The goal of EXID's first full length album is to express sides of them that they were not able to, as well as prove how versatile they are from other girl groups. The opening song "Don't Want To Drive" is a smooth R&B like song that is a great opener for the album right before we transition into the lead single "L.I.E." Don't Want to Drive reminds me of a song that could have been on "Ah Yeah" with how light it sounds. It shows off the lighter vocals of the group.
L.I.E. is a bunch of different things. It is a Pop EDM track with some beats that make you feel as if you're on a beach. Its very sweet but it has a more upbeat and serious tone. I love how the beat changes as LE raps, it makes it sound more intense as the rest of the song is pretty light hearted. In terms of singles, this is my favorite and I think its their best. It doesn't sound like the previous singles and has its own identity. The song also matches the theme of the album.
As I listen to Street, it reminds me of Ah Yeah but updated style and personality. Ah Yeah was pop and R&B with some Hip Hop but Street is that mixed with more electro pop and other elements related. I think EXID really captured who they are as a group, as the majority of the album follows this pattern. EXID also did what a lot of groups should do and that is releasing an album full of group, solo, and unit songs.
Hani's solo "Hello" beautifully shows off her voice in a way that previous EXID songs might not have been able to. Hani is an amazing vocalist and these slower songs that are able to show all the tones of her voice do her justice. If Hani had a solo album I would want it to be of this color. Solji's voice is able to do anything and on her solo 3%, we got that. Solji didn't have to hold back as she had the whole song to herself. Hyelin has a voice that levels Solji and Junghwa has the lightest voice in the group. The song that caters to their strengths. "Are You Hungry" is a very catchy and upbeat song but its sort of comical. This is perfect because it captures the girls personalities.
So after listening to this roller coaster of an album, it ends with remix versions of "Hot Pink" and "L.I.E". which are splendid. I did not care for "Hot Pink" much but the remix version is really good. The remix actually gives it an identity and makes me dance. It just sounds really good. The "L.I.E" remix by Jannabi is a very reggae inspired song and it sort of stays true to the original composition of the beach feeling I referred to earlier. I usually don't enjoy when Remixes or Instrumentals end an album but this was a good use of that. It is still apart of the theme of the album and is a good way to end the album.
I rate this album a solid 8/10. The production was great, it flowed perfectly and the theme is relevant with each song. Plus it has ton of replay ability and I love every song. With this I'm asked with where does EXID go from here and I can only think of solo releases and then another album as a group. Get Hani, Solji and LE solo with a Junghwa and Hyelin sub unit. We know what the group can do so now its time to let each member shine.
L.I.E. is a bunch of different things. It is a Pop EDM track with some beats that make you feel as if you're on a beach. Its very sweet but it has a more upbeat and serious tone. I love how the beat changes as LE raps, it makes it sound more intense as the rest of the song is pretty light hearted. In terms of singles, this is my favorite and I think its their best. It doesn't sound like the previous singles and has its own identity. The song also matches the theme of the album.
As I listen to Street, it reminds me of Ah Yeah but updated style and personality. Ah Yeah was pop and R&B with some Hip Hop but Street is that mixed with more electro pop and other elements related. I think EXID really captured who they are as a group, as the majority of the album follows this pattern. EXID also did what a lot of groups should do and that is releasing an album full of group, solo, and unit songs.
Hani's solo "Hello" beautifully shows off her voice in a way that previous EXID songs might not have been able to. Hani is an amazing vocalist and these slower songs that are able to show all the tones of her voice do her justice. If Hani had a solo album I would want it to be of this color. Solji's voice is able to do anything and on her solo 3%, we got that. Solji didn't have to hold back as she had the whole song to herself. Hyelin has a voice that levels Solji and Junghwa has the lightest voice in the group. The song that caters to their strengths. "Are You Hungry" is a very catchy and upbeat song but its sort of comical. This is perfect because it captures the girls personalities.
So after listening to this roller coaster of an album, it ends with remix versions of "Hot Pink" and "L.I.E". which are splendid. I did not care for "Hot Pink" much but the remix version is really good. The remix actually gives it an identity and makes me dance. It just sounds really good. The "L.I.E" remix by Jannabi is a very reggae inspired song and it sort of stays true to the original composition of the beach feeling I referred to earlier. I usually don't enjoy when Remixes or Instrumentals end an album but this was a good use of that. It is still apart of the theme of the album and is a good way to end the album.
I rate this album a solid 8/10. The production was great, it flowed perfectly and the theme is relevant with each song. Plus it has ton of replay ability and I love every song. With this I'm asked with where does EXID go from here and I can only think of solo releases and then another album as a group. Get Hani, Solji and LE solo with a Junghwa and Hyelin sub unit. We know what the group can do so now its time to let each member shine.
Garser Dismuke is a writer for Blerdsonline.com as well as Garserspoetry.com
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