EXO’s Chen makes his long-awaited return with the fourth mini album Door and title song Empty.
One of k-pop’s best vocalists is back! I was honestly ready for CHEN to bless us with some emotional tracks that I can cry to and this new album comes at just the right time. It’s also nice to see CBX living their best life at INB100 – good for them fighting and succeeding in getting their freedom as they should. CHEN’s voice really always evokes something deep in me and I’m ready to be emotionally shaken today so let’s dive deeper into his new mini album Door and title track Empty and review them together. I am also so ready for the visually stunning music video I know CHEN is going to provide us with today!
Oh, this song hits close to home. Even while I was on my first listen I realized Empty definitely goes deeply into the feeling of grief and loneliness. Listening to the song again with the subtitles on truly makes me want to cry a bit – the feeling of continuing your life without someone you care about and having to live your life with just memories is something that all of us find hard to do even though we must. Alone in this empty space I tell myself “Tomorrow it’ll be okay” is a line that specifically resonated with me on a special level. These emotional lyrics, paired with CHEN’s beautiful vocals, and this both heart-wrenching and heart-warming music video truly make Empty a special kind of song and experience overall. I generally love CHEN’s music videos as he always makes sure he tells a story through them as well and this time is no exception. What a lovely but also painful track. I guess this is what people mean when they say that music is really there to move you.
The mini album continues the emotional sound of the title track but also offers us some more upbeat tracks – who doesn’t love a versatile artist? Fall In Love Again is the definite stand-out of the album for me with Starlight following close second. If you’re up for a more upbeat, groovy style then Fall In Love Again is the song for you as it provides us with enough energy and a catchy hook to complete it all. CHEN sounds great and I can totally see him performing this live – with some jazzy arrangement on top of it all. On the other hand, if you’re up for a power ballad that CHEN knows how to deliver the best Starlight is my choice this time because that chorus truly takes you to a different dimension.
CHEN is simply always bound to deliver quality – with a voice like this, what’s there more to wish for?
Header Image Source: INB 100 Entertainment