EX'ACTly what I'm looking for! (But we're always looking for EXO) - Album Review

EX'ACT Ranking

We're still celebrating EXO's comeback with a rank of their album! We'll also quickly review each song on the album.

Rhea's Rank

9. Artificial Love

This song kinda reminded me of SHINee (omg, please don't hate me haha). Same as White Noise, its going to take me a while to get into the song. 

8. White Noise

It is still taking me a while to get into this song, but sooner or later I'll get into it. 

7. Cloud 9

I didn't like this song at first, but it did get catchy. It is a little from what EXO is known for too, but they can work with it!

6. They Never Know

The song title caught my attention first, and I'm just like what do they never know?! lol But the vocals in the song is amazing as well. Did I already say how many feels this album gives?!

5. One and Only

Just like Stronger, this song gave me so many feels. Its about EXO singing these kind of songs makes me fall in love with them all over again <3 haha.

4. Stronger

I have a soft spot for slow songs and this song omg gave me so many feels. I also love the english in this song, its absolutely perfect!

3. Heaven

I fell in love with this song when they performed it at their comeback showcase and omg, its so beautiful! Chanyeol did a great job writing the lyrics! 

2. Lucky One

This song was a little different from EXO's style, but they definitely fit it! I love the feel of the song, its still upbeat and its one of those songs you can't stop dancing to (especially that head bobbing parts lol).

1. Monster

I absolutely love this song for its super upbeat and powerful! Especially the choreography for the song is amazing, it is so intricate and fun to follow along! 

Kristine's Rank 

9. Stronger

I get a feeling that this song is supposed to be empowering, like your love makes me a better person. But, I'm not feeling it as much as the other songs. 

8. One and Only 

Ahhhhh. This song sounds so cute, like you found your one true love. It feels like a wedding song doesn't it?

7.  White Noise

I haven't really looked at the lyrics of this song, but I feel like it's about getting lost or going on autopilot. 

6. They Never Know

I appreciate that it sort gives me a throw back to 90's R&B! But they never know what?! 

5. Monster

I always have this song in my head. I really enjoy this song because the lyrics make it seem like it's a sequel to "Growl." Plus, the choreography is great!!

4. Artificial Love

I think I like this song cuz I'm very SM biased. Even though this doesn't sound like a typical EXO song, this song seems like their style. 

3. Heaven

Composer Chanyeol is my favorite version of Chanyeol. How could I not include this in my top 3?! I love this song cuz like "Cloud 9," the song reminds me of falling in love. 

2. Cloud 9

This songs really makes me feel like I'm on cloud 9. It reminds me of the fuzzy feels and happiness I get when I have a crush on someone. 

1. Lucky One

I really enjoy this song! It's a new side to EXO. This R&B song with a hint of an 80's beat really impressed me. 

So basically, EX'ACT is my style. It definitely beat EXODUS as my favorite album. 

Please check out the songs, read the translations and check out their live performances, then let us what you think of the songs and/or what your top EXO songs are! Don't forget to keep supporting EXO! 

Concert Review: EXO Planet #2 - EXO'luXion

Just this past Valentine's Day, I attended EXO's concert in Los Angeles! And let me just say, this concert was absolutely amazing. I'm already having major withdrawals and I wish I could attend the last two days of the tour. If you guys are attending the show in either Chicago or NY, prepare yourselves because you'll be falling in love with EXO all over again and yes, they will ruin your bias list.

