After two months, EXO
is back with another album called Lotto on
August 18th. It’s a repackage album for EX’ACT, EXO's third album.
Repackage album has always been a tradition for EXO. In 2013, EXO
has Growl as their repackage album
where the same name single became the biggest hit. Last year, EXO has Love Me Right and its release went head to head
with Bigbang newest single.
For me, EXO repackage singles are always more superior than
previous title track. EXO manages to come up with catchier repackage song while
still have the same theme with previous title track. That’s why the
anticipation is quite high for Lotto.
Could Lotto continue the solid release of previous repackage
album? Let’s see the review for EXO three new tracks in Lotto album………………………………………………….
Lotto
EXO takes a new attempt with Lotto.
It still has EXO usual electronic/hip
hop sound just like their previous title tracks. However, Lotto melody and vocal treatment differs from other EXO tracks.
Lotto reminds me with Western electronic/hip hop music from its melody,
strong beat, and auto tune sound. The music stays the same throughout the song
while the vocal goes more into talking and rapping style.
It’s great to see EXO keeps experimenting instead of sticking to
similar songs every release. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well this time. Lotto doesn’t really go anywhere. There
is no interesting dynamic on it.
The vocal also couldn’t bring more dynamic to Lotto because of auto tune sound. It covers the vocal and makes EXO
couldn't show their full capabilities. It’s a pity because Lotto has sick beat and promising
verses.
Thankfully, Lotto music
video provides major treat for us. EXO keeps continuation from Monster, their previous title track,
with its dark and gloomy tone. The shots are gorgeous despite having limited
setting.
EXO also looks more mature on Lotto
music video. EXO tries another new attempt by channeling bad boy look with
drinking and rebelling scenes. Surprisingly, all of them pull this concept
well. The choreography looks interesting too.
I also like that the whole music video follows the song lyrics.
It’s about the resemblance of getting a girl with winning a lottery. We see EXO
gambles and throws money while Chanyeol tries
to save a girl at the same time. However, I am still not sure about the clear
storyline of Lotto music video
because there are too many scenes going on in short time span.
Can’t Bring
Me Down
Can’t Bring Me Down is another electronic/hip hop song from EXO. However, it takes
more classic approach with vocal on verses, rap on bridges, and beat drop on
refrain. This classic approach successfully adds great dynamic to the song.
Plus, the synthesizer sound and harmonization makes Can’t Bring Me Down more exciting.
Can’t Bring Me Down also has strong lyrics. It is about how other people fakeness
can’t bring EXO down. It’s a powerful song overall and has potential to be
their title track aside from Lotto.
She’s
Dreaming
She’s Dreaming finally brings back EXO signature R&B track, which is lacking
in EX’ACT album. This song actually quite simple by having strong beat along
with bass and guitar sound. But, it sounds refreshing amidst all electronic
dance track in EX’ACT album.
EXO also does a good job in terms of vocal. Baekhyun, Chen, and D.O. once again able to showcase their
emotional voice. I also like that EXO takes different approach with She’s Dreaming by singing in lower tone.
Another good job is for Chen
who takes part in composing the lyrics. She’s
Dreaming is quite a sad song where EXO describes their relationship like a
dream. EXO wants to always be with the girl, but she will forget them if wake
up.
So, does Lotto live up the expectation? It’s quite hard to say
this. Lotto is EXO weakest repackage
tracks to date. But at the same time, Can’t
Bring Me Down and She’s Dreaming
provides us with EXO signature style that seems hiding in EX’ACT album.
Though it’s a good addition, Lotto unfortunately doesn’t give
strong complement to EX’ACT. Or in another word, EX’ACT could existed without Lotto.
My Favorite
Tracks: Can’t Bring Me Down, She’s Dreaming
Rating: 3/5
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