EXO has made their return to the stage with their brand new fourth album, titled as The War. The main title track for the album is Ko Ko Bop. Unfortunately, Lay was unable to participate in the album due to his schedule in China, hence why he is missing from the promotional activities. This album alone has already broken a record, prior to the release of the album, proving to everyone the group’s popularity and fandom’s dedication.
The song was disappointing at first glance. A number of listens later and the same perception still holds. I am not exactly into the reggae style that they went with, but I am not turned off by it, as well. It gave the song its unique side. There were some catchy moments, but I don’t think there was enough to make me fall for the song immediately. While the breakdown did make the track interesting to an extent, it just didn’t work with the rest of the track. Their vocals don’t seem that great this time around, which was a disappointment. I was expecting some sort of intensity from the members, but the energy felt very lacking. I know it was a more chilled song, but that doesn’t mean the energy has to be low. The only member I felt did a good job was Chanyeol, whose rap suited the song. I may not have enjoyed Lotto, but this does make Lotto seem like a decent song.
I feel like the music video would raise a few eyebrows. Not referring to the abs or the chest exposure, though, which I am sure would have fans replaying the video purely for observation purposes. But how the video seems to allude to some ways of ‘having a good time’. I am referring to how some of the members look a little stoned. I honestly hope that I am looking at the video is a completely wrong way, but that is what I am getting from it. I say that because of the perception of drugs in South Korea is extremely looked down upon. Personally, I thought the video was could have been better. The guys displayed a carefree and hippy-like image, which I thought was okay. When I look at other EXO videos, I do see more flashy or intense concepts, so this seemed like a step back, though they may not be a bad thing. It seemed fitting for the song, but I am not sure if it is a concept that suits the members. Not a major fan of some of their outfits or hairstyles, as well.
Although we only saw glimpses of the choreography, I think I can say it is quite good. I will return to this part once a stage performance has been uploaded. And while I did not like the breakdown music wise, the accompanying dance for it looked amazing. It calls for some intensity and I think the parts I saw brought just that.
Song – 5/10
Music Video – 6/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 6/10
KPOPREVIEWED 
Didn’t know exactly where to fit it in, but I will be writing an album review, which should be published some time next week
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I kinda agree with your thoughts.
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I wondered if someone would mention the “stoned feel ” in a comment somewhere on YouTube but I have yet to come across that elusive comment.
I agree with you…The colorful visuals aren’t uncommon in Kpop but the video did give off some sort of psychedelic drug addled vibe (compared to their video for “Love Me Right” which was also fun and visually appealing but didn’t make me think they were a little high).
As for the song itself, I also agree that they’ve made better title tracks. I think “Monster” and “Lucky One ” from last year are hard to beat. But , naturally, opinions differ. I just read that Ko Ko Bop might be Sehun’s favorite lead single to date. I guess he likes the tropical reggae style…
I’ve finished listening to their album and while I think some songs can grow on me and one or two are good for easy listening , the song that stands out for me is “Going Crazy”. I knew I would like it immediately (since the teaser for Chen came out) and it’s my favorite but I’ve yet to hear the popular opinion on the song. I wish they’d made it a title track though.
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For me, Love Me Right is their best single.
I had a quick flick through their album last night and some songs seem promising. To be honest, many of the other tracks on the album could have served as a better title track than Ko Ko Bop.
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And… I Baekhyun’s mullet! I cringed.
Ah but usually there’s one hairstyle from every era that I wish the stylists hadn’t imposed on a member (I’m assuming this) ….
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Hahaha… Baekhyun’s mullet and Kai’s Corn Rolls (from the Wolf era) would have to top the list for me.
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Yeah, they got the short end of the stick with those hair styles … (because sometimes the styling decisions seem random). Chen’s perm from their Love Me Right Mnet performance is the worst for me, especially with the shorts and stripes he wore. Gah.
But! The blond hair + peachy eyeshadow of this era for Chen does him justice. D.O’s faux freckles too were a surprise. They’re awfully cute.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to watching the whole dance performance. We got cool glimpses from the music video so… I’m hoping they re-think Baekhyun’s hair (I’m also not a fan of the color plus the contacts they gave him) so it doesn’t mess with the overall aesthetic. Kidding. I like how he sings the ‘down down baby ‘ part of the song so that’ll be fine despite the hair. Haha.
Looking forward to your full album review too 🙂
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Kokobop was definitely a disappointment for me. I also thought that Kokobop was more of an NCT 127 song, but got that EXO vibes in it because of Chanyeol’s rap. Other than that, Wolf and Growl era is still the best for me. I love your reviews, by the way! I would also hope you’d do reviews for LOONA Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry. Their songs are amazing!
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Growl and Wolf are, by far, their most notable eras.
As for the Loona reviews, I might compile a large review once all their songs are released. I havent been paying much attention to them honestly. However, they continually appear on my newsfeed, telling me to check out their songs hahahaha…
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You’ll love them! Looking forward to your reviews!
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