It’s been a minute, but South Korean favorites EXO are finally back with their fifth studio album, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo. And they’re kicking off this new era with “Tempo,” a catchy melodic anomaly that, true to its name, seamlessly switches up the tempo from smooth R&B, to retro pop, to hip-hop, to acapella — all in under 4 minutes.
If the rhythmic hook doesn’t immediately grab your attention (“don’t mess up my tempo,” they plea), then the unique vocal bridge — acapella kings! — should do the trick, featuring EXO’s stacked vocal line and their dynamic harmonies. Or, perhaps main dancer Kai looking fierce in a crop top is more your speed. There’s something for everyone!
SM Entertainment Speaking of the video, it’s a real trip. Starring all nine members — “Tempo” marks Lay Zhang’s long-awaited return to the group — the stylistic visual is both modern and nostalgic, putting a cool twist on label SM Entertainment’s typical “box” format. The motorcycle-gang aesthetic from the teaser images was a bit of a red herring; instead, the slick video features the group moving through various sets — a bar, a bedroom (the creaking bed sample does not go unnoticed on the hook), an interrogation room, and, of course, a dance floor — with a mature color palette that may be more muted than “Ko Ko Bop” but packs just as much personality.
While Lay doesn’t have much to do in this video — he’s primarily a cameo — he is heavily featured on the Chinese version of the single, which also dropped today (November 2).
The album features 10 new tracks, including the Latin-pop “Ooh La La La,” which was co-written by American hitmaker Bazzi (who also worked on “The Eve” off the group’s last album), and the smooth “Bad Dream,” an R&B track with a disco hook. Just like its lead single, Don’t Mess Up My Tempo defies all genres — a distinct marker of an EXO production.
