Last Monday, EXO’s D.O. has finally come out with a brand new EP for the year—his first since departing with SM Entertainment.
Released under his self-established label literally called Company Soosoo (yes, he also named it after himself, if you were wondering), “Blossom” is a quaint but cohesive six-track record where D.O. comes into his own and embraces his soulful pop sound while putting in a bit more playfulness than usual.
Because this was released by his own company, I imagine he’s probably got more creative freedom with music and visuals, and the overall result is a more cohesive blend of the pop genre he enjoys, reminiscent of artists he admires such as Lauv, Jason Mraz, and maybe even Ed Sheeran.
Released under his self-established label literally called Company Soosoo, D.O.’s “Blossom” is a quaint but cohesive six-track record where the artist comes into his own and embraces his soulful pop sound
If Kai is sensual R&B, Baekhyun, a multi-genre king, and Chen for heartfelt ballads, D.O. has officially established himself as the bright and sunny artist who wants to have fun. Interesting for one of the more reserved EXO members, but this guy is full of surprises.
Being a long-time D.O-biased EXO stan since 2012, I go through his entire EP and give my honest thoughts on each song. Was “Blossom” really worth the wait for Dandanies everywhere? Let’s get into it track by track and find out.
“Mars”
Catchy, fun, and probably the most likable track of “Blossom,” “Mars” deserves its title as the lead single. In the music video, D.O. is thankfully no longer stuck on the moon (wink wink) nor is he stuck on Mars, but he seems to be desperately trying to communicate with an alien from outer space—very apt considering how the track’s lyrics speak about the anxiety you get before getting to know someone romantically. Overall, “Mars” is super cute, and very much Kyungsoo-coded.
Also, is it just me or does this song kind of sound like Lauv’s “I Like Me Better”? I guess this really just confirms our boy as a huge Lauv stan.
“Simple Joys”
To my ears, this is easily “Blossom’s” best track—its upbeat melody complementing D.O’s softer, gentler vocals. The flute in the background is lovely, like a refreshing breeze or a comforting whisper. I also enjoy “Simple Joys” the most because it isn’t a love song or a heartbreak song, unlike what most idols sing about. It’s simply a track that emphasizes how beautiful the little things in life are, and how these are what makes it worth living—great advice from one of the more grounded idols in the industry.
To my ears, “Simple Joys” is easily “Blossom’s” best track—its upbeat melody complementing D.O’s softer, gentler vocals
“Popcorn”
D.O. is really exuding lovesick, silly little guy energy in “Popcorn,” the preview single from his EP. While the lyrics and music video are more pabebe than your typical EXO/D.O song (after all, it talks about being so kilig, your heart is exploding just like popcorn), there is something lacking in this track and its production—a bit too straightforward and bare. And dare I say, quite immature and corny for an idol as seasoned as D.O? I’m personally not the biggest fan of “Popcorn” and think it’s more suited to a younger artist, but you be the judge.
“Good Night”
And we finally have our first ballad of the EP. It seems like “Blossom’s” weakest songs are strategically placed in the middle of the tracklist, with “Good Night” being your typical slow and serious K-pop hymn. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely not great either; we’ve heard better ballads from D.O. in the past and this is not one of them. But, it’s nice to play this in the background while falling asleep since it’s literally called “Good Night.” I like to think of it as a soft evening serenade from my favorite EXO member.
If Kai is sensual R&B, Baekhyun, a multi-genre king, and Chen for heartfelt ballads, D.O. has officially established himself as the bright and sunny artist who wants to have fun
“My Dear”
This track is easily the most Pinoy-coded of them all, and honestly the perfect one to sing around friends at a karaoke party, held together with just an acoustic guitar in the background and D.O’s sweet, sweet vocals. Majority of the song’s killing parts are sung in falsetto, similar to iconic Filipino pop and R&B of the early 2000s. South Border who? I only know D.O, thank you very much.
“About Time”
Okay, before anything, who in the world hurt you, Mr. Do Kyungsoo?? Because I (and the rest of the Dandanie fandom) am ready to fight. This is a fan favorite and I see why; everyone loves a great breakup anthem. Once again, I am not a ballad person, but I can totally picture this track being played in a heartbreaking K-drama sequence. The ambient backdrop and echoing vocals make this a moody but dreamy closer to the EP.
Photo from @d.o.hkyungsoo/Instagram