Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Christmas and New Year Special: EXO - Universe vs TWICE - Heart Shaker


Merry Christmas for those of you who celebrated it! How’s your Christmas Eve? Is it fun? Have you make preparation for New Year’s Eve yet? Well whatever your activities are, I hope it turns out well J

Just like you, K-Pop idols also celebrated Christmas and New Year. They do it in a way which showcase their best ability, performing. Some idols put out new music for this occasion. This included EXO and TWICE.

EXO released Universe album with same name title track on Tuesday, December 26th 2017. This is their fourth winter special album. Meanwhile, TWICE is a first timer. The girls released repackage album called Merry & Happy on Monday, 11th December 2017. It has Heart Shaker as title track.

How is EXO and TWICE’s Christmas as well as New Year’s special single sound like? Check out my review here……………………


EXO – Universe


Universe is a melancholic song about the regretful feeling of losing someone. EXO still could not let go of their past lover. They will do anything to get her back even if it means searching in the universe.

Since Universe has sad theme, EXO keeps it consistent by singing in ballad genre. Piano melody takes front step throughout the song. However, EXO tries out something new starting from the first chorus.

EXO adds rock touch through electric guitar and drum sound. The combination of rock-ballad is new thing for EXO and it does not disappoint. Universe becomes more dramatic without being too much.

This mix of rock-ballad music is accompanied by soaring vocal. Each EXO member manages to deliver their line while shows their vocal growth. I am particularly impressed yet surprised with Suho and Xiumin. They get more lines and successfully shine during chorus part.



As for music video, it represents the melancholy tone of Universe song itself. There are many shots that describe EXO loneliness. They wander around with gloomy expression on their face. This theme could be more fitting if EXO use different type of setting, not the limited one like in Universe music video.

Related with theme, warmer colors like brown and cream also dominate Universe music video. It appears on setting, properties, and clothes. The usage of warmer color is quite rare because winter usually described with white color that looks like snow. But, it successfully brings calming feeling in Universe music video.

Warmer color is suitable with symbolism in Universe music video too. It shows various types of coffee and rope. Cup of coffee becomes universe representation. The dark color is similar with galaxy scenery. Meanwhile, disorganized rope might be a symbol of chaos in universe.


Rating:                        4/5


TWICE – Heart Shaker


If EXO expresses gloomy winter with Universe, TWICE does the opposite. Heart Shaker brings out festive theme of Christmas and New Year. It is a high-energy pop song that command attention since the first listen.

Heart Shaker continues TWICE’s signature to present a song with interesting dynamic. It is quirky yet easy to listen. The verses are sharp that full of fast exchanging lines. Meanwhile, the chorus has strong grip. This successfully represents Heart Shaker lyrics about TWICE braveness to confess love to their crush. 

The chorus itself stands out among TWICE title tracks since it relies on the whole melody, not only hooks. It also showcases Nayeon and Jihyo’s powerful vocal although some parts sound too high compare to their vocal range. All of these elements accompanied by electric guitar and drum sound.



The cheerful spirit of Heart Shaker shows on its music video. It is full of bright colors styling and properties in various setting. It’s great to see them mark each property with different color to avoid dullness. TWICE members seem having fun too, which makes them more engaging to watch and increases their stage presence.

Aside from that, Heart Shaker music video manages to show TWICE quirky style. Look how TWICE multiplies on the last scene. Then watch Heart Shaker choreography, which each member gives affection to others. It is bizarre yet fun at the same time.


Rating:                                    4/5


Both EXO and TWICE has release solid music at Christmas and New Year 2018. It is hard to pick the better one since they shine on their own way. Plus, their material has different style too.

Universe fits a cold and quiet winter experience. EXO’s pop-rock ballad with soaring vocal will wrench your heart. On the other hand, TWICE lifts up your Christmas and New Year spirit. Heart Shaker strong dynamic and catchy lyrics suitable for joyful event.


So, which one is your pick?



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