Is EXO really fine without Chen? In a popular online community forum, Koreans and EXO-Ls/Eris had a heated discussion over the member's importance in the group.
'K-pop Kings' EXO Returns With 'EXIST,' 'Cream Soda'
The "Nation's Pick" and "Live Vocal Kings" finally returned to the music scene! On July 10, EXO officially made their comeback (sans Lay and Kai) with their 7th full-length album, "EXIST," and its title track, "Cream Soda."
As expected, the group immediately dominated the music charts with the album, sitting atop the iTunes Top Album Chart in 66 regions around the world.
READ MORE HERE: EXO's Full Album 'EXIST' Dominates on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart
Aside from topping the Worldwide iTunes album chart, it also reigned in China QQ Music, Kugou Music digital album sales charts, and topped the domestic album charts such as Yes24 and Kyobo Bookstore Daily.
Meanwhile, when the title song, "Cream Soda," was released, music fans and EXO-Ls thoroughly enjoyed its cool, sexy, and elegant vibe, which let it dominate the iTunes Tops Song Char in 46 regions.
EXO-Ls especially commended the strong yet sensual vocals and performance of the group, once again proving their status as "Vocal Kings."
Check out EXO "Cream Soda" MV here!
Chen Receives Mixed Reactions — Is EXO Fine Without Him?
Following EXO's latest release, the main vocalist Chen became a hot topic on the web forum Instiz after an internet user wrote an article with the title, "I truly feel like Chen is an existence that EXO needs."
OP added in his caption:
"He's just this crazy good at singing."
The post quickly earned mixed reactions from Eris and Koreans, and they weighed in on Chen's significance as an EXO member.
Gifted with powerful and outstanding vocal skills, Chen has proved himself not only as EXO's main vocalist but as one of the best singers in Korea. Thus, EXO-Ls believe that EXO's music won't be the same without him due to his distinct sound that completes most of the group's greatest hits.
- "His vocals are sincere."
- "Honestly, Chen's voice color is what EXO songs should be supposed to sound like."
On Twitter, fans also pointed out the importance of the singer.
"Didn’t read the comments but as I watched the new MV yesterday, I was thinking how EXO would not be EXO at all without Chen’s voice. He is essential to their sound." (@/setmyselfonfyre)
Didn’t read the comments but as I watched the new mv yesterday I was thinking how exo would not be exo at all without Chen’s voice he is essential to their sound sorry https://t.co/9cxguTkfky
— k 🇵🇸🍉∞ (@setmyselfonfyre) July 11, 2023
"They are acting like Chen is a new member or something like wtf are they on? He is one of the best vocalists in the industry. Everyone has spoken highly of his voice, but now they don't know if it matches?
The real reason behind K-netz anger is that Chen is married. Point blank." (@/nightview9∅)
Apparently, EXO-Ls think that K-netz who would say Chen "isn't needed" in EXO doesn't have a problem with his voice but the fact that he's married with two kids.
In the past, people complained about the idol's marriage and fatherhood, and urged him to leave the group. They also claimed that Chen's absence in EXO's songs wouldn't have much impact because the group is already a vocal group with many members who are top vocalists, such as Baekhyun, D.O., and Xiumin.
- "That's only true when there's no one in the group to sing, and when the members' vocals are terrible...But there are two main vocalists in the group other than him."
- "I can acknowledge his vocals, but EXO's vocals are still amazing (without him)."
- "It's true that he has great vocals, but it's not necessary in the group."
- "He's definitely good at singing so just focus on your solo album."
- "Objectively, Chen is a good singer, but he lacks awareness as an idol."
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Meanwhile, you might want to check out EXO's "Killing Voice" performance via dingo music here!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'EXO is EXOING': 'EXIST' Makes #1 Debut on iTunes Charts + Surpasses 3 Million Streams on MelOn
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