Image: BTS. © TenAsia | Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed).
BTS’s genre is BTS. This has become the popular, logical view of critics, ARMYs and observers worldwide following the release of BTS’s latest, record breaking album, “Map of the Soul: 7”. The album, which is packed with ballads, solo masterpieces and pop as well as hip-hop bops, has truly taken the world by storm.
BTS has debuted, once again, at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 for their “MOTS:7” album. This is an excellent achievement which they can add to their continuously growing list of successes.
The group’s album has also debuted at #1 on the UK’s Top Album Charts. BTS is the only Korean act that has been able to achieve such a feat. Their impact on Western charts and markets comes after remaining true to themselves, and increasing their fanbase through messages of love, hope, acceptance and growth, as well as being wonderful, humble individuals who make up one of the most talented groups in the world.
BTS’s success should not come as a surprise. The group has been rising in international fame and success for years, and their support has grown exponentially. Furthermore, their dedication, talent and input in their new album should not be ignored.
As explained by the group, “Map of the Soul: 7” provides a collection of work that follow a similar theme: which is overcoming challenges and the many fears that entered their minds through their rise to fame. This personal theme is one of many intrinsic and heartfelt messages that the group shares with their fanbase, ARMY.
Despite the diversity of each track in beat, melody and sound, the album fits together perfectly. When listening from one song to the next, you can tell that the production team succeeded in their vision for a crisp, content-filled album that flowed from track-to-track. This is something which many artists have been battling to get right, but BTS achieved this with ease.
“MOTS:7” has something to offer for every type of listener. There is a different song for each moment, mood and atmosphere. The solo tracks remind us of each individual members’ talents and personal growth, and the group tracks tie everything together to provide the listener with a delightful playlist where you will find it difficult to skip a track.
Also read:
- Pakistani Fans Donate To Charity On BTS’ J-Hope’s Birthday
- British Fans Rejoice As BTS Releases Tour Dates For London
- NCT 127 Announces Tour Dates For USA
The first five tracks of the album are from the album, “Map of the Soul: PERSONA”, which are revisited and are argued to be the necessary “foundation blocks” of the era and build up to Shadow before reaching the conclusion of “Ego”. Both Suga and J-Hope were impressive in their solo tracks, with many expressing surprise with the sound of “Ego”, and people being mesmerised by Shadow.
Black Swan, a beautiful ballad and danced-infused track, is the track after Shadow, and following it is Filter, a beautiful, Latin inspired solo track by Jimin. Jungkook’s track “My Time” brings us a soothing, pop track, and his vocals give us a sense of soothing. Louder than bombs, is a pure, perfected track with a balance of memorable rap lines, as well as iconic vocals.
The lead single “ON” has been regarded as a hip-hop track by Big Hit Entertainment, but I truly believe it has formalised its own genre since it seems to connect backing tracks, rap and vocal excellence altogether without a similarity to the “usual hip hop”. The song tells a beautiful story of their growth and the fears of facing difficulty, but they reach the realisation that they can brave it out together, and they will get through the pain.
As soon as you listen to UGH!, you know it is going to be a concert favourite with the absolute excellence delivered by the rap line of BTS. RM, Suga and J-Hope have become masters of the rap game and it shows in UGH!. 00:00 (Zero O’clock) is soulful, emotional and breathtakingly good. You cannot fault the vocal line at all.
V brought many smiles and tears with his track “Inner Child” which has been agreed to be a highly motivational track that fills the listener’s heart with hope. “Friends” by Jimin and V truly is a heart-warming track which showcases the dear friendship between the two members. It’s a special track that will be a site to see live!
Jin’s magnificent vocals make “Moon” a pleasant track to listen to at any time of the day. The lyrics are sweet as nectar, and will make you smile throughout. Suga and RM jumped onto their track “Respect” to question the idea of respect and the mistakes people have made in terms of respect.
Before “Ego” is played, the members carefully placed “We are Bulletproof: The Eternal” in the track list. Whether it was to cause even more tears, or not, the track is a moving reflection of BTS’s challenges, and their initial struggle with joining the music industry. They remind their fanbase, ARMY, that they are in a better place, and have them for comfort.
It is clear that BTS produced and released a work of art for the world to enjoy. BTS never disappoints, and “Map of the Soul: 7” was worth the wait. This album will definitely be played and enjoyed worldwide, and we expect radios to latch on to these masterful, creative tracks of gold.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Luke Waltham is a writer, blogger and activist. He is a BA Law Graduate and is currently studying an Honours Degree in Ancient Studies. He’s been involved in human rights and social justice work. He is a proud member of #BTSARMY.
