Writer: Shivani Singh Chhaunkar (Delhi)

Editor: Khushi Vaid (Delhi)

From die-hard K-pop fans to newbies, everyone knows about EXO (엑소). In case someone is not familiar with the group, here is a quick introduction for them. Formed by the prominent South Korean company SM Entertainment, EXO debuted on April 8, 2012. Since then, they have performed exceptionally well and captured attention on the domestic front as well as on the international level. Now, the group consists of eight members: Sehun, Suho, Baek-hyun, Chen, Chan-yeol, D.O, Kai and Xiumin. Through this article, I intend to introduce everyone to the 5 best songs of EXO.

Let Me In (2023) 

This was the first pre-release from EXO’s seventh album, EXIST. It was released on June 12, 2023. This song falls into the genre of R&B ballad. The song’s dreamy melody, D.O, Kai, Chen and Chan-yeol’s enchanting and melancholy-filled vocals along with deep lyrics make this song admirable. The song uses the imagery of a deep blue ocean, symbolizing mystery, calmness and loneliness as it awakens a mixture of emotions. 

“Want to drift off in your soft embrace

if possible, hold me and let me in

cause it’s blue, your eyes

gotta let me in you’re the ocean.”

The lyrics depict the emotional and physical connection that one seeks in a relationship. It expresses longing for a lover to whom one can surrender themselves completely. The lines, “Even if everything stops, and I can’t see or hear or breathe, I still make my way to you to you” signify the extent to which a person is eager to go to stay close to their sweetheart. “Sailing against the wind,” expresses perseverance and diligence to overcome various barriers and hard challenges.  

Been Through (지나갈 테니) (2017)

It’s a B-side track from their album titled Universe-겨울 스페셜 앨범 which was released in 2017. Their enchanting warm and soft vocals along with convincing lyrics assure severely broken hearts that better days are not a distant dream.

 “I’ll get used to it; like catching a cold again;

The ash grey light pushes through; and endlessly passes by, but still;

I must get through it; cause it’ll pass, it’ll pass;

just need a moment; cause it’ll pass, it’ll pass.”

This song is from the rock ballad genre. Baek-hyun, Chen, D.O and Suho’s vocals along with Chan-yeol’s rap blends well together. Their canorous voices create comforting harmonies and leave a deep impression on the listener’s mind, body and soul, especially if they are in a struggling phase of their life. 

‘The Eve’ 전야 (前夜) (2017)

It is from their fourth studio album THE WAR which was released in 2017. The central theme of this song is determination and aspirations for a positive future. The song is composed by incorporating a pulsating melody with EXO’s soothing vocals. The choreography is fluid and rhythmic in nature.

“In front of a high wall

small, weak wind sound

listen to me, like a storm.”

The ‘high wall’ refers to obstacles that hinders overall development of an individual. It restrains and limits their capabilities. However, through persistence and tenacity even a ‘small and weak wind’ can transform into a ‘strong storm’ and break the wall. It motivates the listener to break their shackles and start a new chapter of their life at the break of dawn. 

Love Shot (2018)

This song is from EXO’s fifth studio album Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’s repackaged album, ‘Love Shot’. It is a pop dance track and their most-watched music video as it has garnered 587 million views as of October 2023. According to EXO’s vocalist Chen and rapper Chan-yeol who are also the co-writers of this song, the lyrics suggest that “it is essential to rediscover the meaning of true love in a world which is gradually turning into a gloomy one.”

“It’s getting twisted, love and hate

our beautiful memories

are dyed in white

fading bit by bit.”

These lines signifies about the beautiful memories that the former lovers had are now fading away. However, the deep wounds caused by harsh words are still fresh and are only getting deeper and deeper. The following lines suggests that the answer to all his questions is love which is missing from his life. Perhaps their relationship deteriorated due to his excessive ego and now he’s trying to develop compassion. Even though they are now cold towards each other, that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have any feelings for his lover. And due to this reason, he gives their relationship another chance to survive as she brings hope and joy in his barren life.

Growl (2013)

It is from their debut studio album XOXO which was released in 2013. All the original 12 members of EXO namely Suho, Chen, Kai, D.O, Chan-yeol, Sehun, Baek-hyun, Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Lay and Tao were part of this song. It incorporated refined urban sounds, funk and R&B elements.

“A dark shadow has woken up inside of me

sparks fly in my eyes as I look at you

everyone step away from her

because I’m going to get fierce from now on

I’m growling, growling, growling.”

The lyrics depict a picture of a young man who is fierce, resilient, protective and slightly obsessed with his love interest. He is dangerous and ready to fight for love. Here, animal instincts rule the protagonist’s mind and body. He is deeply in love with her and as a result, he imagines a world where only he and his girl exist.

It was not an easy task to choose only 5 EXO songs out of their complete discography. I selected ‘Let Me In’, ‘Been Through’, ‘The Eve’, ‘Love Shot’ and ‘Growl’ because these songs perfectly showcase their vocal range, ability to harmonies, expressive lyrics, dance skills and growth as a K-pop group.

Share your favorite EXO songs in the comments below!