Love Me Tender-- oops, I meant 'Right'.
So this is my opinion on the newest Exo single... which will most likely end up being a rant. Sort of. I have a lot to say about really insignificant things to do with both the song and MV, so if you're interested enough to find out what I've prepared, click below!
Now, don't get me wrong. I like Exo. I really, really do, for various reasons. It wasn't their pretty faces and fancy theatrics that brought me in. No. It was something more along the lines of their catchy songs and smooth vocals; I think it was their overall harmony.
I'm not going to delve into the personal history I have with this, but I feel that this is a good introduction to the topic. The topic of their new single Love Me Right, and all the great things they've achieved, as well as the great things that I believe were possible, but sadly, didn't feature. Now, I just want to put out that this is all personal taste and opinion ahead.
So let's begin with the song, shall we?
Not gonna lie, I was really expecting this new single to take a turn into a genre that isn't common for this group. I expected the song to be one that delves deep into something sad or emotionally inflicting, but instead, I was (or we were) introduced to something really upbeat and jazzy. Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake style, anybody? It's a good genre, no kidding. I enjoy this kind of music occassionally, and there was an era where this stuff was booming. But the fact that the boys are sticking - almost clinging actually - to pushing out singles that consist of everything but angst or real heartbreak kind of disappoints me.
From the Love Me Right preview SM posted, in terms of auditory there wasn't much presented at all. Just some very vague sounds that can't exactly be distinguished even after a few listens, and I suppose this was a good way to get the viewers to focus entirely on the footage. And this approach was most likely what made my expectations take a turn into a very exciting possibility -- that Exo was finally taking on a new theme. Well done boys - I thought to myself - I'm really, really looking forward to this. I mean really; was I meant to associate guys in football jerseys looking rundown and depressed in a locker room with funky, upbeat jazz music? Even the title made me imagine some emotionally abused boys, who - yes, how could I not imagine this now? - were not being treated right.
... OK. Maybe BTS set the bar for this one only a teeny little bit. Their latest track I NEED U filled me with a strange longing for this type of music in the K-pop area, because it's generally lacking with this sort of emotional content. It's either BTS responsible for this craving, or the general theme of angry screaming vocalist's on my playlists. Hmm.
Well, the theme was one thing that disappointed me. Nevertheless, I find this song quite appealing. There's something very interesting about the combination of the song and MV that makes me want to hear it again and again, however that could also be part of my artistic conscience craving stimulation.
And while occassionally expressing my approval with some creative lip exercises, I'd decided to scroll down and indulge in what the fans had to say. The comments - for the most part - were mostly of shock; a lot of them expressing how unbelievable it was that the views were still stuck on 3.7 million; and a select few actually commenting on their feelings towards the song. There was one in particular that got me thinking in the Chinese version, which went something along the lines of the M group barely having any lines. I sat back and dwelled on this as the song continued, and I couldn't help but gradually find myself agreeing.
Now, 9 members is a little sad. Nevertheless, I would believe that this would arise great possibilities for the group to spread out their lines amongst members a lot better. As it is, neither of them honestly have enough lines for one to smile and say, 'wow, that's some good balance!' because there are just far too many of them to consider here. For a song that's 3 minutes and 30 seconds long, consisting of 9 members vocals, I really, really expected to hear - without that irritating difficulty - Xiumin's and Kai's voice. Kai? Yes. I must say I'm happy I can actually tell his voice apart from the rest at this particular part there where he has some nice spacing in between lyrics. But Xiumin? Nope. Makes me wonder that if Tao was still present, there most likely would have been chaos in that rap department... yikes. Perhaps duets or backup vocals or something just to go the extra mile to include these members would have been a better option; I'm not sure. I'm not a singing expert, but it's something I'm suggesting purely from what I hear. Oh, but did I mention that Lay also had some nice parts? Well done, Kai and Lay. Well done.
Overall, in terms of audio, Love Me Right is a good song. Very catchy. Very funky. Loving the disco, carefree vibes it gives me.
