Little introduction is needed when it comes to beloved boy group EXO. Despite topping the charts with most of their singles such as ‘Tempo’, ‘Love Shot’, ‘Ko Ko Bop’, ‘Monster’ and ‘Growl’, there are many underrated EXO B-sides that are not incredibly known to the public. It was hard to put up a list of 10, considering the many attractive B-sides that we sadly did not include in this article. To make the list as concise as possible, tracks from the other sub-units and soloists from EXO will not be included in the line-up.
El Dorado
‘El Dorado’ is one of (or if not) the most iconic B-side from EXO’s immense discography. In fact, the song was first showcased in Chanyeol’s teaser back in 2012. Everything about this song sounds glorious and magnificent – the urgency in their voices can be felt through your veins and every member delivered their lines with power. The chorus is what I would define as pure eargasm – harmonies, harmonies, and even more harmonies. The highlight of the song is Baekhyun’s high note that happens right after the bridge, but don’t say I didn’t warn you though, it’s overwhelming, so prepare your heart.
My Answer
This is the kind of song you’d listen to before your ex-boyfriend’s wedding; well, if you’re still utterly in love with him. It is almost depressing and exceedingly bleak – which could be possibly influenced by the eagerness and grief in the vocals of Suho, Baekhyun and D.O, or the unambiguous disconsolate lyrics that seems to leave a heavy rock in my chest every single damn time. With fundamental piano accompaniment, the rawness and richness of their vocals create an immense sentiment for longing. With a cup of coffee and a sad book to read, play this song in the background to have a quintessential setup to a night of crying.
Gravity
Fresh off their album ‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’, ‘Gravity’ has become a fan-favorite amongst EXO-Ls. With an electric beat, the producers of this song, LDN Noise (who also wrote many other EXO tracks such as Power), have once again brought their A-game to the industry. It isn’t exactly conventional to hear a funky and electronic fusion, but it surprisingly works wonders. If you want to groove to an EXO song, this song is your best bet. Special shout out to Sehun’s rap, it’s actually other-worldly.
Forever
Musically, ‘Forever’ is a complete masterpiece on many levels. I don’t want to go in-depth with all the musical terms such as changing of keys and the song being in minor, but it is a tune that is extremely complex at the heart of it. If you listen to the chorus, the jil in michin geu jiljjuro neol (미친 그 질주로 널) was sharpened on purpose and it creates such a perplexing melody that gives me goosebumps every time I (incessantly) listen to it. All in all, the push and pull feeling and beat drops in ‘Forever’ makes it one of EXO’s most superior B-sides.
Going Crazy
Another one of EXO’s more complex songs musically, ‘Going Crazy’ might not be under the radar of many EXO-Ls. There is something very dream-like yet dissonant about the song – which makes it perfectly named. There are melodies all over the place that somehow fits together; the half-diminished chords and the marimba at the start is another unconventional producing combo. I have so much to say and comment about this song, but you’ll need to listen to the song to truly understand the experience of ‘Going Crazy’, and why I would label it as a sensational B-side.
Oasis
Some have made the connection between ‘Oasis’ and Coldplay’s ‘Paradise’ (both are bops) for one good reason – they have an amplified-sounding chorus of harmonies that make people want to sing along. The song makes me feel as if my soul has left my body to transcend space and time, as I stand outside the gates of heaven. In addition, the message behind ‘Oasis’ is impeccable – they are “chasing the sun”, but we’re not entirely sure where they’re running towards or from. We hope they’re running towards happiness, because that is what they deserve.
Don’t Go
‘Don’t Go’ is probably in the top B-sides list for most EXO-Ls. Personally, the best feeling in the world is going to the concert and singing to this song along with EXO. There is something about this track that makes the individual feel liberated and contented about life. With its uplifting lyrics, this song is an oldie that remains as one of EXO’s most jubilant B-sides.
Unfair
Although I love the song itself, there is a special reason as to why it is chosen to be in my list of EXO’s best B-sides. The song reminds me of the different costumes that EXO wore during this era – from their occupational to Santa Claus outfits, EXO-Ls looked forward to their stages of ‘Unfair’ during music shows. As EXO are usually deemed as dark and mysterious (refer to Monster and MAMA), the choreography of this song showcases their dorky and endearing personalities. Listening to this song makes me think of those moments.
Playboy
Written by SHINee’s Jong Hyun, this song is nothing short of seduction and suave. With a strong jazz influence, EXO’s versatile vocal line was able to capture the true essence of the song with their slick and distinct timbre vocals. Stacked up with harmonies, the tune creates an alluring atmosphere that could attract any woman’s come-hither looks. Not forgetting the choreography of this artistic work – this song is undoubtedly one of EXO’s unbeatable B-sides.
Promise
If ‘My Answer’ is to be considered as one of EXO’s most melancholy songs, ‘Promise’ is a song that holds profound meaning and vehement lyrics that can heal one’s heart – especially if you’re an EXO-L. Composed by Lay and lyrics written by Chanyeol and Chen, this song speaks out to all the EXO-Ls that have stayed despite the unpropitious happenings from 2014 to 2015. It was hard for the group to perform this song live back in the days – as it symbolized their promise to fortify the hearts of their fans, but the bitter-sweet memories spent with their past members still lingered on in their minds. However, the group held on to their oath and emerged as better artists and performers throughout the years. Thank you EXO for keeping your promise!
With EXO making their way to Singapore really soon, what are some of the B-side tracks that you personally want to witness during the concert?
Tickets to “EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration in Singapore” are available via the following methods:
Website: www.sportshub.sg/EXO
Phone Booking: +65 3158 7888
Box office locations: Singapore Indoor Stadium Box Office, The Star Performing Arts Centre Box office, Scotts Square Concierge and all Singpost outlets.
Written by: Winnie
Image Credit: Music photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com
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