In 2019 the Kpop boy band group BTS released a remix of their single, “Make It Right”, with the artist Lauv. Lauv is an American singer that debuted in 2015 with his EP, “Lost in the Light”, and has been an up and coming artist since. Let’s check out their remix collaboration together.
Lyrics: B+
“Make It Right” depicts the strong feelings someone has about someone they were once close to. While it’s never made clear what transgression occurred, the singers share the sentiment that they can “make things right” again between them:
You were there for me through all the times I cried
I was there for you and then I lost my mind
I know that I messed up but I promise I
Oh-oh, I can make it right
Tasty:
The lyrics certainly do justice in conveying the emotion and purpose of the song. As the song title indicates, the lyrics show how much someone means to them and their desperation to repair the relationship.
A highlight of the song is Lauv’s opening verse where he makes an honest and emotional plea to the significant other:
I was lost, I was trying to find the answer
In the world around me
Yeah, I was going crazy
All day, all night
You’re the only one who understood me
And all that I was going through
Yeah, I just gotta tell you
…
’Cause you were the reason that I survived
Lauv does a great job of matching the message of the song while also providing his own interpretation of reaching out to someone who once provided emotional security.
Not So Tasty:
The remaining lyrics certainly provide more story to the feelings of the singers, but certain lines feel dramatic in comparison to Lauv’s honest interpretation. For example:
The loud screams that seek me out
My hand, trophy and a gold microphone
All day, everywhere
But all of this is about reaching you
It’s the answer to my journey
… and …
A little taller than I was before
With a voice a little more solid
All of this to go back to you
Now I’ll spread wide a map called you
My rehab
Some of these lines are heavy handed and do not come across as something one would actually tell someone else. The latter verses also imply that the singers are successful as part of a plan to reach out and find the significant other — though it’s unclear how those two things are related. The significant other could be a reference to their fans, but even then the lines feel over the top for that approach.
Despite these criticisms, the detail and meaning put into the lyrics is impressive for a fairly uptempo song. It is reminiscent of the lyric quality within SUGA’s collaboration with IU in “eight” — which we reviewed here — which is another uptempo song with detailed lyrical content.
Production: A+
The production of “Make It Right” takes the song to another level above other songs in the genre.
Tasty:
The song opens beautifully with a looped horn and synthesizer. There was a phase in music where the looped horn became prevalent and overused (Ariana Grande’s “Problem” / “Focus”, Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty to Me”, Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop”, etc.), but “Make It Right” avoids that issue by having the horn compliment the song rather than overtake it.
BTS and Lauv also do a great job delivering their lines on all fronts. When Lauv and BTS sing the pre-chorus with the lines, “I can make it right”, right before the beat drops, it captures a perfect moment of emotion both lyrically and sonically. The looped horn then returns to help carry the chorus as the title of the song is repeated.
Lastly, another standout in the performance comes in RM’s rap verse. The switch-up from rapping feels perfect here and adds even more dynamic on top of Lauv’s contribution. The verses throughout this song highlights a benefit that singing groups bring to songs, as each singer’s delivery is distinct and keeps the song interesting.
Replayability: A+
The remix of “Make It Right” by BTS and Lauv is infectious and easy to listen to. No part of the song is over-demanding or a throwaway, and the beat provides a beautiful backdrop to the lyrics and singing. While it may not fit the mood for dancing or satisfy the need for an uptempo track, “Make It Right” is an extremely versatile song whose sound will surely stand the test of time for years to come.
Final Grade: A
“Make It Right” by BTS and Lauv is a success on every front. Lauv provides a meaningful contribution to the song that elevates the production, meanwhile BTS continues to showcase the talents of their group by the dynamic perspectives they each bring to the song.
Color Vibe: Burgundy
Season Vibe: Fall, Winter
Mood Vibe: Chill
Mocha Quality: A
Tags: Kpop, Pop
Check out the music video for “Make It Right” by BTS ft. Lauv below:
Watch BTS interview with iHeartRadio regarding the remix of “Make It Right” here.
