Jack in the Box cover

Jack in the Box

J-Hope · 2022

36 min · 15 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant blend of hip-hop, electronic beats, and introspective lyricism that showcases J-Hope's artistic evolution.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    MORE — This track captures J-Hope's desire for personal freedom amidst fame, encapsulating his internal struggle with catchy hooks and dynamic production.
  • →
    STOP (세상에 나쁜 사람은 없다) — The song presents a reflective narrative questioning societal perceptions of good and evil, showcasing J-Hope's lyrical depth and thought-provoking themes.
  • →
    방화 (Arson) — With its powerful beats and imagery of destruction, this track serves as a metaphor for burning away past constraints, highlighting J-Hope's artistic transformation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases J-Hope's growth through varied production and personal themes, though its cohesion is affected by bonus tracks.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with an intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by tracks that shift between upbeat tempos and introspective moments.
  • Several tracks feature layered production with electronic beats that complement J-Hope's vocal delivery, creating a dynamic soundscape.
  • The last three tracks include alternate versions and instrumentals, which disrupt the flow established by the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • brief, impactful listening sessions
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • wave-like pacing and flow
  • immersive interlude experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in July 2022, 'Jack in the Box' is J-Hope's first solo studio album following BTS's hiatus for individual projects. This album marks a significant step in his career as it explores deeper personal themes and showcases his versatility beyond the group's established sound.
Stylistic neighbors
RM· Zico· Hyuna

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 0:59
  • 2 Pandora’s Box 2:35
  • 3 MORE 3:01
  • 4 STOP (세상에 나쁜 사람은 없다) 2:03
  • 5 = (Equal Sign) 1:55
  • 6 Music Box : Reflection 1:11
  • 7 What if… 2:17
  • 8 Safety Zone 2:46
  • 9 Future 2:20
  • 10 방화 (Arson) 2:40
  • 11 Equal Sign (Lollapalooza ver.) 2:08
  • 12 STOP (Lollapalooza ver.) 2:15
  • 13 Future (Lollapalooza ver.) 4:20
  • 14 MORE (instrumental) 3:01
  • 15 방화 (instrumental) 2:40

What to play next

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Full J-Hope discography Artists like J-Hope
K-pop hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata