On Hellokpop Playlist: 15 EXO B-Side Tracks We Love
With 8 studio albums (5 of which have been reissued under different titles), 7 EPs, 4 live albums, and 28 singles, it’s no surprise that EXO has a slew of hidden b-sides gems.
Since debuting in 2012, EXO has proven time and again that no matter how many times they get knocked down, they will always get back up again. Through member departures, agency controversy, sasaeng incidents, military enlistments, and other surprises/rumors, EXO has continued to be a beacon of light for fans, as well as a role model for their peers.
Consisting of Xiumin, Suho, Lay*, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, EXO is known for releasing and performing music in Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese. Not to mention, they are a “septuple million-seller,” meaning the group has sold over one million copies apiece of seven different albums. Pretty cool, right? While a majority of their title tracks and subsequent music videos have millions of streams (obviously as million sellers), EXO has a tremendous discography of b-side tracks that are highly underrated.
So grab your ERibong, put on your headphones, and tune into some of EXO’s most underappreciated b-sides.
#1 Can’t Bring Me Down
Off of EXO’s Korean version of its third repackaged album, LOTTO, “Can’t Bring Me Down” is a hip-hop-style track that combines powerful synthesizer sounds with moving lyrics that tell listeners that they can find hope in even the most desperate of situations.
#2 Ooh La La La
EXO regularly includes a “sexy track” among their album, and “Ooh La La La,” off their fifth mini album Don’t Mess Up My Tempo, is just that track. Filled with an undeniable flare and satisfying repetitive chorus, EXO knew this song had to be performed live and did just that during their promotional activities for the album.
#3 Jekyll
“Jekyll” is a big centerpiece of EXO’s sixth studio album, Obsession. While K-Pop isn’t new to a Jekyll vs. Hyde concept, EXO takes it a step further with a moody and subdued dance track. But don’t let that fool you. The song oozes EXO’s signature r&b style, albeit the album is missing a few members due to military service.
#4 El Dorado
Off of EXO’s second repackaged album, LOVE ME RIGHT, “El Dorado” exceeds all expectations. The smooth r&b track has all the EXO elements of a title track, except it’s a b-side song. From layering reminiscent of EXO’s debut and a distinct chorus to swoon-worthy melodies, “El Dorado” is a favorite for good reason.
#5 Paradise
“Paradise” is a mid-tempo track from EXO’s seventh mini album, Don’t Fight The Feeling. While the album includes just six members, EXO still proves they are worth the wait with this laidback yet handclap-catchy song. True to form, their smooth vocals paint vivid pictures throughout the song, and it’s hard not to listen on repeat.
#6 Love Fool
Off of EXO’s latest album, EXIST, “Love Fool” is one of the few b-side tracks we wish we got a music video for. With hints of “Koko Bop,” the adult contemporary style song has a unique melody that flows throughout. The song is satisfying, to say the least, especially with lyrics like, “I’m trapped in the ocean that is you, I want to see only you all day.”
#7 Artificial Love
EXO’s third studio album had some pretty heavy hitters, but none were as masterful as “Artificial Love.” Dabbling into a deep house, or club music vibe, the song feels both nostalgic and new at the same time. From electronic throbbing to r&b undertones, it’s hard not to fall in love with this song.
#8 3.6.5
Released at the height of the pop euphoria sweeping the mid-2010s, “3.6.5,” has notes of Western influences, but without being overdone. The b-side track is a burst of pop energy filled with a punch guitar, springing percussion, and anthem-like chorus, giving it that summer breeze pop song vibe.
#9 Playboy
Another oldie but a goodie from EXO’s Exodus album, “Playboy,” was actually gifted to EXO by SHINee’s Jonghyun. The song carries all of Jonghyun’s music stylings but with an EXO r&b jazz vibe. With lyrics like, “Don’t answer the ringing phone, let’s keep it quiet,” we can only imagine what a SHINee/EXO crossover collab would look and sound like with this one.
#10 Trauma
“Trauma” is an up-tempo groovy pop dance track featured on EXO’s repackaged fifth studio album, LOVE SHOT. The song is a stark compassion to the album’s title track, offering up a harmony-driven dance beat that hits harder than you might expect.
#11 Oasis
“Oasis” is an absolute standout on EXO’s fifth studio album, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo. The group delivers their signature smooth, sultry vibes through sensual beats and ethereal vocals, all while captivating listeners with some serious lyrics.
#12 Going Crazy
EXO held nothing back in the b-side track, “Going Crazy,” off their fourth studio album, The War. The powerful and intense song uses a daring mix of electronics, warped vocals, and a creeping tempo to effortlessly emphasize the dramatic lyrics. “I’m running out of breath. It’s killing me. My scars are getting deeper. It keeps hurting.”
#13 Transformer
“Transformer” is an uptempo hip-hop r&b track mixed with intense snare drums and screeching synths. The beats are so rhythmic in nature that they almost hypnotize listeners throughout the song.
#14 Fall
From EXO’s sixth mini album, Universe, “Fall” is a beautiful acoustic track. Through clean instrumental, elegant harmonies, and unique vocal tones, fall is a true hidden gem. The album also received numerous praise from international fans for its use of gender-neutral pronouns throughout the lyrics.
#15 The Eve
Last but certainly not least, “The Eve.” Featured on EXO’s fourth studio album, The War, this track is sultry, iconic, and insanely brilliant in more ways than one. The song is so good it’s been covered by other idols such as WJSN, SF9, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan, Girls Planet 999, Stray Kids Hyunjin and Felix, and many more.
Image and Video Credits: SM Entertainment
