EXO Celebrates Comeback with New Album ‘Reverxe’ Amid Challenges

K-pop supergroup EXO has made a significant return to the music scene with their latest album, Reverxe, released on January 19, 2025. This marks the group’s first album in three years, featuring the title track “Crown.” The release comes during a time of uncertainty, influenced by an ongoing legal dispute involving members of the subunit EXO-CBX—specifically, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin—and their management company, SM Entertainment. Fans were hoping for a full-group comeback, but the album launches without the trio, impacting the overall sound and dynamic.

Despite the absence of these key vocalists, the remaining six members—Chanyeol, Suho, DO, Sehun, Kai, and Lay—have delivered a project that showcases the essence of EXO. The album emphasizes their vocal strength, theatrical storytelling, and tight-knit sound. Nearly 14 years after their debut, EXO continues to adapt and redefine their artistry in the ever-evolving K-pop landscape.

Exploring New Soundscapes

The album’s title track, “Crown,” stands out with its vibrant blend of genres, opening with a catchy verse by rapper Chanyeol. The hard-hitting dance track successfully merges bass-heavy beats and soaring vocals, featuring layered harmonies from DO and Suho, complemented by Chanyeol and Sehun‘s intense rap verses. The accompanying music video revives themes of superpowers and parallel universes, echoing the group’s longstanding narrative style. Lyrically, “Crown” metaphorically compares a cherished existence to a crown, resonating strongly with fans given the group’s current situation.

Another notable track, “Back It Up,” was first performed at the Melon Music Awards on December 20, 2025, and has sparked debate among fans due to its aggressive sound. The song features a potent bassline and a chorus that energizes listeners, though it highlights the absence of the CBX members who have traditionally contributed to the group’s vocal identity. Nevertheless, the remaining members have showcased their versatility, with dynamic vocal runs and a strong, catchy chorus.

Beyond its lead singles, Reverxe offers an atmospheric listening experience with a variety of styles, including dance-driven tracks and R&B influences. “Suffocate” stands out, combining sultry vocals with a restrained groove. The album’s shortest track, “Moonlight Shadows,” presents a cinematic soundscape, while songs like “Crazy,” “Back Pocket,” and “Touch & Go” provide high-energy moments but lack distinctiveness, blending into the album’s overall flow.

A New Direction for Storytelling

One of the album’s unexpected highlights, “Flatline,” showcases a mid-tempo pop-rock sound reminiscent of a Korean drama, featuring acoustic guitar melodies and a euphoric atmosphere. The lyrics narrate a metaphorical journey at sea, portraying a soulmate as a guiding beacon. This marks a new approach to storytelling for EXO, demonstrating their growth as artists.

The album concludes with “I’m Home,” a gentle pop ballad that balances the album’s powerful opener. While the absence of the CBX members is felt in this track as well, it serves as a warm and heartfelt closure to the album. Even as Lay’s participation in promotions is limited due to commitments in China, his influence remains palpable throughout Reverxe, showcasing his evolution as both a solo artist and a leader in the C-pop scene.

Commercially, the album initially faced challenges in sales. Nevertheless, it achieved significant success, topping the QQ Music digital album sales chart in China and earning double platinum certification. It also ranked first on various music video charts and achieved the number one position on the iTunes Top Albums chart in 35 regions worldwide, including Singapore.

Looking ahead, EXO’s leader Suho announced during a post-release showcase that the group will embark on a tour in April 2025, coinciding with their 14th anniversary. The details regarding member participation remain uncertain. For now, EXO continues to solidify their status in the K-pop industry, demonstrating that their crown is not easily relinquished with the release of Reverxe.