EXO’s Baekhyun delivers an unfiltered expression of freedom and musical evolution with new EP Hello, World – Album Review

This album is his first EP under his INB100 label, dropped after three years following the completion of his military service.

By Nandini Iyengar -

September 11, 2024 - 2:09 PM IST

Baekhyun, a prominent member of the K-pop sensation EXO, has once again captivated audiences with his latest solo endeavor, Hello, World. This six-track EP, released in September 2024, marks a significant milestone in his musical journey, showcasing his unwavering commitment to artistic evolution and his unparalleled vocal prowess.

EXO’s Baekhyun delivers an unfiltered expression of freedom and musical evolution with new EP Hello, World – Album Review

The EP features a diverse range of R&B tracks, each one showcasing his refined vocal technique and his unique ability to convey complex emotions through his music. The title track, ‘Pineapple Slice’, is a captivating blend of R&B and pop, with a catchy bassline that complements Baekhyun's smooth and soulful vocals. The music video, which accompanies the song, is visually stunning and perfectly complements the song's theme of irresistible allure. One of the most striking aspects of Hello, World is Baekhyun's ability to create a world of his own through his music. The EP is filled with songs that evoke a sense of wonder and imagination, inviting listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery.

Known for his ability to seamlessly blend genres and experiment with different musical styles, Baekhyun has consistently redefined the boundaries of K-pop. His solo career has been marked by a series of critically acclaimed releases, each one pushing the limits of his artistry. From his debut EP, City Lights, to the chart-topping success of Delight and Bambi, Baekhyun has solidified his position as one of the most influential vocalists in the industry.

1. GOOD MORNING
‘Good Morning’ serves as an apt for an album that is all about reintroduction to the world. Baekhyun’s vocals are not isolated in this track for they feature a layered synth bass. Colde participated in writing the song and his artistry was reflected in the laid-back attitude of this song.

2. PINEAPPLE SLICE
‘Pineapple Slice’ carries a sultry vibe that enchants the listeners right off the bat. The song starts with a stretched-out bass and progresses to a catchy chorus that infuses the track with a pop of energy. I don’t know about you but I am going to be reminded of Baekhyun whenever I see pineapples next!

3. RENDEZ-VOUS
‘Rendez-Vous’ is a slick jazz-backed track. The song is all about yearning for one’s lover and being unabashed in their confession of love. Like a star that shines bright and gives hope, Baekhyun compares his lover to his lifeline which keeps him from living a meaningless life. The falsettos and layered vocals create a cinematic allure throughout the track. Colde and Junny dispense their R&B magic into this track.

4. COLD HEART
Any EP by Baekhyun would be empty if a ballad track is absent. ‘Cold Heart’ thrusts the listeners to a cold and desolate world that lacks love and warmth. After ‘Rendez-Vous,’ a track drenched in love and life, ‘Cold Heart’ comes like a splash of ice water that wakes one up from a dream.

5. WOO
‘Woo’ is a track expressing a man's efforts to woo his ladylove. He makes a smart use of onomatopoeia to denote the title track and excitement. The blend of trap and piano is a combination not usually found in tracks, but it works like magic when paired with Baekhyun’s low-register singing.

6. TRUTH BE TOLD
Baekhyun chooses to go atmospheric with ‘Truth Be Told,’ a sonically pleasing track that features bird chirps-like tunes and a sultry concoction of verses and raps. Baekhyun’s segue into the rap feels like a new avatar has descended into the track.

Since he first went solo, Baekhyun has limited his involvement in the tracks. But his artistry and vision are reflected adequately each time. The people he chooses to collaborate with, carve out Baekhyun’s identity to its truest form.

With Hello, World, Baekhyun reinvents himself as a singer and an artist. This is his first release under his new label INB100, a company that he founded shortly after departing from SM Entertainment. The trailer for this EP gave insight into the vision this EP and Baekhyun’s future endeavours hold. The alternating idea of romance and heartbreak in the tracks feels like a whiplash of emotions for one would expect a structured storytelling. If one is to put meaning to each evolving feeling, it could be said that Baekhyun is trying to express something beyond the idea of romance and romantic heartbreak.

Now that Baekhyun has greater authority and artistic freedom to explore his voice, he has set out on a journey to evolve into an artist who is much closer to himself and his music. One can be hopeful that with his next music, Baekhyun’s participation will only increase with time for us to peek into the genius that has been undiscovered for so long.