EXO - 'SING FOR YOU'

Tracklist:

1. Unfair
2. Sing For You
3. Girl x Friend
4. On the snow
5. LIGHTSABER (Bonus Track)



Two years ago, EXO released 'Miracles in December,' kicking off a tradition of holiday releases. Last year, it was the single 'The Winter's Tale.' Now, they have another gift for you: 'Sing For You,' featuring the twin title tracks "Sing For You" and "Unfair."  

"Unfair"
A jaunty piano starts off this cheerful mid-tempo pop number. The boys bring their trademark croons to the title track, energizing the song with their delivery, Chanyeol's deep voice contrasting nicely with Baekhyun's falsetto. It's danceable and ultraslick, begging you to get on your feet and move. The song itself is about how the girl is being "unfair" to them by looking so hot.



"Sing For You"
The second of their dual title tracks, this is a guitar-driven ballad. Here, they pour their hearts out, some of them tenderly half-whispering their parts. When they get to the chorus, though, Baekhyun, Chen, and D.O. really wrench the vocals from their souls and put on an impassioned performance. The song itself is an endearing winter confession.   

"Girl x Friend"
Extending the piano influence to another song, the boys crank out another medium-tempo tune. This time, it has different twists from the first to shake things up. Kai's backing vocals where he interjects something between another boy's lines are amusing and make this song pop. The rest handle their duties well, but I think Kai's parts give it more of a rhythm and make it catchier. It's about trying to get out of the friendzone and be a girl's boyfriend.



On the Snow"
Snaps, harmonies, and backing vocals characterize this ballad. During the chorus, however, it picks up some and becomes a soft pop tune instead, and the boys' delivery gets louder and more heartfelt. Equal parts sugary and silky, this lush ballad deserves more than a single listen. The lyrics talk about love and loss in winter and how they want her back.

"LIGHTSABER"
Probably the most enjoyable song on this album for this beat junkie, this EDM track features staccato vocals, dance breaks, and synth wub-wubs ftw! The track, produced specifically with Star Wars in mind, even has Darth Vader's ominous breathing at the beginning. The lyrics are clever, alluding to how the boys are a girl's life saver (rhymes with "lightsaber").



This slow-burner is entirely appropriate for the season. The use of real instruments over synths give you a sensation more warm than sizzling, a reminder that winter is here, the leaves have dropped from the trees, and that logs are smoldering in the fireplace. The boys never fail to put in a moving performance in December, 'Sing For You' included.  The album leaves you with a mellow, pleasant glow, something perfect to curl up with a cup of mocha and keep the winter at bay.  

MV REVIEW

Check out the boys of EXO as they battle isolation in "Sing For You."

The MV is redolent with images and scenes that epitomize loneliness. There's a scene where Chanyeol and Suho are duking it out, and another where an astronaut is floating in space alone. Kai stands off while the others play basketball. And the effect is somehow highlighted by happy scenes because someone, somewhere is excluded. The great thing is, at the end, we have redemption for all those in the MV who have been left out in the cold.

There are various theories about the astronaut and whale, but nothing official from what I've seen. I'm entirely aware it represents a release from loneliness since the astronaut had someone completely amazing and majestic to keep him company. And it's a dynamic image, to be sure.



The boys play their parts well, the isolation and forlornness plain on their faces. The fighting is pretty savage and beautiful at once, almost as if they're participants in some forceful ballet.

The fact that it's shot in black & white as well as slow motion heightens the intensity, and I think it achieves exactly what the director intended. I found myself smiling despite myself at the end. It leaves you with a warm feeling, and makes this MV a nice present for year's end.   

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