EXO “Exist” Album Review

EXIST – The 7th Album

EXO

• Genre: K-Pop
• Date: 10 Jul, 2023
• Content: Not-explicit
• Track(s): 9
• ℗ 2023 SM Entertainment

Album Art

The Album art depicts a colourful shining star against a dark backdrop. It is intriguing that the star is a component of many angles and bears different colours. Enthusiastic fans will see this as the group hinting at and accepting their unique differences while they stand together and shine.

Tracks And Features

Each track’s full and luscious production is a significant album component. A quick-paced but smooth dance track called “Cream Soda” is the album’s opening track. The song was a wise decision for the opening; it is classic EXO. Brimming with punchy raps, effortless falsettos, and amazing harmonies. The music video for “Cream Soda” uses the same visual glitz and grandeur as some of their earlier hits, like “Love Shot.” It is equally sparkling, shiny, and colourful. In the chorus, the group displays a smooth vocal performance, and the fast-paced beats convey the urgency of the lyric.

The catchy B-side track charm that is a staple of EXO is evident in “Regret It.” The R&B pop song expresses regret through a gorgeous synthesizer, a robust 808 beat, and groovy bass. The album’s advance single, “Hear Me Out”, exudes a carefree, summery vibe. The song’s carefree mood is reflected in the music video. As the group sings, “Hear Me Out” is a tender and consoling confession of love. The members of EXO showcase their vocal prowess by effortlessly hitting high notes and harmonizing beautifully. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, making it a heartfelt ballad that resonates with listeners.

At the very beginning of the track, “Private Party” borrows beats from XIUMIN’s solo song “Brand New.” Everything about the music is sultry. The passage discusses having a romantic date with a friend. EXO uses the Cinderella story as a springboard to express their thoughts. The chorus’s vocal harmonies are pretty cinematic, and the lyrics implore the partner to delay leaving at midnight and stay back longer.

Despite the materialistic standards of society, when you love someone, you accept them for who they are. In their song “No Makeup,” EXO echoes this idea by showcasing each member’s distinctive vocal style while using a few other instruments. The song’s lyrics emphasize the beauty of a person’s natural self, encouraging listeners to embrace their flaws and imperfections. ‘No Makeup’ serves as a reminder that true love goes beyond superficial appearances and celebrates the authenticity of individuals.

The song “Love Fool” has an otherworldly vibe because it tells a tale about a protagonist who falls in love foolishly. The band members sing about being slightly foolish in love and being willing to sacrifice everything for their loved ones. “Another Day,” with its distinctive groove and compelling vocal effects, stands out in its production. Simple and understated, the song “Another Day” refers to a fresh beginning and a new day. The group reassures the listeners that they are incredible and can do anything in the song, which features melodic tap-tap-tap beats and stretched-out techno beats in the background.

“Let Me In” is a mellow and subdued ballad track released nearly a month before the album’s official release. It is appropriate for the album’s final track because it charts the development of love from its blossoming to its withering. The song’s sad melody and heartfelt lyrics beautifully capture the bittersweet journey of a relationship, making it a perfect choice to conclude the album. With its reflective tone and emotional depth, “Let Me In” leaves listeners reflecting on the complexities of love and its inevitable transformations.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	TIME
1	Cream Soda	3:05
2	Regret It	2:55
3	Hear Me Out	3:24
4	Private Party	3:09
5	Cinderella	2:34
6	No Makeup	3:24
7	Love Fool	3:22
8	Another Day	3:11
9	Let Me In	3:17

Album Summary

Overall, EXO’s return demonstrated why their music is a source of solace for millions of people. In the hearts of their fans, EXO-Ls, and listeners, EXO has now filled the void left by their absence. Their comeback has remained the main talk of the town in K-pop for a while. The wish to see all the members back together had long waited to come true. The album’s overall tone is assurance and comfort, permeating every track from beginning to end.

The group has repeatedly explored themes of love, passion, and desire, but you can always count on them to come up with a fresh allusion whenever they want to make a sincere confession. The group turns to music that complements their distinctive vocal styles. The album’s breezy tunes and chill-pop songs give off a gentle, embracing charm.

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