After leaving SM Entertainment, EXO’s D.O. has reverted to his given name for his new album, set for release next month. Before that, we have pre-release Popcorn — an uncharacteristically cutesy bit of pop fluff. I tend to tie Kyung Soo’s solo music to the coffeehouse, and Popcorn still fits comfortably into that setting. However, it has more pep in its step.

It’s tricky to write about music like this because I just don’t have much to say. The song is designed in that way, meant to easily wash over listeners like a pleasant balm. It achieves that goal, mostly due to Kyung Soo’s effortlessly smooth voice. He takes total command of this simple toe-tapping pop track and the producers were smart to put his vocal right at the forefront of the arrangement. It’s both calming and engaging, which can be a difficult balance to strike.

The song itself is more enjoyable than its muted energy suggests. It’s easy-listening and for some reason this vibe reminds me of the 80’s classic Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Popcorn isn’t nearly as gimmicky (or irritating), but its repetitive sing-song nature has a similar single-mindedness. I’d love to hear Kyung Soo go even more upbeat in the future. That may provide a lane for dynamic songwriting and a more interesting use of his voice.

Grade: B-