In November 2020, BTS added another monumental achievement to their long list of accolades when their album Map of the Soul: 7 was officially certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This certification signifies that the album reached one million album-equivalent units in the United States, a milestone that only eight albums released in 2020 managed to accomplish. This remarkable feat not only solidified BTS’ position as global music powerhouses but also marked Map of the Soul: 7 as their second album to be awarded Platinum in the U.S., following the certification of Love Yourself: Answer in 2018.
Map of the Soul: 7, released in February 2020, was already a significant release in BTS’ career. It served as a reflective journey through the seven-year journey of the band, delving deep into their past, present, and individual growth. The album, which consists of 20 tracks, seamlessly combines powerful themes of identity, fame, fear, and love with the group’s characteristic blend of emotional storytelling and genre-blending music.
Each member had moments to shine on Map of the Soul: 7, contributing to solo and sub-unit tracks that reflected their personal experiences and growth. Songs like “Inner Child” by V, “My Time” by Jungkook, and “Moon” by Jin allowed the members to open up to fans through heartfelt lyrics and beautifully produced soundscapes. Meanwhile, songs like “Black Swan,” “ON,” and “Louder than Bombs” demonstrated BTS’s range, blending orchestral elements, hip-hop, trap, and emotional balladry into powerful anthems that captivated audiences worldwide.
The Platinum certification by the RIAA is a testament not only to the artistic excellence of the album but also to BTS’ unwavering and ever-growing fanbase, ARMY. The dedication and passion with which fans support BTS have helped the group break countless records, and the success of Map of the Soul: 7 is a reflection of this extraordinary artist-fan relationship. It’s worth noting that achieving Platinum status in the United States is a challenging feat for any artist, let alone for a non-English language album, which makes BTS’ accomplishment even more historic and inspiring.
Beyond its commercial success, Map of the Soul: 7 received widespread critical acclaim from some of the most reputable publications in the music and entertainment industry. It was listed among The Atlantic’s 16 Best Albums of 2020, recognized for its introspective depth and innovative approach to pop music. Billboard also ranked the album in its 50 Best Albums of 2020, acknowledging BTS’ artistic evolution and their ability to resonate across cultures and languages.
Consequence of Sound included Map of the Soul: 7 in its Top 50 Albums of 2020, calling attention to the band’s lyrical vulnerability and powerful storytelling. The album was also named one of Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2020, further cementing its status as a standout release in a year filled with music that sought to bring comfort, joy, and meaning to listeners amid a global pandemic.
Critics and fans alike praised BTS for their boldness in tackling difficult emotions and their willingness to share their inner struggles through music. Tracks such as “Black Swan” explore the fear of losing passion for one’s art, while “Zero O’Clock” offers a comforting reminder that each day is a new beginning, no matter how difficult the previous one was. These messages resonated deeply with listeners, especially during a time when the world was dealing with isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The success of Map of the Soul: 7 also represents BTS’ growing influence in the American music industry and their broader impact on the global stage. Their ability to connect with audiences in both commercial and emotional ways, despite language barriers, has redefined what it means to be a “global artist.” The RIAA Platinum certification is not just a recognition of sales and streams, it’s a symbol of the group’s cultural significance and their role in shaping the future of music.
Looking back, Map of the Soul: 7 stands as a pivotal chapter in BTS’ journey. It’s an album that honors their past, embraces their present, and looks toward their future. With seven years behind them and an ever-expanding path ahead, the album served as both a celebration and an introspection, an artistic expression of love, pain, growth, and unity.
As BTS continues to break records and reach new heights, Map of the Soul: 7 will always be remembered as a cornerstone of their legacy. The Platinum certification by the RIAA and the numerous accolades from respected publications are just the beginning of what this album represents: a moment in time when BTS stood tall as artists who were not afraid to be vulnerable, creative, and deeply human. In the end, Map of the Soul: 7 is more than just an album, it’s a story, a confession, and a love letter to their fans, and its impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
2020 has been BTS’ best year yet as they debuted two albums atop the Billboard 200 “Map Of The Soul: 7” and “BE” They also earned three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Dynamite,” “Life Goes On” and “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat Remix) Jawsh685 and Jason Derulo. Dynamite shattered streaming records upon its release on 21st August 2020 with 3 million concurrent viewers at a premiere and the most viewed MV in the first 24 hours with 101.1 million views on YouTube. The chart topping song even earned BTS their first Grammy nomination; Pop Duo/Group Performance. “Life Goes On” became BTS’ first all Korean song to debut at no. 1 on Billboard Hot 100.
Congratulations BTS!
Discover more from borahae bulletin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
borahae bulletin 