11 Underrated Exo Songs: Songs You Missed

Hey there, music enthusiasts and fellow DJs! It’s your pal TBone here, the heartbeat of Level Tunes. Today, I’m super excited to share something special with you all.

We’re diving into the world of K-pop, specifically exploring 11 underrated gems by EXO. Now, you might wonder, “Why EXO, and why these songs?”

Well, as a DJ and a hardcore music fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate layers and diversity in K-pop. EXO, with their phenomenal talent and range, often leaves some of their best tracks overshadowed by their mega-hits.

So, I decided it’s time to shine a spotlight on these lesser-known tracks.

These songs are not just tunes, they are stories, emotions, and expressions that deserve more attention. Get ready to add some incredible beats to your playlist as we delve into these underrated EXO masterpieces that have resonated with me, and I’m sure will strike a chord with you too!

Here are the underrated Exo songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Exo Songs

Underrated Exo songs in a list format:

1. What If… (Korean: 시선 둘, 시선 하나)

From their 2015 album “EXODUS” under SM Entertainment, “What If…” is a mellow, R&B-infused track that showcases EXO’s emotional depth. Composed by Kenzie, a renowned figure in the K-pop industry, this song features the group’s velvety vocals in a heart-wrenching narrative about unrequited love. I chose it for its raw emotional impact and its departure from EXO’s usual upbeat tracks. The harmonies, especially during the chorus, are a testament to the group’s vocal prowess, making it a hidden gem in their discography.

2. El Dorado

“El Dorado” is a track from their 2015 album “EXODUS”, released under SM Entertainment. This song is an adventurous departure from EXO’s typical style, infusing epic soundscapes with electronic beats. Its lyrics, penned by Kenzie, speak of chasing dreams and the mythical city of gold, El Dorado. I selected this track for its unique blend of inspiring lyrics and a dynamic sound that showcases EXO’s versatility. The way it builds up to a powerful chorus is truly exhilarating, making it a standout track that often goes unnoticed.

3. My Answer

Featured in the 2015 album “EXODUS” under SM Entertainment, “My Answer” is a beautiful piano-driven ballad. Composed by The Underdogs and penned by Choi Min-ho, it’s a heartfelt love song that highlights the softer, more vulnerable side of EXO. The song features soulful vocals, primarily by Baekhyun, D.O., and Suho, creating an intimate and touching atmosphere. I included this song for its stark contrast to EXO’s more energetic tracks, showcasing their ability to deliver powerful emotional messages through music.

4. Playboy

“Playboy” is from EXO’s 2015 album “EXODUS”, produced under SM Entertainment. Crafted by renowned composer Shinsadong Tiger and member Jonghyun from SHINee, it’s a sultry track with a catchy R&B groove. The song’s allure lies in its playful lyrics and the smooth blend of vocals and rap segments. I find “Playboy” fascinating for its fusion of sensuality and rhythm, highlighting EXO’s ability to tackle different musical styles while maintaining their unique sound.

5. Artificial Love

From the 2016 album “EX’ACT”, released under SM Entertainment, “Artificial Love” is a synth-heavy track with an edgy, futuristic sound. Composed by LDN Noise, it stands out for its electronic beats and the deep, haunting melody that echoes throughout the song. This track made my list for its experimental sound that deviates from the typical K-pop formula, showcasing EXO’s willingness to explore and push musical boundaries.

6. Cloud 9

“Cloud 9” is a track from the 2016 album “EX’ACT”, produced by SM Entertainment. It’s a light-hearted, upbeat song with a refreshing, summery vibe. Composed by LDN Noise, the song is an uplifting blend of pop and R&B, filled with whimsical lyrics and a catchy chorus. I love “Cloud 9” for its feel-good atmosphere and the way it effortlessly lifts the mood, making it a perfect example of EXO’s versatility in creating different music styles.

7. She’s Dreaming

Featured in their 2016 album “EX’ACT”, “She’s Dreaming” is another SM Entertainment production. This track, composed by Chen and Kenzie, is a dreamy, slow-tempo ballad with poignant lyrics about a lover’s dream. The song’s ethereal sound, combined with the members’ emotive vocals, creates a mesmerizing and introspective experience. I selected “She’s Dreaming” for its poetic beauty and the way it showcases the group’s ability to convey deep emotions through music.

8. White Noise

“White Noise” is from EXO’s 2016 album “EX’ACT”, under SM Entertainment. This track, produced by LDN Noise, is a mid-tempo song with an electronic, almost trance-like beat. The lyrics, which talk about the overwhelming nature of love, are beautifully juxtaposed with the rhythmic and pulsating music. I chose “White Noise” for its captivating sound and the way it merges an energetic beat with a sense of emotional intensity.

9. Sweet Lies

From the 2017 album “The War: The Power of Music”, released by SM Entertainment, “Sweet Lies” is a dark R&B track with a captivating groove. Written by member Chanyeol, along with G.Soul and others, it stands out for its hypnotic rhythm and the raw vulnerability expressed in the lyrics. This song makes my list for its deep, sensual vibe and the way it showcases a different, more mature side of EXO’s musical persona.

