[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] Suho - Let's Love (2020)

Suho becomes the third EXO member to release a solo album after Chen and Baekhyun. On Monday, March 30^th 2020, the EXO leader presented Self-Portrait, a five track EP with lead single Let’s Love. Suho’s solo venture surprises me because he leaves EXO powerful image behind. Instead of sticking to pop, dance or R&B genre, he approaches rock-ballad theme and vulnerable lyrics.

Let’s Love represents Suho attempt to try something outside of his comfort zone. Will the EXO leader nail it or not? Check out my review of Self-Portrait title track below…………………………….

Let’s Love brings a melancholy mood since the beginning. This song opens with an electric guitar loop and drum sound, which will remind you to classic band ballad tracks. Then Suho’s soft vocal comes during the first verse and provides a strict contrast to loud instrumentals. Both complement each other; making the song pleasant to listen. The similar theme also continues on Let’s Love chorus.

The first half of Let’s Love is enjoyable; however, its strongest part actually appears on the second verse. It presents different structure from the previous part that allows Suho to explore on his vocal. He tries different singing style and blends with the harmonization at several parts. The addition of hook is a nice touch too that makes Let’s Love more memorable.

Not only in terms of music, but the lyrics of Let’s Love second verse is also a turning point for this song. After expressing his longing feeling on the first verse, Suho praises someone he loves and mentions how they make his life better. He gives a hopeful spirit to Let’s Love; much like its title that play with EXO chant. Overall, the second verse prevents the song becomes repetitive since the latter part follows rock/ballad cliché bridge.

Let’s Love melancholy yet hopeful theme continues on the music video. Suho sings in various settings with opposite color tones. He stands in the dark room, which represents the first aspect, while sits in front of brick red wall and yellow picture that maintains the latter feeling. The combination represents his album title too, Self-Portrait, since it showcases different reflection of Suho. Aside from that, Let’s Love music video does not offer something new, which has potential to bore you at several parts.

Though several parts feel formulaic, Let’s Love is a solid solo work from Suho. It pushes the EXO leader to go outside of his comfort pop/dance/R&B zone. His vocal surprisingly fits rock-ballad genre, which means it’s promising for him to continue go down on this route. The music video might seem repetitive, but at least, it’s nice to see Suho embraces different side of him.

Suho’s solo is another proof EXO member has clear direction on what they want to do as solo artists. Between this, Chen’s, and Baekhyun’s, each has a distinct color which not only set their identity as a solo artist, but also differentiate it from their group works. It’s promising and I can’t wait to see other EXO members solo attempt in the future!

Rating:            3.5/5

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] EXO - Tempo (2018)

After focusing on their individual activities for several months, EXO is finally back! The boys released their latest album called Don’t Mess Up My Tempo on Friday, November 2^nd 2018. It is EXO fifth full album that has Tempo as its title track.

This comeback has been long overdue since EXO usually releases new materials during summer time. Public expectation then rises. They curious to see what will EXO deliver through Tempo.

So how does Tempo sound? Does EXO decide to stick on their signature style or experiment new thing? Check out my review for this title track below………………..

Tempo is a mix of EXO signature music styles. It is a pop-funk song with a touch of electronic synthesizer and strong beat. The music production stands out due to its intricate details. Tempo consists of various layering from bass sound to harmonization. The first element manages to make Tempo unique while the latter gives more dramatic vibe.

All of those combination works in terms of music production. However, EXO finds difficulties to match them into song flow. They decide to experiment in putting rap verses, breakdown part, and acapella section in one song. Some parts work out well (The acapella is lovely!), but it does not sound cohesive in one song. As a result, Tempo becomes disjointed.

Tempo could sound more enjoyable if it has strong hook. Unfortunately, the chorus part sounds repetitive. It is also too long and complicated (“Don’t mess up my tempo”). People could find difficulties to remember and sing through it.

As for the music video, Tempo provides an interesting concept. It deals with futuristic theme. Illuminating light, cyborg effect, and various cubes appears throughout music video. EXO members also try out different styling. It is interesting to see them become more mature while still showcase their rebel side.

Still, Tempo music video has major issue. The transition between each scene seems abrupt. The camera also moves too fast. This disrupts the way people enjoy Tempo music video.  

Tempo is a promising single from EXO. It has slick and unique music production without losing the group signature style. However, the boys seems confuse in terms of execution. The song arrangement sounds messy while the music video does not able to live up its potential. This is quite unfortunate since EXO has proved they could do much more. Better luck next time boys!

