EXO’s tall unit, EXO-SC, came back with their highly anticipated full-length album ‘1 Billion Views’ and we’re just going to pretend this review is timely. When you thought missing EXO would be the song of the year, the protean Kpop powerhouse has simply refused to go away quietly despite being on hiatus. Instead, members are giving us solos, collaborations, OSTs, acting projects, and subunits. And now EXO’s dynamic duo are back in the saddle with their first full-length album, ‘1 Billion Views.’ ‘1 Billion Views’ showcases Sehun and Chanyeol’s personalities and many talents while rejecting any sort of musical constraints.
Much like their previous album, Sehun and Chanyeol were heavily involved in the writing and production of ‘1 Billion Views’. Both albums feel very personal. Through ‘1 Billion Views’ we get a glimpse into the psyche of Sehun and Chanyeol as well as their musical styles and resistance to any sort of labels. We see the pair express feelings they had previously kept to themselves and we see where their journey of self-actualization has lead.
The thing that fascinates me about EXO is their flexibility. The flexibility even spills over into their subunits as EXO-SC’s newest album presents a heavy dose of versatile rap pieces. What I love the most about Sehun and Chanyeol is their distinctive rapping flair. They never try to be anyone else but themselves. The style of rap varies with the mood and story in the song. The title song, “1 Billion Views” features an addictive mid-tempo rap-singing composition, while songs like “On Me” have a faster and grittier rap. In many ways, the rapping is reflective of the rap pair themselves—unbothered, unique, and indifferent to trends. There are a number of different rap styles on the album but it all has Sehun and Chanyeol’s laid-back swag.
The pair are known for their rapping, but as an EXO-L I am contractually obligated to mention EXO’s rap line are also amazing singers! Chanyeol has lent his vocals to some of the most iconic Kdrama OSTs and some of Korea’s most prolific singers have collaborated with him. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence of Sehun and Chanyeol’s vocal talents, when it was first announced that the duo would form a subunit, there was more than one snarky netizen quipping, “Who’s gonna sing?”
EXO-Ls are always talking about EXO’s amazing roster of singers. Sehun and Chanyeol are not excluded from that conversation. EXO is never one thing, so it comes as no surprise that vocalists Sehun and Chanyeol made prominent appearances on “1 Billion Views”. Not to prove anyone wrong, but because that’s what they wanted to do.
“1 Billion Views”
Chanyeol describes this Gaeko produced title track as a “retro, hip-hop disco song.” The song features R&B singer Moon who adds her smoky vocals to the record. “1 Billion Views” describes a long-distance or busy relationship in which a person longs for their loved one. But in lieu of being with that person, the lovers have to rely on pictures and videos which remain on an endless replay. In this age of quarantining, this message hits home. Many have turned to technology to stay connected with loved ones when personal contact is unsafe. Many of our relationships have become long-distance. But also, I can’t help but think of every Kpop stan who has streamed their favorite music video literally “1 million, 1 billion times”.
The colorful cyberpunk infused music video is a not so subtle nod to 80s and 90s technology. For all the nostalgic prone 90s kids, there are moments where the music video reminds you of your favorite vintage arcade game, while Sehun and Chanyeol’s rainbow apparel are VHS tape chic. The retro aesthetic is given an update when blended with symbols of modern technology such as the modern smartphone portrait view, app icons and my personal favorite, the emoji vending machine.
A highlight of “1 Billion Views” is the tight harmonies right before the chorus. I love when Sehun and Chanyeol actually share a verse (here’s looking at you, “Monster”)! This was one of the reasons I was so excited about this subunit when they announced their debut. They have such strong chemistry and feed off each other so well! This chemistry, forged over a twelve-year relationship, is nothing less than organic. Nothing feels forced. The rap-singing throughout “1 Billion Views” fits well with the R&B elements in the song. The harmonies, with their funky R&B flair, was a pleasant surprise from from the duo. I am used to them rapping together but not singing. The harmonies throughout the song remind me of their friendship and I feel nostalgic for their long history together. This is what I wanted!
“Say It”
The second track, “Say It” features even more infectious SeChan vocal harmonies. The song describes a relationship in limbo. Chanyeol laments, in perfect vibrato, “Beating around the bush, I hate that.” The potential love interest in the song can’t seem to commit and is sending mixed messages all while Sehun, Chanyeol and Penemeco, who lends his vocals to this track, wait in suspense.
Apart from their deep-seated friendship, the harmonies benefit from the pair’s contrasting tones. Chanyeol’s voice is deep and raspy while Sehun’s voice sounds quite delicate which makes for an interesting dynamic. I find it interesting that when Sehun raps, his voice is deep and aggressive but his singing voice is quite the opposite. His tone of voice sounds quite gentle and soft.
“Rodeo Station”
“Rodeo Station” is a sentimental tribute to EXO’s training days. Lyrically, there is a lot to digest in this deeply personal track. Chanyeol and Sehun start by describing their pre-debut selves walking past a designer goods store to catch the bus to get to dance class. They don’t have much money and are sleep-deprived. But they do have friends and each other; so despite having very little materially, they are happy as they chase their dreams.
Flash forward to present day, the luxury goods store and the bus station in front of it are still there. But this time instead of walking past it to find the bus, people go to the luxury goods store to find them. The pair no longer has to take the bus anymore. After finding success and fame, they are now able to shop in the luxury goods store. And maybe do a little modeling while they’re at it. Just as a side hustle. And yet, while they now have access to designer products, they cannot buy friendship or love.
