Jack in the Box
by J-Hope
  • Record Label: Big Hit
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2022
User Score
9.7

Universal acclaim- based on 2999 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,906 out of 2999
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 2999
  3. Negative: 59 out of 2999
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  1. 1jmpau3
    Jul 19, 2022
    9
    It's a good album, the concept, the beats, the lyrics, everything is great. The only bad thing is that it is a very short album, one is left wanting to hear more. my favorite song is definitely Equal sign
  2. Oula
    Jul 20, 2022
    9
    Love the album and the new darker concept. I wish it was longer than like 20 minutes.
  3. Maroabdelnour
    Sep 20, 2022
    9
    Never seen this side of jhope before little surprised but he killed it ,, his jard work is shown so much
  4. mary_13
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    AOTY 2022!
  5. Lelyday
    May 27, 2023
    9
    Es un álbum diferente a lo que JHOPE nos venía mostrando, transmite buena energía y como siempre sus letras no son vacías siempre dando un mensaje. Mi favorita fue Equal sign
  6. serendipitie
    Apr 18, 2023
    9
    Loved how he reinvented himself, got out of what the public expected of him and did all this so beautifully! Great album!
  7. CRICKET_LUNA
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The music in this album shows a darker side to Hope's normally sunny personality. I really enjoyed seeing this new side.… Expand
  8. Yunak
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    I really love the album. The concept, the theme, the lyrics, the message, everything was arranged efficiently. The hard work truly paud off. Enjoyed it!
  9. MariaJ
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    A pesar de que jhope muestra ser una persona de paz y un carácter apasionado y brillante, su música muestra otra faceta direferente pero igual de increíble, y eso lo demuestra con sus letras en este álbum narra su travesía que vivió estos años y sus deseos como cantante, si duda un gran album
  10. IsabeauMGK1
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    This album walks away from Hope World, jhope’s previous mixtape & shows a darker side. Grittier 90’s style beats mixed in with rock guitar riffs, the album reveals a jhope fans haven’t seen. Different here isn’t a bad thing - it’s a revelation of the growth & confidence of the artist. There are still uplifting moments: (=) Equal Sign & the closing song “Future” let us know he’s stillThis album walks away from Hope World, jhope’s previous mixtape & shows a darker side. Grittier 90’s style beats mixed in with rock guitar riffs, the album reveals a jhope fans haven’t seen. Different here isn’t a bad thing - it’s a revelation of the growth & confidence of the artist. There are still uplifting moments: (=) Equal Sign & the closing song “Future” let us know he’s still jhope. This is an excellent album that shows a superstar stepping away from what we thought he was to show us another side.… Expand
  11. d4rya
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    refreshing. i discovered another side of one of my favourite artists and, alongside, another side of my ability to enjoy music profoundly.
  12. Vivemoi
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    This whole album gives great singles but also builds a whole story that will only be appreciated while listening top to bottom. The story telling is truly unmatched, paired with great production and exquisite ad-libs. Even more amazing is the fact that J-hope performs this all at lollapalooza flawlessly. A breathtaking body of work from an amazing singer, rapper and performer.
  13. angelessan
    May 27, 2023
    9
    This album has very good songs, if you listen to "equal sign =l" and "future" they are songs that convey a positive message of respect
  14. hobilover
    May 28, 2023
    9
    The only problem I have with this album is that it's too short
  15. timetraveler136
    Apr 18, 2023
    8
    This album is good. It showcases a part of Hoseok that we hadn't seen before musically speaking, the lyrics aren't really different from previous works, people talk about a darker side in this album but if you were really paying attention to Hope World or his verses in BTS songs you would probably know he hasn't really stray far away from previous works.
    It feels a little too short of an    This album is good. It showcases a part of Hoseok that we hadn't seen before musically speaking, the lyrics aren't really different from previous works, people talk about a darker side in this album but if you were really paying attention to Hope World or his verses in BTS songs you would probably know he hasn't really stray far away from previous works.
    It feels a little too short of an album though, it has 10 songs but a runtime of 21 minutes which is a bit eh, I'm personally not a fan of instrumental interludes but I must admit the album does flow nicely when listened top to bottom.

    STOP, Pandora's Box and What If sound kinda similar and it's easy to get confused them by name whenever they start, especially Pandora's Box and What if that speak of similar topics. Future is the typical j-hope song you would expect to hear from him and it does close the album nicely.

    The most outstanding songs are MORE, Arson, Equal Sign and Safety Zone.
    MORE has to be the surprise of the album and is the farthest he strays from his known sound, in my opinion MORE should've been the title track.
    I personally love the vocals in Equal Sign as is not everyday you get to hear Hoseok singing, it's too short though.

