[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] EXO - The War (2017)

It has been more a year since EXO released their third album EX’ACT. Now, the boys come back again with newest album The War on July 18^th, 2017.

The War album feels special for EXO. It marks the fifth year anniversary of their career. It would be interesting to see EXO growth and development in terms of music.

How much EXO have matured? How does EXO change after five years becoming idol? Check out my review of The War album here……….

EXO surprised us since beginning of The War album. They choose mid tempo song called The Eve as opening instead of the usual upbeat track. The Eve combined R&B beat with electronic dance music. R&B represented by bass and drum instrumental. Meanwhile, synthesizer gave the song electronic dance breakdown.

R&B and electronic dance combination created great dynamic for The Eve. This song became more complete with EXO singing part. Each member sounds strong here. Plus, I like the fact that the vocal and music kept fill each other parts just like what can be heard during chorus.

The Eve was a strong opening. It set tone and mood for The War album. Then the lyrics itself matched the situation too. We need to break the wall in order to see the eve. In other words, we need to let loose and listen each track to enjoy The War album.

Ko Ko Bop showed new side of EXO. The boys made an attempt in reggae music then mixed it with EDM. It’s promising, but there was a lot to be desire. Check out the full review here.

EXO kept their tradition in releasing funk music through What U Do?. This song was full of guitar riff, unique drum as well as bass melody. It reminded me so much with their previous hits Love Me Right. However, EXO added a bit of electronic pop music to differentiate it with the latter.

What U Do? displayed EXO true feeling to their loved one. They fell in love with whatever their loved one did. It was a cheerful song, which able to lift up spirit and danced. People will easily sing along since it has catchy chorus.

If previous three tracks showcased fun side of EXO, Forever did the opposite. It gave darker vibe through old school synthesizer and keyboard sound. Still, EXO put modern touch during the chorus. It has electronic dance music, which seemed to be the main theme of The War album.

Aside from having darker vibe, Forever also has strong dynamic. The song flow never slowed down since the beginning. Chen’s high note started Forever then continued with Kai, Chanyeol, and Sehun’s rapping parts. They keep the tone and emotion of this song, which talked about EXO willingness to stay with their loved ones forever. When it got too overwhelming, Suho and Xiumin soft vocal filled in. The latter surprisingly become a star of this song.

Diamond was the most experimental tracks in The War album. This time, EXO mixed deep house verses with Middle Eastern-influenced chorus. They managed to put smooth transition between two genres, which made the song flowed well.

EXO did not only experiment their music, but also lyrics. Diamond shed EXO sweet and sincere feeling to their loved ones just like what have been shown on previous tracks. This song showed EXO way of bragging. They talked about their awesomeness and power.

The experimental theme made Diamond hit or miss for some people. It was catchy and fun, but the vocal treatment could be better. They need to tone down unnecessary raps in the middle of singing.

EXO brought back their signature R&B style with Touch It. This song dominated by distinct beat, strong rap, and sleek vocal harmonization. It has tight arrangement along with enjoyable flow. All of these seemed like a reminiscence of R&B music golden era at late 90s and early 2000s.

Through Touch It, EXO member had a chance to show their capabilities in terms of music. Chen helped write the song lyrics. It was quite simple since it talked about a boy who did not know what to do when met his crush. Whether related or not with him taking part in composition, Chen vocal also shined the most here. He owned the bridge part!

Chill was another song composed by EXO member. Chanyeol took part in writing the lyrics. He described about how EXO members captivated by certain girl and could not escape from her. Just like Chen in Touch It, Chanyeol became the highlight in Chill. He nailed the rap part during bridge!

Other members also displayed different side of them throughout Chill. D.O. shocked me with his semi-rapping before chorus. It gave unique aspect to this song aside from its disco inspired music.

Chill was actually an interesting song. However, the song dynamic sounded confusing. It has no climax and ended abruptly. Moreover, the mixing created another issue to Chill. The music was too loud, which covered EXO vocal.

Finally, EXO brought slower song through Walk On Memories. It has strong R&B beat accompanied by piano sound. They played out the instrumental in distant, which created warm and dreamy vibe. This fitted well with the song lyrics.

Walk On Memories represented EXO longing feeling. They missed their former girlfriend and dreamed about their memories together. Other than music, EXO showcased similar vibe through their vocal. All of the members sang with soft tone in the beginning of this song.

Suddenly, Walk On Memories took different turn during last chorus. EXO sang this song in lower register instead of taking dramatic climax. It related with the lyrics, which was about feeling of acceptance. The boys decided to let go their former girlfriend. It was nice yet emotional change at the same time.

As the last track, EXO decided to go hard with Going Crazy. This song described EXO desperation in getting their former girlfriend back. There was sense of urgency and suffocation, which perfectly captured on the music.

Going Crazy mixed R&B and electronic dance genre. The strong beat along with EXO vocal, especially Baekhyun, gave emotional punch to the song. Meanwhile, the addition of piano and violin at the end of each verses created dramatic effect. Every part differentiated from other, which made this song played like journey for EXO.

The War proved how much EXO matured in five years of their career. They manage to keep up with trend while not losing themselves. The boys also develop sense in picking a song that easy to listen and fun to perform at the same.

Beside that, EXO successfully grew in terms of music and vocal. The War album production sounded solid while EXO vocal continued improving. Each member got decent amount of lines although Chen, Xiumin, and Chanyeol stole the show for me.

It was a great effort from EXO in creating The War. Definitely their best album to date!