The concert here in L.A. took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The place was huge and it was crazy when I arrived to start lining up. (I also read from other articles on the internet that it was a sold out concert and over 12,000 fans were in attendance! Their popularity here in the U.S. is no joke, K-POP has seriously taken over the world.) ANYWAYS, since I did not get a GA (pit area) ticket, I did not have to get to the venue early. But being the excited EXO-L I am, I had to get there as soon as I can! I did not go alone, I was with one of my best friends and her cousin (these are the same people that I went with to see APINK). We arrived at the venue around 4:00 pm and omg it was crazy! There were so many different lines, we were very confused. But after talking to a bunch of security guards, they directed us to the west side doors. According to sources, the venue was going to allow fans to enter around 4:30 pm, so we were glad that we did not have to stand in line for a long time (about 30 minutes or so). But because of sound check running a little late, we were not allowed to enter the venue until 5:30 pm! AND the concert was supposed to start at 6:30 pm AND I had to pick up merchandise because they were not allowing fans to pick-up preorders before the concert (I think because it was just getting too crazy and more lines outside would just confuse everyone). So by 5:30, I started to panic because

1. We did not know how long security would take to check everyone in (because of bag checks)
2. How long the lines would be to pick-up/buy merchandise 
and 3. Not miss a minute of the concert because it was going to start at 6:30! 

Since there were so many different doors entering the venue and the amount of security personnel facilitating the check-in process, we got inside the venue at 5:45 pm! We had so much time to spare to pick-up merchandise, grab a few snack and drinks and use the bathroom. Of course, the concert does not start on time and it was probably around 7 or 7:30 pm, the concert finally started. (Before the concert even started, the pit area was filled with so many fans! I witnessed three fans being taken out from the pit because they had fainted and I hope that this does not happen at the last two concert dates!) So remember to stay hydrated and to not push or shove while in the pit area.

Once the opening video came up on the screens, every single fan screamed at the top of their lungs. It was INSANE and it was beautiful to see all the lightsticks on and waving, I was so happy to be a part of the silver ocean. EXO started their concert with Overdose and the fan chants OMG THEY WERE SO LOUD AND IT WAS JUST AWESOME. Everyone was in sync and having so much fun. After it was History and MAMA and then they introduced themselves. Their engrish was adorable! They worked very hard to speak clearly as possible and they did very well! After that, they performed Don't Go, Playboy, and My Answer. I loved all those performances, they were so handsome and omg Playboy was just so pleasing to the eyes! Their dancing and singing were just over the top. They also sang, The Star, Exodus, Hurt, Peter Pan, XOXO, Lucky, 3.6.5, Christmas Day, First Snow, Miracles in December, Full Moon, Machine, Drop That, Let Out the Beast, Run, Call Me Baby, Growl, and Love Me Right.  I could go into every little detail on my thoughts on every performance, but to sum it up, every single performance was just perfect. Their energy was no joke especially during Drop That! They got everyone in the venue to get up on their feet and jump along with them! It felt like it was a club or something haha. Although its not Christmas, I am really glad they got to sing some of their songs from their Christmas albums. I really love Christmas Day and I was singing along and screaming so much haha. Between these songs, they did change their costumes and yes, they changed on stage behind the wall that was covered with a white sheet and that drove everyone crazy haha. There were also videos they played on screen like the ones when they were acting as elves making coffee or portraying as your boyfriend. I give props to men or women in charge of all the camera work because they knew exactly who was going to sing and they captured perfect moments. After their last talk, all the fans were screaming encore, encore, encore! They came back on stage and sang Sing For You and Unfair (another song I absolutely love). It was so sad to see them say their last goodbyes, but it was a great memory that I will cherish forever! The concert lasted for about a little over 2.5 hours (wish it was longer, but that would tire the boys and I don't want them to be too exhausted). 

EVERYTHING about this concert was amazing. The lights that were changing throughout the concert matched the songs, the fan chants were so loud and it made me so happy to hear everyone being a part of it and the boys were just absolutely stunning on stage. I am not lying when I say, what you see on YouTube or through those fancams, EXO literally looks as hot... seriously. I loved being able to sing along with them and with all the other EXO-L's, it was an incredible experience. Even with their back to back schedule of flying almost every other day, they still gave their 110% to this concert!

