It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here! CHANYEOL has officially debuted as a soloist. Following on from his success as part of one of K-Pop’s greatest acts of all time, EXO, the rap subunit EXO-SC, and a couple of singles, CHANYEOL has released his first mini album, Black Out.
‘Black Out’
Let’s start at the beginning with the album opener and title track, ‘Black Out.’ We’ll be honest and say we didn’t expect this sonic direction from CHANYEOL, but we’ve never been happier to be taken by surprise. ‘Black Out’ is a pacey pop-rock post-breakup track, with synth-pop elements that are frankly the stuff of our dreams.
B-Sides
One of our absolute favorite things about Black Out is how beautifully it showcases CHANYEOL’s vocals. In a group of some of the most talented vocalists in the industry, CHANYEOL is far better known for his skills as the main rapper, but EXO-Ls have long known how talented he is as a singer, too.
Now, that knowledge will hopefully reach a wider audience! Songs like ‘Hasta La Vista’ are prime examples of his vocals. ‘Back Again’ is as anarchic and fun as fans know CHANYEOL to be in variety content. ‘I’m on your side too’ is a true blending of CHANYEOL’s musical identities, with an anthemic pop-rock chorus over a blazing guitar, contrasted with his distinctive rap over trap beats in the verses. All in all, the six-track EP absolutely does CHANYEOL’s versatility and talents justice, and we couldn’t have hoped for more with his debut.
What are your thoughts on CHANYEOL’s Black Out? Got a favorite track yet? Let us know over on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! Or, if that’s not your vibe, we’re also on Facebook and Instagram!
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