On the heels of fellow EXO members D.O. and Chen, Suho has just released his newest solo album. This was preceded by Cheese, featuring fellow SM artist Wendy. That track, and new single 1 to 3 (점선면), borrow heavily from 70’s rock influences.
While Cheese‘s influences felt more interesting that the song itself, 1 to 3 crystallizes its sound into a commanding burst of rollicking rock. I’m not sure we’ve ever heard something like this from an idol performer, and that’s quite exciting. Not only does the track feature a pounding beat and surging guitar, but it’s laced with organ (or at least… synth organ?). This touch instantly gives it character and ensures the production feels grand and exciting. Extra elements, like the spacey guitar flourish following the first chorus, add a sense of epic energy.
Suho never gets lost in the bombast, though I wish his performance felt a little rougher around the edges. This style of song calls for as powerful and gutsy a vocal as you can throw at it. Similarly, I feel like 1 to 3‘s melodies often play second fiddle to the fantastic instrumental. It’s not enough to dull the song’s power, but it makes this feel like a stepping stone to something even bigger and bolder.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This is easily my favorite EXO solo release out of the three members we got this month. I’m glad he decided to continue the upbeat rock path that he had with Hurdle (and Morning Star) from his last album.
BTW I’m curious to know your thoughts on his new album 👀
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Suho can sign the phone book and I would like it.
That said, this sounds very SM b-side material. I get flavors of Super Junior “Rock’n’Shine” b-side from Magic/Devil era. Its like the dad joke of a pop rock song – fun but a bit uncool.
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I like this a lot. It feels like those singles prog bands would put out in the early 80s to sell out, I mean appeal to the youth, that were surprisingly good. It’s got some heft to it.
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I like how unique this feels! But I agree I wanted a bit more from the vocal performance: less perfectly trained SM vocalist, more grit.
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I think the song is fabulous! Fun tune. I grew up in the 70’s & this song is perfect as is. It doesn’t need more grit, because Suho made it his. I’m certain I don’t know anything more about music than if I like it or can’t get the song out of my head & whether I liked the MV. So I respect your opinion, mine just differs. It makes me get up to sing (learn Korean) & dance, & the sentiment of being an outlier, an individual in the pack…yeah I dig that vibe. I’m all in. It’s on repeat.
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