Favorite Songs            : The Eve, What U Do?, Forever, Touch It, Walk On Memories, Going Crazy

Rating                           : 4.5/5

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[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 

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[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] EXO - Lotto (2016)

After two months, EXO is back with another album called Lotto on August 18^th. 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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[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] EXO - EX'ACT (2016)

                           

EXO is back with their third album, EX’ACT on June 9^th. Their third album gained much anticipation because EXO has successfully achieved various records on their previous albums.

Their first and second full album sold one million copies each, making them double million seller artists. It’s a huge achievement for K-Pop idols especially with the shift of music platform into digital nowadays.

Double-million seller is not just an empty title for EXO. This nine-member boy group has managed to put out a solid album on each release.

On its third album, will EXO manage to come up with solid release again? Check out my review for EX’ACT below………………………………………………………………………………..

EXO tries out something new in EX’ACT by having double title track. Both title tracks, Lucky One and Monster offer two opposite charm of EXO. Check out my review for Lucky One and Monster here!

Artificial Love is an electronic dance track with catchy beat. There is no hint of funk or R&B element on this song like in Lucky One. Artificial Lover sounds very current, meaning that this type of sound often can be heard in foreign songs nowadays.

Artificial Love has a unique structure because of the interchange between singing and rapping part. Kai, Chanyeol, and Sehun shine this time with their singing/rapping part. The lyrics are also interesting and pretty straightforward, which is about how they have to deal with the type of love that is fake and artificial.

It’s quite surprising to hear EXO tackle this kind of genre and surprisingly, they nail it!

EXO members feel like they are on the sky whenever they are with their girlfriend on the fourth track, Cloud 9. This song opened with electronic sound and robotic voice, which also appears in the chorus.

But for the verses, EXO showcases their smooth vocal on top of R&B beat. I love how they play out with their vocal on verses. It’s the best part of the song while the electronic sound is the weak point of this song. Their attempt in mixing electronic and R&B sound unfortunately don’t work well here because it sounds disjointed.

EXO is back with old school R&B sound with Heaven. The strong beat reminds me of their previous winter release, On TheSnow. But, Heaven adds piano melody on it, which makes it sounds more romantic. This is also one of the few songs in this album where the line distributed fairly between each member.

Heaven is actually quite cheesy from its music to its lyrics. Chanyeol takes part in writing the lyrics where he falls deeply in love with a girl and compliment her. But somehow, Heaven works well.

It’s a breath of fresh air among previous electronic sounds. Heaven is simple yet catchy. You will enjoy listening and singing to this song out loud.

Forget falling in love because EXO is now missing their girlfriend in White Noise. This is another song that mixed R&B and electronic sound. However, this song is different from Cloud 9 where the electronic and R&B sound changes between one another. Both sound, represented by synthesizer and strong beat, comes in parallel.

This unique combination has a potential to make White Noise becomes interesting. Unfortunately, the combination itself makes the music a bit noisy and overshadows the vocal. The constant similar beat that appears throughout the song also could make people bored. Fortunately, the rap part adds more kick to the song and save it.

One and Only is an interesting song. This song has a strong hip-hop beat for its music. But, EXO members sing this song with a soft vocal. It’s a contrast that works well.

EXO vocal once again shines in this song. Their softness vocal and synthesizer effect gives off a dreamy vibe that fit the song lyrics. One and Only tells a story about how EXO just only want to be together with their girlfriend.

I like the ending chorus too where the vocal line sings different lyrics at the same time. Also, Chen owns this song. His clear vocal suits this type of light song.

Despite of the recent sampling issue, They Never Know remains to be one of my favorite tracks in this album. This song just screams “EXO style” for me because of its strong R&B beat. The members also show gorgeous vocal along with harmonization, especially Baekhyun. The lyrics itself is pretty interesting, which is about how people will never know about what EXO members feel about their girlfriend.

The similar beat throughout the song has a chance to make They Never Know becomes boring. However, EXO play it out a little bit by putting an exotic beat drop after chorus. This is another attempt from them to try something current.

The last track, Stronger is the only one ballad track. This song reminds me of old school R&B tracks from artists like Boyz II Men. It’s because of the soulful vocal and harmonization. Chen, Baekhyun, Suho, and D.O once again show their vocal capability here.

Stronger also reminds me with their previous ballad track, My Answer because both tracks have lovely piano melody. However, the harmonization and vocal makes Stronger has more interesting dynamic.

The lyrics add plus point for this song too. It talks about how their girlfriend gives them strength during hard times. This is quite relatable to EXO itself if you remember several hardships that they face for these past several years.

EX’ACT let EXO takes different direction on their music. They still keep their signature R&B sound while wrapped it in more current electronic sound. All tracks in EX’ACT are enjoyable to listen for a long time. Every EXO member also shows vocal improvement, especially Sehun and Kai, while Chen shines brightly in this album.

Despite being enjoyable, most songs in EX’ACT lack of something that makes them stand out. You can easily point out the stand out songs in their previous album, EXODUS and imagine the live performance. But, it’s harder to do this in EX’ACT. The similar sound throughout the album contributed to this too. I also notice that most of the songs are not really performance type of song.

Still, EXO keeps their consistency in releasing solid album with EX’ACT even though this album still below its predecessors.

My Favorite Tracks:   Lucky One, Monster, Artificial Love, Heaven, One and Only, They Never Know, Stronger

Rating:                                    3.5/5

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