I. Introduction
Winter Special Gift is the second extended play and a special winter album by Chinese singer and rapper Lay (also known as Zhang Yixing in China). It was released in China on December 22, 2017.
II. Background and Release
With his growing career in China and rising political tensions between China and South Korea, Lay announced in June 2017 that he would not take part in EXO's next album and would focus on his solo career in mainland China. He is still listed as formally in the group, but has been absent from EXO albums and public appearances from June 2017 to June 2021, although he still maintains relationships with members and often publicly supports their own solo and group activities in social media. He participated in the June 2021 EXO release Don't Fight the Feeling, including the album and music video.
EXO traditionally released a winter album during the holiday season. This is Lay's only winter album, released after his debut EP. The EP was released by Tencent on its music apps, QQ Music, Kugou and Kuwo. The EP features six tracks, and was also released in South Korea the following day. Like his previous releases, he continued to produce, arrange and write music. The lead single "Goodbye Christmas" was also released on December 22.
III. Track List
Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
"Goodbye Christmas (聖誕又至)" | Liu Yuan | Lay, Onestar | Lay, Kil Eun-kyung | 4:40 |
"Can you feel me (你的感覺)" | Sun Yien | Lay, Onestar, Qi Zhe Xi | Lay, Qi Zhe Xi | 2:50 |
"Christmas Love (聖誕的愛)" | Wang YaJun | Lay, Onestar | Lay | 2:15 |
"Gift to Xback (小小禮物)" | Lay | Lay, Command Freaks | Command Freaks | 3:46 |
"Goodbye Christmas" (English version) | Onestar | Lay, Onestar | Lay, Kil Eun-kyung | 4:40 |
"Goodbye Christmas" (Inst.) | - | Lay, Onestar | Lay, Kil Eun-kyung | 4:40 |
IV. Spotify Playlist
V. Videos
Goodbye Christmas
Can You Feel Me Performance - March 29, 2018
VI. Reception
The EP broke 4 records in its first hour of digital sales, including Gold (¥250,000), Double Gold (¥500,000), Triple Gold (¥750,000)and Platinum (¥1 million). It later broke the Diamond (¥5 million) record on QQ Music.