EXO made this Valentine's Day for many people memorable, we got to spend it with eight handsome and talented men! If I could I would totally love to relive that moment again and again. Plus, I would love to see Lay at the concert too! Even though Lay was not there, we screamed very loud for him when he would show up on the screen during the VCR moments. EXO-L's here in L.A. are awesome and I am glad we all got to experience this wonderful concert together!

*Sorry for the lack of photos as well, I was just too distracted at the concert lol. But you can catch some very short videos of the concert on our twitter @kajakaja_kpop.

-Rhea

Kaja Kaja KPOP January Top 5

January Top 5

Since the end of the month is upon us, we wanted to share our top 5 songs and they are not necessarily from groups that had a comeback/debut this month, but are songs that have been on repeat on our iTunes.

Rhea's Five

5. Me Gustas Tu - GFriend

4. Rock - SEVENTEEN

3. Unfair - EXO

2. You Call It Romance - K. Will Feat. Davichi

1.  Dream - Baekhyun and Suzy

Kristine's Five 

5. Day - Teen Top 

4. Ooh-aah - Day6 Cover

3. You Call it Romance - K.Will ft. Davichi

2. Dream - Baekhyun and Suzy

1. Stay Ever - Lim Kim

Please check out the songs, read the translations and check out their live performances, then let us what you thought of the songs and/or what your top 5 songs of January were! Don't forget to keep supporting your favorite groups this month!

EXO M vs. EXO K Showdown (Unfair)

Unfair - EXO

I know, I know. I wrote about “Unfair” in my last Kaja Kaja post, but I had to write about it again! I usually don’t compare the lyrics of the Chinese and Korean versions of EXO songs, but I did it for this song. Well, it’s cuz this song is still my jam. It’s still on repeat 20 million times a day. 

Let’s compare the sound first. The Korean version wins in my book for the sound. It’s more upbeat and the words seem to flow better. This version is more playful, while the Chinese version is a bit toned down and is more like a thought process. I might just be use to hearing Chinese music with solemn and/or sad themes. I can’t seem to fit Chinese into other genres of music. 

Now, let’s go to the lyrics (my favorite part). In my analysis, I said the lyrics painted a story of a guy interested in a woman with a boyfriend. It’s unfair that the girl can’t be his because a relationship is in the way. That’s so scandalous right? But the Chinese version paints a different story and it may explain why the feel of the song is different. But the Chinese version illustrates a different story and it may explain why the feel of the song is different. The EXO-M version depicts a man unsatisfied with his current situation. He’s in love with a girl but he can’t be with her because she’s a God-given woman who’s perfect. I, without a doubt, prefer the Chinese version. 

I like the Chinese version so much better because I can’t handle the stress of knowing that my relationship is forbidden and I could be punished any second. I prefer the bittersweet feeling of forbidden love that requires me to prove myself. I kept thinking throughout the EXO-M version, “You are worthy, EXO! You’re also perfect! Just prove it to the girl!” But, not really. Cuz, I need to prepare my heart for my bias to be in a relationship. 

The difference between the Chinese and Korean versions makes me wonder if the lyrics of all the other songs paint different pictures as well. Are they depicting completely different stories like both “Unfair”s? I know it would be challenging to find the right words for each language for both songs. Though, I wouldn't think they would convey different feelings. I guess that’s the difficulty that comes with translating songs. 

Let us know which you version you prefer? Or do you like both versions? 

-Kristine 

OR

Flashback Friday: Moonlight (EXO's crying song)

Moonlight - EXO

To be honest, I like the Mandarin version better (but that’s because I’m EXO M biased lol). It might also because I really like Chen’s and Luhan’s vocals together. This was my favorite sad EXO song until “Sing for You” came along. But “Sing for You” isn’t really a sad song haha.

I remember the first time I heard this song, the timbre (or feeling of the song if you will) was very melancholic. I imagined a guy trying his hardest to hold onto someone, who was leaving. He was trying so desperately grasp on someone who could not be his. Since he has finally accepted that he can’t have what isn’t his, he is saying his final goodbye. It was really sad, but I usually obsess over songs that are bittersweet. 

