After the groundbreaking success of Dynamite, BTS returned in May 2021 with another English-language single that would further cement their dominance in the global pop scene: “Butter.” Smooth, playful, and irresistibly catchy, Butter became more than just a summer hit—it turned into a cultural anthem that showcased BTS’s confidence, artistry, and ability to set trends worldwide. Let’s explore the origin, sound, impact, and significance of this unforgettable track.
1. The Birth of Butter
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Strategic Follow-up: Coming after Dynamite, Butter was designed to maintain BTS’s visibility in the Western market and expand their global reach.
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Summer Vibes: Released at the start of summer 2021, it captured the season’s brightness and energy.
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Collaboration with Global Producers: Written by a team including Rob Grimaldi, Ron Perry, and Stephen Kirk, it reflected a fusion of Western pop sensibilities with BTS’s unique charisma.
As RM revealed, the song aimed to “melt smoothly into listeners’ hearts—like butter.”
2. Musical Features
Butter is a blend of dance-pop with retro influences, crafted for instant appeal.
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Groovy Bassline & Snappy Drums: They create an upbeat rhythm perfect for dancing.
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Hook-Heavy Chorus: The repetitive “Smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover” line became instantly iconic.
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Rap Verses: RM, J-Hope, and Suga deliver sharp, rhythmic flows that balance the song’s sweetness with attitude.
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Playful Delivery: The song radiates fun, with each member adding their own flavor, from Jungkook’s energetic opening to V’s deep charisma.
3. Why the World Fell for Butter
1. Catchy Simplicity: Easy to sing along to, regardless of language.4. Record-Breaking Impact
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Billboard Hot 100: Debuted at #1 and stayed there for 10 consecutive weeks, a record for BTS.
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Global Streaming: Dominated Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music charts.
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Awards & Recognition: Won “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” at the 2022 Grammy Awards (nominated).
These achievements proved that BTS were not just breaking into the Western market—they were leading it.
5. Connection with ARMY
For ARMY, Butter was a celebration. It came during a period when fans still couldn’t meet BTS in person, but its cheerful energy allowed them to feel close. Dance challenges, cover videos, and fan art exploded across platforms, making Butter a truly interactive global experience.
6. Place in BTS’s Career
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Consolidated their image as world-class pop icons.
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Showed their versatility in English-language hits while keeping their identity intact.
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Served as a bridge to collaborations like My Universe with Coldplay, further expanding their artistry.
Butter was not just a follow-up to Dynamite—it was proof that BTS could dominate the global charts repeatedly with ease.
🎧 Listen to the Hit
Relive the smooth charm of BTS’s record-breaking anthem. Click play and enjoy the song that conquered the world!
Wrap-up
Butter is the embodiment of BTS’s charisma—slick, confident, and impossible to resist. With its record-breaking chart run and infectious energy, it solidified BTS’s place not only as global superstars but also as cultural tastemakers. For ARMY and music lovers worldwide, it remains an anthem of joy, fun, and unstoppable groove.
