Following the success of his pre-release “Jade,” LAY has released his ever-so-anticipated first installment to his fourth album, LIT. With a total of six new songs off the album, fans of the soloist and EXO member will rejoice in such a raw, unhinged, and sensual version of LAY that many haven’t quite seen from the artist before. 

Tracklist: 

1.  蓮 (LIT)

2.  玉 (Jade)

3. 鷹 (Eagle)

4. 水 (H2O)

5. 飛 (Fly)

6. 靈 (Soul)

”I AM LIT!”

Using traditional Chinese instrumentals in combination of heavy EDM/hip-hop beats and bass, “LIT” is a power anthem one must have in their playlist. LAY is unapologetically confident and fierce throughout the song. He knows that he can’t be tamed nor stopped and welcomes anyone to challenge him if they dare. No longer is LAY the precious sheep, but the king. A dragon king to be exact. “LIT” is hard-hitting and although minimal in terms of style and sound, makes a lasting statement for fans to recognize that he is a force to be reckoned with. Just like his pre-release single “Jade,” “LIT” also has a double meaning to the word in the song. “Lit” can be interpreted as one being the best or the most hyped up and also translated as “lotus” in Mandarin.

For the music video for “LIT,” LAY pulls out all the stops in production and quality. Although the music video is rather short, it is like watching a short film filled with several dynamic scenes coming straight out of an action film. For those who enjoy period pieces/war films, the “LIT” music video features historical imperial wartime uniforms alongside with other wear fit for a king that LAY dons through the music video. But there is also a combination of modern and traditional, as LAY combines both modern street wear during the moments where he is performing the choreography to the song and more Chinese traditional wear, donning elegant robes fit for a king and a warrior. Sprinkles of other Chinese culture can be seen throughout the music video from the set designs to the instruments and dance that is featured. Going back to being the dragon king, LAY has an awakening in the music video that in turn wakes the dragon lying beneath his palace, which in the end acknowledges that he is worthy of his place. A blooming lotus is also one of the bigger highlights of the music video, which can be interpreted as LAY’s awakening and ascension to the throne. While the music video does end rather abruptly, LAY also includes the names of all those who participated in the production of the music video in the credits, taking up almost half of the video. This is something that we often do not see anymore in music videos, but a warm nod to those who had a piece in creating such a great video. On an ending note in regards to the music video, as this album is only part one of a complete fourth full album, fans can expect LAY to return with a continuation of the “LIT” music video as he meets the dragon in the end and nothing more. 

If fans were expecting LAY to come out with an album that is upbeat and filled with high energy, LIT is not that album. The album is a lot darker in sound, which gives a rough-around-the-edges feel to the album. As previously stated, this album showcases an unhinged and raw version LAY that many haven’t quite seen. He goes in hard with this album and is out to leave his mark in the world as one of the best global artists out there. LIT is primarily centered around hip-hop and R&B sounds, colliding with the use of Chinese instruments and sounds that give this album its uniqueness and sets itself apart from his other albums. Overall, as this is only part one of the album, the second half can be highly anticipated and there is hope that LAY continues with this type of style and sound that he has going for him in this first installment. This is a great listen and addition to a vast library of music.

Listen to the album here!