What’s the feeling of being frozen in your steps? What’s the
feeling of having your heart skip a beat...or two? What is love? ^^ today’s
article will be on the famously-rising idol group, EXO K & EXO M’s first
ever released song, “What Is Love”. After being teased by a whopping 23(!!)
teaser videos, EXO finally released a full song+MV. Since EXO is divided into 2
groups, K(Korean) & M(mandarin), there are 2 versions (in terms of
language) of both the song & MV. I will be talking abut both since there
are little differences in it. Before I start, those new to EXO will need a =n
intro to the group’s name & concept. EXO differs themselves from other idol
groups by debuting with a (literally) out of the world theme. The name EXO came
from supposedly the origins of the members, a planet named EXO. Each member (you
could say their aliens or mutants) posses a power symbolized by different symbols/badges.
Knowing this will help you in understanding the MV which I believe has no
relation to the song. Instead, SM used it as a further explanation/promotion to
the group’s concept/theme. I’ve provided links to the profile of both
sub-groups. 12 members are a lot to cover so I’ll save you the trouble of
having to read a SUPER long article ^^
I’ll talk about the song first. Right at the beginning, it
starts with a strong yet shill-jazzy beat, giving a good first impression of
what’s to come next. I have to say, I found the “Girl, I can’t explain what I
feel..” narrating line a little cheesy. Maybe its the tone used :P Background
harmony then comes in with a solo pitch to spice up. The verses are sung with a
relaxed yet subtle hint of I’m-telling-you-for-real tone. The chorus comes out with
a leap but still in sync with the verses. Just to clear up, only 2 members of
each group actually sings in the song. EXO-K, Baekhyun & D.O. EXO-M, Luhan
& Chen. These 4 members are the best vocalists in each group so I see the
release of this song as a statement of EXO’s capability vocal-wise. This is not
exactly easy to sing to as there are quite a range of notes & occasional
high-strong ones. I personally love Chen’s high notes (although its more epic
in their other song, MAMA). The melody itself is quite unique, not a norm in
the kpop-idol scene but seeing that it was created by Teddy Riley & Yoo
Young Jin (he’s a legend now), I am not surprised at all. The slow background
music is freshen up with the tech-ish beat playing throughout the whole song
(the one in at the VERY beginning). Overall, this song is definitely a
recommendation especially to non-kpop/Korean listeners. The beat & melody
is not of the norm & may interest your ears ^^
The lyrics are basically about a guy falling in love with a
girl but he doesn’t know if this what you call love. The descriptions in each
verses are well written, not too complicated, not too simple. Quite sweet I
have to say ^^ I think everyone who has heard it will find the “I lost my mind...............get in slow
motion” the most catchy, able-to-sing-with part. I know I do. Both versions (Korean
& mandarin) have about the same meaning. The lyrics not only tell us how
precious/lovable the girl is but also how the guy is capable & reliable of
being loved as well. I like this feature of determination/confidence coming
from a guy as it I find it charming & assured. There’s a line that says “you
shine more brightly as I become a better guy” which I find very touching. It
means the love-relationship will help him & her in becoming a better person
by having each other. I agree with this line. That’s what marriage is all
about. Helping each other develop even more further for a better life :)
Another line that caught me is “..make you smile often like a child” and “...feel
most comfortable, like a friend”. This is interpreted as him being both a
parent-figure & friend-figure by your side. Combine the love of a parent
& a friend, what do you get? *that’s your on answer*
Lyrics (EXO-M) : http://shibbifang.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/exo-m-what-is-love-lyrics-%E4%B8%AD%E5%AD%97-pinyin-translation/
Now, onto the MV. In explaining the MV, I will be explaining
the concept of EXO in making their debut. I really cannot see the MV in
relation to the song, unless you count Baekhyun/D.O or Chen/Luhan’s solo shots. There are also inserts of short teaser shots, released before (dancing parts, Tao's fight scene).The individual shots of each member (sometimes in pairs) in different locations
may confuse many. The reason is because the whole MV is about the boys experiencing
different situations, being aliens from another planet. Remember what I said
earlier of each having a power?? Apparently, their powers only turn up during
the eclipse (reason of eclipse’s many appearance). For Chanyeol, Sehun &
Luhan’s case, they are in search of what they lost (powers). You can see
Chanyeol holding up stones engraved with symbols, making reference to an old battered
book.
Kai & Xuimin are on the run, having cars chased after
them. Kris is just having a solo moment, taking in the beauty to earth
(literally). D.O & Suho, from what I can tell, had just met on accident
& giving the puzzle-blank-ish look. Chen, Lay & Baekhyun had adapted to
life & does normal things (drink coffee, play with a dog, dancing). Tao has
a duel with a mysterious masked guy but I think this is just to emphasise his
martial art talent :P about halfway to
the MV, you can see the eclipse in action. This is the turning point for the
members. The real thing is about to begin. I have to warn you, the WHOLE story
of EXO can only be seen through all 3 MVs released. Starting from “What Is Love”,
to “History” and “MAMA”. I’ll do a separate article on the other Mvs soon :)
Overall, the MV is just a story-telling of them in making their debut. I was
told that their debut date was also the time of the eclipse. You gotta hand it
to SM for going through all the trouble in making something out of the planet.
MV (EXO-K) :
MV (EXO-M) :
Maybe at this point, some of you may (or not) now know what
is love. That’s all in fate. EXO is one of my favourite rookies right now. I
hope they make a comeback soon! Enjoy the song & MV ^^
PS: screencaps~!! This will help you in recognizing who is
who in the mv ^^
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