A week ago, EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.) pre-released the fluffy pop track Popcorn, hinting that his new album might have a more upbeat twist to it. Title track Mars fulfills that promise, transferring the gentle, coffeehouse appeal of his music to a sprightlier sound palette.
Mars is still very much within the “easy listening” realm, rarely operating above a hushed strum of guitar. It’s like Jason Mraz goes K-pop, which shouldn’t work at all. We have Kyung Soo’s voice to thank for the song’s success. His tone is at once impressive and comforting, and nothing about Mars feels put on. You get the sense he’s simply singing a breezy little pop song he happens to enjoy.
This unaffectedness is charming, but also kind of dull. Mars has a similar warmth as Popcorn, but the melodies aren’t as engaging. It marches through its motions with little aplomb, making for suitable background music. Whether you love it or not will likely depend on how strongly you feel about Kyung Soo himself. I’m a fan, but not enough to get me excited over a song this subdued.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is a nice song. I expect more upbeat songs from him soon.
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I like this more than I should, but then again I am the type who have every SuJu KRY solo release, or just about, and this song could slide neatly right alongside all of them. Its like alt-Kyuhyun.
In related news, Lim Young Woong has returned to his ballad crooning this week with “Warmth”. Gorgeous baritone, so effortless. Also noting that such is his fandom that neither his name nor song title is romanized on his youtube channel. B-side “Home” is peppier and also good.
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I’d say I also expected something less muted after hearing popcorn. Similar, around 7 rating from me too. “About time” was the most engaging track from the album for me. Boy, May sure will be packed but I don’t think much will grab my attention until june..
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I love this album, and I think it shows he has ‘blossomed’ as a singer since his first solo album. He’s always been a great singer, but in this album there is more depth to his singing, while his range and versatility are in full view. I like Mars, but not as much as I like the b-sides. I suppose he has to select a more GP-friendly track as his title track, but it really is in songs like About Time and Good Night, or Simple Joys or – well, practically the entire mini-album – that he shows his mettle.
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this album is a must listen for those in depression. The comfort of his tone and fun positive vibe help to lift the darkness. Music does influence mood.
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