But I must take the time to say that I personally would choose Tender Love over this. And I'm not ashamed to say so. Perhaps the theme was a lot more improved with this song. I can't exactly place the thing that really draws me in in a way that Love Me Right didn't; but the mood and pace was something I feel Exo got spot on here. It's a song I can just abandon all work, lay back in my chair, and muse to. Modern day Michael Jackson was what they achieved right there. And it's feel-good music at K-pop's best. I'm not one to fawn, but gosh; Suho's crystal clear vocals are what tempts me to listen to this song again and again. Baekhyun tends to get a little dull from what I've noticed with myself. Maybe his voice just isn't suited for this style of music, but Suho, DO, and Lay definitely have their vocals spot on. Amazing harmony, those 3. *Insert a very satisfied emoticon here please* Maybe even Chen as well, because I've unconsciously started paying attention to how dynamic his voice has become over the years. I never quite fancied the level his voice often remained in, but he's seemingly really improving.
And well, now that I've got the bit about the actual song down, let me move on to the visuals.
As an artist, visuals are terribly important to me. Then again, there are also particular things like attraction to colour and shapes appealing to the eye that even someone who isn't creatively-inclined will tend to notice.
And the thing that captivated me here about the MV were the stunning use of the combination of green and pink. Believe me when I say that for the longest time, I was in denial of these two colours ever agreeing with one another. But here they were - presented in all their glory - highlighting particular scenes and events. And combined with plants; the thing I really love; I couldn't help but feel incredibly intrigued by these combined things. I mean, simple, simple things. I was surprised at myself for being so inspired even on first glance, but the choice of colours in this MV is marvelous. Bright, over-saturated hues of dull shades made the perfect contrast against striking dark backgrounds; and those neon lights were like the irresistable frosting on a batch of cupcakes. Clever contrasts everywhere. Green and pink. Dark and light. Nature and architecture. Organic and geometric. Thinking back on these little details, I really want to revisit that video just to take in these things again. Ah, little delights I tell you. These are the things that genuinely decide what makes or breaks MV's for me. The creativity here was something I must applaud them for.
In fact, their surroundings and the focus on their outrageous backgrounds was so intense that I didn't take in much of their clothing. I was far too distracted - far too focused - on admiring the pretty panning and editing that went on behind and around the boys.
I can pretty much imagine myself sinking my teeth into the candy-inspired colours of the MV. Maybe I should use this ridiculous inspiration to later bake myself a bunch of marbelled vanilla cakes, just to satisfy this new craving. Hah.
Now excuse me while I revisit my original story and perhaps utilize some of the ideas I'd managed to bottle up from all this observation.
I've also been plagued as of late with the indescribable urge to start an Exo AU fan fiction, including all the boys. I wonder if this will go well? Only time will tell, I say.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like Exo. I really, really do, for various reasons. It wasn't their pretty faces and fancy theatrics that brought me in. No. It was something more along the lines of their catchy songs and smooth vocals; I think it was their overall harmony.
I'm not going to delve into the personal history I have with this, but I feel that this is a good introduction to the topic. The topic of their new single Love Me Right, and all the great things they've achieved, as well as the great things that I believe were possible, but sadly, didn't feature. Now, I just want to put out that this is all personal taste and opinion ahead.
So let's begin with the song, shall we?
Not gonna lie, I was really expecting this new single to take a turn into a genre that isn't common for this group. I expected the song to be one that delves deep into something sad or emotionally inflicting, but instead, I was (or we were) introduced to something really upbeat and jazzy. Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake style, anybody? It's a good genre, no kidding. I enjoy this kind of music occassionally, and there was an era where this stuff was booming. But the fact that the boys are sticking - almost clinging actually - to pushing out singles that consist of everything but angst or real heartbreak kind of disappoints me.
From the Love Me Right preview SM posted, in terms of auditory there wasn't much presented at all. Just some very vague sounds that can't exactly be distinguished even after a few listens, and I suppose this was a good way to get the viewers to focus entirely on the footage. And this approach was most likely what made my expectations take a turn into a very exciting possibility -- that Exo was finally taking on a new theme. Well done boys - I thought to myself - I'm really, really looking forward to this. I mean really; was I meant to associate guys in football jerseys looking rundown and depressed in a locker room with funky, upbeat jazz music? Even the title made me imagine some emotionally abused boys, who - yes, how could I not imagine this now? - were not being treated right.
... OK. Maybe BTS set the bar for this one only a teeny little bit. Their latest track I NEED U filled me with a strange longing for this type of music in the K-pop area, because it's generally lacking with this sort of emotional content. It's either BTS responsible for this craving, or the general theme of angry screaming vocalist's on my playlists. Hmm.
Well, the theme was one thing that disappointed me. Nevertheless, I find this song quite appealing. There's something very interesting about the combination of the song and MV that makes me want to hear it again and again, however that could also be part of my artistic conscience craving stimulation.
