BTS Unveils Track List for 5th Album 'ARIRANG'; Title Track Is 'SWIM'

BTS is set to return with “SWIM,” a song about loving life.

BTS on Tuesday released the track list for its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” on the group’s official social media accounts. The image combines the album logo with a red tape-like graphic.

The 14-track album includes the title song “SWIM,” along with “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.”
BigHit Music said “ARIRANG” brings together BTS’ identity and the emotions built over the group’s journey. The title track, “SWIM,” is an upbeat alternative-pop song that frames the band’s resolve to keep moving forward through life’s waves. Rather than fighting the current, it conveys a determination to push through at one’s own pace, delivering a message of “love for life.” RM participated broadly in writing the lyrics, the agency said.

The opening track, “Body to Body,” is described as a call to enjoy the moment with concertgoers. “Hooligan” reflects time spent traveling the world and forging a path, while “Aliens” and “FYA” carry ambition and the energy of the group’s comeback. “2.0” is said to show where the seven members stand as they enter a new phase.

“No. 29” and “Merry Go Round,” which follows the title track, depict enduring life’s repeating cycles. “NORMAL” addresses feelings on and off stage, and “Like Animals” conveys a determination to live intensely. “they don’t know ’bout us” expresses confidence with the line, “We’re just us.” “One More Night” sings of wanting to stay longer in an intoxicating moment, while “Please” conveys a candid desire to be together in any situation. The album closes with “Into the Sun,” described as a confession of running toward “you.”

BTS held a songwriting session in Los Angeles last summer as it worked on the album. Global producers including Diplo, Ryan Tedder and El Guincho, all with Grammy Award wins, took part, the agency said.

BTS will release “ARIRANG” at 1 p.m. March 20. The next day, March 21, the group will hold “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, with the performance livestreamed on Netflix.