everywhere, drawing on the trendy genres of hyperpop and reggaeton and the less trendy genres of Jamiroquai-style cod funk and late 1990s boyband pop. Jungkook may be the first 21st-century streaming juggernaut to display a more than passing familiarity with the oeuvre of Ronan Keating.

The biggest surprise is mega-hit “Seven”. It has smashed records by overtaking Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” to become the fastest release in history to clock up one billion Spotify plays. Popularity aside, its most striking quality, however, is the extent to which it worships at the altar of Craig David‘s “7 Days”.

“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” sings Jungkook in his light, expressive voice. Then, when you think he’s going to croon, “we chill on Sunday”, he swerves into a chorus so rude, sensitive listeners will require a lie-down.

Jungkook displays lashings of charisma and ambition (Photo: Jordan Shepley)

“Seven” features high up in the track listing, alongside single “3D”. The latter includes a guest rap from professional bad-boy Jack Harlow. But it is primarily notable for sounding like a mash-up of Boyzone and Backstreet Boys.

These songs suggest Jungkook’s solo career will be big on recycled ideas and NSFW lyrics. Happily, that impression proves misleading. Golden traces the arc of a romance from infatuation to heartache. As the mood darkens, the tunes improve. “Yes or No” is a whip-smart acoustic team-up with Ed Sheeran while “Please Don’t Change” and “Somebody” are remorseless R&B boppers showcasing the singer’s propulsive vocal style.

In the BTS power-rankings Junkgook is more Liam Payne than Harry Styles. Breaking free of a boyband can be difficult, especially when you’re not the lead singer (BTS are on hiatus while its older members complete their military service).

But BTS’s junior heartthrob displays lashings of charisma and ambition on his debut. Stay with it and Golden’s brighter qualities come shining through.