EXO - Obsession

I. Introduction

Obsession is the sixth Korean full-length album by EXO. It was released on November 27, 2019 with "Obsession" serving as the album's title track.

II. Background and Release

The physical album comes in three versions: EXO, X-EXO, and Obsession. A Kihno version, called "Kit album", is also available. Obsession is the group's first release without the members Xiumin and D.O, as they were completing their mandatory military service. The album features 10 tracks in a variety of genres.

The album continued the group's mythos, as EXO faced off against its evil doppelgängers, X-EXO. This was carried through social media, including an X-EXO Twitter and Instagram accounts, which inverted the "We Are One EXO" to "EXO One Are We."

On the songs, "Obsession" is described as a hip-hop dance song featuring repeating spell-like vocal samples and a prominent heavy beat. "Trouble" is a dance song that contains various genre elements like trap and raggae. The lyrics are about falling for one deeply and having no exit. "Jekyll" is a dance pop song with heavy drums, 808 bass along with dynamic vocal composition and transformation. The song's lyrics express an internal conflict with one's alter ego in an impactful way. "Groove" is a song about lovers sharing affectionate feelings as if they were crossing reality & dream through dancing. The song features strings and flute instrumentation with a rhythmical chorus. "Ya Ya Ya" is a hip hop dance song with lyrics expressing the belief that love begins in a single moment. The song has heavy 808 bass and an addictive chorus, featuring sampling from r&b group SWV's song "You're the one.""Baby You Are" is a dance pop song with a romantic vibe and elements of folk instrumentation. The lyrics tell a story about the exciting moment of love at first sight. "Non Stop" is a dance funk song with lyrics romanticizing the unstoppable love between two people. The song features prominent brass and guitar instrumentation. ''Day After Day'' is an emotional R&B song and ''Butterfly Effect'' is a groovy dance song with the message that love means a lot to change everything.

The MV for the album's lead track "Obsession" reflects the EXO and X-EXO conflict, as did the group's performances at the time. Songs from the album also featured in the EXO PLANET #5 - EXpOration tour.

Tracklist

III. Spotify Playlist

IV. Videos

Obsession MV

Obsession Dance Practice

Obsession Behind the Scenes

V. Concept Photos

VI. Reception

Obsession debuted at #1 on the Gaon Album Charts and U.S. Billboard World Album charts. It also charted in the Billboard 200, as well as Australia, Belgium, Japan, Lithuania and the UK. It finished the year at #3 on the Gaon charts, as well as earning 3x Platinum certification from KMCA. The album sold 843,305 copies in Korea and 351,000 copies in China as of May 2021.

The single "Obsession" topped the U.S. Billboard World songs chart and reached #13 on the Gaon charts.

Billboard rated "Obsession" as one of the best K-pop songs and albums of the year, while MTV called "Baby You Are" one of the best K-pop B-sides and Buzzfeed listed "Groove" as one of 30 songs that helped define K-pop for the year.

VII. Awards

The album won album of the year for the 4th quarter in Gaon Chart Music Awards, as well as Top Kit Seller of the Year.