Teen Top is one of the few male groups whose music I have failed to overwhelmingly enjoy. Perhaps, it was the name of the group. However, my reluctance to listen to Teen Top was most likely based on their musical catalog. Even after seeing Teen Top during two separate live performances, I continued to struggle with their music.

Was Teen Top specifically a dance music group or were they capable of producing a solid album which did not rely on Auto-Tuned dance tracks? “Exito” succinctly answers this question, while showcasing the vocal competency of Teen Top.

The overall album provides evidence that Teen Top has endured musical growth since their debut in 2010. Their 2013 release “Teen Top Class” which featured “Rocking” plays like a prelude to “Exito.”

“Exito” is a departure from the EDM tracks like “Rocking” that have helped to build the strong fan base for Teen Top. “Exito” is an album whose overall musicality halted my trepidation regarding Teen Top, proving that the group is more than an one hit wonder.

“Exito” is a mini album which contains six tracks including the lead promotional track “Missing.” The album is heavy on ballads and light on dance tracks, which is interesting. Standout tracks on “Exito” include the soulful songs “Love Is...” and “Remote Control.”

The album appropriately opens with “Missing.” “Missing” captures the sentiment of lost love, while providing context for the other tracks on the mini album. The next track is “Alone,” which is the sole dance track on “Exito.” It is an interesting choice, considering that Teen Top is best known for their danceable songs.

“Cry” is the third song on the album, which provides context that this is essentially a breakup concept album. “Cry” is a beautiful ballad, with the members of Teen Top delivering the best vocals throughout the track.

As previously stated, “Love Is..” and “Remote Control” are two of the strongest songs on “Exito.” “Love Is...” approaches relationships from a slightly cynical but informed perspective, opening with the line “Love is so cruel, it used to be so beautiful, like our own fairy, so beautiful.”

“Love Is...” sounds like a Latin-influenced track, which adds to its appeal. While the other ballads on “Exito” are more contemporary, “Remote Control” draws from '90s American boy band influences like New Kids On The Block. With its corporation of hip hop and R&B, “Remote Control” is one of the most unique tracks on “Exito.”

The album concludes with “Love U,” a song which would provide an amazing soundtrack for a proposal or confession. Sometimes, the most simplistic words regarding love leave the greatest impression. “Love U” sweetly captures the emotional complexity of love, which makes it a great pop ballad.

Listen to the new Teen Top album “Exito” HERE.