BTS Bring Out Black Swan

BTS are setting the tone with their expansive 2020 return to music, and it’s dark.

The famous group just dropped their first single – “Black Swan” – from the upcoming album “Map Of the Soul: 7”. They dropped the full-length audio track on all streaming services, along with a 6 minute art film of the song, choreographed and performed by the renowned MN Dance Company.

Early reactions and reviews have called the project a masterpiece, applauding both the theme of the track, the writing and production and the execution of visuals as well. Fans were expectant right from the start both because of BTS’ track record of using music to get deep and personal as well as the announcement that the MN Dance Company would be involved.

The theme of the songs travels in the same vein as their previous release “Interlude: Shadow”, exploring the consequences of fame and reflecting on the loneliness, dissatisfaction and seeming emptiness once you reach the top – a feat they have achieved.

The production on the track is reminiscent of old-school BTS tracks like “Rain” in terms of feel, but ventures out into a new world of strings and violins to create an almost manic state of terror that has you in its grip. The writing goes on to amplify the same terror – the feeling of being trapped by the confines of fame, some lines alluding specifically to the metaphor of the music not being exciting anymore.

The rap line sings “The heart no longer races/ When hearing the music play// I’ve always been afraid of/ If this can no longer make my heart vibrate// This may be how I die my first death.” Combined with the violent strings and jolting visuals, the sing has you right where the boys are – questioning everything.

“Black Swan” is to be followed by two more songs – a Comeback Trailer called “EGO” and an unnamed lead single. “Map Of The Soul: 7” is set to release on February 21st, 2020, along with a music video for the lead single.