Album Review #1: Exodus - EXO (7 years late but I discovered this in my drafts)

Hello! This is a new segment (not that I have segments) I decided to do just now. I am going to say what I think of the album listed above, and please PLEASE remember that I am not a music expert whatsoever so don't take my opinions as the last word in music.

EXO's 2nd Full Album - EXODUS (Korean ver.)

Tracklist:

1. Call Me Baby
2. Transformer
3. 시선 둘, 시선 하나 (What If..)
4. My Answer
5. Exodus
6. El Dorado
7. Playboy
8. Hurt
9. 유성우 (流星雨) (Lady Luck)
10. Beautiful

1. Call Me Baby - As is usual with nearly all kpop groups, the title song is nearly always a dance track. Call Me Baby is not exempt from this. I like to call these songs 'Music for the Eyes' because I really can't listen to this song without thinking of the music video. Anyway, the harmonies in the bridge is amazing-- D.O's low note and Chen's high one, just. Wow. The last chorus is amazing too (although I personally prefer the Chinese version of this song. I liked Tao's rap more.) I've heard that this song is reminiscent of *N Sync in the 90's, but being just born in the later part of the 90's, I can't really offer anything regarding the similarities of N Sync songs and Call Me Baby. rate: 4/5

2. Transformer - "She's such a transformer" "You slow down - then you speed up" can you slow down pls I admit that I didn't really like this song the first time I heard it but like. This song is so good. I can see people twerking to this song. Also that part in the chorus "Tick tick boom boom
‘bout to blow 상상조차 못했었던" I like that. rate: 3.5/5

3. 시선 둘, 시선 하나 (What If..) - Let me get this out first: This song is my least favorite track in the album. I'm not actually a big fan of slow songs, so yeah. It's slow, it's mellow, and a great addition to playlists you can listen to when you just want to relax. Still, it's EXO and the vocals are great. rate: 3/5

4. My Answer - The piano is so soothing, and the vocal performance is phenomenal. Baekhyun crooning "the answer is you" in my ear makes me swoon every time. Very pared down song but it just gives EXO the space to showcase their ridiculously good voices and belt out their emotions. My favorite part is after the bridge and the piano goes quieter. I feel like this song should be better known. rate - 3.75/5

5. Exodus - The titular song. I personally love songs that have this vibe. Mysterious, cool, and snappy. the breathy "해" after Chanyeol's part sounds so good. I can't deny though that the choreo helped me like this song much more. Kai looking for his wallet gif, anyone? rate: 4.25/5

6. El Dorado - A long awaited song by the fandom. First heard on a teaser, many a fan have been waiting for the full version of this song. And what a satisfying end to the wait. I remember listening to this song on a commute back home and just feeling like I was ascending. The vibes are off the charts. I felt like I was on a magic carpet, and then on a ship looking out of my telescope for the next sign of treasure. Sail sail sail gotta gotta go go!! rate: 4.5/5

7. Playboy - When I started writing this review, the world of K-pop was so different and yet the same. This song was written by the late and great Jonghyun and I admit after he passed I had a hard time listening to this song because I kept remembering when he performed this song. Despite all the emotions I've attached to this song, it's still such a sensual song with such great vocals. I don't know how they do it. They've perfected singing while sounding like they're seducing me. How did they do that? My body moves on its own when I listen to this song. My absolute favorite part of this song is when Baekhyun sings in falsetto near the end of the song. rate - easy 5/5

8. Hurt - somebody once said that this song sounds a bit circus-y in the beginning, and I absolutely agree. And then it hits you with the drums and now it's a different song. As always the performance in this song is absolutely amazing. Smooth vocals with a whispered rap, it truly brings you to a forest of emotions. HOWEVER!! My biggest takeaway from this song is the final "It hurtch". THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE MOCKING well maybe just a little bit? Lovingly done? Look, I've started to say it unironically AND I'M STUCK LIKE THIS!! rate - 3/5

9. 유성우 (流星雨) (Lady Luck) - let me start this by saying I hate the parts where the lady is moaning. The weird boom boom sound is also a bit disturbing. Well honestly the beginning is a bit weird. But the chorus is so good and takes me for a Ride. I've said it many times already but the VOCAL PERFORMANCE. Exo really brought out all the guns for this album and it's totally understandable since 2 of their most beloved members left. Lu Han is much happier now, and we don't talk about the other one :vomit:. rate - 3/5

10. Beautiful - If I remember correctly, this used to be Suho's solo song during their concerts and they made it into a whole group effort lol. As a closing song it works very well. It relaxes you and serves you what EXO serves best - vocals. It's not a very complex song but she does her job, and who am I to say she's doing it wrong? rate 3/5

ALBUM RATING: 3.7/5

Overall solid af album, probably my second favorite EXO album, and my favorite full album. Their winter releases are just unmatched.