[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

Read More

[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

Read More

[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 

Read More

[MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW] EXO-CBX - Hey Mama! (2016)

Almost five years of their career, it’s a perfect time for EXO making a breakthrough. On Monday 31^st October 2016, three of EXO members, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuts the group first sub unit. It’s called EXO-CBX which stands for the acronym of each member’s name, much like TTS from SNSD (seriously, SM Entertainment?).

EXO-CBX releases their first mini album called Hey Mama! on the same day. This album contains five songs with Hey Mama! becomes their title track.

SM Entertainment has teased fans about EXO-CBX since end of last year. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin collaborated together in one stage for one of EXO concerts at that time. This continued by starring in VCR together for EXO newest tour and filled soundtrack for Scarlet Heart: Moon Lovers drama; both happens this year.

So, how does EXO-CBX debut? How different is it from the whole EXO concept? Check out my review for Hey Mama! mini album here…………………………………….

EXO-CBX kicked off their mini album with The One. This is the song that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin sing for EXO newest tour VCR.

The One basically sets up the whole them of EXO-CBX album, which are fun and old school. The One is a dance track with catchy beat. The beat consists of electronic sound that resembles music from 90s era. It’s very easy to listen and to dance. The fun aspect will make you want to get closer with them just like its lyrics after listening to this fun song.

EXO-CBX then offers several surprises in The One. From conversation in the opening, old school rap part until major beat change, all happens in one song. Some of the surprise works such as the conversation, but the rest like beat change disrupts the song flow.

After electronic dance, EXO-CBX tries funk genre with Hey Mama!. The boys play out with groovy guitar and bass riff along with strong drum sound. This three combination stands out and successfully gives uplifting dynamic to the whole song. Although it’s fun, I still feel that the refrain part of Hey Mama! lack of something to grab people attention as title track.

Hey Mama! also comes with music video as fun as the song itelf. The music video shows Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin attempt to erase their boring work by partying, just like the song lyrics.  The boys do three types of activity in different location. They disturb news anchor in the studio then dance in the club and gather in front of campfire with friends.

The usage of these three locations made the music video interesting and colorful. This also added by the gorgeous color palette such as pink and blue along with great cinematography. I also like that EXO-CBX pays attention to detail in relation of location and era. Hey Mama! is inspired by 70s funk music and the location represents what happened in that era such as Saturday Night Fever disco craze and Woodstock Festival through campfire scene.

Rhythm After Summer makes me in love since the first listen, just like how much EXO-CBX falls in love with the girl in its lyrics. This song is a mix between funk and electronic dance music. There is a funky guitar riff while there is also heavy synthesizer and old school strong beat. The combination works well in Rhythm After Summer, making it the strongest song in EXO-CBX mini album.

Rhythm After Summer is also the first song in this mini album, which able to make great use of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin vocal. It complements the song, especially Chen vocal who really fits funk genre. Beside, Rhythm After Summer doesn’t have a rap part that sounds hit or miss in previous tracks.

EXO-CBX slows down a bit with Juliet. It’s another electronic influenced track, but the tempo is more into medium this time. Juliet is dominated by keyboard and synthesizer sound. This creates dreamy effect to the song, which actually fits the lyrics. Juliet tells a story about how EXO-CBX falls in love with girl just like in a dream. They describe the girl just like iconic character Juliet.

Juliet is a nice addition to the album. However, this song sounds like it belong to SHINee, which clearly seen through its music and vocal distribution.

Cherish is the last song of EXO-CBX album. It’s another funk inspired track with the heavy usage of bass and drum sound. The music once again creates a strong dynamic in the song, especially with the addition of loud keyboard sound at the end of verses. It’s an effective way to build up a song.

Different from previous songs, Cherish offers something more pop in terms of vocal arrangement. This arrangement also gives sweeter vibe throughout the song, which suited the lyrics about meeting the perfect girl after a long time.

EXO-CBX shows a solid debut with Hey Mama! mini album. They offer their own sound through fun and electronic dance genre in all five tracks. Each song is a easy listening jam with well-polished production. You can enjoy listening to it while driving in the car.

However, EXO-CBX doesn’t forget their roots. The boys still try to give a glimpse of EXO sound in their new tracks. You will aware that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin belong to EXO either when listening from their vocal or song arrangement.

It's a promising debut from EXO-CBX while still having more room to grow in the future. Just remember, they need to explore more in order to establish their own distinct sound among other debuts. Looking forward to their next endeavor!

Rating:                        4/5

Favorite Songs:           The One, Rhythm After Summer, Cherish

Read More