10. Been Through (Korean: 지나갈 테니)

Featured in the 2017 album “Universe”, “Been Through” is a production of SM Entertainment. This track, composed by Mike Woods, Kevin White, and others, is a synth-pop song with an uplifting melody and inspiring lyrics about overcoming hardships. The song’s hopeful message, combined with EXO’s soulful delivery, makes it a standout track. I included “Been Through” for its emotive power and the way it resonates with anyone facing challenges, highlighting EXO’s ability to connect deeply with their listeners.

11. Oasis

“Oasis” is from their 2018 album “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo”, under SM Entertainment. Composed by Mike Woods, Kevin White, and others, it’s a dynamic track with a powerful beat and an anthemic chorus. The song, with its theme of finding an oasis in the midst of chaos, is both inspiring and energizing. I chose “Oasis” for its metaphorical depth and the way it combines a compelling melody with motivational lyrics, showcasing EXO’s strength in creating music that not only entertains but also uplifts the spirit.

Fun Facts: Underrated Exo Songs

Fun Facts About “What If… (Korean: 시선 둘, 시선 하나)”

• Collaborative Composition: “What If…” was composed by Kenzie, one of SM Entertainment’s in-house producers, known for creating numerous hits for various SM artists. Kenzie’s involvement often signifies a high-quality production.
• Emotional Range: This song is often praised for showcasing the emotional and vocal range of EXO members, particularly in the harmonies and solo parts, which differ from their usual dance-pop tracks.

Fun Facts About “El Dorado”

• Mythical Inspiration: The song is inspired by the legend of El Dorado, a mythical city of gold. This theme is reflected in the lyrics, which talk about pursuing dreams and exploring uncharted territories.
• Anticipated Track: “El Dorado” was first teased in EXO’s debut teasers back in 2012, making it a highly anticipated track among fans for its eventual release in 2015.

Fun Facts About “My Answer”

• Showcase of Vocal Talents: This ballad primarily features the voices of Baekhyun, D.O., and Suho, highlighting their vocal abilities in a more stripped-down setting compared to EXO’s typical high-energy performances.
• International Collaboration: The song was composed by The Underdogs, an American production team, illustrating the group’s collaboration with international talents.

Fun Facts About “Playboy”

• A SHINee Touch: The track was penned by Jonghyun of SHINee, another popular K-pop group under SM Entertainment, showcasing the close collaboration within the label.
• Performance Highlight: “Playboy” is known for its charismatic live performances, with choreography that perfectly matches the song’s playful and sultry vibe.

Fun Facts About “Artificial Love”

• Choreography with Canes: The live performances of “Artificial Love” are particularly notable for their use of canes in the choreography, adding a unique and visually striking element to the song’s presentation.
• Futuristic Sound: The track is distinguished by its use of futuristic synth sounds, making it one of EXO’s more experimental songs in terms of music production.

Fun Facts About “Cloud 9”

• Lighthearted Vibe: “Cloud 9” is known for its cheerful and upbeat sound, which contrasts with many of EXO’s more intense and dramatic songs, showcasing the group’s versatility.
• Fan Favorite: While not a title track, “Cloud 9” has become a fan favorite due to its catchy melody and feel-good atmosphere.

Fun Facts About “She’s Dreaming”

• Member Involvement in Composition: Chen, one of EXO’s main vocalists, participated in composing the song, highlighting the members’ involvement in their music beyond just performing.
• Lyrical Depth: The song’s lyrics, which tell a story about a dream of a loved one, are praised for their poetic and introspective nature.

Fun Facts About “White Noise”

• Unique Sound Composition: “White Noise” features a unique blend of electronic and trance elements, setting it apart from other tracks in EXO’s discography.
• Fan Interpretations: The song has sparked various fan interpretations regarding its meaning, particularly focusing on its metaphoric use of ‘white noise’ in relation to love and relationships.

Fun Facts About “Sweet Lies”

• Member Contribution: Chanyeol, known for his rapping and songwriting skills, co-wrote “Sweet Lies,” adding a personal touch to the track.
• R&B Influence: The song is heavily influenced by R&B, a genre less commonly explored by EXO, showcasing their ability to diversify their musical style.

Fun Facts About “Been Through (Korean: 지나갈 테니)”

• Synth-pop Aesthetics: The track’s synth-pop sound provides a retro yet modern vibe, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
• Uplifting Message: “Been Through” is often cited by fans as a source of comfort and inspiration, thanks to its uplifting lyrics about overcoming adversity.

Fun Facts About “Oasis”

• Anthemic Chorus: “Oasis” is known for its powerful and anthemic chorus, which has been described as both uplifting and motivational.
• Lyrically Rich: The song’s lyrics, which use the metaphor of an oasis to represent hope and refuge, have been praised for their depth and resonance with listeners.

And there you have it, folks! Our musical journey through EXO’s underrated treasures concludes, but the rhythm never stops. Keep exploring, keep loving music, and remember, there’s always more to discover beyond the hits. Until next time, keep your playlists fresh and your hearts open to new tunes!

Thanks for reading.

TBone