BTS have been taking the world by storm over the past few years, with their concerts selling out and their albums breaking historical worldwide records that had been set by them already. And, with the release of their newest album, Map of The Soul: 7, it is clear to see where the astronomical success comes from.
In Interlude: Shadow, rapper Suga (Min Yoongi) examines his experiences of fame. The haunting rhythms and music elevate Sugaâs rap style to new heights, giving us an incredibly intimate look into the rapperâs views of his success.
âOh that would be my first death/ I been always so afraid ofâ
The haunting vibes continue in Black Swan, pairing beautiful lyrics and elegant harmonies to form commentary on the groupâs fears that, one day, their music will mean nothing to them. It is clear then, that this album is a culmination of BTSâ past and present, their journey from there to here, full of both scrutiny and success.
The atmosphere quickly changes upon the guitar opening of Jiminâs solo song Filter. The song represents Jimin so effortlessly with his unique vocals that stand out against the sultry, Latin influenced rhythms. The songâs concept was developed by Jimin himself about how he â[presents himself] to the world in many different ways.â
âI want to hug the many thorns in the rose that used to sproutâ
The album continues with more solo songs, including My Time by member Jungkook who explores his emotions and feelings from his trainee years up until now. The electric beats and powerful vocals by Jungkook establish him as a strong vocalist. It also makes it clear that the group have vivid grasps on not only their collective style, but their individual styles too. Inner Child, a solo by member V (Kim Taehyung), uses his deep vocals to uplift the listener as he talks about accepting the person he both is and was. âThe me of today is okayâ, he sings, a stark contrast to the troubles he speaks of in Stigma, another solo from their album Wings.
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âWould it be okay if I open my eyes and contain you in them?â
In Moon, Jin sings of their fans. It is undeniable that his vocals are beautifully strong as he compares himself to the moon, proudly watching the fans (ARMY), referring to them as the stars. There is something so intimate about the band and ARMYâs relationship, a concept also seen in We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal. A song that shocked fans with its slow and gentle rhythms, The Eternal speaks of the pain that BTS felt in contrast to the healing happiness of the support they receive from fans.
âLouder than bombs, I singâ
To BTS, this album is not only a collection of their own experiences, but an empowering message to others going through the same. Louder Than Bombs is an attractive collection of vocals and lyrics that encourage fighting against pain. Its deep bass contrasts with the bittersweet lyrics that feel intense and moving as if made to live on a movie soundtrack.
âCanât hold me down âcuz you know Iâm a fighterâ
BTSâ title track, ON, is the ultimate culmination of the groupâs growth as artists. The trackâs name takes inspiration from an earlier track of BTSâ, reversing the letters of their song N.O. The powerful chants paired with the drumbeats of UCLAâs Marching Band make this an overwhelmingly empowering song that encourages the listener to accept and cherish the pain and differences we have. The bridge, sung by Jungkook, builds up the tension well until it explodes with passion and pride.
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âIn this place, everyone becomes someone with perfect ethicsâ
In UGH!, BTSâ rap line use a gritty beat to criticise a society obsessed with using empty rage to hurt others. Suga, RM and J-hope are clearly talented and have continuously established themselves as masters of the art because despite its difference to many of the songs in the album, UGH! still manages to cleanly merge with the concept and demonstrates exactly how diverse BTSâ style is. Respect presents us with a song performed by Suga and RM. It plays out to us like a conversation as we listen to the pair question what ârespectâ means. It is funny and ironic, saturated with sarcasm and humour that is characteristic of both men.
âOne day when this cheer dies down, stayâ
Another duet comes in the form of Jimin and Vâs Friends, a song that explores the relationship both members have with each other. Yet another personal song, Friends feels incredibly intimate as Jimin and V ask their proclaimed âsoulmateâ to stay with each other forever. The men of BTS are not afraid to be intimate with both their fans and themselves, making the vocals of Jimin and V even more powerful in partnership with the bouncing, bright rhythm of the song.
âWhen the Second and minute hand overlap, the world, for a very brief moment, holds its breath.â
But arguably, the most powerful song from the album is 00:00 (Zero Oâclock). A song by BTSâ vocal line, it uses its lo-fi beats to comfort the listener with the groupâs vocals. And the translated lyrics are some of the most inspiring on the album. There is something so overwhelmingly emotional and bittersweet about this song that swells in your heart in the most cathartic way. And EGO is the perfect end to such an album. J-Hopeâs solo speaks of learning to trust oneself, both past and present, using an upbeat vibe to bring an album full of similar ideas to a powerfully positive end that contrasts Sugaâs Shadow.
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âStill reassured and made me know myselfâ
BTSâ Map of The Soul: 7 is an overwhelmingly intimate journey through exploring and accepting oneâs identity, looking back on the groupâs individual and collective pasts in the hope that a listener will find inspiration in the lyrics. It is clear that BTS have changed. But, they take pride in that change and the healing that comes with it.
Rating: 9/10
Most notable songs: 00:00 (Zero OâClock), UGH!, Friends, Louder Than Bombs