Album Review: Map of the Soul: Persona by BTS

The Lowdown: Last week on Saturday Night Live , the crowd went wild as the first South Korean group ever to musical guest on the show took the stage for their first performance, " Boy with Luv ". Strangely, this wasn't even the most talked-about "Boy with Luv" video of the last week; the song's music video recently made history, according to Guinness World Records, which confirmed early yesterday that the group had locked down not one but three world records concerning views in a 24-hour period. It's no secret that K-pop is swiftly gathering hold across the globe, and that of all its groups, BTS has perhaps the strongest foothold.

Full Review >>

Launching a new era, K-pop powerhouse BTS unveiled the first installment of a series, Map of the Soul: Persona, in 2019. Streamlined for the mainstream and instantly accessible, the effort focused mainly on vibrant pop with bursts of rap and some R&B throwbacks, allowing each member a moment to highlight his individual style. Leader RM kicks off the seven-song set with a ferocious solo turn on the spiritual sequel to 2014's "Intro: Skool Luv Affair," "Persona." Referencing Carl Jung's ideas of self and a bevy of Psych 101 topics for fans to pore over, the hungry rapper spits "Who the hell am I?" while delving into the struggle between the darkness within and a manicured outer image.

Full Review >>

Eight months on from their last album, the Bangtan Boys explore the idea of artist versus idol, roping in a couple of high-profile cameos - from Halsey to Ed Sheeran - to craft a record that sees them continuing to raise the bar In the eight months since BTS last released an album - the 26-song 'Love Yourself: Answer', which collated tracks from the rest of the 'Love Yourself' trilogy with added new cuts - a lot has happened for the Korean pop wonders. They've dominated the Grammys just by presenting an award and looking like they were having the time of their lives in the crowd, put out their first fully English track in Steve Aoki collaboration 'Waste It On Me', and claimed a ton of the top prizes at Korea's biggest award ceremonies. There's also the small matter of an upcoming stadium tour that includes two quickly sold-out dates at London's iconic Wembley Stadium.

Full Review >>

Given there was 3 million pre-orders globally, a comeback stage on SNL, and just sheer, manic hype, there's more than a chance you've heard about BTS' latest release, Map of the Soul: Persona. Teetering on the knife-edge between artists and idols, the septet made up of RM, Jin, Suga, Jimin, Jungkook, J-Hope and V, has attempted, again, to push the bar for K-pop going global by adding a couple of high-profile names to the mix. Dominating conversations online, BTS' latest release is, of course, highly anticipated both domestically and internationally.

Full Review >>

BTS are the superheroes of K-pop, a group of seven young South Korean men--RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook--who have carried the boy-band torch into the global arena. Formed in 2013, BTS cut their teeth making rap-centric tracks at a time when hip-hop was just beginning to dominate the Korean music scene. Fans were quickly drawn to their musical self-sufficiency, socially conscious messaging, and the high-art references of their visuals.

Full Review >>

K-pop sensation BTS have had a career made of dreams in the last few years. Having built a reputation for making impactful, introspective music, spurred by their massive success of their previous album series 'Love Yourself', expectations were high yet seemingly easy to achieve for the septet with the announcement of a new era of music in 'MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA'. The latest offering from the globally celebrated act unsurprisingly began making its presence known much before its release on 13 th April with an explosion of excited reactions across social media, as their ever-loyal fanbase 'ARMY' prepared to welcome new music with open arms.

Full Review >>

T he arrival of K-pop band BTS's latest mini-album comes heralded not merely by eye-watering statistics - according to a press release it has "surpassed 3m pre-orders globally", an incredible figure in the current climate - but fan-produced crib notes as well. "Ask any fan of the Korean septet and they'll probably tell you how they've spent the weeks leading up to Map of the Soul: Persona's release brushing up on the psychological theories of Carl Jung," offered a recent feature on the MTV website. As preparations for your favourite boyband's latest release go, it certainly beats camping outside a record shop while bellowing their hits to keep your spirits up.

Full Review >>