[Album Review] 1 to 3 (3rd Mini Album) – SUHO (EXO)

SUHO’s 1 to 3 is nominated for Best Music Video in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Support SUHO’s 1 to 3 music video in the 2024 KPOPREVIEWED Awards by clicking here to vote today!

SUHO’s 1 to 3 is the next album on the reviewing block. He returned with the mini-album in May this year with the title track of the same name. It also features the pre-release of Cheese (which featured label mate WENDY from Red Velvet) and 5 other side tracks.

One of the things I realised upon reviewing SUHO’s album is how rock-focused it is. We are not just speaking of the more traditional forms of rock we often hear in KPOP, like pop rock. Instead, SUHO ventures into alternative and indie territory throughout the album, which is always intriguing and exciting. SUHO does such a good job that I recommended 1 to 3 to those looking to satisfy their rock cravings.

1. Mayday – Mayday softly opens the mini-album, speaking to the idea of looking for someone you thought was on the same path as you. The song taps into the alternative rock genre, with the official description describing it as a ‘dreamy psychedelic’. I liked how approachable Mayday is with its soft aesthetic, easing us into the mini-album. The song’s soft nature also applies to SUHO’s vocals, which are so delicate. But this delicateness gives us that emotion the song’s message wants to convey. (8/10)

2. 1 to 3 (점선면) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for 1 to 3. (9/10)

3. Cheese (치즈) (ft. WENDY from Red Velvet) (Pre-Release Track) – Click here for the full review for Cheese. (8/10)

4. Wishful Thinking – Wishful Thinking is an intriguing song. The verses feature some groovy yet hushed vocals that appeal to me instantly. But then comes brief and harsh guitar work that shocks the system and breaks up those hushed vocals. The second time it shows up, it generates momentum towards the chorus. But when the choruses comes, SUHO returns to hushed vocals but also makes sure to give it a beautiful twist by smoothing out the melodies. The song doesn’t maintain any particular momentum until after the second chorus, where Wishful Thinking starts to wrap up and ends abruptly (which you may know is not my ideal way to finish a song). (9/10)

5. Moonlight – SUHO continues his exploration of rock with an indie number. Moonlight is a refreshing song for a few reasons. His vocal delivery is very different yet fun, compared to the other songs. The melodies and energy are more cheerful, which had me vibing along. He opts for a ukulele as the primary instrument, which is a unique choice. Moonlight isn’t my usual cup of tea, but I liked it nonetheless. (8/10)

6. Alright Alright (ft. Giriboy) – Alright Alright brings funky rock to the mini-album. And the funkiness and catchiness of Alright Alright makes it a hard song to turn away from. The instrumental gives me surfer vibes, ideal for someone looking to kick it back at a beach this Summer (like me). SUHO’s light yet fulfilling vocals are amazing, and GIRIBOY’s rap fits in perfectly. (10/10)

7. Zero Gravity (무중력) – Wrapping up this seven-song mini-album is Zero Gravity, another alternative rock song. The first verse had me thinking the song was leaning into the balladry side. Beautiful instrumentation and vocal work here. But Zero Gravity picks itself up once it gets to the chorus and maintains that energy into the second verse. Both the instrumentation and SUHO’s vocals remain beautiful and approachable. I really liked the flow of the chorus, which felt like an OST to me, and the passion the bridge exudes. (10/10)