EXO have been inaugurated into my “K-Pop A-Z” feature, which means anything they release automatically gets a full review. To be honest, I’ve regretted that rule over the past few years since I haven’t vibed with the group’s albums since 2018.
Is there new work REVERXE any different? Read on to find out!
1. Crown // 2. Back It Up // 3. Crazy // 4. Suffocate // 5. Moonlight Shadows // 6. Back Pocket // 7. Touch & Go // 8. Flatline // 9. I’m Home
CRAZY
REVERXE shoves all its more upbeat, boisterous tracks up front, creating a suite that sets an energetic tone. Crazy is one of the dancier moments on the album, though it’s marred by a few common K-pop tropes that have me pulling out my hair. The verses are rhythmic but not particularly sticky as they move between rap and frustratingly flat melodies. And when we hit the chorus, we’re met with a centerpiece that sounds as if it’s trying to figure out what it wants to me. It literally feels as if the song is considering its options before deciding on the least interesting refrain.
However, Crazy does something cool during its finale. What began as a confused electro gurgle suddenly crystallizes into a much more upbeat techno groove that should have driven the entire track. These final seconds kick Crazy up a notch for me because I always love payoff in music. It would have been even better if this payoff had been preceded by any type of build or set-up, but the song is too aloof for that.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75