I guess it was really fitting that this song came out when the EXO tragedy came. 

This song came out around finals time and I ended up crying when I first read the lyrics. The story I imagined was so heart wrenching! I was probably very emotional since I was stressed with finals, so I was prone to crying. It was also around the time when Kris left. I am a Meigeni/Kris stan, so I was very anxious with all the updates about this guy. In a way, the song was a reminder of what I suspected the reason for Kris leaving the group. I feel like the EXO members hold this song very close to their heart too. They were losing a group mate and their careers were probably at stake. 

The story illustrated by “Moonlight” is what seems to be a guy who fell in love with an angel. She is a being out of this world and brings awe and wonder to this man’s life. He could never think of reaching her level, but he thinks about her constantly as the angel becomes a part of his everyday life. Along the way, he fell in love and he knows that their relationship is something that can’t be. The guy wants to protect the angel from getting hurt since she seems to be troubled. It becomes painful when he tries to get closer, getting to know her. He knows that he has to stop so that both of them won’t have endure the pain anymore, so the guy instead choses to keep the angel in his memory.

I still enjoy listening to the song even though I get a mix of emotions. It makes me glad that I don’t understand Chinese fully because reading the lyrics brought tears to my eyes again. I would love to see a drama based off “Moonlight,” but it might require a tragic ending to follow with the bitter and melancholic mood of the song. 

In conclusion, my overactive imagination makes me keep “Moonlight” in a very special place in my heart. 

Please check out the song and read the translation, then let us know your interpretation or what you thought of the song. 

-Kristine

The Most Scandalous Song Yet (Unfair - EXO)

Unfair - EXO

EXO is slaying! Their music gets better and better with each album. I still think their last album was the best, but the “Sing For You” album is still pretty amazing. They tore apart my feelings in both albums. 

For once the title track is my favorite upon its first release. SO MUCH EMOTION IN THE SONG THOUGH. I get that bittersweet feeling of loving someone and not being able to confess (mostly towards KPOP and YouTube stars lololololol)

I want to introduce everyone to “Unfair.” My initial thoughts were that this is a song complaining about how unfair it is for the girl not to reciprocate feelings. I feel like it’s a journey towards eventually convincing a girl to notice the guy. I was thinking of the movie, Playing it Cool with Chris Evens when I first listened to the song for some reason. Was it because I watched it about a week ago? Idk. 

This song is so scandalous! (For my standards) I was in utter shock when I read the English translation. 

“Unfair” paints a picture of a guy falling in love with a girl, who isn’t single. GASP! But the girl is “selfish” and “unfair” because she’s a flirt. She advances on him when her boyfriend, who also happens to be his friend, isn’t around. His friend would curse and cuss him out if he knew the guy was having a secret, weekly rendezvous with the girl at the coffee shop. 

The guy knows it’s wrong, evidenced by the nervousness and several drinks of coffee. However, his feelings are strong. He desires her eyes, nose, and lips. They even talk on the phone too. OMG. What if she calls him while she’s over at her boyfriend’s place?! 

Since the song often mentions slowing down, I was also thinking maybe the girl just broke up with the boyfriend? The guy in the song doesn’t want to break the bro code and wants to wait a while before asking her out. 

Whatever their situation is, it sounds more like lust to me, EXO. Why don’t you fall in love with sweet girls, like Rhea and me? 

Haha jk. Let’s be real. This guy probably only feels like this way because he wants a little danger in his life. He wants excitement and a secret love affair would bring it. He is also interested in her cuz the girl is giving him attention. I remember reading somewhere on the interwebs that person A only likes person B because B initially had a crush on A. So basically, most of the time a person only likes another because there are already feelings established. And, who wouldn’t like it if someone gives you attention and flirts with you? 