Rating:            3/5

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[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] EXO-CBX - Blooming Days (2018)

EXO started 2018 with their sub-unit activities. On Wednesday, April 10^th 2018, EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) released mini album called Blooming Days. This is their second album after launching Hey Mama in 2016.

Blooming Days offers interesting album concept. It has seven tracks to represent days in a week. Each song has different theme, which based on certain day’s mood. EXO-CBX mentioned that this album could be a companion for people daily activities.

So, are you ready to spend your week with EXO-CBX? Here is my review for Blooming Days album………

EXO-CBX opens Blooming Days album with a surprise. They do not showcase funk or pop-dance genre like their previous album. Instead, they tackle reggae theme for Monday Blues. This song dominated by percussion sound, which gives chill vibe. It matches the song lyrics since EXO-CBX talks about laziness when Monday comes. They just could not wait for weekend already!

As a reggae song, Monday Blues only has similar melody throughout the end. This could make the song becomes boring. Luckily, EXO-CBX manages to create exciting dynamic with their vocal. It was impressive, especially when Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin continue to sing with higher key after each refrain.

Blooming Days is a title track for this mini album. This time, EXO-CBX is back with their usual pop and dance theme. It has groovy beat accompanied by electric guitar. The music would easily make people dance to it.

Although it still presents pop and dance genre, Blooming Days has different vibe than Hey Mama (EXO-CBX previous title track). It sounds calmer due to vocal arrangement. EXO-CBX sang in lower register for most parts. They only soars during refrain, which also makes more satisfying build up in Blooming Days.

Since the song title Blooming Days, the lyrics added various symbolisms about flower such as sprout and leaf. This symbolism is a way of EXO-CBX showcases their feeling. They fall in love with a girl and want to be her boyfriend.

The similar theme also presented on Blooming Days music video. You can see Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin sit or sleep between flowers. This followed by unique cinematography and bold color tone like yellow, green or red. It looks gorgeous.

Sweet Dreams mixes modern and old school sound. The 80s inspired disco beat starts this song. It uses drum followed by electric guitar riff and a bit of keyboard sound. This beat stays throughout Sweet Dreams verses, which talked about how EXO-CBX keeps thinking of one girl.

Then modern sound appears before Sweet Dreams refrain. It has synthesizer to create slower breakdown. Unfortunately, this addition disrupts the song flow. It sounds out of place. Sweet Dreams able to pick it up again during refrain because the old school sound comes back.

Thursday means time for R&B! This fourth track dominated by strong beat along with bass and piano melody. It has slower tempo as well as continuous arrangement. Since the music is quite simple, Thursday able to showcase EXO-CBX vocal.

If Blooming Days focuses on lower register, Thursday goes the other way. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin challenge themselves with falsettos and harmonization. They nail it, especially when they exchange lines during bridge. It sounds soothing and fits the song theme about wishing to make it official with their lover.

EXO-CBX tries out another experiment with Vroom Vroom. This song mixes disco and trap genre. Disco sound comes through the usage of drum, synthesizer, and bass in verses. These instrumentals successfully lift up people’s mood. This matches Friday night fun vibe.

The uplifting spirit also shows due to EXO-CBX rap during second verses. You finally able to listen Baekhyun and Chen’s attempt! Both of them nail this part, which mention how their heartbeat goes faster when spending time loved ones.

Meanwhile, trap sound appears at refrain. It sadly becomes another blunder from EX-COBX after Sweet Dreams. The old school and modern sound still does not work well.

After disco, funk, and trap, EXO-CBX tackles jazz genre with Playdate. This song is full of strong guitar and bass line as well as lovely piano melody. It also has EXO-CBX harmonization during refrain. The arrangement sounds more cheerful yet fresh if you compare with previous songs.

The cheerful arrangement relates with Playdate lyrics. It tells a story about EXO-CBX preparation to have a date. The lyrics are cute and definitely suits Saturday mood where couple often spend times together.

EXO-CBX finally arrives at last day of the week, Sunday. They do not ready to work again the next day. This is why they want to spend the day doing nothing. This situation portrayed in Lazy lyrics.

Since the song talked about laziness, its arrangement also follows similar vibe. It goes on medium tempo beat that sounds chill. It also has old school tone through the usage of electric guitar and synthesizer. As a lazy theme, this song showcases repetitive melody that could potentially makes people bored.

