With the start of a new decade, many popular music artists have already begun to release tons of new content. From Halsey’s new album Manic to the very last album release, Circles, from the late Mac Miller, many fans are overwhelmed with exciting new songs. However, one of the biggest releases to come in the new year has come from one of the most acclaimed k-pop boy bands in the world, BTS. 

     BTS are very well-known for releasing albums that follow a very specific concept and deep meaning. Last spring, they released the first album of the newest series which is focused around how people are perceived and who they are as a person. The series is titled Map of the Seoul, and each album has a subtitle that relates to the mind and soul. The first of the set was called Map of the Seoul: Persona. Now, the second album has started to slowly be released and fans are more than excited. The album as a whole is going to be titled Map of the Seoul: 7. However, the entire era began with the first comeback trailer entitled “Shadow” which was released on January 9, 2020. The video featured one of the seven members, Suga, who is a part of the rap line. The song will be the first track on the album. 

      The next piece of the puzzle to be released came out on January 17, 2020 and it is called “Black Swan.” This song is the second of four singles to be released before the actual album release date. “Black Swan” debuted at number 1 on the iTunes chart and is set to remain there for the coming week. The meaning of the song is what struck many fans. The song reflects the fears of the members that they will not love music as much as they do in the present ever again. However, it ends with them learning to accept these “shadows” as a part of themselves. This metaphorical track is one of many elaborate works they have put out that all connect to each other in some way. 

       In order to help promote this project, BTS have teamed up with talented artists around the world to create artistic concepts in various locations. These art pieces are made to reflect the overall concept of the new album. They are calling it “Connect BTS.” This effort as well as all the layered releases that come before the album drop are just some of the reasons that BTS are such talented and acclaimed artists. The amount of thought and passion put into everything they do is quite unmatched.