1. Universe 2. Universe (Chinese Version) 3. Been Through 4. Stay 5. Fall 6. Good Night 7. Stay 8. Universe (CD Version)
EXO kept their annual tradition for the fourth consecutive year and released a "winter special album" for the season. SM Entertainment started teasing the album some weeks before its release with short videos of the members working as baristas. I immediately became excited at the cafe concept because the warmth and relaxation associated with coffee is the perfect theme for a winter album and is a contrast to the typical snow concept! Soundwise, the entire work is smooth and soothing like a cup of coffee. Here are my top three songs from the EP "Universe".
1. Universe
"Universe" is heartwarming by both it's sound and aesthetic. It is a sentimental rock ballad with piano and guitar. The song begins softly, then gradually gains more momentum until the powerful chorus. "Universe" particularly shows the vocal prowess of Baekyun, Chen, and D.O. but also gave the rappers Chanyeol and Sehun a chance to sing. as there are no rap parts. Lyrically, "Universe" talks about suffering after a break-up but vowing to "search the universe" to find their lover again.
The theme of the music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. In the beginning, EXO looks rather sad and listless. They are dressed in coffee-colored clothes and sing solemnly with earnest hearts. By the end, the young men are sitting together enjoying their caffeinated beverages. Each others company and the warm coffee seemed to put them in a positive mood.
The theme of the music video is the making and enjoyment of coffee. In the beginning, EXO looks rather sad and listless. They are dressed in coffee-colored clothes and sing solemnly with earnest hearts. By the end, the young men are sitting together enjoying their caffeinated beverages. Each others company and the warm coffee seemed to put them in a positive mood.
2. Fall
"Fall" is another song that emphasizes vocals as EXO's strong point. Really, the entire album does, but "Fall" especially so. It is pop r&b with acoustic guitar in its composition and reminds me much of their 2013 song "Baby Don't Cry".
3. Been Through
My third favorite of this album, "Been Through" is a slow, synth-pop track. The song is built on a strong, simplistic bassline and the members sing in a way that is truly mesmerizing. The beat is very steady and unrelenting, which (I feel) reflects the steadfastness of the lyrics. "Been Through" is about staying strong and not giving up when faced with setbacks. It reads,"Snap out of it get up and brush it off. Pain is just a passing storm to me". The line that stood out the most to me was "You shine like the stars, you light up my heart". It is definitely a focal point of the song and seems to tie in with the universe theme.
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