EXO haven’t had a proper comeback since 2023, but to be honest I haven’t really liked one of their title tracks since 2018’s Tempo — and even that song had some issues for me. These diminishing returns are a far cry from the group’s first seven years, when they reliably churned out some of the best boy group material in the industry. New comeback Crown sees the members depleted to six, but they’ve brought classic SM Entertainment tropes with them.
I very much appreciate what Crown is trying to do. It revisits the agency’s trademark “SMP” sound, a hyper-dramatic blend of rap, rock and theatrical elements. This sound played a huge part in my initial interest in K-pop way over a decade ago and is basically the antithesis of the subdued, Westernized style we hear so often today. This sound is also synonymous with visionary producer Yoo Young-Jin and you can hear his absence here. It’s like a knockoff version of a name brand. Still, there’s plenty to like about Crown.
The song blends older K-pop elements (heavy metal guitar) with newer influences (trap) and creates a pretty convincing hybrid. The lurching melodies are ripped right from EXO’s own Monster, which isn’t a bad place to pull from and honors their own history. It makes me wish all members were present here, as that greater blend of vocals would have added even more power to the track. However, Crown still fires off thrilling shots of its own. The chorus has a wonderfully off-center approach which will likely fare well in the long-term. The verses are less memorable, but they’re propped up with enough bombast to keep things interesting. I don’t think this will go down as one of the group’s many classics, but after the first few listens it feels like the strongest title the group has promoted in a very long time.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5
Grade: B
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