BTS V's unrivaled vocals in 'ARIRANG' leave a lasting impression

BTS's V has once again solidified his unique vocal identity with the group's fifth full-length album, 'ARIRANG'. In a feature highlighting the album, the global fashion and culture magazine Vogue US singled out V's specific vocal parts, highly praising his tone and expressive power.

Vogue US selected BTS's 'ARIRANG' as one of the best albums of 2026. Notably, the publication looked beyond the symbolism of it being the group's first full album since their military enlistment; instead, they focused on how BTS returned to the rap and hip-hop roots of their early musical identity while layering the sophisticated vocal capabilities and musical experience they have accumulated over the years.

Using the expression, "It doesn't matter what happens with the Grammys," Vogue US evaluated that BTS has released one of the year's finest albums. Their analysis suggests that rather than repeating the formula for radio-friendly hits, the group revisited their early hip-hop sounds and expanded upon the musical language the members have mastered through years of activity.

V's vocals were a particular highlight. Vogue US pointed to a specific phrase from the track 'NORMAL,' noting that the line sung by V, "Got me feelin' things unusual," lingers intensely in the ears.

'NORMAL' serves as a symbolic representation of the album's musical direction. In this track, rather than simply flaunting his range, V sings by compressing deep emotion into every syllable, utilizing his characteristic low and deep tone. Instead of stepping flamboyantly to the forefront, his voice permeates the texture of the song, creating a resonance that lingers in the listener's memory.

V's strength extends beyond his unique low register. From a classical vocal perspective, his tone is distinctive for possessing a baritone texture while producing unexpected brightness and elasticity in his higher register. This allows V to create a clear acoustic contrast with the other members of BTS.

International media and music industry professionals have consistently noted these qualities. In a review of 'ARIRANG,' The New York Times described V's voice as the most passionate and powerful among the group's vocalists.

Musical actress Lea Salonga also named V as the member with the most captivating vocal abilities during a recent interview. She noted that V possesses a warm tone that transcends mere technique, expressing particular interest in how he handles his upper register. She remarked that it is impressive how he achieves a tenor-like range despite his baritone qualities.

This suggests that defining V's vocals simply as a "charming low voice" is insufficient. His musical individuality is most evident in the texture of his tone, the density of his breath, the fluidity of his phrasing, and the way he imbues specific lyrics with emotion.

V's presence is especially meaningful in 'ARIRANG,' an album that bridges BTS's musical past and present. By restoring their early hip-hop DNA and combining it with the experience gained as global superstars, each member's voice does more than just fill a part; they construct a unified musical narrative.

Within this framework, V's voice expands the musical space with its heavy, low texture. Even when strong beats and rap take center stage, the atmosphere of a song shifts the moment his tone appears. This is a "narrative of tone" that goes beyond mere technical skill.

Ultimately, Vogue US's specific mention of a phrase from 'NORMAL' underscores how V's vocals create memorable touchpoints within the album's flow. In an album filled with intersecting sounds, it is not always the loudest voice that remains; often, it is the voice with the most unique texture that survives the longest.

As BTS connects their musical roots to their current achievements through 'ARIRANG,' V is further solidifying his status as a global vocalist, leaving his mark with a tone that serves as his musical signature.