Why Does BTS’s 'Life Goes On' Sound So Familiar?

Have you ever heard a song and thought, 'This sounds so familiar, but I just can’t place it'? BTS’s latest hit, 'Life Goes On', is a prime example of a track that evokes a sense of recognition. But why does it feel so reminiscent of other songs you’ve heard before? Let’s dive deeper into the melodic structure, lyrical themes, production style, and influence of other artists on this pop sensation.

Melodic Structure

The song’s melodic structure is deceptively simple and repetitive, which is a common characteristic of pop music. This formula can quickly make listeners feel at home, almost as if they’ve heard the same melody countless times before. The simplicity and familiarity of the melody play a crucial role in drawing in the listener and making the song pleasant to the ear.

Lyrical Themes

The themes of resilience and hope in 'Life Goes On' are universally relatable. These are sentiments that many artists across various genres explore, ’s top hits to country ballads. The song’s message of perseverance through difficult times resonates with listeners on a deep level, making it feel like something they have heard before. This relatability is a key factor in its widespread popularity.

Production Style

The production of 'Life Goes On' features soft instrumentation and a laid-back vibe, reminiscent of contemporary pop and indie tracks. This style is versatile and can blend seamlessly into various playlists. The gentle melodies and relaxed ambiance make it feel like a track that would fit in anywhere, from background music to concert favorites. The laid-back production style is a clear nod to the current trend of easy-listening pop, which can make the song feel familiar to listeners who are already fans of similar sounds.

Influence of Other Artists

More than just the song itself, the production and musical style of 'Life Goes On' reflect the influence of various artists and genres. BTS is known for blending elements from different musical styles, often drawing inspiration from genres as diverse as K-pop, hip-hop, and even EDM.

Take the track's Trap/RB beat as an example. Little did you know that to achieve this sound, BTS may have drawn inspiration from American RB and hip-hop artists. This mix of genres is a common BTS move, such as in their song 'Magic Shop', where they incorporated future bass EDM beats with trap elements. By incorporating these diverse influences, BTS is able to create a unique sound that still feels familiar to music lovers worldwide.

Context of Recent Music Trends

While 'Life Goes On' may sound familiar, it’s important to understand that this sense of recognition is somewhat common in today’s music. In the era of digital music distribution and advanced music-making technology, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to create something utterly new and original. Since the turn of the millennium, we’ve seen a revolution in the way music is distributed, with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music allowing artists to reach global audiences. However, the actual sounds and techniques available to musicians haven’t changed significantly since the early 21st century.

By 2000, with the advent of computer-based music production, artists could generate nearly any sound they desired. This means that any music created in the current era is likely to have a 'retro' quality to some extent, evoking memories of earlier musical styles. For instance, BTS’s previous hit 'Dynamite' even has hints of 1970s disco, showing that even contemporary pop can delve into classic influences.

In conclusion, 'Life Goes On' by BTS sounds familiar because of its melodic structure, relatable lyrical themes, production style, and the way it blends different musical influences. This is not just a coincidence, but a testament to the impact of recent music trends and the enduring power of familiar sounds in pop music. If you have specific songs in mind that 'Life Goes On' reminds you of, let’s dive even deeper into those similarities!