Fifth Korean-language album (ninth overall) from seven-member South Korean boy band
While BE is a slight departure from BTS's usual offerings, its more matter-of-fact and laidback vibe could pull in new fans who are looking for music to relate to in this crappy year
8.3 | Consequence Of Sound
The global sensations extend a love letter to all of their fans during a very difficult year
8.0 | The Independent
In just eight songs, BTS have accomplished the same genre-bending they usually do in double that runtime. And for the most part, the album avoids the pitfall of sounding like a checklist. With BE, BTS keep their foot on the pedal
The pop giants take on a number of genres and triumph, this special album finding them on a mission to shepherd fans through uncertain days
8.0 | The Arts Desk
The unashamedly feel-good anthem "Dynamite" throws everything into the arranging melting pot
The K-pop superstars confront hard times as their music enters a new creative phase
A personable, relatable collection of tracks that strip away their blinding shine as idols, replacing it with their warm glow of humanity
Deciding to reflect on states of mind some of us could resonate to – especially this year – BE serves as a chronicle of what 2020 has been during lockdown: a year of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and frustration. But it also delivers hope for the future
The K-pop superstars' second album of new material in 2020 fixates on the frustration and grief of life in quarantine, sifting through the blurry days to construct a new form of intimacy
6.0 | Slant Magazine
The album trades overstimulating spectacle for low-key introspection, but it's therapeutic as a cup of tea
BE doesn't overstay its welcome, coming and going in less than half an hour and, like pretty much all BTS albums before it, it doesn't take many risks