BTS names top 5 songs new fans should listen to from their discography

Since their debut in 2013, BTS has released five studio albums, seven mini albums, and one anthology album, and that's not counting the songs they never put out on official digital platforms.

It can get overwhelming for new fans, and given that their albums tend to be part of larger storylines, it's understandable to not know where to start.

To guide those who are just getting into BTS, the seven members themselves shared their own picks during their interview on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Thursday.

Here are some of the songs they mentioned:

1. "Swim" (2025)

Right off the bat, Suga recommended their newest single, "Swim," from their latest album "Arirang."

The track carries a message of perseverance and survival, encouraging listeners to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming.

“We feel that life has struggles that we overcome every day. People feel different weights and tides in life. But nevertheless, we need to keep swimming and move forward. This is just about the love for life itself,” J-Hope explained.

2. "Mic Drop" (2018)

RM’s pick, “Mic Drop,” is a defiant anthem that addresses the group's rise to success despite socioeconomic barriers and the unfair treatment they faced while coming from a small entertainment agency. The song celebrates their global achievements and numerous trophies while serving as a final goodbye to critics who previously predicted their failure.

“Mic Drop” is the seventh track for their fifth mini album “Love Yourself: Her.” It has a popular remix by Steve Aoiki.

3. "Mikrokosmos" (2019)

V chose “Mikrokosmos,” from “Map of the Soul: Persona,” a warm, reflective track that celebrates individual lives as shining little galaxies.

It presents the idea that every individual is a precious star that exists as a unique world within the larger cosmos. The song celebrates human diversity by emphasizing that all seven billion people shine in their own way and are inherently valuable just for who they are.

4. "Spring Day" (2017)

Jimin included their classic hit, “Spring Day,” from “You Never Walk Alone,” which is an emotional song about longing, loss, and the hope for reunion, symbolizing the transition from the “winter” of grief to the “spring” of healing.

The song has a Japanese version featured in their seventh Japanese single "Blood Sweat & Tears" and in their third Japanese studio album “Face Yourself.”

5. "Dynamite" (2020)

Also selected by Jimin, “Dynamite” from “Be” is BTS’ all-English disco-pop hit that became a global smash.

The upbeat track was released during a difficult time worldwide, aiming to uplift listeners with its bright energy and feel-good message. It's the track that earned them their first Grammy nomination.

6. "Cypher" (2013, 2014, 2016)

V later added “Cypher,” referring to BTS’ rap-line series spread across multiple eras and albums, which he has always been personally enthusiastic about. The tracks showcase raw rap skills, lyrical dominance, and the members’ evolution as hip-hop artists, often delivering sharp commentary and self-assertion.

"BTS Cypher Pt. 1" is part of their first mini album "O!RUL8,2?"; "BTS Cypher Pt. 2" is part of their second mini album "Skool Luv Affair"; "BTS Cypher Pt. 3: Killer" is part of their first studio album "Dark & Wild"; and "BTS Cypher 4" is part of their second studio album "Wings."

7. "Ddaeng" (2018)

V rounded out the list with “Ddaeng,” a fan-favorite rap track released outside their main studio albums.

The song can be streamed on Soundcloud.

BTS on reunion and comeback

Aside from their music picks, BTS also shared lighthearted and personal moments throughout the episode.

The members appeared in slippers during the studio visit, with RM explaining that it reflects Korean cultural customs of removing shoes when entering someone’s space.

“Because in our country, when you come to somebody’s house, we have to wear slippers, take your shoes off. Korean culture,” RM said.

The interview also touched on the group’s long-awaited reunion, with BTS expressing happiness about being together again and reflecting on what they missed most about each other, including their energy, personalities, and even each other’s cooking.

In the same appearance, BTS got to perform “Swim” at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

The group also surprised fans in a separate segment, where participants believed they were recording cover versions of “Swim” only to discover BTS and Jimmy waiting from another room.

The surprise reveal led to an energetic and playful studio moment, with dancing, a mock meeting, and even a game of Twister adding to the chaos.

BTS made their monumental return on Saturday with a grand performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square.

Netflix is set to release a documentary about the making of "Arirang." 

In April, BTS will kick off their "Arirang" world tour, with the first two stops set to be broadcast in cinemas worldwide.

The Philippine stop is happening in March 2027. —JCB, GMA Integrated News