Mono (mixtape)

RM first teased the mixtape and confirmed its production in March 2018 by posting a clip of an unnamed song through BTS' Twitter account.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8255790/rm-bts-second-mixtape-rm-2|title=RM of BTS Announces Plans for Second Mixtape 'RM 2'|magazine=Billboard|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=March 20, 2018|accessdate=October 20, 2018}} In June 2018, British electropop duo Honne said in an interview that they had possibly worked on music with RM.{{cite news|url=http://wow.tribunnews.com/2018/07/04/bts-dikabarkan-akan-kolaborasi-dengan-honne-electronic-duo-asal-inggris|trans-title=BTS Reportedly Collaborate with HONNE, Electronic Duo from England|title=BTS Dikabarkan akan Kolaborasi dengan HONNE, Electronic Duo Asal Inggris|work=Tribun News|last=Rahmawati Putri|first=Ekarista|language=tl|date=July 4, 2018|accessdate=October 20, 2018}} They initially gained an interest in collaborating with RM after discovering he was a fan of their music online, and meeting him in Seoul after performing there.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.buildseries.com/video/5b356203b7043441aff20ca1/|title=Honne on Their New Album, 'Love Me/Love Me Not'|medium=Video|publisher=Build|last=Kenney|first=Kevan|date=June 28, 2018|accessdate=October 20, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024073604/https://www.buildseries.com/video/5b356203b7043441aff20ca1/|url-status=dead}}

The mixtape itself was first announced on October 20, 2018, along with its track listing, album cover, and release date, through the Big Hit Entertainment Twitter page.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8480917/bts-rm-new-solo-mixtape|title=BTS' RM Announces New Solo Mixtape|magazine=Billboard|last=Stiernberg|first=Bonnie|date=October 20, 2018|accessdate=October 20, 2018}} The track listing was later shared by RM himself, with Mono described as a "playlist" rather than a traditional mixtape.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2018/10/20/bts-member-rm-announces-surprise-project-mono-slated-to-drop-in-just-a-few-days/#6fe596b65f60|title=BTS Member RM Announces Surprise Project 'Mono' Slated To Drop In Just A Few Days|work=Forbes|last=McIntyre|first=Hugh|date=October 20, 2018|accessdate=October 21, 2018}} It includes a track with production by Honne, as well as features the South Korean indie rock band Nell and singer eAeon.{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/bts-rm-announces-new-solo-mix-tape-reveals-track-list-and-collaborations-2391935|title=BTS's RM announces new solo mix tape, reveals track list and collaborations|work=NME|last=Matheson|first=Anna|date=October 20, 2018|accessdate=October 20, 2018}} Mono is RM's second mixtape, following the release of his 2015 self-titled RM,{{cite web|url=http://newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201810210020100410#07pz|title=방탄소년단 RM, 23일 두번째 믹스테이프 발표 '혼네·넬 참여'[뮤직와치]|trans-title=BTS RM, second mixtape on the 23rd 'Honne and Nell Participate' [Music Watch]|language=Korean|last=Hwang|first=Hye-jin|date=October 21, 2018|accessdate=October 20, 2018}} and the first of his mixtapes to be released commercially.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2018/10/22/after-scoring-two-no-1-albums-with-bts-can-rm-reach-the-top-with-his-new-solo-project/#566958ae7c7c|title=After Scoring Two No. 1 Albums With BTS, Can RM Reach The Top With His New Solo Project|work=Forbes|last=McIntyre|first=Hugh|date=October 22, 2018|accessdate=October 23, 2018}}

{{Album ratings

| rev1 = NME

| rev1score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/rm-mono-review|title=RM – 'Mono' review|work=NME|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=October 29, 2018|accessdate=October 29, 2018}}

}}

MTV called the mixtape "equal parts wistful and weary, and the theme of loneliness is constant throughout", and said RM lays "his deep insecurities bare on songs like 'Tokyo' and 'Seoul'". Vulture stated "these tracks are the free therapy your body, soul, and bank account collectively require to ease into whatever fresh hell this week will inevitably bring", also saying Mono "sounds like how settling into a lukewarm bath feels: cleansing, just the right amount of steamy, and soothing to the touch".{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2018/10/bts-rm-new-music-mono.html|title=BTS Leader RM Drops Extremely Chill New Mixtape, mono.|work=Vulture|last=Lockett|first=Dee|date=October 22, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2018}} Vulture noted the mixtape contains "the slowest of bangers" and "moody bops", with RM whisper-rapping on "Forever Rain". Billboard noted the mixtape is more introspective than RM's first mixtape, labeling "Moonchild" a "smooth bilingual alt R&B track", "Badbye" as "sorrowful", and "Uhgood" "pensive".

