EXO, the much anticipated (and promoted) group of 2012, has taken South Korea and much of the world by storm. Many grew to know these 12 young men through SM Entertainment’s hard-hitting promotional activities throughout 2011 and this year; online and on music shows Inkigayo and M! Countdown, and the unveiling of 23 teasers via YouTube attracted the attention of fans in a very short time.
Officially debuting on April 8th, both sub-units EXO-K and EXO-M released two versions of MAMA in South Korea and China respectively. Both received a positive response: MAMA charted first place on the Gaon charts, second place on Sina Music Charts and ranked 33rd on the Oricon charts.
MAMA is sung monotonously and in a minor key. The opening lines to the title track “Careless, careless / Shoot anonymous, anonymous / Heartless, mindless / No one who care about me” sets a mysterious tone for the mini-album. Slipping into a seemingly 80’s dance beat and layers of symphonic strings, MAMA is a strong opening track, catching the listener’s attention with every detail.
Next, WHAT IS LOVE is a smooth, understated track that showcases D.O.’s vocal range as much as it does for Baekhyun. First performed on March 31 before debuting, WHAT IS LOVE was heard by fans as early as January 30, 2012 through official videos released via SMTOWN’s YouTube channel.
Another fast-paced dance track, HISTORY is just as catchy as MAMA with a very easy to remember melody in a minor key and killer choreography. Readers, have you learned the dance yet?
ANGEL, a piano-backed ballad, is very calming at first listen. The vocals are soft and gentle, a contrast against the many dance tracks featured on MAMA. Yet this low-key energy heightens with a simple, hard beat and low-key synthesizers, throughout a chilled, hip-hip number TWO MOONS. The track is largely rapped with emphasis on a simple chorus, featuring vocals from SHINee’s Key.
Continuing at a high-energy pace, the final track on MAMA, MACHINE contains the most addicting elements of a well-crafted song. With smooth harmonies akin to many of SHINee’s work, MACHINE is memorable track -- very catchy with a killer hook “ma-ma-ma-machine.” MACHINE’s repetitiveness seems to work well for EXO-K, bringing the min-album to a close.
Some have found similarities between musical styles of Super Juniorand SHINee with rookie group, EXO: all are part of the SM family and are produced by the same man, Lee Soo-man. Overall, MAMA is a great start for EXO’s musical career, and the mini-album showcases the members' talents well.
EXO’s first showcase can be seen via SM’s YouTube in parts, presented by Super Junior’s Leeteuk. The approximately hour-long showcase includes introductions from each member, a solo dance, many short solo and duo performances and more.
