What makes [e] by Epik High notable?

[e] achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and solidifying Epik High's status in the K-pop industry. The album was critically acclaimed for its artistic depth and lyrical content, receiving praise from major publications like Billboard and earning multiple awards at South Korean music ceremonies. Released on September 16, 2009, [e] marked Epik High's sixth studio album, following their commercial breakthrough with 'Remapping the Human Soul' in 2007. At this point, the group had solidified their reputation as innovators within the Korean hip-hop scene, combining complex lyricism with varied musical styles.

[e] works well if you're into introspective moments for reflection, varied pacing with playful interludes and melodic hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on [e]?

[e] has 30 tracks, running approximately 109 minutes.

[e]

Epik High · 2009

109 min · 30 tracks · K-pop

A bold fusion of introspective lyrics and eclectic soundscapes, blending hip-hop with diverse musical influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Slow Motion — This track exemplifies Epik High's ability to blend emotional vulnerability with rhythmic complexity, showcasing Mithra Jin's poignant lyrics alongside a hypnotic beat.
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Breathe (Mithra's Word) — This song captures a moment of introspection and resilience, featuring introspective lyrics that delve into personal struggles with a compelling narrative flow.
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Excuses — The track stands out for its clever wordplay and social commentary, reflecting on personal accountability while maintaining a catchy chorus that resonates deeply.
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Heaven — In this track, the exploration of existential themes is paired with a haunting melody, allowing listeners to engage with both the lyrical depth and emotional impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends introspective lyrics with diverse sounds, showcasing strong craft but uneven cohesion due to its length.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Slow Motion' transitioning from a laid-back groove to a more intense rhythm.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of introspection and societal critique, often using metaphorical language that invites deeper analysis.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective moments for reflection
varied pacing with playful interludes
melodic hooks for sing-alongs
emotional depth in short tracks
late-night contemplative listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 16, 2009, [e] marked Epik High's sixth studio album, following their commercial breakthrough with 'Remapping the Human Soul' in 2007. At this point, the group had solidified their reputation as innovators within the Korean hip-hop scene, combining complex lyricism with varied musical styles.
Stylistic neighbors: Dynamic Duo· Zico· Jay Park