    Short but cements Hoseok as a capable solo artist.    … Expand
  16. RegularStart
    Jul 15, 2022
    8
    The album is so good BTS is a kpop boy band my favorite song More kinda like a rock song but it’s good and this album so dark in my opinion.
  17. Joonkiver
    Apr 16, 2023
    8
    such a fun time! I feel like jhope definitely accomplished what he was going for with this album. a solid piece of art from start to finish
  18. Muziqe
    Apr 17, 2023
    8
    Loved the artist's experimentation through out this album. A personal favorite and the one track that stood out the most was Safety Zone, the background vocals, the instrumentation and the main singer all made it a complete song with no flaws.
  19. Reuben-Aust
    Jul 22, 2022
    7
    I don't understand why this album doesn't seem to be charting on Apple Music's South Korean Daily Top 100. On the Wikipedia article for this LP -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_in_the_Box_(album) -- the only chart statistics provided are:
    Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon) 1
    Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan) 11 Why is it only charting in Japan? There must be some reason,    I don't understand why this album doesn't seem to be charting on Apple Music's South Korean Daily Top 100. On the Wikipedia article for this LP -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_in_the_Box_(album) -- the only chart statistics provided are:
    Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon) 1
    Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan) 11
    Why is it only charting in Japan? There must be some reason, as there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the album itself. Admittedly, I have only listened to the lead single, "More", and as a music video. I probably wouldn't be interested in listening to this song if it was only in audio, which also explains why I haven't bothered to listen to the rest of the album. But I do like both the sound of "More" and the music video, and am happy for it to be part of my Recently Added Smart Playlist on my Apple Music, that being the main playlist that I listen to.    … Expand
  20. kimcritics
    Jul 16, 2022
    7
    I first heard MORE, the pre-released single from this album by J-hope. I didn't really liked it at first listen maybe because of the genre. It's hiphop + rock but after a few more listens, watching the really amazing music video and reading the lyrics, the song just grew on me. I do believe this song is better when performed live. When the album dropped, i listened to it from top toI first heard MORE, the pre-released single from this album by J-hope. I didn't really liked it at first listen maybe because of the genre. It's hiphop + rock but after a few more listens, watching the really amazing music video and reading the lyrics, the song just grew on me. I do believe this song is better when performed live. When the album dropped, i listened to it from top to bottom. It was a wild experience! I love how this album is arranged. It has it's own story line and concept. Some songs may not be my cup of tea just like MORE but the songs' lyrics are great. I appreciate the lyrics and J-hope's message that he wants to convey. This album is great! I think hiphop fans would enjoy this. My favorite tracks are EQUAL SIGN, FUTURE AND SAFETY ZONE. You should check those songs out.

    Jack In The Box is really different from J-hope's first mixtape Hope World. He showed a different side of himself thru this album. I appreciate how he chose to go for this genre and concept even tho it's not something easy and cannot guarantee commercial success. But J-hope is a member of BTS and they are known for taking their music and art seriously. They will do whatever they want and stay true to themselves. They will release the music they want, they're innovative, experimental and not afraid to try new things. I truly admire them. I've seen how they grew as artists and as a person. They're great role models. This album might not be my most favorite album in the world but this is an amazing album full of amazing music. Everyone should check this out. Thank you for the music J-hope!    … Expand
  21. FanOfgoofMusic7
    Apr 17, 2023
    7
    My inspiration, my every day life … I didn’t know an album could still change me after all this year and Jack In the Box did… , I got this shock last times 20 years ago, and I forget that music could sound so good again. Thank you for this masterpiece, thank you for such deep and profound lyrics, listening to all songs I got goosebumps, I got hope, mostly I got happiness. Album of 2022,My inspiration, my every day life … I didn’t know an album could still change me after all this year and Jack In the Box did… , I got this shock last times 20 years ago, and I forget that music could sound so good again. Thank you for this masterpiece, thank you for such deep and profound lyrics, listening to all songs I got goosebumps, I got hope, mostly I got happiness. Album of 2022, and until now album of the decade.… Expand
  22. ssuspirium
    Dec 8, 2022
    6
    A mostly enjoyable listen, but many of the tracks feel incomplete due to the lack of lyrical depth and short run-times. I would've liked to have seen Hoseok explore new lyrical themes as a lot of the songs are lyrical concepts we have heard him and BTS explore numerous times. The only tracks that stood out to me were MORE, Equal Sign, and Safety Zone, so I find the lengths of all of themA mostly enjoyable listen, but many of the tracks feel incomplete due to the lack of lyrical depth and short run-times. I would've liked to have seen Hoseok explore new lyrical themes as a lot of the songs are lyrical concepts we have heard him and BTS explore numerous times. The only tracks that stood out to me were MORE, Equal Sign, and Safety Zone, so I find the lengths of all of them disappointing (equal sign is 1:54?). A 10 song 21 minute album with two tracks that aren't songs-- one of which is just an instrumental that doesn't add anything to the album--saddens me. The production is clean as you would expect from a BTS release. I just unfortunately couldn't connect with it like I had hoped to.… Expand
  23. Rickbispo
    Jul 15, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum genérico e nada inovador, mais um produto feito pela indústria coreana para inflar o mercado.… Expand
  24. Army_fan
    Jul 16, 2022
    5
    This is a new side of Hobi and his music. I'm glad he had a chance to explore what he wanted for a change in Chapter 2 vs what Hybe forces them to always produce.

