Exist (stylized in all caps) is the seventh full-length album by EXO. It was released on July 10, 2023 with "Cream Soda" serving as the album's title track.
"Let Me In" was pre-released on June 12, followed by "Hear Me Out" on June 30.
The physical album comes in 19 versions: three photobook versions (E, X, and 0), eight member-specific digipack versions and eight member-specific SMini versions.
Background[]
On June 9, 2023, Joy News 24 reported that EXO will be releasing a new album on July 10.[1] Hours later, SM confirmed the reports and added that they will be releasing their seventh full-length album.[2] On June 12, the title of the album was revealed to be Exist.[3] Later in the day, it was announced that a pre-release for the album, "Let Me In", will be released on June 12 at 6pm.[4]
Composition[]
"Hear Me Out" is described as an addictive pop dance genre song. The track has an exotic rhythm and a cheerful brass, keyboard, and drum sound. The lyrics compare cream soda to falling in love. It's thrilling, but also soft. The members' sensual vocals double the fun of listening.[5]
"Regret It" is described as an energetic R&B pop genre song. The track has a groovy bass alongside a solid 808 beat with a splendid synthesizer. Chanyeol participated in the lyric writing of the song.[6]
"Love Fool" is described as an R&B pop genre song which features a retro synthesizer sound.[6]
"No Makeup" is described as an R&B genre song featuring an impressive trap beat. The lyrics talk about how the natural appearance of a person is also beautiful enough without makeup.[7]
"Another Day" is described as an alternative pop genre song. The track has an attractive layback rhythm paired with an 808 bass and keyboard layering.[7]
"Cinderella" is described as synth-pop genre song. The track features an explosive drop sound which is created by fluke synth riffs and drums. The lyrics are based on the story of Cinderella who leaves at 12 o'clock and expresses their desire to not miss their fate [8]
"Private Party" is described as an R&B dance genre song. Intense bass drums are combined with a dreamy synth piano, a whistle sound, and vocal chops. The lyrics talk about a tense situation in which people are attracted to each other at a private party.[8]
Promotions[]
A countdown live for the album will be held through the group's YouTube, TikTok, and Idol Plus account on July 10 at 4:30pm. During the live stream, EXO will be communicating to fans, unboxing the albums, and telling stories relating to the album release. [7]
Reception[]
Critical reception[]
Exist was ranked #12 on Billboard's top 25 K-pop album of 2023.[9]
Commercial performance[]
As of July 9, Exist has reached 1.6 million pre-orders.[10]
Hanteo Chart reported that Exist sold 1,074,914 copies on its first day of release, making it the first EXO's album to do so.[11] It sold 1,562,649 copies in its first week.[12]
As of July 11, Exist had reached #1 in 66 different countries on the iTunes Top Albums Chart. It also reached #1 on QQ Music as well as on Kugou Music digital album sales chart. "Cream Soda" reached #1 in 46 different countries on the iTunes Top Songs chart.[13]
"Cream Soda" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart. All tracks in the album debuted in the top 15.[14]
On September 7, 2023, Circle Chart reported that Exist received a million certification for surpassing one million copies sold. The SMC version of the album received a platinum certification for surpassing 250,000 copies sold.[15]
Track list[]
- "Cream Soda" - 3:05
- "Regret It" - 2:55
- "Hear Me Out" - 3:24
- "Private Party" - 3:09
- "Cinderella" - 2:34
- "No Makeup" - 3:24
- "Love Fool" - 3:22
- "Another Day" - 3:11
- "Let Me In" - 3:17
Awards[]
Music show wins[]
| Song | Music Show | Date |
|---|---|---|
| "Cream Soda" | Music Bank (KBS) | July 21, 2023[16] |
Gallery[]
.png "EXO Exist album packaging (Photobook ver.).png (6.85 MB)")
(Photobook ver.)
.png "EXO Exist album packaging (Digipack ver.).png (2.71 MB)")
(Digipack ver.)
.png "EXO Exist album packaging (SMini ver.).png (6.29 MB)")
(SMini ver.)
References[]
- ↑ (KR) Joy News 24: 엑소, 7월 10일 가요계 컴백 확정
- ↑ Soompi: EXO Confirms July Comeback Date
- ↑ @weareoneEXO on Twitter (June 12, 2023)
- ↑ Soompi: EXO To Drop Pre-Release Track “Let Me In” Tonight Ahead Of July Comeback
- ↑ (KR) Naver: 엑소, 쿨섹시 바이브..'Cream Soda'로 선보일 新여름맛
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 (KR) Naver: 엑소, 솔직강렬 11년 R&B 바이브 예고…‘EXIST’ 프리뷰 공개
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 (KR) Naver: 엑소, 정규7집 '엑지스트'로 보여줄 확신의 '보컬 맛집'
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 (KR) Naver: 엑소엘 모여라! 엑소 정규 7집 팝업스토어 11일 오픈
- ↑ Billboard: The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2023
- ↑ (KR) MBN Star: 엑소 컴백→선주문 160만 장 돌파…오늘(10일) ‘EXIST’ 카운트다운 라이브 진행
- ↑ Soompi: EXO Soars Past 1 Million 1st-Day Sales With “EXIST,” Making It Their 1st Album Ever To Do So
- ↑ Soompi: EXO Achieves 7th Highest 1st-Week Sales Of Any Male Artist In Hanteo History With “EXIST”
- ↑ Soompi: EXO Sweeps iTunes Charts Across The Globe With “EXIST”
- ↑ Soompi: EXO Sweeps Top 4 Spots On Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs Chart
- ↑ Circle Chart: Album Certification
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: EXO Takes 1st Win For “Cream Soda” On “Music Bank”; Performances By NewJeans, NCT DREAM, And More
Video links[]
- "Cream Soda" music video
- "Cream Soda" dance practice
- "Cream Soda" recording behind the scenes
- "Hear Me Out" & "Cream Soda" dance practice behind the scenes
- Teaser
- Jacket behind the scenes
- Countdown live
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