[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] EXO - Ko Ko Bop (2017)

EXO is ready for their next summer comeback! After the success of Monster last year, EXO is back with newest single called Ko Ko Bop. This is the title track of EXO fourth full album The War that released on July 19^th 2017.

EXO has been teasing Ko Ko Bop since several months ago. The boys promised to bring new side of them through Ko Ko Bop. As expected, curiosity rose while anticipation built up.

What will EXO bring this time? What kind of new side? Check out the answer on my review of Ko Ko Bop below……………………..

Ko Ko Bop opened with unusual sound for EXO. This time, they tried to approach reggae music. Electronic guitar riff led the song followed by percussion and synthesizer at the end of each verse. Meanwhile the chorus brought certain hook that could easily stay in your head. It’s very chill and different from EXO typical strong sound.

Ko Ko Bop chill vibe based on its repetitive melody. The melody did not really go anywhere, so there was a chance Ko Ko Bop became boring. However, EXO tried to lift it up by putting EDM sound. There was a hint of it in Chanyeol rap parts continued with full breakdown after chorus.

The combination between reggae and EDM music was an interesting twist. Unfortunately, it did not flow smoothly. The transition seemed sudden and messy due to lack of connection. It would be better if EXO tried to combine it in subtle way like during last chorus.

Ko Ko Bop offered new sound for EXO, but it did not make them unrecognizable. The vocal treatment showcased their signature R&B style. Baekhyun, D.O, and Chen maintained distinct vocal tone while others supported great layering as well as harmonization.

In terms of lyrics, Ko Ko Bop itself did not have exact meaning. It only portrayed the essence of fun. How the boys want to dance and have fun with their lovers. This kind of theme represented well on Ko Ko Bop music video.

It showed EXO danced along while looked calm and free. They surrounded with colorful elements such as garden setting and car property. The boys styling were also bright. They played up with patterned shirts and unique hairstyles.

The fun aspect emphasized on Ko Ko Bop cinematography. There were various flashy scenes accompanied with fast editing. It created effect that EXO drunk on something. This kind of approach was not my cup of tea since it made the music video looked dizzy.

Although the music video concept was far from their usual style, EXO still manage to showcase their infamous power. It demonstrated in hilarious way in order to make it suitable with Ko Ko Bop theme. Check out how Suho jumped into table, which turned into water then sat inside washing machine. There was also scene where Chanyeol hit a ball and suddenly became fireworks.

EXO branched out different genre with Ko Ko Bop. It was refreshing to see their attempt in combining the rare genre in K-Pop, reggae with the trendy sound, EDM. Plus, EXO managed to keep their signature color in the middle of these combinations. It’s a new sound, but it’s still EXO.

However, their effort did not always smooth. There was a lot work needed to do in terms of song arrangement and music video production. They could improve and continue to challenge themselves after Ko Ko Bop. Keep it up, EXO!

Rating:                     3.5/5 

Categories: Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen, D.O, EXO, Kai, Kokobop, Kpop, Sehun, Suho, Xiumin