“The place where I went to find everyday
Is now the place people come to find me
Even though I can find the things I want
I can’t buy your heart"
The chorus is in the present tense, it is as if they are looking back at their past selves when things were simpler. The longing in their vocals feels absolutely nostalgic. Things are different now. Sehun and Chanyeol’s lives only got busier, sleep still eludes them and as public figures, nothing is deemed private anymore. Their whereabouts and actions are frequently being documented. It has become harder to make time for friends. News outlets may know what’s going on in the lives of Sehun and Chanyeol before their closest friends even do.
The second half of the song demonstrates a change in Sehun and Chanyeol’s mindset. They become more positive, inspirational and are enjoying their lives. The life they currently lead, with its fame, honors and prosperity is a reward for their hard work and perseverance. They are determined to live their best lives.
“I work by the minute I earned that love
Every day is my birthday, Monday to Sunday
Whether to go to the universe or to go to the bottom
How would I know? I’m living for the first time”
But in the end, Chanyeol and Sehun confess that money does not buy happiness. “‘In life, the most important things, Cannot be bought by the numbers in your bank account.” Sehun and Chanyeol are still the aspiring teenage musicians waiting for the bus at Rodeo Station.
“Telephone”
Chanyeol and Sehun diverge from the introspective narrative in “Rodeo Station” to the more quirky and upbeat, “Telephone.” While technology can connect people, this song highlights how it can also come between meaningful relationships.
10cm adds his melodic vocals to the bridge. One of the things that makes this album special is most of the featured artists on the album are friends of Sehun and Chanyeol. Sehun and Chanyeol worked with people who they know well, and who know them well.
It’s impressive how “Telephone” manages to be soft and cute all while still going hard. The rapping is the highlight of this song. The hard-hitting rapping in Sehun and Chanyeol’s deep raspy vocals effortlessly transitions into the beautifully sung melodic chorus. The song takes us from Sehun and Chanyeol being the guys your grandparents want you to meet, to the guys all your friends warn you about.
“Jet Lag”
“Jet Lag” is an R&B influenced track that chronicles the struggles of a long distance relationship. It is well established at this point that Sehun and Chanyeol can sing very well. But with this album, this track, they emphasize not only can they sing, they can SANG! Sehun historically is given the bare minimal of lines within EXO songs and most of those lines have been rap verses. His singing abilities have often been obscured. But in “Jet Lag” we hear him singing high notes, using vibrato, harmonies, adlibs, singing runs and all that other flashy R&B vocal stuff that I love! The vocals that Sehun and Chanyeol have given us on this album are reflective of what you may hear from main vocalists. This transcends basic singing skills; Sehun and Chanyeol are highly skilled singers.
And I am so proud of Sehun especially because it is so rare to hear his singing. With the last EXO-SC album, “What A Life” and having more lines with EXO members enlisting, Sehun has had more opportunities to sing and show what he can do vocally. You can see how he has developed as a singer. Not only have his skills grown, but his confidence in his own singing abilities has grown as well. Main vocalist Sehun please rise!
“Fly Away”
“Fly Away” is an emotional track wherein Sehun, Chanyeol and special guest Gaeko, contemplate not being able to live up to the high expectations people place on them. They doubt whether their own dreams line up with what people expect of them. “Fly Away” has a heavy R&B influence driven by Gaeko’s velvety vocals and Sehun and Chanyeol’s emotive rapping.
“Nothin’”
“Fly Away” is perhaps the perfect segue into Chanyeol’s soul bearing solo track “Nothin’”. If in “Fly Away” Chanyeol weighed the expectations placed on him verses chasing his own dreams, “Nothin’” offers a refreshing antidote to this conundrum. “I don’t do what you want to, Yeah I do what I want to I,” is a line I love hearing. In the Korean music industry there are too many entities that feel as though they need to control what idols do both on and off stage. Therefore, it is freeing and empowering to see Chanyeol has reached a point where he is content with being himself and pursuing his own desires and not care about the opinions of others. That concept is liberating. Also, apparently Chanyeol likes his whiskey with no ice.
“On Me” Vivi Solo Track (feat. Sehun)
I can wax poetic about main vocalist Sehun for days! But have you seen rapper dancer Oh Sehun! This is the Sehun that gives me bias-wrecking issues. Furthermore, nobody told me Vivi could rap! Nonetheless, SM was not as impressed. When the agency was first presented with “On Me” they didn’t want to make it a part of the album. Sehun had a vested interest in this track not only because it was his solo song, but it was also produced by Chanyeol’s studio NNG. It took Lobbying from Sehun to get “On Me” on the album. If I could pick a song that perfectly encompasses Sehun’s personality and talents this would be it. The music video features powerful dance moves, commanding raps, and a special appearance from Vivi. It’s classic Sehun.
Music as we all know is a powerful tool of self-expression. It is through music that we see a more intimate portrait of Chanyeol and Sehun. “1 Billion Views” reveals Chanyeol and Sehun’s musical and personal growth in a way that is deeply vulnerable and sentimental. Through their musical evolution, we see the chronicles of their hard-fought careers and private revelations. Having battled to have a voice on the album and for each other, they remind us of their loyalties to friends and one another. Their revelations only fuel excitement for their futures. The pair is not to be put in a box or taken for granted. Rather, Sehun and Chanyeol do what they do best which is…everything!