I. Introduction
Don't Fight the Feeling is the seventh EP by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo, released on June 7, 2021, through SM Entertainment, marketed as a special release.
II. Background and Release
SM began teasing a possible return on EXO's 9th anniversary on April 8, 2021, where members revealed they were preparing for a new release. A month later, SM announced the release of a "special album." It marks their first new material since their 2019 studio album Obsession, and features the return of members Xiumin, Lay and D.O. since Don't Mess Up My Tempo (2018).
The physical edition was released in a number of versions, including two photobook versions, a jewel case version, and an Expansion version featuring one of six participating members (Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, or Xiumin) on the cover. The special album contains a total of five tracks including the title track “Don’t Fight the Feeling,” “Paradise,” “No matter,” “Runaway,” and “Just as Usual.”
“Don’t fight the feeling” is a dance track with a refreshing rhythm and synth sounds and a heavy bass. The lyrics written by hitmaker Kenzie highlights the charisma of the youth and encourages the listener to believe in themselves and speed ahead toward the future when they are faced with difficult decisions in life.
The EP does not include contributions from either Chen and Suho, who are currently completing their mandatory military service.
III. Tracklist
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
| 1 | "Don't Fight the Feeling" | Kenzie | Mike Jimenez, Damon Thomas, Tesung Kim (Iconic Sound), Tha Aristocrats, Tiyon "TC" Mack, Moon Kim | Tha Aristocrats | 2:56 |
| 2 | "Paradise" | Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Jake Torrey, Michael Matosic | Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Jake Torrey, Michael Matosic | Brandon Arreaga | 3:37 |
| 3 | "No Matter" | Mok Ji-min (lalala Studio) | Skylar Mones, Andreas Oberg, Patrick Hartman | Skylar Mones, Andreas Oberg | 3:42 |
| 4 | "Runaway" | Seo Ji-eum | Kevin White (Rice n' Peas), Mike Woods (Rice n' Peas), Andrew Bazzi (Rice n' Peas) | Rice n' Peas | 3:27 |
| 5 | "Just as Usual" | Thama (Devine Channel) | San (Vendors), Fascinador (Vendors), Zenur (Vendors), Shaquille Rayes | Vendors | 3?27 |
IV. Spotify Playlist
V. Videos
Don't Fight the Feeling MV
Behind the Scenes MV
Just as Usual
Behind the Scenes Jacket
Teasers
VI. Concept Photos
VII. Reception
The EP reached the top of the iTunes charts in over 87 countries and regions, becoming the first SM release to do so. It also topped the Digital Albums Sales charts on QQ Music, Kugou Music and Kuqo Music in China. It also reached 1.22 million copies in preorders, with 646,000 copies sold on its first day on Hanteo, making it the sixth highest first day sales of all time on Hanteo. Both of these totals broke their previous records. With the debut, EXO became only the second artist to sell over 9,200,000 million copies on Hanteo with all of their albums. The title track reached #1 on Vibe, Bugs and Genie, as well as charting on Flo and Melon.
Comments 4
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haesoovoiceship
You did it fast
KaiRismatic
ofc! I was so hyped
lostatsea
you are so fast
KaiRismatic
lmao I had ho snatch this lexicon first