K-pop history-making supergroup EXO is celebrating its 12th anniversary on April 8, 2024. The group has given the Korean Pop industry some of its most viral hits. The power group consisting of Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Lay, Kai, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., and Sehun laid the foundation of K-pop for the new generations.
EXO debuted in 2012 with the EP Mama. Since then, there has been no looking back. Though the K-pop act underwent several formation changes over the years, their loyal fans, EXO-Ls, stood beside them. Here, we are looking at some of EXO’s viral hit tracks that will never lose their charm.
‘History’
EXO’s “History” was part of their debut EP, Mama. The song perfectly represents everything EXO is capable of—flawless vocals, groovy beats, and a complete package of everything K-pop promises to be.
In “History,” EXO invites the listeners to join them in their journey of embracing the pain and getting stronger as they sing: “Going ’round and ’round, I’m almost back to where it starts/ I’m flawed, but I can get stronger as I learn/ The day I know that we are like one giant sun/ Oh-oh, oh-oh, all together to our future.” The song’s Korean version MV has garnered over 93 million views since its release and remains one of the most loved tracks of the act.
‘Mama’
EXO’s debut single, “Mama,” shook the K-pop world as it welcomed the young group to the music scene. The rock-inspired heavy metal beats of “Mama” perfectly complimented the group’s vocals, which carried the song effortlessly. “Mama” proved that debut tracks can be as grand as one aims to be and can be executed with sheer brilliance.
Paired with the song’s high spirits, EXO’s dance breaks in the music video gave the song a whole new meaning. In “Mama,” EXO reimagined a world of magic and futuristic elements where nothing is impossible. The Korean version of the MV (EXO-K) clocked over 103 million views on YouTube.
‘Tempo’
EXO’s “Tempo” is part of their fifth album, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo. The track shows EXO’s maturing vocals after spending half a decade in the music industry. While “Tempo” lacks the brave temperament of EXO’s debut tracks, it makes up for it by showcasing a beautiful harmonization of the group’s vocals in the chorus that very few K-pop groups can ace like EXO.
In “Tempo,” EXO ardently urges the world not to mess with their spirits, singing, “Don’t mess up my tempo/ Listen, this will be enough (Nah)/ I said don’t mess up my tempo/ This beat will steal her heart.” The track’s MV has over 236 million views since its release, which proves its virality.
‘Overdose’
EXO’s “Overdose” carried their legacy of songs like “Mama” and “History.” The song is also noteworthy to fans as it features all twelve original members of EXO. In “Overdose,” EXO mourns heartbreak while wishing nothing but to stay in the feeling of love.
The song’s chorus hits differently as it uses the repetition of the exact words in almost an anthem-like manner, singing, “Someone call the doctor, hold me and tell me/ Love is a sickness, an addiction, overdose/ It’s harder to control as time goes by/ I’m falling deeper into her, eh-oh.” The original MV of the track has gotten over 255 million streams on YouTube since its release, establishing itself as the best of EXO’s early hits.
‘Ko Ko Bop’
From the era of “Growl” and “Mama,” EXO slowly transitioned to more boyish pop tracks as they matured. While the group remained famous for their grandeur, fans welcomed the change in their style of music with hits like “Ko Ko Bop.” The track does not feature groovy EDM beats but grows on listeners, delivering melodic hooks and heavenly vocals.
The colorful music video of “Ko Ko Bop” also provided a refreshing change from the group’s previous aesthetic, which mostly used greyish backdrops for its grungy-era tracks. The track, released on July 18, 2017, as part of their fourth album, The War, has gained over 355 million views on YouTube since its release.
‘Monster’
EXO’s “Monster” is from their third studio album, Exact. The song heavily relies on EXO’s signature grunge style but develops into a more anthem-ish chant by the second verse. Along with its pulsating hooks and booming chorus, “Monster” also lends some melodious tunes in between to create the perfect balance.
In “Monster,” EXO shows their vulnerability while tackling the fleeting emotions of everything that falling in love brings. Almost in a daze, the group sings, “I’m creeping in your heart babe/ I’ll flip you over, break you down and swallow you up/ I’ll steal you and indulge in you/ I’m gonna mess you up/ I’m engraved in your heart/ So even if I die, I’ll live forever.”
‘Love Shot’
If EXO’s sheer radiance has to be defined by one song, let it be “Love Shot.” The song’s vocal arrangement is phenomenal. But above everything else, the hook steps of “Love Shot” have created one of the iconic moments of K-pop. All EXO members are trained vocalists, and the song lures out the best of their voices.
Along with the song, the “Love Shot” MV is equally famous thanks to Kai’s brilliant moves. Since its release, the song has received over 603 million views on YouTube, showing why it deserves to be at the top spot of every K-pop fan’s playlist.
EXO has spent a decade in K-pop, but they are showing no signs of stopping. To celebrate the group’s 12th anniversary, the “Growl” crooners will hold a fan meeting on April 14 at 2 p.m. KST and 7 p.m. KST at Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, and D.O. of EXO will attend the fan concert.
