EXO make a grand comeback with sprawling sonic storytelling with romantic EXIST – Album Review

It had been a while since we saw all of EXO at one place, at one time. Since the series of military enlistments began, each member ventured to their solo pursuits. Some went to music, some to acting, some to both and some simply invested more time in their private affairs. Fans were eagerly waiting to see the members come together and create magic once again. The wish was finally granted after EXO’s full group comeback was announced.

 

EXO make a grand comeback with sprawling sonic storytelling with romantic EXIST – Album Review

 

The much-awaited album was teased with two pre-release singles ‘Let Me In’ and ‘Hear Me Out’. EXO’s seventh studio album ‘EXIST’ was released on July 10, 2023 and consists of 9 tracks. On the day of the album release, the group recorded 1 million copies of album sales, keeping their  ‘million-seller’ streak continuing. Another sweet surprise was the social media elusive member D.O. making his debut on Instagram. The singer-actor also shared 2 posts, one of EXO’s comeback and one of his upcoming movie ‘The Moon’ which is releasing on August 2, 2023.

 

Let’s take a closer look at EXO’s ‘EXIST’.

 

1. CREAM SODA

 

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly simple sounding title of ‘Cream Soda’. EXO taps into their seductive sides with their latest music comeback. Employing the visual glamor and grandeur of their earlier hits like ‘Love Shot’, the music video of ‘Cream Soda’ is as sparkly, shiny and vibrant. The group presents a smooth vocalisation in the chorus, and the fast paced beats reflect the urgency in the lyrics “Feel that tinglin', that silky smooth cream/Each swirl deepens the flavor, baby/Feeling parched and a little bit reckless/Won't settle for anything less”

 

2. REGRET IT

 

‘Regret It’ brings out the classic EXO charm of a fun B-side track. The R&B pop song paired with a groovy bass and a solid 808 beat, plus a gorgeous synthesizer conveys the emotions of regret.

 

3. HEAR ME OUT

 

‘Hear Me Out’ is the second pre–release single from the album. The track is replete with a casual summery vibe. The music video reflects the laid-back mood of the song. ‘Hear Me Out’ is a soft and reassuring confession of love as the group sings “No need to hesitatе/Oh, babe, hold me closely/Thinking too much messes with your flow/You know I don't play games”

 

4. PRIVATE PARTY

 

‘Private Party’ echoes the beats of XIUMIN’s solo ‘Brand New’ at the very start of the track. The track is sultry through and through. It speaks about spending time with one’s lover in a party of two - “Continue like this/Slowly put your lips on me”. The song reverbs a hint of the music of their past tracks like ‘Lotto’.

 

5. CINDERELLA

 

EXO incorporates the fairytale of Cinderella to speak what’s on their mind. The lyrics urge the partner to not go at the strike of midnight and stay back longer instead - “I Don’t Want A Glass Cage/Please Don’t Leave Like This/Don’t Break Our Dream”. The vocal harmonization in the chorus is quite cinematic to listen to.

 

6. NO MAKEUP

 

When you love someone, you love them for who they are, regardless of the materialistic standards in the society. EXO echoes this idea with ‘No Makeup’, a smooth and calm track which runs on minimal instruments and highlights each member’s signature vocal style.

 

7. LOVE FOOL

 

‘Love Fool’ sports an out-of-this world feel as the track narrates a story about the protagonist being a fool in love. The members sing about how they have been slightly foolish in love where they are ready to give their everything to their loved one - “The only thing I want to do is cherish you”.

 

8. ANOTHER DAY

 

‘Another Day’ is a simple and subdued track which speaks of a new start, a new day. The song sports stretched out techno beats in the background and melodic tap-tap-tap beats as the group reassures the listeners they can do anything and they are incredible.

 

9. LET ME IN

 

Released almost a month before the official album release, ‘Let Me In’ is a mellow and subdued ballad track. It suits as a concluding track to an album which traced the progression of a love from its blooming to withering “Want to drift off in your soft embrace/If possible, hold me and Let me in/'Cause it's blue, your eyes/Gotta let me in you're the ocean/Everyday I wait”.

 

All in all, EXO’s comeback proved once again why their music is a source of comfort to millions. EXO’s comeback had been the talk of the town for a while, and its EXISTence now has filled the void in the hearts of their fans EXO-Ls, their listeners. Seeing all members back together once again was a wish long waited to be granted. Right from the start of the album to the finish, the underlying tone of reassurance and comfort is present in each track. Themes of love, passion and desire have been explored time and again by the group, but trust them to come with a new allusion each time to make a heartfelt confession. The group resorts to music which resonates with their signature singing styles. The album exudes a soft and embracing charm with its summer-y tracks and chill-pop numbers.

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