EXO Xiumin Is a 'Gift' to EXO-Ls in His Solo Debut Album 'Brand New'
EXO Xiumin finally unveils his own sound as a soloist! On this day, the male idol debuted for the third time and stand-alone with his first mini-album, "Brand New."
EXO Xiumin Drops Solo Debut Album 'Brand New' + Tracklist
On September 26, one of EXO's vocalists Xiumin challenged his individual skills and potential as he debut as a solo artist!
In particular, Xiumin released his first solo album "Brand New" on various music sites at 6 p.m. KST. On the same day, the music video for the title track with the same name was unveiled simultaneously on YouTube.
Immediately after the album's response, the five songs of various charms are already gaining good response from K-pop enthusiasts, particularly from EXO-Ls and ELSAs.
Starting with "Brand New," the song heralded an "Old School" vibe with an addictive hook, and the lyrics express with wit its pledge to show a new change for the loved one.
The music video then flaunted bright and exciting scenarios filmed under the theme of "Gift," the person delivering the gift and the gift itself.
"How Do We Do" is another track that has been capturing the attention of fans. After all, it is a song created with the collaboration of NCT Mark, who participated as a featured rapper and also co-wrote the rap.
The song drew good reactions for its new jack swing genre that combines 90s emotions. This collab became more special as it was the first reunion of the two idols after their initial duet, "Young & Free" in 2017, released through SM's "STATION."
The other tracks, "Feedback," "Love Letter," and "Serenity" were lauded by music fans as well.
EXO Xiumin Confesses Thoughts, Feelings on Making His Solo Debut After 10 Years
Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 26th, a press conference was held online prior to the release to commemorate EXO Xiumin's first mini-album "Brand New."
At the meeting, Xiumin told various stories about his first solo album. EXO members showed their support to their hyung such as Sehun who personally serve as the MC for the event. He also mentioned leader Suho who motivated him to do whatever he likes for his album.
During the talk, the male idol honestly revealed the reason for his solo debut.
"I had a long hiatus as a singer. There was military service, and now that I came out of the military, it was hard for the members to go and work as EXO.
I wanted to meet my fans as a singer, so I wanted to meet them as a solo artist (instead). But ultimately, I want to do EXO activities."
EXO Xiumin
In regards to his album, the "Love Shot" singer described it as an album that offers a variety of music that expresses the musical sensibility of the 1990s and early 2000s in Xiumin style. He explained that the genre of his songs resembled the music that he used to listen to when he was young.
This time, he wants to create such music with his own style and cater it to his taste, which people can also find pleasant and meet his new side.
Finally, Xiumin said:
"My goal is to be recognized as 'Xiumin can fill the stage alone' through this album activity."
READ MORE: What's Difference Between JYP & SM's Singing Styles? 2PM Wooyoung, EXO Xiumin Explain
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
