BTS reached a monumental peak in their global odyssey with the 2020 release of ‘Map of the Soul: 7’, a deeply personal record that chronicles seven years of growth and brotherhood. Functioning as a profound celebration of the group’s journey, the album masterfully weaves together pop, R&B, and hip-hop with experimental touches of rock and EDM. Lyrically, the members delve into Jungian psychology to explore the complex archetypes of the persona, shadow, and ego. This body of work achieved unprecedented commercial success, topping charts in all five of the world’s largest music markets and setting a Guinness World Record as the best-selling album in South Korea. Every track on this project reflects a daring spirit of self-reflection and an unbreakable bond between seven individuals who have redefined the global music industry. Witnessing the transition from their hip-hop roots to this sophisticated and rhapsodic narrative is a defining highlight for any music enthusiast.
The Combination Of Two Projected Albums
The original plan for the ‘Map of the Soul’ series involved a trilogy of releases, but BTS made a premeditated decision to combine the “Shadow” and “Ego” concepts into one massive full-length project. This choice was made after the group took an extended period of rest to recharge and enjoy their lives as young men in their 20s. By merging the themes of facing internal wounds and accepting one’s fate, they created their longest studio album to date, consisting of twenty tracks that tell a complete and cohesive story of their evolution.
Artistic Resonance Through The Gayageum
To create the haunting and atmospheric mood of the lead single “Black Swan,” the production team incorporated the gayageum, a traditional 12-stringed Korean instrument. This choice added a rhapsodic East Asian flair to the emo hip-hop track, blending cultural heritage with modern trap beats. The layered and processed vocals were intentionally designed to make the seven members’ voices indistinguishable at times, symbolizing their unity as a single entity facing the universal fear of losing their passion for art.
Ed Sheeran’s Soft-Soul Gesture
The R&B track “Make It Right” features a significant songwriting contribution from British superstar Ed Sheeran. Driven by synthesizers and a looped horn, the song showcases the band’s vocal range through breathy intensity and falsetto-heavy belting. This collaboration was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as it successfully merged Sheeran’s signature melodic sensibility with the complex and emotive performance style that defines BTS.
A High-Production Grand Central Takeover
To promote the lead single “On,” BTS performed a massive, high-production routine in the main concourse of Grand Central Station for ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.’ This historic performance featured a marching band-style drumroll and intricate choreography that utilized the empty iconic landmark in a way never before seen on late-night television. The sheer scale of the performance served as a powerful homage to their career and a factual demonstration of their status as the world’s premier performing act.
The Global Connect Art Project
In a move to redefine the relationship between music and public art, BTS launched “Connect, BTS” alongside the album’s release. This ambitious project involved 22 contemporary artists across five major cities, including London, Seoul, and New York. Notable works included a digital recreation of an ancient forest by Jakob Kudsk Steensen and a solar-powered hot air balloon flight in Argentina that set world records for propane-free travel. These installations were inspired by the band’s philosophy of inclusion and served as a bridge between the material world and the immaterial power of their music.