Is The War a good place to start with EXO?

Yes, The War is recommended as a starting point for new EXO listeners. A vibrant blend of infectious beats and polished synths that showcases EXO's vocal prowess and dynamic range. Released on January 1, 2017, The War marked EXO's fourth studio album, following their successful album, Ex'Act, which solidified their status in the K-pop industry. At this point in their career, EXO had already achieved significant commercial success and was undergoing a period of artistic expansion, integrating more diverse sounds into their music.

The War works well if you're into infectious beats for dancing, steady groove for socializing and vibrant energy in the air.

How many songs are on The War?

The War has 9 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

The War

EXO · 2017

31 min · 9 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant blend of infectious beats and polished synths that showcases EXO's vocal prowess and dynamic range.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Ko Ko Bop Start here — This track features an irresistible reggae-inspired beat paired with catchy hooks that encapsulate the playful yet confident attitude of the album.
→
전야 (前夜) (The Eve) — Opening the album, this track sets an anticipatory tone with its atmospheric production and harmonized vocals, drawing listeners into the world of The War.
→
다이아몬드 (Diamond) — With its shimmering production and uplifting lyrics about love and resilience, this song stands out as a highlight of emotional depth within the album.

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 production and engaging compositions, though it follows some familiar K-pop trends.

What we noticed

The album opens with a dramatic intro track that sets a moody tone before transitioning into the upbeat lead single, which features layered harmonies and rhythmic hooks.

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 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

infectious beats for dancing
steady groove for socializing
vibrant energy in the air
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking deep, introspective themes
prefer longer, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The War solidified EXO's status with critical acclaim and commercial success.
Career context: Released on January 1, 2017, The War marked EXO's fourth studio album, following their successful album, Ex'Act, which solidified their status in the K-pop industry. At this point in their career, EXO had already achieved significant commercial success and was undergoing a period of artistic expansion, integrating more diverse sounds into their music.
Stylistic neighbors: NCT 127· Ateez· Stray Kids