Blooming Days is another solid album from EXO-CBX. Most of the tracks are pleasant listening. You could easily enjoy it when doing your daily activities just like what the boys want to achieve with this album.

Blooming Days also successfully shows EXO-CBX musical identity apart from EXO. They like to mix up disco, funk, and dance genre. Their songs sound more chill and groovy if you compare with the whole group. Well done, Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin!

My Favorite Tracks:   Monday Blues, Blooming Days, Sweet Dreams, Playdate

Rating:                          4/5

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Christmas and New Year Special: EXO - Universe vs TWICE - Heart Shaker

Merry Christmas for those of you who celebrated it! How’s your Christmas Eve? Is it fun? Have you make preparation for New Year’s Eve yet? Well whatever your activities are, I hope it turns out well J

Just like you, K-Pop idols also celebrated Christmas and New Year. They do it in a way which showcase their best ability, performing. Some idols put out new music for this occasion. This included EXO and TWICE.

EXO released Universe album with same name title track on Tuesday, December 26^th 2017. This is their fourth winter special album. Meanwhile, TWICE is a first timer. The girls released repackage album called Merry & Happy on Monday, 11^th December 2017. It has Heart Shaker as title track.

How is EXO and TWICE’s Christmas as well as New Year’s special single sound like? Check out my review here……………………

EXO – Universe

Universe is a melancholic song about the regretful feeling of losing someone. EXO still could not let go of their past lover. They will do anything to get her back even if it means searching in the universe.

Since Universe has sad theme, EXO keeps it consistent by singing in ballad genre. Piano melody takes front step throughout the song. However, EXO tries out something new starting from the first chorus.

EXO adds rock touch through electric guitar and drum sound. The combination of rock-ballad is new thing for EXO and it does not disappoint. Universe becomes more dramatic without being too much.

This mix of rock-ballad music is accompanied by soaring vocal. Each EXO member manages to deliver their line while shows their vocal growth. I am particularly impressed yet surprised with Suho and Xiumin. They get more lines and successfully shine during chorus part.

As for music video, it represents the melancholy tone of Universe song itself. There are many shots that describe EXO loneliness. They wander around with gloomy expression on their face. This theme could be more fitting if EXO use different type of setting, not the limited one like in Universe music video.

Related with theme, warmer colors like brown and cream also dominate Universe music video. It appears on setting, properties, and clothes. The usage of warmer color is quite rare because winter usually described with white color that looks like snow. But, it successfully brings calming feeling in Universe music video.

Warmer color is suitable with symbolism in Universe music video too. It shows various types of coffee and rope. Cup of coffee becomes universe representation. The dark color is similar with galaxy scenery. Meanwhile, disorganized rope might be a symbol of chaos in universe.

Rating:                        4/5

TWICE – Heart Shaker

If EXO expresses gloomy winter with Universe, TWICE does the opposite. Heart Shaker brings out festive theme of Christmas and New Year. It is a high-energy pop song that command attention since the first listen.

Heart Shaker continues TWICE’s signature to present a song with interesting dynamic. It is quirky yet easy to listen. The verses are sharp that full of fast exchanging lines. Meanwhile, the chorus has strong grip. This successfully represents Heart Shaker lyrics about TWICE braveness to confess love to their crush. 

The chorus itself stands out among TWICE title tracks since it relies on the whole melody, not only hooks. It also showcases Nayeon and Jihyo’s powerful vocal although some parts sound too high compare to their vocal range. All of these elements accompanied by electric guitar and drum sound.

The cheerful spirit of Heart Shaker shows on its music video. It is full of bright colors styling and properties in various setting. It’s great to see them mark each property with different color to avoid dullness. TWICE members seem having fun too, which makes them more engaging to watch and increases their stage presence.

Aside from that, Heart Shaker music video manages to show TWICE quirky style. Look how TWICE multiplies on the last scene. Then watch Heart Shaker choreography, which each member gives affection to others. It is bizarre yet fun at the same time.

Rating:                                    4/5

Both EXO and TWICE has release solid music at Christmas and New Year 2018. It is hard to pick the better one since they shine on their own way. Plus, their material has different style too.

Universe fits a cold and quiet winter experience. EXO’s pop-rock ballad with soaring vocal will wrench your heart. On the other hand, TWICE lifts up your Christmas and New Year spirit. Heart Shaker strong dynamic and catchy lyrics suitable for joyful event.

So, which one is your pick?

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