EXO’s Xiumin Makes A Triumphant Debut With ‘Brand New’

South Korean singer and EXO member Xiumin has dropped his solo debut EP Brand New, led by the single of the same name. The record comprises a total of five tracks and is accompanied by a music video for “Brand New.”

The music video is a cheerful and colorful affair as Xiumin sets off to deliver a giant mysterious surprise package. He moves through various bright sets as he travels including a neon-lit gas station, a summery field and a room filled with snow men, all interspersed with shots of him performing upbeat choreography. Towards the end of the video, the package he was delivering falls open to reveal he was inside it all along; a metaphor to portray that he’s showing his fans a new side of himself as an artist.

“Brand New” blends old-school hip-hop and pop to deliver an energetic, danceable vibe. Similar to the video, the lyrics outline Xiumin’s desire to show audiences a different side of him and to celebrate new beginnings: “Baby, let it loose, let it loose/ I’ll show you one by one/ My new look/ Completely different/ Brand new, brand new.” The EXO member unleashes the full potential of his vocals via ad-libs and harmonies.

While Xiumin has released drama OSTs and singles in the past, Brand New signalled a new opportunity for the singer to showcase his personality and style as an artist. In a press conference earlier today, he stated, “It is an album that expresses the emotions of the early Nineties and early 2000s, which I loved since I was young, with my unique personality, and one can find various songs that feel nostalgic from the past.” In addition to the lead single, Brand New comprises “Feedback,” “How We Do” featuring NCT rapper Mark, “Love Letter” and “Serenity.” “How We Do” is Xiumin’s second collaborative effort with Mark after 2017’s “Young & Free,” and explores a new jack swing and synth-pop sound reminiscent of the early Nineties — the highlight of the record.