Brandy Robidoux from Hollywood Life called "Forever Rain" one of his most honest tracks, with lyrics that state "When it rains, I feel as if I have some friends / You keep knocking on my windows and asking how am I doing / And I answer – I am still the hostage of life / I live not 'cause I can't die / But I'm still trapped on something".{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2018/10/22/rm-new-song-forever-rain-mono-fans-react/|title=BTS' RM Sings About Feeling Friendless In Devastating Song 'Forever Rain' & Fans Are Literally Crying|website=Hollywood Life|last=Robidoux|first=Brandy|date=October 22, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2018}} A writer from Billboard called "Moonchild" an ambient hip hop track that reflects on the pain of existence and solace found in moonlight.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bts/8481623/bts-rm-lyric-video-moonchild|title=BTS' RM Shares Lyric Video for 'Moonchild': Watch|magazine=Billboard|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=October 24, 2018|accessdate=October 25, 2018}} CelebMix described the Mixtape as, "The growing sensibility of an individual named Namjoon is clearly visible, making it a brilliant coming of age playlist of our time".{{cite web|url=https://celebmix.com/celebmix-review-rm-releases-his-playlist-mono-and-the-music-video-for-forever-rain/|title=CelebMix Review: RM releases his playlist "Mono" and the music video for "Forever Rain"|last=Ayushi|date=October 22, 2018|work=CelebMix|access-date=August 13, 2019}}

"Forever Rain" opens with a feeling of weariness and loneliness, with conscientious lyrics such as "I wish it rains all day / Cuz then people wouldn't stare at me / Cuz the umbrella would cover the sad face sad face / Cuz in the rain people are busy minding themselves." It is an animated video directed by Choi Jaehoon, who also served as creative director. The animation supervisors were Lee Jinhee and PD Gim Boseong, while editing was completed by Lee Jonhoon. The animators for the music video were Gim Boseong, Kim Bom, Kim Jihwan, Shin Dohyun, Ahn Jaeyoon, Yoon Jongha, Yoon Juri, Lee Jinhee, Jeon Soeun. Jeong dawoon, Jeong Jimin, and Hyun Yujeong.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvb76hBX_Oc|title=RM 'forever rain' MV|via=YouTube|publisher=ibighit (Big Hit Entertainment)|format=Video|date=October 24, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2018}}

The song "Seoul" is a lyric video, showing various famous places located in Seoul, such as the Han River, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Seonyudo Island. It features a brief shot of RM sitting in a car outside a convenience store and includes a short phone conversation where he describes his plans to leave. "Seoul" was directed by Choi Yongseok of Lumpens with assistant directors Guzza, Park Hyejeong and Jeong Minje, also from Lumpens. Nam Hyunwoo of GDW acted as the director of photography and Min Joonki of Sunshine Underground is credited with composition.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bts/8481415/bts-rm-seoul-music-video|title=BTS' RM Reflects on His Relationship With 'Seoul' In Lyric-Focused Video: Watch|magazine=Billboard|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=October 23, 2018|accessdate=October 24, 2018}}

In the video for "Moonchild", lyrics such as "You say you wanna die but live it much harder / You say you wanna let go but put on another weight / Thinking of not thinking at all is still a thinking, you know" flash across a screen full of glitching lights, pixelation, and bright graphics. Tamar Herman from Billboard stated that it felt like the music video was "offering a sense of provocative solace, with a figure of RM visible at some points". The music video was also directed by Choi Yongseok of Lumpens with assistant directors Guzza, Park Hyejeong and Jeong Minje, also from Lumpens. Nam Hyunwoo of GDW acted as the director of photography and Min Joonki of Sunshine Underground is credited with composition. The construction manager was E Hyun Joon.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ntaxClfrA|title=RM 'moonchild' Lyric Video|via=YouTube|publisher=ibighit (Big Hit Entertainment)|date=October 24, 2018|accessdate=October 25, 2018}}

BTS' Twitter account posted a short message announcing the title and release date, along with an image displaying the track listing. RM did not further promote the mixtape, as the mixtape released alongside BTS' Love Yourself world tour.

