When RM first dropped Indigo in 2022, it quickly established itself as a deeply personal and artistic reflection on his life in his late twenties. The album explored themes of growth, identity, and nature, with RM weaving his introspective lyrics around lush, lo-fi beats and soulful collaborations. Now, in 2024, the Deluxe Edition of Indigo offers even more sonic depth, with additional tracks that push the boundaries of RM’s musical exploration.
Is it a rehash of the original Indigo, or does the Deluxe version truly bring something new to the table? Let’s dive into the experience of listening to this expanded edition and examine why it continues to solidify RM’s place as a multi-dimensional artist, both inside and outside the world of BTS.
A Delicate Yet Bold Introduction to RM’s Psyche
If the original Indigo felt like walking through a serene art gallery filled with RM’s thoughts, the Deluxe Edition is like stepping into the gallery after hours. You sense an additional layer of intimacy, with the extended run time allowing more space for sonic experimentation and narrative exploration.
Right from the first track, “Yun (feat. Erykah Badu),” RM delivers a bold mission statement, not just for the album but for his evolution as an artist. Erykah Badu’s mellow, soulful vocals create a dream-like atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the album. RM declares, “I wanna be a human ‘fore I do some art,” a powerful line that signals his desire to prioritize authenticity over fame, even as one of the world’s most recognizable faces.
What makes the Deluxe Edition noteworthy is its enhanced attention to detail. While the original ten tracks of Indigo presented RM’s reflections on fame, nature, and life’s fleeting moments, the Deluxe tracks offer more nuance. They feel more experimental in production, embracing a broader sonic palette that ranges from electronic murmurs to acoustic flourishes. These subtle additions elevate the album’s complexity.
Stellar Collaborations Continue to Shine
One of the standout features of the original album was its rich roster of collaborations, and the Deluxe Edition continues this tradition with new, yet equally well-chosen, features. Anderson .Paak brings his signature funk and grit to “Still Life,” a song that continues to be an instant mood booster with its upbeat tempo and infectious energy. RM and .Paak’s chemistry is electric, and the track’s playful lyricism belies its underlying themes of growth and impermanence.
The Deluxe Edition also revisits “Closer (feat. Paul Blanco & Mahalia),” now with an extended outro that makes the track even more hypnotic. The original version already captured the listener with its exploration of emotional vulnerability and the push-pull dynamics of love, and the added elements in the Deluxe version only heighten its impact.
One of the new songs that stand out is “Forgetful (with Colde),” a minimalistic acoustic track where RM laments the inevitability of forgetting both the small and large moments that shape our lives. Colde’s delicate, hushed vocals blend seamlessly with RM’s, giving the song a wistful yet comforting feel. It’s the perfect track to listen to on a rainy day, evoking the melancholy of memories slipping away.
The Beauty of Simplicity and Complexity
One of the criticisms the original Indigo faced was that it leaned heavily into soft, lo-fi aesthetics, which, while soothing, could sometimes lack the dynamic shifts that fans expected from RM. However, the Deluxe Edition rectifies this by pushing the production in bolder directions.
Take “Change pt. 2,” for example, which feels like a sonic departure from the more laid-back tones of the other tracks. Here, RM embraces an electronic, almost glitchy soundscape that echoes the unpredictability of life. The sudden shifts in the beat reflect the emotional turbulence he’s trying to convey, making it one of the more daring tracks on the album. It’s a reminder that beneath RM’s soft-spoken public persona lies an artist willing to take risks.
Another fan-favorite is “Wild Flower (with Youjeen),” which serves as a powerful closing track. The song is as much about RM’s relationship with his celebrity as it is about finding inner peace. Youjeen’s soaring vocals complement RM’s introspective verses, making this track a fitting end to both the original and Deluxe Edition. The additional production flourishes in the Deluxe version help create a more expansive sonic environment, giving the listener room to breathe and reflect as the album winds down.
Why Indigo Deluxe Is More Than Just an Extended Version
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Is the Deluxe Edition truly worth it for fans who already adored the original Indigo? In a word: yes. While many Deluxe Editions across the music industry often feel like bloated, unnecessary expansions, RM’s approach to this release feels thoughtful. The new tracks don’t just fill space—they add substance.
The Deluxe Edition feels like the missing puzzle pieces that complete the picture of RM’s artistic journey over the past few years. It’s not just about offering more content but about deepening the listener’s understanding of who RM is as a person and as an artist. Each new track offers a different facet of his psyche, from existential musings to quiet moments of self-reflection.
Furthermore, the expanded instrumentation and reworked production on some of the existing tracks breathe new life into them, ensuring that even the familiar songs feel fresh upon listening.
A Gentle Yet Firm Goodbye
Just like the original album, the Deluxe Edition wraps up with “No. 2 (with Park Ji-yoon),” a track that feels like a letter to RM’s younger self. The gentle piano and soothing vocals make this track the perfect closer for an album that constantly teeters between self-assurance and vulnerability. The refrain of “Don’t look back anymore” resonates even more in this extended version, serving as a poignant reminder that RM is an artist always looking forward, never backward.
It’s the perfect thematic conclusion for an album that’s all about personal growth, acceptance, and finding one’s place in an ever-changing world. While the Deluxe Edition provides more layers and textures to enjoy, it still retains the heart and soul of what made Indigo such a standout album in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Indigo Deluxe is a beautiful exploration of RM’s continued evolution as both an artist and a human being. It manages to balance mainstream appeal with deep personal reflection, offering something for both casual listeners and die-hard fans. The additional tracks and expanded production elements make the Deluxe Edition feel like a necessary expansion rather than a mere afterthought.
In a world where so many albums feel rushed or overproduced, Indigo Deluxe stands out as a carefully crafted piece of art. It’s an album that demands multiple listens to truly appreciate its subtleties and hidden depths. RM has once again proven that he’s not just a pop star but a genuine artist with something meaningful to say.
Rating: 9/10
For anyone who appreciates thoughtful lyricism, soothing soundscapes, and a touch of artistic experimentation, Indigo Deluxe is a must-listen. RM has given us a reflective, comforting, and occasionally challenging album that perfectly encapsulates the complexity of modern life and his place within it.
