Originally debuting as a main rapper in EXO, Chanyeol has gone on to release several solo singles in a variety of genres. He may not be a powerhouse vocalist within the group, but his tone has an easily identifiable charm suited to rock and indie music. Black Out comes from his first official solo album of the same name and offers an acoustic approach.
Listening to the album’s highlight medley, Black Out seemed to be one of its most subdued songs. This isn’t what you’d expect from a title track, but I can see why the agency might have wanted to promote it. Its hazy sound echoes many popular male soloists on the global stage, from Styles to Bieber. It’s a nice match for Chanyeol, putting his vocal texture front and center. But as a piece of music, Black Out is rather dull and one-note.
My biggest issue with Black Out is that it feels like twenty seconds of song stretched over three minutes, resulting in a track that plays as a flat line without any notable peaks. Obviously, bombast wouldn’t have complemented this genre, but greater melodic diversity and more specific instrumental touchstones could have provided a compelling structure. Instead, Black Out spins its wheels — very pleasant but quite forgettable.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The album is a pleasant listen but I don’t see myself coming back to it much, mostly because it felt too moody for me right now, although the other tracks sure are more upbeat than Black out. I think Hasta la vista is the standout, and at the same time that song gives me a lot of Post Malone vibes, it especially reminds me of Circles, which is a good and a bad thing at the same time😅
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sorry to interrupt with an unrelated comment nick but i’d like to know ur thoughts on these just dance original songs given just dance 2025 is coming out soon
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i have, and continue to, like EXO releases as a group more than i do any of their solo releases….
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I actually agree with you and this is coming from someone who is an EXO-L for a few years now.
Last year’s Exist album may not be the best EXO album for me but I personally like it more than most of the solo releases EXO members have put out.
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Sorry to interrupt this song but could you do a review https://youtu.be/C9Ykam2hUs0?si=ckMIBL9-yNW3sRtO Empire MV on Snowmans new song Empire it was shot in Barcelona.And is better than Juicy and Evolution. It’s coming in Oct
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