As mentioned the other day, if I am ‘going back in time’ to review a pre-release single that I hadn’t review yet, it is a strong indication that I am gearing up to review the album the song is on. With me reviewing Hear Me Out today (which was the second pre-release single on EXO’s EXIST studio album, following Let Me In), I can confirm an album review for EXIST is coming to the blog some time later this month. But for now, here is my thoughts on Hear Me Out.

When Hear Me Out is was first release in June 2023, I didn’t have much to say about the pre-release. It was enjoyable and pleasant, but there was nothing really to fan over, in my opinion. Three months on and I still don’t have much to say about Hear Me Out. In no way do I mean this is a bad or negative way. Hear Me Out is a rather straight forward chill R&B track. The instrumental has this subtle grooviness to it, which keeps the track mid-tempo throughout. The grooviness, which comes from the presence of the bass guitar in the background, gave the track some character. The members’ vocals sound velvety and smooth, while the rappers came off as easygoing in the song. The melodies were quite light and nicely done, and the lyrics conveys one’s honest heart to their prospective partner who is hesitating to open their heart for love (taken from Soompi). Overall, Hear Me Out is a fine pre-release and side track on the album.

The video shows the EXO members hanging out with one another. I am not entirely sure how the video relates to the song, but my best guess is that the group continues to hang out with one another until their prospective partners open their hearts to them. We see them tired, lowkey and literally just hanging about during the day, as if they are waiting for something. But as soon it is becomes night and there is no sign that something is going to happen, the members come together to play games, go bowling and even take pictures in photo booths. But if that is not the case, then Hear Me Out serves as an easygoing background track to the members having fun. Also, it is absolutely nice to see KAI one more time before he enlisted into the military and miss out on the Cream Soda comeback.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10