Five years ago today, Taehyung of BTS released his iconic solo track “Singularity” and fans around the world are still celebrating its enduring appeal. The song, which was released as part of the album Love Yourself: Tear, has captivated audiences with its slow R&B feel and Taehyung’s husky voice.
Produced by Charlie J. Perry and RM, “Singularity” quickly gained popularity upon its release, with the music video receiving over ten million views in less than fifteen hours. According to Dictionary.com, searches for the word “Singularity” also increased 7,558%, indicating the song’s massive impact on the music industry and popular culture.
Critics praised the track for its haunting melody, with The Guardian’s Alexis Pedridis calling it “blessed with a particularly haunting tune” and pitching its sound somewhere between vintage 70’s soul and a latter-day R&B slow jam. IZM also stated that the song added a distinctive neo-soul voice to the album, while spin.com noted that Taehyung’s quiet confidence set the tone for the entire album.
Pitchfork went so far as to call “Singularity” the album’s thesis, underscoring its importance in the context of Love Yourself: Tear. The song was also a commercial success, ranking at number thirteen for digital sales in the United States upon release and selling more than 10,000 copies. It was also ranked among The New York Times’ The 65 Best Songs of 2018 list and LA Times ranked the song as the 4th best of 2018.
Five years later, “Singularity” remains an iconic piece of music that has left an indelible mark on fans and the music industry at large. The song’s unique sound and Taehyung‘s emotive delivery continue to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing its place as one of the greatest solo K-Pop tracks of all time.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the five-year anniversary of “Singularity,” with many sharing their favorite lyrics, memories, and performances of the song.