The only thing I hate about this song is that the guy is putting all the blame on her. It’s her fault because she decided to cheat on her boyfriend. BUT, he’s in the wrong here too, you know!  He’s the one who decided to give in and doesn’t want to stop their rendezvous. He’s also become addicted to the situation saying “the trembling feelings tell me nothing else is important” and then he immediately calls her. Yo, you need some help! 

Even though this song is scandalous and the situation irritates me (I really can’t stand cheaters), my respect for SM composers and songwriters has shot up even higher. SM, YOU’RE DOING YOUR JOB WONDERFULLY (when it comes to the songwriters and composers). They are really communicating the message through the feel and beat of the song. Who would have thought that he song made me think of the “friend dates” turned something much more or situation with a guy being a home wrecker in Playing It Cool even though I didn’t understand a bit of Korean in the song? 

These composers and songwriters really showed me and maybe even you that music is a universal language. It communicates and expresses emotions and thoughts without any barriers. 

Please check out the song and read the translation, then let us know your interpretation or what you thought of the song. 

-Kristine

A Lifesaver, Lightsaber Lightsaber! (EXO Review)

LIGHTSABER - EXO

Just before the Star Wars release in December, EXO joins the craze and releases their collaboration song/film Lightsaber! For all you Star Wars fans and EXO fans, you are in for a treat with this song! 

First in foremost, lets talk about the collaboration film. Kai, Sehun and Baekhyun were amazing actors! Who knew Baekhyun could get angry under all that funny and innocent image, but what was up with his bright red hair?! Thats okay, it is not toned down. I love how they were able to squeeze in a Kai dance scene as he was preparing himself for battle. I really wished that they had a least a scene where they were fighting with those lightsabers and I was a little disappointed not seeing all the members. I was also surprised that they didn’t put the whole song in the film. When I first saw the video I thought the song was only 2 minutes long, but thankfully it wasn't! But overall I am proud of these three and I’m pretty sure it got all their fans fangirling/fanboying all over them. I mean come on, who did not love all these scenes!? Baekhyun walking down the aisle with the lollipop in his mouth, Kai in his suit looking clean and slick waiting for the elevator and Sehun “driving” the motorcycle and talking his helmet off trying to look cool, they all looked so good! 

On to the song itself! OMG I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE SONG WHEN I HEARD IT IN THE TEASER. Chanyeol’s rap was just amazing! In my opinion it was the best out of all their songs ever released (please don’t hate me haha). I loved how it fit with the beat of the song, it was just so catchy.  He did a great job and also Sehun's rap. This song really had that EDM feel, which is very appropriate for this century since it is the “go to music” genre nowadays. Even though I do not listen to that kind of music, this song is an big exception. I absolutely love Kyungsoo & Baekhyun’s vocals! Their voices were so angelic, I loved how it was mixed into the song. Especially Kyungsoo's lines before Chanyeol's rap, it was like the perfect place before the rap! I love the transition from something sweet and angelic to something fast and upbeat. All the members did a great job in the song and they all added something different. My favorite part of the whole song is of course the chorus! The chorus is very catchy, easy to follow and can easily get stuck in your head. The song is about protecting someone, being their lifesaver, which is perfect for Star Wars! Everything about this song is pure perfection. EXO most definitely does not disappoint when it comes to releasing new songs. Although this song was a little different from Kai's teaser back during their MAMA era, this version in my opinion is better. I really love the background music compared to the one in the teaser. I am glad and excited that they were able to have this collaboration. Who wants them to perform this live?! I really hope they do!

Wouldn’t it be great if those not in Korea heard this song before the Star Wars movie in the theater?! I know I would be jumping up and down in my seat haha. I will be very jealous if they did that in Korea, I would have to go to Korea just to experience it! Did you love the song as much as I did? Compared to Kai’s teaser, do you like that version of Lightsaber or do you love the new version? Leave your comments below and don’t forget to check it out if you haven’t yet! You can also support EXO by buying the song on iTunes.

- Rhea