What a Life | ||||
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EP by | ||||
Released | July 22, 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2019 | |||
Studio |
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Genre | ||||
Length | 20:08 | |||
Language | Korean | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
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Exo-SC chronology | ||||
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Singles from What a Life | ||||
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What a Life is the debut extended play by South Korean hip hop duo Exo-SC, the second official sub-unit of the South Korean–Chinese boy group Exo. It was released on July 22, 2019 by SM Entertainment. The EP features six tracks, including three singles.[1][2]
On June 5, 2019, it was revealed that Chanyeol and Sehun would be debuting as Exo's second sub-unit and were preparing to release an album in July.[3] On June 28, the EP's title and number of songs were revealed.[4] On July 9, an instrumental teaser of one of the singles was released by W Korea following the duo's photo shoot for the magazine.[5] On July 11, the album details were released on Exo's social media accounts.[6] On July 12, it was revealed that the EP will feature three singles,[7] and that it was produced by Dynamic Duo's Gaeko and Devine Channel.[8] On July 15, it was revealed that the duo participated in writing and producing the album, and that the message of the EP is for youth.[9] On July 17, three videos of the duo with Gaeko and Divine Channel were released where they talked about the making of the album.[10][11][12] On the same day, a teaser of the music videos for the three singles was released.[13] On July 20, a highlight medley video for the album was released,[14] On the same day, the music video for "Just us 2" was released prior to the album's release.[15] On July 22, the official music video for "What a Life" was released.[16] On July 25, a video of Sehun and Chanyeol shooting What a Life was released.[17] On July 26, the official music video for "Closer to You" was released.[18] On July 29, a jacket making video of the duo was released.[19]
"What a Life" is described as a hip hop track with a "unique" plucking sound and lyrics containing a message of both working and playing happily.[20]
"Just Us 2" is a hip hop song featuring piano instrumentation, soft synthesizers and a melodious chorus, with lyrics about vacationing in a hot summer spot. The track features rapper Gaeko and was composed by the South Korean artist Gray. The lyrics of the song were written by Boi B, Chanyeol and Sehun.[21]
"Closer to You" is a hip hop R&B song with romantic sensibility. It features an emotional melody and a "highly addictive" chorus, with lyrics expressing the desire to be closer to a person. Chanyeol and Sehun participated in writing the lyrics with hip hop group Rhythm Power member Hangzoo.[22]
Exo-SC performed "What a Life" and "Closer to You" for the first time on Exo's 5th concert Exo Planet 5 – Exploration on July 19, and will continue to do so for all the concerts in the tour.[23]
Exo-SC held a press showcase event on July 22 at MUV Hall in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.[24][25] On the same day, they held a showcase for the fans with Gaeko where they talked about the album, the process of making it and performed "What a Life", "Just Us 2" and "Closer to You".[26]
On July 25, Exo-SC held a live stream show on the Chinese website Sina Weibo, where they recorded 2.11M concurrent viewers, becoming the first Korean artists to do so.[27]
They received their first-ever music show win since debut on August 2, 2019 on KBS's Music Bank.[28] On August 8, Exo-SC held a promotion event in Gwangjang-dong.[29]
Sales of What a Life on QQ Music exceeded 1M yuan, and it received a Platinum record certification.[30]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
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1. | "What a Life" |
| Devine Channel | 3:23 | |
2. | "Just Us 2" (Korean: 있어 희미하게; RR: Iss-eo Huimihage; lit. Got faintly) (featuring Gaeko) |
|
| Grayground | 3:18 |
3. | "Closer to You" (Korean: 부르면 돼; RR: Buleumyeon Dwae; lit. Call it) |
|
| Devine Channel | 3:07 |
4. | "Borderline" (Korean: 선; RR: seon) |
| Devine Channel | 2:39 | |
5. | "Roller Coaster" (Korean: 롤러코스터; RR: Rolleokoseuteo) |
|
| Studio 519 | 3:10 |
6. | "Daydreamin'" (夢; mèng) |
|
| Studio 519 | 4:31 |
Total length: | 20:08 |
Chart (2019) | Peak position |
---|---|
French Digital Albums (SNEP)[31] | 29 |
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[32] | 19 |
Japan Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[33] | 26 |
Polish Albums (ZPAV)[34] | 43 |
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[35] | 1 |
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[36] | 78 |
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[37] | 32 |
US Top Heatseekers (Billboard)[38] | 10 |
US World Albums (Billboard)[39] | 8 |
Chart (2019) | Position |
---|---|
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[40] | 12 |
Year | Organization | Award | Nominated work | Result | Ref |
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2020 | Golden Disc Awards | Disc Bonsang | What a Life | Won | [41] |
Disc Daesang | Nominated |
Song | Program | Date | Ref. |
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"What a Life" | Music Bank | August 2, 2019 | [42][43] |
Region | Sales |
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South Korea[44] | 419,103 |
Japan[45] | 5,436 |
United States[46] | 1,000 |
Region | Date | Format | Label |
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South Korea | July 22, 2019 | ||
Various | SM |
Studio albums | |
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Extended plays | |
Singles | |
Related articles | |