And while occassionally expressing my approval with some creative lip exercises, I'd decided to scroll down and indulge in what the fans had to say. The comments - for the most part - were mostly of shock; a lot of them expressing how unbelievable it was that the views were still stuck on 3.7 million; and a select few actually commenting on their feelings towards the song. There was one in particular that got me thinking in the Chinese version, which went something along the lines of the M group barely having any lines. I sat back and dwelled on this as the song continued, and I couldn't help but gradually find myself agreeing.
Now, 9 members is a little sad. Nevertheless, I would believe that this would arise great possibilities for the group to spread out their lines amongst members a lot better. As it is, neither of them honestly have enough lines for one to smile and say, 'wow, that's some good balance!' because there are just far too many of them to consider here. For a song that's 3 minutes and 30 seconds long, consisting of 9 members vocals, I really, really expected to hear - without that irritating difficulty - Xiumin's and Kai's voice. Kai? Yes. I must say I'm happy I can actually tell his voice apart from the rest at this particular part there where he has some nice spacing in between lyrics. But Xiumin? Nope. Makes me wonder that if Tao was still present, there most likely would have been chaos in that rap department... yikes. Perhaps duets or backup vocals or something just to go the extra mile to include these members would have been a better option; I'm not sure. I'm not a singing expert, but it's something I'm suggesting purely from what I hear. Oh, but did I mention that Lay also had some nice parts? Well done, Kai and Lay. Well done.
Overall, in terms of audio, Love Me Right is a good song. Very catchy. Very funky. Loving the disco, carefree vibes it gives me.
But I must take the time to say that I personally would choose Tender Love over this. And I'm not ashamed to say so. Perhaps the theme was a lot more improved with this song. I can't exactly place the thing that really draws me in in a way that Love Me Right didn't; but the mood and pace was something I feel Exo got spot on here. It's a song I can just abandon all work, lay back in my chair, and muse to. Modern day Michael Jackson was what they achieved right there. And it's feel-good music at K-pop's best. I'm not one to fawn, but gosh; Suho's crystal clear vocals are what tempts me to listen to this song again and again. Baekhyun tends to get a little dull from what I've noticed with myself. Maybe his voice just isn't suited for this style of music, but Suho, DO, and Lay definitely have their vocals spot on. Amazing harmony, those 3. *Insert a very satisfied emoticon here please* Maybe even Chen as well, because I've unconsciously started paying attention to how dynamic his voice has become over the years. I never quite fancied the level his voice often remained in, but he's seemingly really improving.
And well, now that I've got the bit about the actual song down, let me move on to the visuals.
As an artist, visuals are terribly important to me. Then again, there are also particular things like attraction to colour and shapes appealing to the eye that even someone who isn't creatively-inclined will tend to notice.
And the thing that captivated me here about the MV were the stunning use of the combination of green and pink. Believe me when I say that for the longest time, I was in denial of these two colours ever agreeing with one another. But here they were - presented in all their glory - highlighting particular scenes and events. And combined with plants; the thing I really love; I couldn't help but feel incredibly intrigued by these combined things. I mean, simple, simple things. I was surprised at myself for being so inspired even on first glance, but the choice of colours in this MV is marvelous. Bright, over-saturated hues of dull shades made the perfect contrast against striking dark backgrounds; and those neon lights were like the irresistable frosting on a batch of cupcakes. Clever contrasts everywhere. Green and pink. Dark and light. Nature and architecture. Organic and geometric. Thinking back on these little details, I really want to revisit that video just to take in these things again. Ah, little delights I tell you. These are the things that genuinely decide what makes or breaks MV's for me. The creativity here was something I must applaud them for.
In fact, their surroundings and the focus on their outrageous backgrounds was so intense that I didn't take in much of their clothing. I was far too distracted - far too focused - on admiring the pretty panning and editing that went on behind and around the boys.
I can pretty much imagine myself sinking my teeth into the candy-inspired colours of the MV. Maybe I should use this ridiculous inspiration to later bake myself a bunch of marbelled vanilla cakes, just to satisfy this new craving. Hah.
Now excuse me while I revisit my original story and perhaps utilize some of the ideas I'd managed to bottle up from all this observation.
I've also been plagued as of late with the indescribable urge to start an Exo AU fan fiction, including all the boys. I wonder if this will go well? Only time will tell, I say.