Sorry EXO-Ls! I meant to post this a while ago, but I forgot to hit the publish button... Whoops!
Anyways,
I am sure you guys have already heard and bought EXO's new album
EX'ACT and
Lotto. I have as well!
I was a little worried when they announced EXO's comeback with a double title track, but after hearing both, I was excited and looking forward to hearing the rest of the album, which did not disappoint.
(http://www.soompi.com/2016/06/07/exo-continues-
to-break-records-with-preorder-sales-for-exact-album/)
(http://www.soompi.com/2016/06/02/
exo-reveals-exact-album-images-and-details/)
It is refreshing to hear EXO doing two different types of electro-pop dance songs, "Monster" having a darker vibe than "Lucky One". "Monster" is a dance song with loud vocals. "Lucky One" is a song with a funky R&B electro-pop song. I really liked the concept for both songs and was super glad that they included their superpowers again in the video for "Lucky One". Kai did a great job with his dance while trying to escape the women robots(Is that what they were?). But then why didn't he take Lay and teleport away? That wouldn't have looked as cool I guess, but it would've have matched his superpower...But then I felt bad for Lay because he is a healing unicorn, so his only defense was a flower that caused the robot to explode. On the other hand, it really isn't poor Lay because he still kicked ass (or butt for some). Killing them all (and us) with their sexiness and amazing good looks.
There was one part that I did not understand. Why did Xuimin and Suho stop to drink glasses of water? Were they so thirsty from running away that they had to stop and refill? Heehee.
In the songs, the vocals are good, especially Baekhyun and Chen's. I feel like there was some improvement from the last album. The vocals all-around are stronger and the overall tones from the group sounded more mature. They no longer seem like a rookie group!
Of course, the album includes a Korean and Chinese version of each song.
The album as a whole seems to fit the theme of "Monster" and "Lucky One", like having a robotic feel with the song "Artificial Love" and "White Noise" with electronic beats. (I say robotic because the songs have a basic electronic and machine generated sound, like a robot. But also the music video was about the EXO getting away from the robot women.)
Then there's "Cloud 9" and "Heaven", which suggests the titles could go together, but they seem to differ quite a bit. "Cloud 9" starts with a change in voice between what sounds like Chanyeol and Sehun and into a deeper electronic voice, keeping with the robotic theme from "Lucky One". "Heaven" begins with Chen and a piano striking the keys intensely. I imagined the song to be light and airy, but it is more like a hip-hop and pop song mixed together, with solid rap sections and load as well as soft vocals throughout.
My favorite songs from the rest of the album are "Stronger" and "One and Only" mainly because of the vocals and Chanyeol's deep voice seeping throughout the songs either through singing or rapping. I don't know why I like these songs better than others off the album, but it certainly does not mean I don't like the others.
Lotto: Repackaged
So then that leaves the repackaged album
Lotto.
"Lotto" was really good, up to par with the other title tracks. The song sounds like something that could be played at an underground nightclub with "high-end champagne".
Sorry, I was trying to be funny...
Anyway, the song has a hip-hop vibe going and to add to it are the sounds of cash registers throughout the song, with adds a certain "umph" to the song, as if say "Lotto" wasn't enough. It really makes you want to get up and dance along.
(http://www.soompi.com/2016/08/17/exo-reigns-supreme-charts-lotto-within-hours-release/)
In addition, they released 2 other songs with "Lotto". "Can't Bring Me Down" and "She's Dreaming", also with a Korean and Chinese version. Woohoo.
"Can't Bring Me Down" has a rock feel with EDM mixed with it. The combination gives the song a dark feeling like you're kneeling on the ground almost defeated and you're going to get up with a fiery determination.
Then you have "She's Dreaming" which was co-written by Chen. It is the total opposite of "Can't Bring Me Down". It's like a slow ballad-pop song with an amazing variety vocals, and then there is a muffled break where Chanyeol raps, giving it an even softer feel for the song. I think I love these songs as well. Both are vary appealing to the ear and strike different cords within us.
Well, that's it for EXO.
What did you think of the album and the repackaged album? I loved the photos from both albums. The live performances were exciting to watch too.
Comment below what you thought or how you feel or whatever. Or tell me if one song sounded better in one language or the other.
See you next time Kpoppers of the vast internet.
~Andie
