Baekhyun – Hello, World – The 4th Mini Album (E.P Review)

The so-called ‘genius idol’ and internationally renowned South Korean singer Baekhyun returns to fine form on his suitably titled 4th mini album ‘Hello, World’ as he mark a fresh start in his fruitful career.

After returning from his mandatory military service in 2023 and upon his dramatic exit from his previous company S.M Entertainment, things were looking up more than ever for the singer when he established his own company INB100, allowing him creative control over his musical output.

Most recognised as a member of one of South Korea and China’s most successful pop groups EXO, the main vocalist debuted as a soloist in 2019, where he enchanted and thrilled audiences with his powerful and charismatic vocals. Now in his 4th mini album containing 6 smooth R&B/pop-infused tracks, Baekhyun sounds supremely confident in his talents and revels in the new musical freedom he has been granted.

The first of these 6 tracks, entitled ‘Good Morning’, is a dreamy introduction to the suave sound that Baekhyun has been known to deliver through his solo efforts. With a serene, easy tempo and a chill piano-led instrumental, Baekhyun’s honeyed vocals float lazily upon the track; creating a warm and mellow vibe for listeners to sink into. The smoothness of the singer’s lower register is employed to great effect here as his vocals only contribute to the song’s irresistibly tranquil tone. The lyrics could be said to express the soloist’s optimistic attitude to this new beginning in his career (“Hello world, morning has come again…Now our dream will begin”), as well as adding to the soothing ambience.

The album’s title track, ‘Pineapple Slice’, is a delightfully flirtatious dance-pop jam brimming full of addictive sugar-sweet melodies, groovy rhythms and the singer’s signature breezy high notes. Even upon their very first listen, audiences will have to admit that the track has an instantly addictive quality which only grows the more it is played. The old-school synth led chorus beneath Baekhyun’s airy harmonies certainly captures the thrilling highs of love and crushes, while the lyrics portray Baekhyun trying to win the heart of a love interest. The excitement of the chorus is definitely bolstered by the song’s playful lyrics “Callin’ me extra sweet, just one bite, Pineapple slice of me”. It’s no secret that a big part of the singer’s charm is his ability to show off his breathtaking vocal range by mixing his silky lower range with impressive high notes, and ‘Pineapple Slice’ has all this and more.

The singer’s confidence in his vocal prowess is fully displayed on the slick ‘Rendez-vous’, which is characterised by a bright piano melody and Baekhyun’s deeply charming vocals that paint a passionate picture of love. The singer channels his inner romantic with dreamy lines like “Without you, everything is meaningless, You are my only universe”, and the chorus’ tender declarations of a lovesick partner. Fans and new listeners alike will love this song’s easy-listening style that still allows audiences the chance to hear why Baekhyun is considered one of the best vocalists in the Korean music industry.

‘Cold Heart’ is the album’s emotive ballad-esque track which details the painful breakdown of a relationship. Beginning with a sombre piano intro overlaid by Baekhyun’s smooth vocal timbre, the vocalist immediately laments on being emotionally shut off from a partner (“Now left alone in this place, a wall built high”). Imbued with a lulling, sombre tone that will leave listeners rapt, ‘Cold Heart’ is a brooding track overflowing with the singer’s versatile charisma.

The singer switches things up by adopting a sultry slow-burn ambience on ‘Woo’; a silky R&B track that benefits massively from the singer’s soulful croons and effortless vocal runs. Professing his unconditional love for a partner, the singer sensitively sings his way through lines like “When you call my name, for you I can do anything”; his delicate and expressive vocals amplifying the song’s romantic message tenfold.

The album’s closing track ‘Truth Be Told’ is a minimalistic yet edgy track that speaks of the singer’s inability to move on from a toxic relationship. Angsty lyrics in the chorus (“Truth be told, I can’t bear it any longer”) exacerbate the song’s foreboding ambience while captivating audiences with its moody R&B sound.

Score/Excellent: ‘Hello, World’ is certainly the sound of a new beginning for the K-Pop singer, who manages to show new sides of himself as an enduringly successful pop singer, R&B crooner and sensitive balladeer. With his newfound musical and managerial freedom, this may very well spell the start of the singer’s best solo music output yet.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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