Album Review: EXO's Suho paints a thoughtfully crafted masterpiece with 'Grey Suit'
Just less than two months after his discharge from the military, the leader and lead vocalist of K-Pop kings EXO has already fulfilled his promise to fans that we'll see each other often now. On April 4, Kim Junmyeon a.k.a. Suho released his much-awaited second mini-album titled Grey Suit, a follow-up to his 2020 solo debut Self-Portrait.
Featuring a stunning concept, unique sounds, top-tier songwriting, and crazy powerful vocals, everyone is bound to be blown away by his sophomore record. From "Morning Star" to "Moment," each track is filled with passion and sincerity that no one else can deliver so perfectly as Suho.
Check out what to expect from each track:
"Morning Star"
This is our personal favorite. If waking up to a carefree day would be a song, it would be "Morning Star." It's as if it was straight out from a coming-of-age movie. The optimistic energy exuded from the beat and the melody balance so well with Junmyeon's shining voice -- effortlessly conveying the message of slowly being filled with hope and love that was once just a dream.
It was a smart decision to place "Morning Star" as the opening track, as it will pull you in closer to the record in no time; brightening your mood and making you crave for more.
Standout lyrics:
The meaningful shift from “Don't wake me up” in the middle of the song to “Now wake me up” in the latter.
"Grey Suit"
"Grey Suit" is the title track for a reason. As Suho mentioned, it represents the album best. And we couldn't agree more. The song's tune kept getting higher as the emotion intensified, and the stunning vocal prowess cemented the EXO leader as one of the best vocalists in K-Pop.
“After going through a grey and dark period, you meet your love again and start feeling various emotions,” Suho said in his pre-release Countdown Live, explaining how he turned from grey to colors by meeting EXO-Ls. And as expected from the aesthetic king, this narrative was captured so well in its beautiful and figurative music video.
Standout lyrics:
"Suddenly, the frozen minutes melt like a miracle
The moment I encounter you, it turns into colors
Together again, no more grey"
"Hurdle"
This pop rock track is easily a scene-stealer in the EP. It is incredibly witty and catchy in so many ways. The use of city noise, elevator sound, and Suho catching his breath at the beginning is a clever introduction to a song about one's strong desire to run towards his lover. Throughout "Hurdle," the bass line and upbeat production can hype you up so much that it's hard not to dance along or bop your head as you listen.
“I wanted to shoot a music video for this song no matter what,” Junmyeon confessed. And what a fun and electrifying MV the result was!
Standout lyrics:
“I'm trapped in time endlessly for no reason
Even if it's the same place, I'm running, running”
Source: weareoneEXO (IG)
"Decanting"
If you don't close your eyes as you listen to this enticing song, then we swear you're doing it wrong. Junmyeon's way of singing and the overall ambiance of "Decanting" is nothing short of seductive. We can already imagine how breathtaking a solo stage for this would be.
The guitar riffs and overall production of the song are also noteworthy as they totally encapsulate the metaphor of decanting wine that the songwriter intended. “Waiting is also love if it makes you happy. In other words, it can be [like] decanting,” Suho said.
Standout lyrics:
“Leave the light to burn a little
The more I refuse, the more I smell it all over my body
Getting more and more dangerous
The more I swallow, the more thirsty I get
I have to drink endlessly”
"Bear Hug"
All the tracks in this album are vocal feasts where Junmyeon's high notes, falsetto, and impressive techniques did not come to play. But if we have to name one as the grandest vocal flex, it would be "Bear Hug." The strength of his voice when he belts the chorus is simply outstanding.
Other than that, this song about reassuring someone going through a sad time is also a songwriting gem. It feels like an embrace from someone who truly cares. The soloist opened up, “There could be many who don't want to go home but have nowhere else to go. I had those days too, so I wrote this.”
Standout lyrics:
"Don't worry about anything
The voice that bothers you
Don't listen. Let's just laugh and cry
I am not afraid anymore"
"Moment"
As if everything he's done for the fans isn't enough, here goes another song that Junmyeon dedicated to us. It is a touching tribute that has lyrical references to EXO-Ls and Bunnyzens, and was sung in such a gentle and genuine way.
An excellent choice for the closing track, "Moment" is very comforting to listen to; leaving the fans with nothing but warm emotions. Seriously, there's no one luckier than his fans right now.
Standout lyrics:
"You look for me
Like a home where you can rest comfortably
I will keep the same place"
Overall, Grey Suit shattered our expectations for Suho's comeback. The mini album has the authentic Junmyeon vibe in it, but also offered new and surprising elements. It is filled with vulnerable emotions, yet it makes you feel safe. It is decorated with well-thought-of music production, but at its core is Junmyeon's wonderful expression of love.
Just by listening to the whole album, you can feel how much of his heart he poured into making this record -- from the lyrics to the vocals, it is a thoughtfully crafted masterpiece for his fans and for anyone who needs solace right now.
Meanwhile, check out our list of K-pop idols who released a solo album in 2021:
