In celebration to Kai’s second EP Peaches that will be released next week, I thought about doing a thread to look back at how much he has grown as an artist and vocalist because honestly we don’t talk enough about it.
I mean we all know since debut that he is a phenomenal dancer like no doubt, but I feel like people ( especially non fans) really love to overlook how much he has grown as a vocalist.
First of all he could always sing, and i’m tired of people pretending it wasn’t the case from the start, many of you definitely would be surprised if you would knew how many EXO choruses he carried.
But he has also improved tremendously since debut.
I guess more people started to notice his vocals when the Universe album( 2017) dropped and he actually started getting PROPER lines that aren’t just 5 second sing-talking lines, because lets be honest how would you be able to show your vocals if you don’t get enough lines. It’s not because he wasn’t able to carry a tune but rather the problem is that there are too many good vocalist in EXO , and it’s sadly normal that some members aren’t able to showcase everything.
But If him covering Kyungsoo’s lines at EXO’s last tour and his solo album isn’t enough then idk
Personally Kai was one of my favorite highlights of the Obsession album, especially because I think he definitely shined the most. He finally had the chance to showcase his vocal ability and boy did he deliver every line he got. He got standout lines in Jekyll, Groove, Baby you are, Trouble and Ya Ya Ya that show his vocal dynamic compared to the one liners that lasted max 5 seconds in the older albums
He is a smart vocalist. He knows his strengths and plays into them. He knows his range and does not venture out of it. There is just something about his honey( idk how else to describe it lmao) tone that’s so sweet and unique. His voice very soothing to listen to and it sounds somewhat comforting, really makes my ears melt :shyy:
One thing that also makes me really proud as a fan is , that he is continuously showing improvement in his vocal techniques every year and every comeback. We love and stan a hardworking man who never settles for less and even levels up his past works. I have to say its crazy how much each EXO member is still improving their skills and training when its been 9 years since they debuted even though they already so good
And now let’s talk about his solo debut, and what A DEBUT that was.
The concept, the short film, the album, the choreographies , the MV and the visuals. I couldn’t think of a better way to debut solo.
Honestly Mmmh do I even need to say anything? It’s TITLE TRACK PERFECTION
"Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique"
That album is a 10/10 non skip album and the production is really something else. Seriously each instrumental is well made and sounds crisp..It’s so easy to listen to, in that it feels smooth and cohesive all the way through, and everything sounds pleasant. The mood is very sensual and even though every song is distinct enough , they compliment each other so well and the album definitely gives a clear picture of who Kai wants to be as a solo artist. The pop/r&b/hip-hop sound is perfect for his voice, he sounds absolutely amazing.
Everytime I listen to his album I’m always amazed how modern and well produced it is and dare I say it’s also very unlike usual kpop productions?
He definitely nailed it with that music genre/style. It fits him so effortlessly and the way it perfectly showcased his vocals. When I heard
his falsettos in Amnesia I crieeeed and his low register in Hello Stranger is so beautiful. His vocal delivery really sells the whole album
The short film he did for all the tracks was gorgeous and showcased his dancing and charisma perfectly. Not just the short film , also the MV for Mmmh!
The whole imagery for the era was absolutely gorgeous.
Jongin really exceeded everyone's expectations with that one and Exo-ls already had high expectations. I still remember the Vlive where he broke down crying because of all the support and love his fans were giving him. The solo obviously meant the world to him, and he seemed so nervous about releasing it. It's really heartwarming to see his work pay off.
Honestly looking back at his artistic growth makes me so proud and I can’t wait to see what he prepared for us with Peaches
Anyways I probably could write more but I guess it’s already too long, ANTICIPATE PEACHES ON THE 30TH bye bye