Body to Body (song)

"Body to Body" is a pop rap song.^[1] It opens with a "futuristic, almost mechanical" intro,^[2] followed by a clattering hip-hop beat,^[2][3] processed vocals^[4] and "droning" chords,^[5] while the latter half incorporates elements of traditional Korean music,^[2] notably in an echoing sample of "Arirang" and the percussion.^[5][6][7] "Arirang" is prominently featured in the bridge.^[8] Each member of BTS performs on the track,^[9] including Korean rap verses.^[10] The style has been compared to that of "2005 vintage Justin Timberlake", Psy and "'Firestarter'-era Prodigy".^[11] Music critics have interpreted the song as an ode to the band's cultural roots.^{[2][6][8][10]}

The song received critical acclaim, with particular praise directed toward its incorporation of the traditional Korean folk song "Arirang", which critics noted for adding cultural depth and a distinctive sonic element. It was further recognized as an effective album opener and highlighted as one of the standout tracks on the album. Nicole Fell of The Hollywood Reporter considered it the "perfect concert opener" because of its introduction and starting line, "I need the whole stadium to jump".^[1] Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic wrote "With the famous 'Arirang' folk song refrain echoing in the background during the coda, listeners know they are in for a ride."^[9] Michael Cragg of The Guardian commented that RM, Suga and J-Hope "sound as if they're having a lot of fun".^[4] Pyo Kyung-min of The Korea Times stated that the song "integrates a smoothly reworked motif of the traditional 'Arirang' melody that comes off as iconic rather than nostalgic."^[10] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described the song as "bulbous and springy".^[12] Han Seong-hyeon of IZM said "If you can endure the ending where a line from the folk song ‘Arirang’ appears, the intimidation of ‘Body to Body’ placed at the bow is considerable" and highlighted the song as "추천" (lit. "recommended").^[13]

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