On Friday, Feb. 21, K-pop superstars Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) released their highly anticipated album, “Map of the Soul: 7.” Over the course of seven years, the group has experienced major success and become one of the most influential groups of our generation. 

The seven-member boy band, consisting of rappers RM, Suga and J-Hope, and vocalists Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook, started the Korean pop (K-pop) craze that has taken over the U.S. with their music, dance moves and style. 

Despite the difficulty some foreign artists have in gaining popularity in the West due to differences in musical norms, BTS does not compromise their style. They do their own thing, on their own terms, while continuing to grow their fan base. BTS embraces their Korean culture by using minimal English lyrics in their songs. Despite a majority of listeners not understanding what it is they are singing, BTS continues to keep the Korean aspect of K-pop alive. In addition, they are incredibly devoted to their fan base, always thanking them and breaking down into tears at their concerts as a response to their fans’ dedication. 

“Map of the Soul: 7” is packed with 20 tracks, all of which have landed on iTunes’ top 20 song chart, including the ones that had already been released on their previous album, “Map of the Soul: Persona.” With over four million presales, as well as the overwhelmingly positive response from fans across all social media platforms within hours of the album dropping, “Map of the Soul: 7” has already surpassed BTS’ previous albums in sales and streams, and is sure to be a Billboard chart topper. 

“Map of the Soul: 7” starts off with five familiar songs. “Intro: Persona,” “Boy With Luv,” “Make It Right,” “Jamais Vu” and “Dionysus” had all been previously released on “Map of the Soul: Persona.” 

Releasing the same songs on multiple albums is a common trend for BTS, as the older songs tie into and help convey the theme of the newest album. These songs act as the background information relevant to the story being told throughout the album. 

As the album progresses, fans can expect diverse tracks that explore the genres of pop, rap, electronic and slow ballads. Every song flows into the next one, making the album one cohesive narrative.  

The album features solos and songs with some combination of rapper and vocalist subunits. The subunits and solo tracks are a common theme throughout each of BTS’s albums,allowing BTS to show their unity as well as their individuality. 

“Map of the Soul: 7” is meant to symbolize the seven members of the group, as well as the seven years the band has spent together. After renewing their contract for another seven years together in 2018, this album reflects on this midpoint, including all of their ups and downs. The major theme apparent in the album is the idea of perseverance and strength, narrating the band’s journey and the lessons they’ve learned.

Overall, “Map of the Soul: 7” is one of BTS’s best albums to date. It explores topics that BTS had yet to touch upon, which allows fans to hear a new side of them. The songs are powerful and meaningful, with each track building off of one another to produce a larger and deeper look into the minds of the K-pop stars. BTS never disappoints with their music, and this new album is a surefire example of their talent and success.  

Album Rating: 5/5