{{Track listing

| headline = Mono track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 24:47

| title1 = Tokyo

| extra1 = Supreme Boi

| length1 = 3:28

| writer1 = {{hlist|RM|Supreme Boi}}

| title2 = Seoul

| note2 = produced by Honne

| extra2 = Honne

| length2 = 4:35

| writer2 = {{hlist|RM|Honne}}

| title3 = Moonchild

| extra3 = {{hlist|RM|Hiss Noise}}

| length3 = 3:25

| writer3 = {{hlist|RM|Hiss Noise}}

| title4 = Badbye

| note4 = with eAeon

| extra4 = {{hlist|RM|El Capitxn}}

| length4 = 1:52

| writer4 = {{hlist|RM|El Capitxn}}

| title5 = Uhgood

| note5 = {{lang|ko|어긋}}, Eogeut; {{lit}} "Out of Place"

| extra5 = {{hlist|Sam Klempner|El Capitxn{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length5 = 3:14

| writer5 = {{hlist|RM|Sam Klempner}}

| title6 = Everythingoes

| note6 = {{lang|ko|지나가}}, Jinaga; with Nell

| extra6 = {{hlist|RM|Kim Jong-wan}}

| length6 = 3:42

| writer6 = {{hlist|RM|Kim Jong-wan}}

| title7 = Forever Rain

| extra7 = {{hlist|RM|Hiss Noise|Adora}}

| length7 = 4:31

| writer7 = {{hlist|RM|Hiss Noise|Adora}}

}}

Notes

• {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies an additional producer

• RM – main vocals {{small|(all tracks)}}, whistle {{small|(track 1)}}, keyboard {{small|(tracks 3, 4, and 7)}}, synthesizer {{small|(tracks 3 and 4)}}
• eAeon – main vocals {{small|(track 4)}}
• Honne – keyboard, synthesizer, background vocals {{small|(track 2)}}
• Kim Jongwan – featured vocals, keyboard, synthesizer, guitar {{small|(track 6)}}
• Supreme Boi – synthesizer {{small|(track 1)}}
• Hiss noise – keyboard {{small|(track 3)}}, synthesizer {{small|(tracks 3 and 7)}}
• El Capitxn – synthesizer, keyboard {{small|(track 4)}}
• Lee Taewook – guitar {{small|(tracks 4 and 7)}}
• Sam Klempner – keyboard, synthesizer {{small|(track 5)}}
• Lee Jaekyung – guitar {{small|(track 6)}}
• Lee Junghoon – bass {{small|(track 6)}}
• Jung Jaewon – drums {{small|(track 6)}}
• Adora – keyboard, synthesizer {{small|(track 7)}}

• RM – executive production, composition, production {{small|(tracks 3, 4, 6, 7)}}
• Pdogg – co-production
• Hiss noise – co-production, production {{small|(tracks 3, 7)}}
• Supreme Boi – production {{small|(track 1)}}
• Honne – production {{small|(track 2)}}
• El Capitxn – production {{small|(track 4)}}, additional production {{small|(track 5)}}
• Sam Klempner – production {{small|(track 5)}}
• Kim Jong Wan – production {{small|(track 6)}}
• Adora – production {{small|(track 7)}}

• RM @ Rkive – rap and vocal arrangement, recording engineer {{small|(all tracks)}}
• Yang Ga @ Big Hit Studio – mix engineer {{small|(tracks 1 and 4)}}
• Ken Lewis – mix engineer {{small|(tracks 2, 3, 5, and 7)}}
• Kim Jong Wan @ Koko Sound Studio – mix engineer {{small|(track 6)}}
• Dr. Ko @ Koko Sound Studio – mix engineer {{small|(track 6)}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col 2}}

{{col 2}}

{{col end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{RM (musician)}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2018 mixtape albums

Category:RM (musician) albums