Dynamite

Dynamite's harmony is deliberately simple and accessible, built on stepwise diatonic progressions rooted in 1970s disco and funk. The ascending I–ii–iii movement in the verse creates a sense of upward momentum, while the chorus's I–V–iii–ii cycle provides a classic pop-disco groove. There are no key changes or chromatic surprises — the harmonic simplicity serves the song's mission as a universally appealing, feel-good anthem.

Songwriters David Stewart and Jessica Agombar learned through their publisher Tim Blacksmith at Stellar Songs that BTS was searching for an English-language single. Working remotely over Zoom during the early COVID-19 lockdown, the duo wrote three candidate songs. They aimed for something 'energetic, fun, hopeful, positive and just like a huge ball of energy.' Agombar described the creative spark: the concept of something explosive — fireworks, dynamite, party — that matched BTS's massive energy. The track was sent to Columbia's CEO Ron Perry and Big Hit Entertainment in early April 2020. BTS initially chose a different song but selected 'Dynamite' two weeks later. Lyrics were then tweaked with Jenna Andrews to ensure PG-friendly content.

Released in August 2020 as a burst of joy during lockdown, 'Dynamite' blends 1970s disco, funk, and bubblegum pop into an irresistibly upbeat anthem. It made history as the first song by an all-South Korean act to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned BTS their first Grammy nomination.