Doh Kyung Soo, or D.O. as he's known by fans, is a South Korean artist who defies categorization. While he may be a familiar face as a member of the K-pop juggernaut EXO, D.O.'s talents extend far beyond the stage. D.O. embarked on a solo career, showcasing his unique voice as a singer-songwriter. His music transcends typical pop, reflecting his keen observations and thoughtful storytelling. Each song feels like a carefully crafted piece, a testament to his ability to forge a distinct musical identity.
But what truly sets D.O.'s music apart is its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. There's a refreshing unconventionality to his sound, yet it retains a profound relatability. His vocals imbued with a touch of childlike wonder, transport listeners to a comforting space, a refuge from the everyday. D.O. himself is known for being introspective and observant. Despite being a man of few words, his curiosity about the world, both ordinary and extraordinary, fuels his creativity. This essence is what truly shines through in his music. D.O.'s songs weave tales of the every day, imbued with a profound understanding and maturity that feels refreshingly genuine. In a world often saturated with fleeting trends, D.O.'s music offers a depth and sincerity that stands out.
D.O. is an artist on a continuous journey of exploration, unveiling his multifaceted talents and captivating audiences with his unique perspective. Whether through his music or acting, D.O. invites listeners and viewers to experience the world through his introspective and wonder-filled lens.
Be it talking about a cactus in ‘That’s Okay’, or the starry skies in ‘I Do’, or even comparing a lover to a rose in ‘Rose’, D.O.'s songs have always found the ‘extra’ in the ordinary. His latest mini-album Blossom is a musical offering straight out of vibrant blossoms in spring. This mini-album was released on May 7, 2024, with six tracks. Blossom presents the idea of love, joy and the idea of a shoulder to rest on. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tracks.
1. MARS
When you first listen to the track, you might be reminded of John Gray’s bestselling non-fiction book ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’. In this song, we find D.O.’s lyrics claiming that he is from Mars and his lover is from Venus. D.O.’s song is simply a lover’s anxious worry about meeting his partner - “After some time passes/I know it's just a little worry/I'll be with you by your side/I hope we become alike each other one by one”. The song sports minimal instruments - guitar strums and percussions - which render an acoustic vibe to the song.
'Simple Joys' is a simple folk-based track expressing the simple joys in life. It draws a connection to romance as D.O.’s vocals are highlighted with mellifluous notes of the flute. This song transports the listeners to the fields of flowery grass swaying gently in the breeze.
3. POPCORN
‘Popcorn’ is the pre-release single from this mini-album. Who would have thought that popcorn which was likened to movies mostly would be used to illustrate the sounds of one’s heartbeat? Well, trust D.O. to find similarities in things which we might easily miss noticing. ‘Popcorn’ is a succinct and breezy dance pop number which is bound to make you tap your foot to the beat. D.O.’s going about his chores, hastily getting ready for a video chat and daydreaming in the music video is quite endearing to see. Pastel shades of yellow and white awash the music video which only accentuates the idea of popping popcorn.
From here begins the B-side of D.O.’s mini-album ‘Blossom’. Good Night is a track that reassures the listeners. The song weaves its way with a soothing melody joined by the low timbre of D.O.’s vocals. Highs and lows are a part of life and this song attempts to
5. MY DEAR
‘My Dear’ is a sweet confession song. A simple tune of acoustic guitar is paired with soft thumps of percussion. D.O. resorts to singing rather breathy in this track for it emotes feelings tender and close to one’s heart. The song holds promise to not let go. It speaks of a reality where things won’t be like a movie all the time, but there is a heartfelt expression to not let the mundane take away the magic.
6. ABOUT TIME
Blossom concludes with a heartbreak ballad ‘About Time’. The song is a lament of the separation from a loved one. It is an expression of regret and realization of past mistakes. After a bubbly journey of romance and butterflies, now comes to a staggering halt. D.O. switches to belting a few high notes in this song to highlight the depth of emotions expressed in the song.
EXO's D.O. delivers a heartfelt and familiar sound with his latest mini-album, Blossom. Released under his new label, Company SooSoo, the album stays true to the idyllic and comforting vibes that fans have come to expect from D.O.'s music. While there's a sense of continuity with his previous work, Blossom isn't simply a retread. The songs hold a unique quality – a touch of “future nostalgia”. They evoke a sense of looking towards a hopeful future, yet maintain a roundedness that comes from lived experience. This creates a deeply personal and relatable listening experience.
One thing remains constant: D.O.'s artistry. Despite the change in labels, his music retains the same qualities that have captivated audiences for years. His songs offer a comforting space for listeners, filled with an unparalleled level of understanding and empathy. D.O.'s vocals shine particularly bright on Blossom, blossoming (pun intended) like a flower that leaves a lasting impression. The imagery perfectly reflects the album's essence – a beautiful and enduring experience that lingers long after the final note fades.
What are your thoughts on D.O.’s latest mini-album Blossom? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: EXO’s D.O. makes a soothing return narrating love and loss with sophomore EP ‘Expectation’ – ALBUM REVIEW
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