- 8.7KShares
This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
The ever popular boys of EXO are back with their third full studio album, EX’ACT. With captivating vocal patterns and powerful raps, the boys have returned with a more mature and accomplished sound. The 9-member group completed an album full of hot tracks just in time for summer. EX’ACT is full of gems ranging from electro pop, future bass, all the way to hip hop. EX’ACT showcases EXO’s ability to adapt their musical styles with time while staying true to themselves.
Track 1 – Lucky One
EX’ACT kicks of with one of the two title tracks, Lucky One. With persistent guitar licks, this song is bright and airy with heavy influences from funk and disco. There are many elements in this track that can keep up your interest, including a flirty flute in the chorus. Lucky One is a high tempo track that allows EXO to put on a great performance.
Track 2 – Monster
With a dark concept that EXO is known for, Monster is the second title track that is full of unique synth sounds and sharp drum hits. Monster has an abrasive instrumental but the soothing vocals tranquilize it, which makes this song compelling. Showcasing high class performance and powerhouse vocals, Monster is only suitable for EXO.
Track 3 – Artificial Love
Artificial Love starts off with some seriously addictive deep bass beats. This track has a unique groove that all future bass songs are known for. Being a modern, stylistic song, it doesn’t allow for the boys to show off their vocals. However, there’s more room to share their musicality in the chorus and towards the end of the track with some solid scatting.
Track 4 – Cloud 9
This number starts will of a mix of strange sounds and vocals immediately drawing you in for more. Cloud 9 is a progressive R&B track that showcases the groups vocals during the verses. The chorus has a heavy hip hop feel with repetitive lyrics that is easy to follow along to. Cloud 9 is a light, feel good song that truly gives you the feeling of floating in the clouds.
Track 5 – Heaven
A beautiful piano melody is persistent throughout Heaven. The production of the track makes it easy to hear the vocals and the rapping clearly. Chanyeol participated in the creation of the lyrics in this pop, rap crossover. With a chill groove, Heaven is a laid back song, but is unfortunately sandwiched between some killer tracks, which makes it forgettable.
Track 6 – 백색소음 (White Noise)
Continuing with a laid back and fresh feel, White Noise is up next. The song kicks off with some captivating synth sounds. White Noise is a suave electro-pop track that permits EXO to showoff a stylish, soulful, and impressive vocal range. There’s a lot happening in the background with the instrumentals, yet everything comes together to make a low key, groovy song.
Track 7 – 유리어항 (One and Only)
One and Only starts off with emotional ad libs that sets it up to be a vocal heavy number. However, the persistent drum rhythms add a touch of hip hop flavor and help the rap verses fit in with the vocals. With sophisticated synths and sweet vocals, this dreamy R&B song is a well-balanced melody that’s easy to listen to.
Track 8 – They Never Know
Opening with an interesting chord progression, They Never Know is an alternative contemporary R&B number. The song is bright and dark at the same time due to colorful synths partnered with deep bass. They Never Know shows a surprising pick up when it takes on a dance-hall vibe before mellowing back down. This track is stylistic but still allows EXO to show their suave vocal abilities.
Track 9 – Stronger
EXO are strong performers, but they have some exceptionally strong vocalists as well. Stronger is the kind of track the allows the vocalists to shine the most. This song is a minimalistic mid-tempo ballad with a jazzy piano backing. Their sweet and effortless vocals makes Stronger comforting to the listeners — a great way to conclude a fantastic journey.
Track 10 – Lucky One (Inst.)
Not reviewed.
Track 11 – Monster (Inst.)
Not reviewed.
- 8.7KShares
- 8.7KShares