    I didn't really enjoy most of the songs and many sound very similar. He took a brave step by putting his new music out there for everyone to critique, which he is open and welcome to. Best of luck and have fun at Lolla!!
  25. MonoroaDawn
    Apr 18, 2023
    5
    My hope will always surprise me with his talented artwork! This album is unique and full of hope. I want some more
  26. Leviosaeaton50
    Apr 18, 2023
    5
    I hope no words to describe such an amazing album. Is a delightful journey in j-hopes beautiful soul. Awesome!!
  27. GuiselovesJimin
    May 27, 2023
    5
    I love all song in this album especially Equal sign. I hope he continues making more music like this.
  28. Anna_Mia_Lyle
    May 27, 2023
    5
    Cada canción resulta refrescante y original, los ritmos y las letras están bien trabajados. El artista hizo un gran trabajo.
    Escuchar este álbum es una experiencia muy gratificante para los amantes del genero y público general.
  29. 4na134340
    May 27, 2023
    5
    El álbum muestra diferentes facetas de jhope, cosas que nunca habíamos Visto antes
    Me gusta mucho eso, que no sea siempre lo mismo, que muestre su escencia pero de forma diferente:D
  30. YadiraMor
    May 27, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. J Hope siempre crea canciones tan alegres o con un ritmo profundo. Además de que se encarga de todo el proceso, desde la creación de la letra, el ritmo y producción. Jack in the box es sin duda un disco genial, que muestra el excelente crecimiento de Hoseok, porque además de ser rapero es un excelente compositor que se ha esforzado por cantar bien… Expand
  31. sammiex
    Jul 16, 2022
    1
    Lmao what is thiss this album is so overrated yet again everything is the same.
  32. Blaiseeyy
    Jul 26, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. He needs to do something different it's literally the same thing sorry a pass for me… Expand
  33. bornpink
    Sep 17, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I hated it, these songs are also terrible the singer who doesn't sing anything just moans like a goat… Expand
  34. SamGuerrero27
    Sep 16, 2022
    0
    Ok. To be honest it's not what I expected. Many songs on the album sound the same.
  35. Lrk
    Apr 16, 2023
    0
    Recently got into all bts solo stuff , i really love seeing different music styles but this one was .. off-putting in a way.i liked the intention but it didn't work out. It was an average attempt
  36. JColeRnB
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    Just being completely honest, being from a western country and how rap, especially J-Cole is very different from other rap styles. This song was not J-Coleesque so I was highly disappointed. Was expecting something like 21 Savage, but those expectations wasn't met! Hopefully it will be better next time, stay strong
  37. HorseSeoulCycle
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    Although horseok is the backup vocalist of BTS, I was expecting something like the Astronaut by Jin, Hectic by RM, Serendipity by Jimin, Dreamers by JK, or even Christmas Tree by Tae, unfortunately was met with a country music album...But I guess that's what he likes and suits him best! I guess that's why he was saying he grew up in the farm, he was going back to his roots, but that's notAlthough horseok is the backup vocalist of BTS, I was expecting something like the Astronaut by Jin, Hectic by RM, Serendipity by Jimin, Dreamers by JK, or even Christmas Tree by Tae, unfortunately was met with a country music album...But I guess that's what he likes and suits him best! I guess that's why he was saying he grew up in the farm, he was going back to his roots, but that's not my type! Disappointed!… Expand
  38. GettyImagesHors
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    not my type, i am hoping his next album is more vocals. I know he is the backup vocalist of Bangtan, and he wasn't a rapper and RM and Suga had to teach him...but 7 years in the music industry, I expected better to be honest, especially since this is his 7th solo project/album/mixtape drop
  39. HaystackBarn
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    horseok has released 321 songs and albums, this being his last before enlistment, i expected WAY better, especially with how much help and push he got from BTS, HYBE, and those hundreds of producers
  40. tankinthebox
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    horsesock shamelessly "took inspiration" for his whole album... jack in the box is also the least original name be fr
  41. nofanmail
    Apr 28, 2023
    0
    Had higher expectations for the backup vocalist of THE BTS, unfortunately was highly disappointed... Would not recommend in my honest opinion!
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 28, 2022
    80
    Whether the music on Jack in the Box suits your taste or not, it’s hard to dismiss this album as an artistic statement rather than just chapter 1/7 of BTS proving they can also make money in ways beyond official group releases.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Jul 22, 2022
    80
    The artist born Jung Ho-seok delivers emotional depth and irresistible energy. Backed by rowdy production, his aggression, raspy delivery, and tongue-twisting bars take center stage, showcasing the rap-focused perspective that he brings to the BTS formula.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Jul 15, 2022
    83
    There’s an excellent three track run from “What if…,” an energetic song that samples Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” into mid-tempo standout “Safety Zone” before a touch of Hope World familiarity returns in the optimistic “Future.”
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »