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EXO have made their long-awaited comeback after a year and a half with “Don’t Fight the Feeling” on Jun. 7th. The mini-album, which is being marketed as a special release, is EXO’s newest content since their studio album “Obsession” in 2019. It also marks the first comeback for members Xiumin, Lay, and D.O since “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” in 2018, and the final release from members ChanYeol and BaekHyun before they enlisted for mandatory military service in May 2021. SuHo and Chen were not able to participate in this promotion as they are currently serving in the military.
The unexpected album, which was announced less than a month before its release, gathered much attention as it surpassed 1.2 million pre-orders in 27 days. It also topped the charts in more than 80 countries, so It’s clear that EXO-L’s couldn’t fight their feelings of excitement for EXO’s latest comeback.
Concept
Much like their previous releases, “Don’t Fight the Feeling” features a space-themed concept. This comeback is quite special as it ties into many of EXO's previous comebacks through the concept and teaser images. Here are some of the tie-ins to previous comebacks:
First, in a special pre-release teaser from back in April of 2021 titled “L-1485 SPOILER”, D.O. explained that this comeback follows the storyline of their previous release ‘Power’. He states, “The story is, in ‘Power’, we all went our separate ways. But we are now back together.” This can be seen when looking at the teaser images for both comebacks.
EXO Twitter
EXO "The Power of Music" Video Screenshot
As you can see the teaser pictures were taken in the same room, and in the ‘Power’ comeback it is described as a "parallel universe." These images link the two concepts and may signify that EXO can travel through space AND time.
Next, in one of the special behind-the-scenes videos, XiuMin explained that “the concept of this album is each member didn’t fall on their own planet, they landed on another member's planet." Each member's planet corresponds to their superpowers, which were introduced in their debut song ‘MAMA.’
EXO Twitter
EXO Twitter
As you can see D.O. is on ChanYeol's planet of fire, and XiuMin is on BaekHyun's planet of light. These teaser images help to reinforce the concept's main theme of space exploration.
Fashion & Appearances
In the music video, the members start off on a sort of airship wearing outfits that make it seem like they are the crew of the ship.
Then near the end of the video, they change into their sort of "boy next door" concept outfits and have a dance party in space including Lay, who had to be digitally added to the scene.
EXO "Don't Fight The Feeling" MV Screenshot
Dance
EXO is known for having fast-paced and difficult dances, and the dance in ‘Don't Fight the Feeling’ is no different. The dance is energetic and full of fast-paced dancing. As always dance machine Kai delivered an amazing performance throughout the video.
HE ATE pic.twitter.com/2UnZCwfqt0
— 🍑 (@loopsjongins) June 7, 2021
The members of EXO have not done any promotions for this comeback, however, some talented people have already made covers of the dance.
Songs
The mini-album includes 5 songs; The title track ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’, ‘Paradise’, ‘No Matter’, ‘Runaway’, and ‘Just as Usual’. ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’ is a synth-pop track that encourages listeners to believe in themselves and to chase their dreams.
As a special promotion, if you buy the album on iTunes you can receive EXO's handwritten tracklist and lyrics for all 5 songs.
EXO’s Special Album ‘DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING’ is out now!🎉
Get your Digital Booklet & check out EXO’s handwritten track lists and lyrics, only available on iTunes!Guess which member wrote each word!✅https://t.co/LNoXdNcXsu#엑소 #EXO #weareoneEXO #DONT_FIGHT_THE_FEELING pic.twitter.com/EyhSWVSc5f
— EXO (@weareoneEXO) June 7, 2021
Episode & Fun Talks
Fans will be able to enjoy various album-related VR content through EXO’s special online exhibition which is set to open on June 15th.
착륙 D-4
티저 영상 공개 🎥
📎 사전 예약 : https://t.co/5hze8NeBfn#엑소 #EXO #DONT_FIGHT_THE_FEELING#EXO_XR_Gallery #통신사_상관없이_무료이용 pic.twitter.com/cZAbiQ5wnb
— EXO XR Gallery (@EXO_XR_Gallery) June 11, 2021
They also released a web game named “EXO-SHIP SAGA." It was a space-themed game that used the album's concept as a basis. EXO-Ship Saga is reminiscent of classic games from the ’70s and ’80s like Space Invaders and Galaga. The game unfortunately only ran until Jun. 13th, but special content was released thanks to fans who reached the in-game goals.
'EXO-SHIP SAGA’ REWARD
ACROSS THE GALAXYEXO-SHIP SAGA RUNS UNTIL THIS SUNDAY(KST)!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!#엑소 #EXO #weareoneEXO#DONT_FIGHT_THE_FEELING pic.twitter.com/WprBRPHTf4— EXO (@weareoneEXO) June 10, 2021
What do you think of EXO's comeback? Were you excited to see the return of XiuMin, Lay, and D.O.? What is your favorite song in the album?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
What is your favorite song in “Don’t Fight the Feeling”?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.Don’t Fight the Feeling
Paradise
No Matter
Runaway
Just as Usual
![[Update] May 2024 K-Pop Comeback/Debut Schedule](https://image.kpopmap.com/2024/04/May-2024-K-Pop-Comeback-Debut-Schedule.png)
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