Baekhyun has done enough amazing things with EXO to warrant a steady stream of write-ups on this blog, even if his solo music has rarely connected with me. I hate coming into a song knowing that I probably won’t like it, though I’m always open (and hoping) to having my mind changed. R&B is a great genre for Baekhyun to explore, but I don’t understand why can’t he find songs that harness this sound well.
Here’s the thing about genre. Obviously, I have genres I prefer over others. We all do. But when it comes down it, the ingredients of a good song persist across genre lines. I look for melody, texture and a structure that builds toward moments of exciting (or emotional) climax. Baekhyun brings texture and vibe with his vocals alone, but Lemonade sputters as a song. It’s largely composed of the same melodic refrain repeated in roughly the same way, lacking a strong sense of storytelling. Like so many other tracks of the moment, this is a vibe in search of a song. Its effectiveness will hinge upon how much you enjoy spending time with Baekhyun’s voice. But even then, I’d argue there are far more engaging musical opportunities to appreciate this same experience.
Hooks
7
Production
7
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.25