We're only on the second month, but 2020 is shaping up to be a wonderful year for BTS fans. Last month, we witnessed the seven-member boy group from South Korea make history as they performed on the Grammys stage for the first time ever. Now, we're treated to a whole new slew of hits to listen to, with the K-Pop superstars releasing their fourth Korean-language studio album entitled Map of the Soul: 7. It's been a gruelling wait for fans who've been waiting for the new album since mid-2019, but it will finally be here, dropping later at 6PM KST (5PM in our timezone).
#BTS #방탄소년단 #MAP_OF_THE_SOUL_7 Tracklist pic.twitter.com/omE98N2pZD
— BigHit Entertainment (@BigHitEnt) February 16, 2020
The digital version of the album will include 15 new songs, as well as five songs from their April 2019 mini album Map of the Soul: Persona. Meanwhile, the physical album will only include 14 new titles along with the previously released five songs. To hype up everyone's anticipation, exactly 12 hours before the album release, BTS teased fans on TikTok with a 30-second preview of "ON". As expected, so many fans tried to listen that the short-form video app crashed for a few minutes. As of writing, the viral preview also prompted over 38,000 fans to make their own videos with #ONchallenge featuring the upcoming hit.
Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook gave their all to produce the album for their fans, and all that hard work is deservedly recognised. According to Forbes, ahead of its launch, BTS' Map of the Soul: 7 already became the most pre-ordered South Korean album of all time, with number of orders exceeding 4 million. So what can the BTS ARMY expect from this historic comeback? Ahead, we spill all the deets on their upcoming album.
International collabs
Very happy to have co-written Louder Than Bombs on @BTS_twt’S album! 🤗 thanks for having me boyyssssss pic.twitter.com/IG1halBs9p
— troye (@troyesivan) February 16, 2020
The title track "ON" will be released in two versions, with the digital album including one that features "Chandelier" singer Sia, whose stunning vocals will provide a wholly different vibe to the energetic hip hop single. Aside from Sia, Australian artist Troye Sivan and Canadian singer-songwriter Allie X also helped out with the album. Last week, he excitedly announced that he was one of the songwriters that worked on the B-side track "Louder Than Bombs". Not to mention, there's also "Boy With Luv" from their last release that featured Halsey's distinctive vocals.
Reflecting what's within
With their new album, BTS will give us a look into their souls. After all, they believe that telling their story is a way to touch and inspire the younger generation. Through Headline Planet, Big Hit Entertainment explains that with Map of the Soul: 7, "BTS now accepts both the proud light and withheld shadow of their identity to tell a story of individuals who have found their complete selves."
Their lead track, for one, reflects how their mindset as artists evolved during their seven years in the industry. Meanwhile, the eighth track entitled "Filter", will reflect the different sides of Jimin, the group's vocalist known for his delicate voice. Jungkook, on the other hand, will chronicle his emotions in "My Time", while V dedicates "Inner Child" to his younger self.
A little treat to fans
Of course, the boy group never failed to appreciate and thank their fans for their never-ending support. So for BTS' Map of The Soul: 7, they've included "Moon", which has Jin singing about his love for their ARMY. Fans should also watch out for "We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal". The 18th track is said to be a sequel to their group's track "We Are Bulletproof Pt.2" from their 2013 debut album, 2 Cool 4 Skool, a detail that will be surely appreciated by those who've been listening to the group since their beginnings.
ARMY! Can’t wait to see you on Feb 21!#BTS #방탄소년단 #MAP_OF_THE_SOUL_7 #BTS_NYC_TAKEOVER pic.twitter.com/9SjoHpaEEA
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) February 20, 2020
Aside from the release of the album later today, they'll also be dropping a "Kinetic Manifesto Film: Come Prima" to depict the concept of the lead single right at the same time. Not only that, but the boys are also kept busy with a full day of promotions. They've had a comeback special at V Live, and will be performing at Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza, and will be appearing on MTV Fresh Out at Times Square, New York in the next 24 hours. And finally, the official music video for "ON" will be available on 28 February. So be sure to catch these to show your support!
(Cover photo from: @bts.bighitofficial)
Next, look back to BTS' early years and see how their hair evolved.
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