EXO, one of the most successful K-pop groups of all time, has been at the forefront of the genre for over a decade. With their impressive vocals, powerful performances, and diverse musical styles, EXO has amassed a global fanbase that spans continents. Since their debut in 2012, EXO has released numerous albums, each showcasing their growth as artists and their ability to experiment with different genres. In this guide, we’ll explore the best EXO albums, highlighting their musical evolution, standout tracks, and the overall impact each album has had on their career and the K-pop industry.
1. EXO – XOXO (2013)
EXO’s debut album, XOXO, marked the beginning of their journey to stardom. Released in 2013 under SM Entertainment, XOXO introduced the world to EXO’s distinct sound, blending pop with elements of R&B, dance, and electronic music. The album was a commercial success, and its lead single, “Growl,” became a massive hit, solidifying EXO’s place in K-pop history.
Key Tracks:
- “Growl” – A funky, upbeat track with a catchy chorus that became one of EXO’s signature songs.
- “Baby Don’t Cry” – A beautiful ballad that shows off the group’s vocal range and emotional depth.
- “Wolf” – The album’s title track, known for its fierce and edgy concept, which helped them stand out in the competitive K-pop market.
Why It’s One of the Best:
XOXO set the stage for EXO’s incredible career. It was their first full album and demonstrated their ability to mix powerful vocals, strong concepts, and infectious beats. The success of this album not only launched EXO into the K-pop spotlight but also helped them break records, including becoming one of the best-selling K-pop albums of the year.
2. EXO – Exodus (2015)
Released in 2015, Exodus is one of EXO’s most well-regarded albums. The album marked the beginning of a more refined and mature sound for the group. With its mix of electronic dance music, R&B, and pop, Exodus featured a more polished and sophisticated version of EXO. The album’s success was bolstered by its hit tracks, including the chart-topping single “Call Me Baby,” which became a viral sensation.
Key Tracks:
- “Call Me Baby” – One of EXO’s biggest hits, known for its infectious hook and energetic beats.
- “Love Me Right” – A feel-good, upbeat track that showcases EXO’s charm and versatility.
- “Beautiful” – A heartfelt ballad that highlights the group’s emotional depth and vocal harmonies.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Exodus was a major step forward for EXO in terms of sound and concept. It was a perfect blend of mainstream appeal and experimental sounds, capturing the essence of their evolving artistry. With tracks like “Call Me Baby,” EXO reached even higher levels of success, both in Korea and internationally, solidifying their status as one of the top K-pop groups.
3. EXO – The War (2017)
Released in 2017, The War marked another milestone in EXO’s musical career. Known for its bold experimentation with pop, R&B, and tropical house, The War showed EXO’s versatility and willingness to take risks in their music. The lead single, “Ko Ko Bop,” introduced a laid-back, reggae-inspired sound that was a departure from their previous, more intense concepts.
Key Tracks:
- “Ko Ko Bop” – A unique tropical house track that became one of EXO’s signature songs with its smooth vibe and catchy chorus.
- “The Eve” – A sultry, electro-pop track that highlights EXO’s ability to deliver mature, seductive concepts.
- “Power” – A high-energy, anthemic track that showcases EXO’s ability to blend rock, EDM, and pop.
Why It’s One of the Best:
The War marked a new era for EXO, as they embraced a more laid-back, playful sound while still maintaining their powerful presence. It was another album that demonstrated their range, both musically and stylistically, and its success on global charts proved that EXO was at the top of their game. The album’s hit songs like “Ko Ko Bop” continue to be fan favorites.
4. EXO – Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018)
Released in 2018, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo was EXO’s first album after the departure of one of its members, Kris. Despite the change in lineup, the album retained EXO’s signature sound—powerful vocals, addictive melodies, and dynamic concepts. The album showcased a more mature and experimental approach, blending genres such as electronic, rock, and hip-hop, and was incredibly well-received by fans and critics alike.
Key Tracks:
- “Tempo” – A bold, electrifying track that mixes funky beats with a catchy chorus and showcases EXO’s vocal abilities.
- “Ooh La La La” – A smooth, pop-infused track with a funky groove and catchy hook.
- “24/7” – A smooth and sensual track that displays EXO’s versatility in handling different musical styles.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Don’t Mess Up My Tempo solidified EXO’s place in the industry as a group that constantly pushes the boundaries of K-pop. The album’s dynamic range, from powerful ballads to funky anthems, proved that EXO could still innovate and captivate audiences despite changes in the group’s lineup.
5. EXO – Obsession (2019)
Obsession, released in 2019, marked a significant turning point for EXO. With this album, the group embraced a darker, more intense concept, experimenting with harder sounds and more dramatic visuals. The title track, “Obsession,” was a bold departure from their previous work, combining heavy beats with a haunting, futuristic sound.
Key Tracks:
- “Obsession” – A powerful, intense track that blends EDM and trap elements with strong vocals and a dark concept.
- “Jekyll” – A groovy track with a smooth rhythm that complements the album’s intense atmosphere.
- “Baby You” – A more laid-back track with an R&B feel, showing the versatility of EXO’s musical range.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Obsession was an album that marked a shift in EXO’s sound and concept, embracing a darker, more mature side. It showcased their ability to experiment with different genres while still retaining their identity as one of the top K-pop groups in the world. The intense, dramatic feel of Obsession was met with positive reviews, highlighting EXO’s growth and maturity as artists.
6. EXO – Love Me Right (2015)
Released as a repackage of Exodus, Love Me Right is another standout album in EXO’s discography. It includes some of the group’s most iconic songs, blending pop with catchy hooks and energetic performances. The album not only includes hits from Exodus but also features the title track “Love Me Right,” which became an instant fan favorite.
Key Tracks:
- “Love Me Right” – A perfect mix of pop and dance music, the title track features a powerful chorus and high-energy beats.
- “Promise” – A heartfelt track showcasing the group’s emotional depth and vocals.
- “Tender Love” – A soft, romantic ballad that highlights EXO’s versatility and charm.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Love Me Right is a testament to EXO’s ability to build on the success of their previous work while introducing new elements. It contains some of the group’s most beloved tracks and exemplifies their ability to connect with fans on an emotional level.
Conclusion
EXO’s best albums not only showcase their incredible vocal and dance skills but also reflect their evolution as artists over the years. From their debut album XOXO to the more recent Obsession, EXO has consistently pushed boundaries and delivered music that resonates with fans worldwide. With each release, they’ve solidified their place as one of the most influential K-pop groups, and their discography continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting to explore EXO’s music, these albums represent some of their most important milestones and will give you a deeper understanding of their artistic journey.
