On May 7, SM Entertainment released the EXO mini album Overdose. Prior to its release, the highly anticipated Korean and Mandarin Chinese album demonstrated the record breaking presale of 658,710 copies.

Beyond the album, Overdose has received a combined 4.5 million YouTube views in less than thirty-six hours since the EXO-K and EXO-M videos debuted. Overdose is the second mini album release since EXO debuted in 2012, with Miracles of December serving as their first holiday album.  Overdose serves as proof that EXO is worthy of the hype that has surrounded their comeback.

The secret of success of EXO lies within the vocal strength of its members. EXO-K and EXO-M are a rare exception in K-Pop, which often releases sub-groups as marketing gimmicks. The title track “Overdose” benefits from the powerhouse smoothness of producers The Underdogs and Kenzi. “Love, Love, Love” and “Thunder” showcase the vocal range of EXO to the extent that these songs would be excellent if performed a cappella. The musical accompaniment on the mini album serves as a compliment to the collective voices of the twelve members of EXO.

The physical copy of Overdose is a six track album, completed by an alternative version of the title track, while the electronic release features five tracks.

Overdose kicks off with the title track, which fuses elements of dub step, hip hop, and electronic dance. “Overdose” has the ear worm appeal which drove “Growl” to success, with a catchy beat that calls to dancers. However, the lyrics of “Overdose” do not flow as rhythmically when performed in Mandarin Chinese by EXO-M.

By contrast, “Moonlight” is as compelling in Korean as in Mandarin. The most unique EXO songs are those with roots in R&B, with past releases "What Is Love" and "Baby Don't Cry" serving as examples of often neglected gems. “Moonlight” is another stand out song for EXO, highlighting their take on the nineties New Jack Swing phenomena that propelled Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and Ginuwine to stardom in the U.S.  Their potential to cross over into the American music market grows, as EXO continues to develop this particular style of R&B into their own unique sound.

“Thunder” is soulful while maintaining a danceable tempo. “Thunder” is a throw back to beloved K-Pop songs like the Big Bang classic “She Can't Get Enough”.

“Run” provides EXO with the opportunity to display their talents in pop rock. “Run” is a youthful track reminiscent of Martin Solveig and Dragonette's “Big In Japan."

The album concludes with “Love, Love, Love” which is one of its true gems. “Love, Love, Love” opens not a scratchy note that fuses what resembles an early Trot sample with soulful vocals.  With heartfelt lyrics, “Love, Love, Love” encapsulates the essence of what makes EXO stand out from other K-Pop male groups.