RM leads lyrics for main track as group prepares 14-song album and global comeback
BTS unveiled the full track list for their highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Arirang,” on Wednesday, fueling excitement for their global comeback. The album’s lead single, “Swim,” anchors the 14-song record.
The track list, released via the group’s official social media channels, features a diverse range of songs including “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Merry Go Round,” “Normal,” “Like Animals,” “They Don’t Know ’Bout Us,” “One More Night,” “Please,” and “Into the Sun.”
“Arirang” is designed to reflect BTS’ core identity and the spectrum of emotions they’ve accumulated throughout their extraordinary journey.
The lead single, “Swim,” is described by Hybe as an upbeat alternative pop track. It delivers a powerful message of perseverance and moving forward through life’s challenges. Rather than resisting the inevitable, the song encourages embracing resilience and navigating life at one’s own pace. It’s a celebration of life, underscored by RM’s heartfelt lyrics which lend authenticity to the track’s message.
The album kicks off with “Body to Body,” a high-energy track created for the electrifying atmosphere of live concerts. “Hooligan” draws inspiration from BTS’ global travels and their journey in forging their unique path, while “Aliens” expresses the members’ artistic ambitions. “FYA” embodies the excitement surrounding the group’s highly anticipated comeback.
“2.0” paints a picture of the seven members as they embark on a new chapter in their careers. “No. 29” and “Merry Go Round” delve into themes of enduring life’s cyclical nature, while “Normal” explores the emotions experienced both on and off stage. “Like Animals” passionately expresses a determination to live life to the fullest, and “they don’t know ’bout us” radiates the group’s unwavering confidence in their identity.
“One More Night” encapsulates the desire to savor a fleeting, euphoric moment, while “Please” conveys a sincere wish for lasting togetherness, regardless of the circumstances. The album concludes with “Into the Sun,” a song about running towards someone with unwavering resolve.
BTS crafted “Arirang” during songwriting sessions in Los Angeles last summer. The album features contributions from Grammy-winning producers Diplo, Ryan Tedder, and El Guincho.
Diplo produced five tracks: “Body to Body,” “FYA,” “Like Animals,” “One More Night,” and “Into the Sun.” Tedder collaborated on “Body to Body” and “Normal,” while El Guincho composed “Hooligan.”
“Arirang” will be released on March 20 at 1 p.m. KST. The following day, BTS will host a special comeback show at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, which will be streamed live on Netflix.
In April, BTS will embark on their largest world tour in K-pop history, spanning 82 shows across 34 cities in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. The tour kicks off in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
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