RM (previously Rap Monster) is the de facto chief of behemoth Korean group BTS. Indigo is the charismatic rapper’s first solo album; it finds him reflecting on his 20s and, accordingly, pop stardom. This implies poignant introspection on the confines of gargantuan fame. “I wanna be human ’fore I do some artwork”, he refrains gruffly on the plush, soulful keys of Yun, which options none aside from Erykah Badu. Or, he gives in Korean, “I wanna be freed from this canvas body”, on Nonetheless Life, a very irresistible, shiny slice of pop with And There. Paak.
There’shead touberant headto head with KoreaTable veteran Tablo, and twee softness on No 2, the place RM tells himself to cease trying again. The manufacturing gleams – take the rippling sweetness of Nearer, or the crunchy abrasiveness of Change Pt 2. RM’s supply at greatest is boisterous, generally taut as elastic, elsewhere a slick rasp (his singing voice is much less putting, although no much less stuffed with feeling). Some moments fall flat – Lonely is cloying, paint-by-numbers EDM-pop that doesn’t absolutely land. Nonetheless, Indigo is a refined assortment that spans each pop and rap with confidence.