BTS is coming back with "SWIM", an anthem about loving life.
On March 4, BTS posted the tracklist for their fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG", on their official social media. The album logo and bold red tape-style graphics make a striking first impression. The new record includes 14 tracks: "SWIM" (title track), "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".
The album spans BTS’s identity and the feelings built over their journey so far. "SWIM" is an upbeat alternative-pop track. It sings about keeping pace and moving forward through life’s waves. Instead of fighting the current, it chooses a steady, personal rhythm―framed as a “love for life.” RM took the lead on lyric-writing, adding authenticity to the message.
Opener "Body to Body" is a rallying cry to have fun with the crowd at their shows. "Hooligan" captures the time they spent blazing trails around the world. "Aliens" lays out their ambitions for the future, while "FYA" channels the heat of a comeback. "2.0" reflects where all seven members stand in a new chapter.
After "No. 29" and the title track, "Merry Go Round" tells a story of enduring life’s repeating cycles. "NORMAL" explores emotions felt on and off stage. "Like Animals" carries a pledge to live passionately, while "they don't know 'bout us" radiates the confidence of “we’re just us.” "One More Night" is a wish to linger in an ecstatic moment. "Please" holds an honest desire to stay together through anything. "Into the Sun" closes with a confession about running to you.
Last summer in Los Angeles, BTS held a songwriting camp and worked on music. Grammy-winning producers Diplo, Ryan Tedder, and El Guincho joined the sessions, boosting the album’s polish.
BTS will release "ARIRANG" at 1 p.m. on March 20. The next day, March 21, they’ll host BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜"ARIRANG" at Gwanghwamun Plaza. The show will stream live on Netflix.
Photo Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)