Editor's Pick: EXO Defy Controversy To Create The Best K-Pop Song Of 2014 With 'Overdose' [VIDEO]

Nothing, not band members Kris and Luhan leaving the group indefinitely, not the alleged association with anti-government organizations in South Korea of Suho's father, not even a music video leak that left their record label execs threatening legal action, could derail EXO in 2014.

Hitting the stage hard as a 10-piece, following Kris and Luhan's departure, EXO proved once again that hard work could triumph over controversy, taking the K-pop world by storm in the process.

With a beat that sounds like Timbaland in his prime and a darkly epic quality reminiscent of late-era Michael Jackson, "Overdose," released back in May, was the strongest K-pop single of 2014.

Formed of two "sub-units," EXO-K, with all South Korean members and EXO-M with both Korean and Chinese members, the group released two different versions of "Overdose," both with the same powerful groove and intoxicating hook.

But, with all due respect to EXO-M, it is the version of the song that was the most heavily promoted in South Korea, the EXO-K version, that takes the cake.

Though the Chinese single has some amazing moments, overall the singing sounds less Auto-Tuned on the EXO-K version. This is a point that EXO fans will surely be debating until the end of time, yet the masses appear to be on my side. The EXO-K version of "Overdose" currently has over 46 million YouTube views, while the EXO-M version, released on the same day on their record label SM Entertainment's channel, has received less than 12 million.

But whatever version you choose to listen to, like any great album, the more you listen to "Overdose," the more it buries itself deep inside your subconscious. Each of the band members is giving their all in these performances; there isn't a single moment where anyone isn't devoting their all out maximum effort.

But beyond the razor sharp production and a beat that truly takes you on a journey, it is the hook of "Overdose" that truly makes it a pop song for the ages.

Once you listen to this song, it will never leave you.

There is something irresistible about the hook. It is the perfect soaring compliment to the grinding electro-infused R&B backdrop and the kind of musical moment that just makes you want to knock over the coffee table, break the lamp all while pumping your fist in the air.

Between the large ensemble of rappers and singers, the sparsely goth video with subtle fan messages and impressive dance moves and the remarkably fresh sound of the music, this song delivered everything a K-pop fan, or any pop music fan for that matter, could ask for.

Though there is no way to predict what the future might bring, whether there are 12 EXO members or a TVXQ-esque two (forgive me EXO-L), this reviewer will be eagerly awaiting the group's next single.

Here's to 2015, EXO!

Watch the music video for the EXO-K single "Overdose" RIGHT HERE

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