I’ll all the time have a delicate spot for EXO. They had been one among my gateways into Ok-pop, method again after they made their debut eleven years in the past. It’s been a rocky experience the previous few years, with member enlistments and different roadblocks stopping the group from making their yearly comeback. As an alternative, followers have waited two years since their most up-to-date mini album — practically 4 since their final full album.

A pair of pre-releases lowered my expectations for this comeback (although Hear Me Out stays a heat, subdued summer season jam). However when title monitor Cream Soda was described as “dance pop” by the company, my curiosity piqued once more. Would possibly we be heading again to the deadly funk throwdowns Name Me Child or Love Me Proper? Perhaps the groovy bounce of Growl? Heck, at this level I’d even be proud of the goofy EDM of Energy!

Cream Soda is actually extra upbeat than both of the album’s pre-releases, however it doesn’t strike me as a future traditional. Lots of EXO’s hallmarks are current. Their attractive vocal mix takes the lead on the refrain, twisted into falsetto to go with the music’s sensual nature. I can’t determine whether or not I just like the hook or discover it irritating. I concern it’s tipping nearer to the latter for the time being.

My largest problem with the monitor is its manufacturing. The instrumental is well-done, pushed by handclap percussion, strums of guitar and brass accents. But even with all these components, it feels considerably flimsy. I crave extra resonance within the groove — extra kick or bass. It’s too layered to operate as a skeletal, Timbaland-esque beat, but not full or insistent sufficient to actually drive the monitor ahead.

Cream Soda‘s finest moments happen when EXO are allowed to stretch their vocals. The explosive bridge is pleasurable and dramatic, recalling the group’s largest strengths. As all the time, they elevate the fabric they’re given. However taken as a complete, that is undoubtedly one of many weaker EXO title tracks.

Grade: B