Is Exist a good place to start with EXO?

Yes, Exist is recommended as a starting point for new EXO listeners. A vibrant blend of synth-pop and K-pop, pulsing with catchy hooks and polished production that invites listeners to dance. Released on July 10, 2023, 'Exist' is EXO's first album in over two years, following their 2021 release 'Don’t Fight the Feeling.' At this point in their career, the group has solidified their status as K-pop icons while continuing to evolve their sound and explore new musical territories.

Exist works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, youthful exuberance in every track and for upbeat gatherings.

How many songs are on Exist?

Exist has 9 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.

Exist

EXO · 2023

28 min · 9 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and K-pop, pulsing with catchy hooks and polished production that invites listeners to dance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cream Soda Start here — Opening with an infectious beat and playful lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's upbeat energy and showcases EXO's vocal harmonies beautifully.
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Hear Me Out — This song features a more introspective tone, highlighting emotional vulnerability and underscoring the band's versatility beyond their usual lively tracks.
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Love Fool — With its catchy chorus and relatable themes of infatuation, this track exemplifies the blend of fun and heartfelt emotion that defines EXO's appeal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong hooks and polished production, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered synths, while the fourth track introduces a slower groove that contrasts with the opening.
Each song incorporates multiple hooks, often repeating phrases to enhance memorability and encourage listener engagement.
The album closes with a gradual build-up in 'Let Me In', which features a crescendo of vocal harmonies before fading out.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
youthful exuberance in every track
for upbeat gatherings
sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer album experiences
seek slow, introspective sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a two-year hiatus, maintaining popularity and fresh sound.
Themes: summer freshness· group reunion· nostalgic reflection
Career context: Released on July 10, 2023, 'Exist' is EXO's first album in over two years, following their 2021 release 'Don’t Fight the Feeling.' At this point in their career, the group has solidified their status as K-pop icons while continuing to evolve their sound and explore new musical territories.
Stylistic neighbors: NCT 127· Ateez· Stray Kids