Yes, this is the best album in the history of music, don’t quote me on that though.
– an EXO fan
‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’
‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo‘ (stylized in all caps; also abbreviated as ‘DMUMT‘) is the fifth studio album by EXO and was released on November 2, 2018. While still being on hiatus, member Lay is featured on the Chinese version of the title track, “Tempo”, marking his first appearance with the group since 2016. The album is available in four versions: Allegro, Moderato, Andante and Vivace, named after the types of tempo. It consists of 11 tracks, the 11th being a Chinese version of the title track, as mentioned before. The album debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and was later repackaged as Love Shot on December 13, 2018, adding an extra 3 tracks. I will be giving a description and some of my initial thoughts on the 10 original tracks in order.
Track #1 – ‘Tempo’
‘Tempo‘ was called, “a rhythmical hip-hop-leaning dance track that showcases a cappella harmonies as they send warnings not to ‘mess up his tempo’ with their lover”. Billboard stated the preview, “starts off with a dramatic synth melody, pulsating beat and the phrase ‘I can’t believe’.” I find the vocal talent of this group to be outstanding, it really shines through this track with the unique usage of a cappella, as mentioned before, and of course their satisfying harmonies with one another. They take advantage of the amount of members they have and showcase it in their music. The bridge is *chef’s kiss*.
Track #2 – ‘Sign‘
‘Sign‘ is an electropop track with an intense bass and “bombastic” groove with lyrics expressing a man’s growing doubt due to lies told by the woman he loves. The instrumental of this song always wakes me up with it’s hearty bass, vocals and passionate melody. Exactly what an album needs.
Track #3 – ‘Ooh La La La’
‘Ooh La La La‘ is a Latin pop song, combining a heavy 808 bass and an “exotic” atmosphere of Spanish guitar. The lyrics of the song are about imagined love when two people accidentally make eye contact. This song is one of my all-time favorites. A smooth, sensual sound over a heavy beat is an automatic win in my book, I mean body-rolling is very fun. I feel like its also a favorite among most EXO fans, for good reason.
Track #4 – ‘Gravity‘
‘Gravity’ is characterized as an electropop track with a retro sound and funky rhythm, which the British duo LDN Noise worked on. The lyrics were co-written by member Chanyeol, and are described as about the desire to capture a girl’s attention with gravity and charm. Such a funky, colorful contribution to the album, again with the unique instrumental differing from the others and with their vocals in the catchy chorus. A mood lifter for sure.
Track #5 – ‘With You‘
‘With You‘ is described as an R&B and pop track with a “bright” synthesizer and electro-trap elements. Member Chanyeol participated in writing and composing the song. The lyrics are about growing to like someone more when one spends more time with them. Another sweet flavor greets us in this album. Beautiful vocals, even with a brighter sound, a trap beat is still present, making it upbeat, catchy, yet smooth.
Track #6 – ‘24/7‘
‘24/7‘ is a midtempo song with a modern sound and memorable catchy phrases. The lyrics express complex emotions after one says “cold words” to their lover. Catch me having this song on repeat. The most iconic and memorable thing from this song is the synthesized whistle that is heard in the beginning and end. Such a beautiful, sparkly song with the chimes, gorgeous high notes in the choruses, yet again flexing how amazing their vocals are, will never skip it.
Track #7 – ‘Bad Dream‘
‘Bad Dream‘ is characterized as an up-tempo R&B song, where the “sophisticated” guitar riff and poppy synthesizer’s dynamic melody line go well together with lyrics about one thinking about their past lover alone at night, with comparisons to a storm. I am obsessed with the transition from a cool guitar intro to the synthesizer, as mentioned before. It brings more layers to the song and makes the instrumental just as catchy, yet just as unique compared to the rest of the album. It brings you into a beautiful vocal slowdown before the chorus hits you, its so passionate. Not a single dull moment.
Track #8 – ‘Damage‘
‘Damage‘ is a hip hop and dance song with a bass-heavy and reggae rhythm, with its lyrics expressing the “cold” reaction one has after getting hurt by their lover, and giving back the pain they experienced like a “sudden flash of lightning”. This is ‘Sign‘ ‘s more outspoken, tougher, older sister. This song has me shouting the choruses every time. If you need something to bring back the life in you, this song will do it. I’m ready to (hypothetically) beat someone up after this one, how dare my lover hurt me, I deserve better.
Track #9 – ‘Smile On My Face‘
‘Smile On My Face‘ is described as an R&B ballad with soft melodies and simple yet “sophisticated” grooves, with lyrics about healing one’s own pain after a breakup, smiling and “letting their love go”. This is the only ballad in the album, bringing more to the table to show how versatile this group is. Ballads are not my favorite; however, I am still able to immensely appreciate the beauty of this song, and feel its somber message through the music, even if I don’t immediately understand the Korean lyrics without translating them. Says a very real and mature message, just what the album needed.
Track #10 – ‘Oasis‘
This last song, ‘Oasis‘, is an elliptical pop song with a combination of staccato piano and strings, heavy 808 bass, and a grand harmony. It uses the concept of a road as if the members have a strong desire to go somewhere else. They are tired of the place and have an urge to be somewhere else. This is possibly due to a broken heart or the search for themselves. Oh boy, does this song have a chokehold on me, couldn’t skip if I tried. The instrumental in the beginning uses pauses after each line to pull you in, introduces the 808’s in the mix, has a slowed down build-up to bring you to a breathtaking chorus. I feel free thanks to this song, one of my favorites.
Conclusion
EXO’s entire discography is so good in my opinion, it was hard to choose just one album to review, but I think I made the right choice with ‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo‘. There is never a dull moment, its very versatile and will never leave you wanting more. I will always be amazed by how much talent this boy band has. If you want more information about the group and their discography, go to here.
