Obsession (Exo album)
Obsession is the sixth studio album by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo. It was released on November 27, 2019, by SM Entertainment, coinciding with member Chanyeol's 27th birthday. It is the group's first album that was promoted as a six-member group. The album was released for pre-order on November 1, and is available in three versions: EXO, X-EXO, and OBSESSION, which was released on December 4.
Background and release
Obsession is the band's sixth Korean studio album and seventh overall. The album features 10 songs including the lead single, "Obsession" It follows the band's most recent studio album repackage Love Shot, released in December 2018. The album is the band's first release without members Xiumin and D.O., who are currently completing mandatory military service. Member Lay only participated in the recording of the Chinese version of obsession.Songs
The title track "Obsession" is described as a hip hop dance song featuring repeating spell-like vocal samples and a prominent heavy beat. The album features 10 tracks in a variety of genres."Trouble" is a dance song that contains various genre elements like trap and reggae. The lyrics are about falling for one deeply and having no exit.
"Jekyll" is a dance pop song with heavy drums, 808 bass along with dynamic vocal composition and transformation. The song's lyrics express an internal conflict with one's alter ego in an impactful way.
"Groove" is a song about lovers sharing affectionate feelings as if they were crossing reality & dream through dancing. The song features strings and flute instrumentation with a rhythmical chorus.
"Ya Ya Ya" is a hip hop dance song with lyrics expressing the belief that love begins in a single moment. The song has heavy 808 bass and an addictive chorus, featuring sampling from SWV's song "You're the One".
"Baby You Are" is a dance pop song with a romantic vibe and elements of folk instrumentation. The lyrics tell a story about the exciting moment of love at first sight.
"Non Stop" is a dance-funk song with lyrics romanticizing the unstoppable love between two people. The song features prominent brass and guitar instrumentation.
Promotion
On November 29, the band held their comeback showcase titled Exo The Stage, where they performed the lead single "Obsession" for the first time.Track listing
Credits adapted from NaverNotes
- "Ya Ya Ya" contains a sample of "You're the One" performed by SWV.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Accolades
| Critic/Publication | List | Works | Rank | |
| Brunch Magazine | The 10 best K-pop albums in 2019 | Obsession | align="center" | |
| Billboard | The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2019 | Obsession | 4 | |
| Billboard | The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2019 | "Obsession" | 1 | |
| MTV | The Best K-pop B-sides of 2019 | "Baby You Are" | 14 | |
| Buzzfeed | 30 Songs That Helped Define K-Pop in 2019 | "Groove" | 18 |
| Year | Organization | Award | Result | |
| 2020 | Gaon Chart Music Awards | Album of the Year – 4th Quarter | ||
| 2020 | Gaon Chart Music Awards | Top Kit Seller of the Year | ||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - |
| 2020 | - | - | - | - |
| 2020 | - | - | - | - |