EXO Makes Their Grand Return With Special Album
K-Pop’s resident aliens EXO are back after an 18-month hiatus. With members enlisting and solo projects being released, EXO’s DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING is the group’s first release since 2019’s OBSESSION. Inevitably, fans were extremely excited upon the announcement of the comeback back in April when the group also celebrated their ninth debut anniversary. The excitement rose even higher when it was announced that member LAY would be part of the album, his first since 2018’s cameo in the “Tempo” music video. Let’s dive into EXO’s special album and take a look at what they have to offer.
Let’s Talk Music
Tracklist
Don’t fight the feeling
파라다이스 (Paradise)
훅! (No matter)
Runaway (도망자)
지켜줄게 (Just as usual)
“Don’t fight the feeling”
Thematically a sequel to “Obsession” and sonically a sequel to “Power,” the title track for the album combines the best of both worlds. “Don’t fight the feeling” is a dance-pop anthem with light synthesizer, heavy bass, and lyrics referring to feeling free of constraints and living life on your own terms. The track was produced by the team behind rookie group P1Harmony’s new album DISHARMONY : BREAKOUT, with lyrics by SM Entertainment’s resident hitmaker, Kenzie. A very easy listen, the track is an instant earworm. Despite its simple pop production, the members' delivery amplifies the track’s dynamic, making it a giant dance party.
The track’s music video sees the members heading out into space, thematically referring to the earth that was destroyed in the final scene of the “Obsession” music video. Member LAY was part of the music video as well, with his scenes superimposed with shots of the rest of the group. The track also ties into SM Entertainment’s “SMCU,” with visuals and lyrics once again referring to the “KWANGYA.” “Don’t fight the feeling” therefore joins the growing line of songs that have mentioned this new concept of wilderness. Watch the colorful music video for “Don’t fight the feeling” below!
B-Sides
The album’s B-sides open with the funky love song “파라다이스 (Paradise).” The track was co-written and produced by Brandon Arreaga and Edwin Honoret of the R&B boy group PRETTYMUCH. The song is an uptempo R&B-pop track where the members express their feelings of falling in love, comparing it to the feeling of entering heaven through witty lyrics. Track three, “훅! (No matter),” is another funky retro track reminiscent of 2000s swing-R&B songs. An assuring song, with this track EXO provides comfort to their listeners that they will always be with them no matter what happens.
“훅! (No matter)” is followed by quite possibly the best track on the album, “Runaway (도망자).” The song is a magnificent R&B track with heavy bass and drums and EXO’s signature vocal harmonies. The song’s message is similar to “Don’t fight the feeling” as the boys wish to simply run away, free from the troubles of life. The song was co-written by American producer and viral sensation Bazzi, who previously worked with the group on their own viral sensation “The Eve” for their studio album The War.
The album closes with the acoustic pop track, “지켜줄게 (Just as usual)” co-written by Amoeba Culture’s songwriter THAMA. The song is an emotional guitar-assisted track with the Korean title translating to “Will protect you.” EXO closes the album with a warm embrace, reassuring their fans that they will survive the hardships together. EXO plays on their strengths with strong R&B songs, a signature of the group ever since their debut nine years ago. Every track has beautiful harmonies, vocal moments, and rap delivery.
With the new special album, EXO reassures fans and K-Pop listeners in general that they are going nowhere anytime soon. With the ongoing enlistment of the members, the group’s numbers might be lower but their power remains high. EXO not only gifted their fans five incredible songs, but also cherished moments like member LAY harmonizing with the rest of the group on all tracks of the album, members Chanyeol and Sehun rapping back and forth, and members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and D.O’s incredible vocal runs marking the latter two’s return from the military. We also got a rare Sehun, LAY, and Kai choreography moment in the music video. The special album is definitely special in many ways. EXO reorients themselves, trying out new styles and sounds, all the while making catchy dance-pop music. Watch the special music video for the album’s closer, “지켜줄게 (Just as usual)” below!