‘Tempo’ Might Be EXO’s Best Title Track

When EXO released their fifth album Don’t Mess Up My Tempo on November 2, 2018, over a year had passed since The War came out in 2017. For a group known for their polished sound, the question wasn’t just when they’d return, but how.

The lead single, Tempo, has a Bohemian Rhapsody vibe in the sense of how it switches between different styles and genres. The track blends elements of hip hop and funk with pulsing bass and synths and rhythmic drums. There’s even an acappella breakdown during the bridge. The members harmonize in a way that could put 1990s boy bands to shame. The lyrics compare a love interest to a melody with EXO warning others not to interfere with their distinct tempo. Which sounds dirtier than SM Entertainment probably intended considering this song has bed-squeaking squeaks embedded in the beat 😳:

“I’ve been waiting for this feeling (Oh-oh-oh)

I wanna be the only one hearing her, she’s my melody

All day, go on and on and, oh

So she won’t leave, I want her by my side

(Yeah, uh)

Ah, don’t mess up my tempo (don’t do it)

Listen, this will be enough (Nah)

I said don’t mess up my tempo

This beat will steal her heart, uh

It’s one of a kind

To the rhythm, one, two, three, uh (yeah)

Don’t mess up my tempo

Can’t stop this attraction”

The music video for Tempo might be one of my favorites from EXO. The group goes for a biker concept with an aesthetic that borders between rugged and sophisticated.

The choreography is probably one of their most difficult dance routines. It looks deceptively simple, but the way the members execute the movements makes it work.

Tempo is a strong contender for one of EXO’s best songs. I haven’t enjoyed a title track from EXO this much since Lucky One and Monster dropped back in 2016. It’s an enjoyable single that experiments with the group’s pop/R&B sound while still sounding familiar. And Don’t Mess Up My Tempo is a solid album that was worth the wait. Hope this new era is a huge success for EXO!