This is the first of four episodes and music reports that will explore Korean pop (Kpop) music and introduce the genre to those who are unfamiliar with the genre or only know about the boy band BTS.
Each episode of Electric Shock Kpop will focus on a different group, EXO, BLACKPINK, GOT7 and Red Velvet.
Ko Ko Bop
The first song in the podcast is the dong “Ko Ko Bop.” The song released in 2017 with the album titled “THE WAR.”
The song uses strong heavy bass and reggae guitar to give the music a reggae, tropical vibe.
According to EXO’s website, “EXO’s Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun participated in writing the lyrics that encourages individuals not to be shy and dance away the last night to the rhythm before the unavoidable, fateful war occurs.”
Power
“Power” is the title song of the repackaged version of their album “THE WAR – THE POWER OF MUSIC,” which was released Sept. 5, 2017.
“An EDM song featuring addictive chorus and powerful energy that is transmitted from dynamic synthesizer sound and drum beats,” according to EXO’s discography. “The lyrics contain an interesting message about uniting and gaining greater strength through music.”
Growl
This song is a part of the repackaged version of EXO’s first album, “XOXO (KISS & HUG).” The album was released on Aug. 5, 2013. This is one of the songs that has a Korean and Mandarin version of the song and music video.
“‘Growl’ is a dance song based on refined urban/R&B sounds,” according to the discography on EXO’s website. “It has impressively witty lyrics that a man growls against other men to keep his loving girl.”
What is Love
EXO’s debut song is “What is Love.” They debuted the song on Jan. 30, 2012, releasing both a Korean and Mandarin version of the song and music video.
Tempo
“Tempo” is the title track for EXO’s fifth album “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo.” The album released on Nov. 2, 2018. There is a Mandarin version of this song; however, there is only the Korean music video.
“The title song, ‘Tempo’, is a hip-hop dance song that features energetic bassline, rhythmical drum and EXO’s refreshing acappella,” according to EXO’s discography. “The lyrics are charming in that they compare the girl he loves to ‘melody’ and express how a guy wishes to keep pace with her tempo.”
Wolf
“Wolf” was released as a part of EXO’s first album “XOXO (KISS & HUG).” The song was recorded in both Korean and Mandarin by EXO’s subgroups EXO-K and EXO-M. As well as releasing a Korean and Mandarin version of the music video for the song.
“[It] is highlighted by wild and powerful beats and sounds,” According to the discography on EXO’s website. “The lyrics are also interesting as it talks about a lone wolf that lived in a cave finally feeling love after meeting a girl.”
Overdose
“Overdose” is the title track to EXO’s second mini-album Overdose. It was released on May 7, 2014. EXO recorded a Korean and Manardin version of the album and music video for “Overdose.”
“The lyrics describe the story of a man addicted to fatal and powerful love as if overdosing on sweet drugs in a realistic and sensuous manner,” according to EXO’s discography. “ It is expected to addict music fans with the addition of EXO’s unique performance.”
MAMA
“MAMA” is the title track for EXO’s mini-album MAMA. It was released on April 9, 2012. The group recorded a Korean and Mandarin version of the song and music video.
“The majestic sound of the Gregorian chant and the orchestra is amplifying the mysterious ambiance of EXO-K and EXO-M and the sharp synth and guitar riff and powerful shouting at the dance break overwhelm the ears,” according to the discography on EXO’s website . “The lyrics enhanced the perfection of the song further by reflecting the anxiety about the conflict and the absence of communication the contemporaries feel between the reality and the digital world and the hope for the recovery of the pure love.”
Electric Kiss
“Electric Kiss” is the title song for EXO’s first Japanese album. The song was released on Dec. 5, 2017.
Love Shot
EXO’s most recent song is “Love Shot,” which is the title track for the repackaged version of there “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” album. The album was re-released on Dec. 13, 2018.
According to EXO’s discography, “[It] is a pop dance song that features heavy 808 bass and addictive chorus. The lyrics sends a message that we should rediscover and treasure the true meaning of love that has been slowly forgotten in the heartless world. EXO members, Chen and Chanyeol, participated in writing the lyrics.”
Let Out The Beast
“Let Out The Beast” was released as part of the EXO’s “XOXO” album in 2013. The song does not have a music video, but it was recorded in both Korean and Mandarin.
“‘Let Out the Beast’ contains lyrics talking about the desire to express the character and force hidden deep inside,” according to the discography on their website.
Sing For You
“Sing For You” is the title track of their album Sing For You, which release on Dec. 10, 2015. The album has Korean and Mandarin versions of their songs; however, there is only a Korean version of their “Sing For You” music video.
“‘Sing For You’, is a sweet pop ballad song, which an acoustic guitar sound harmonizes well with the members’ voices,” according to their discography. “It tells a warm story about confessing their affection as though they are singing toward those whom they love but have been nervous around, and it is expected to be the perfect song for this winter.”
Nicole Centofanti is managing editor for The Witmarsum
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