Don't Fight the Feeling
{{Short description|2021 EP by Exo}}
{{for|the album by Rappin' 4-Tay|Don't Fight the Feelin'}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Don't Fight the Feeling
| type = ep
| cover = Exo - Don't Fight the Feeling.png
| alt =
| caption = Digital cover
| artist = Exo
| released = {{start date|2021|06|07}}
| recorded = 2021
| studio =
- 21A (Beijing)
- Doobdoob (Seoul)
- Dream Factory (Seoul)
- SM Big Shot (Seoul)
- SM LVYIN (Seoul)
- SM SSAM (Seoul)
- SM Yellow Tail (Seoul)
- Sound Pool (Seoul)
| genre =
| length = 17:09
| language = Korean
| label =
| producer =
- Lee Soo-man
- Tha Aristocrats
- Brandon Arreaga
- Skylar Mones
- Andreas Öberg
- Rice n' Peas
- Vendors
| prev_title = Exo Planet #5 – Exploration
| prev_year = 2020
| next_title = Exist
| next_year = 2023
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Don't Fight the Feeling
| type = ep
| single1 = Don't Fight the Feeling
| single1date = June 7, 2021
}}
}}
Don't Fight the Feeling is the seventh EP by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo. It was released by SM Entertainment on June 7, 2021, and marketed as a "special album" and a gift for fans.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/exo-dont-fight-the-feeling-release-date-music-video-2937961|title=EXO announce new special album 'Don't Fight The Feeling'|work=NME|last=Abanes|first=Mariel|date=May 11, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215703/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/exo-dont-fight-the-feeling-release-date-music-video-2937961|url-status=live}} The album marks the group's first new material since their 2019 studio album Obsession, and features the return of members Xiumin, Lay, and D.O. since Don't Mess Up My Tempo (2018). Don't Fight the Feeling topped the Gaon Album Chart and has sold over one million copies, the sixth among Exo's albums to have reached this milestone.
Background and release
In mid-2020, two Exo members–Chen and Suho–went on hiatus to enlist for their mandatory military service.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001218285|title='엑소 의리 최고' 첸, 멤버들 배웅 속 현역 입대(Ft.수호 휴가) [★해시태그]|trans-title=EXO's Chen enlists in active duty and sent off by members|website=XSports News|via=Naver|language=ko|date=October 26, 2020|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103104334/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0001218285|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.busan.com/view/busan/view.php?code=2020051409305850850|title=수호 입대, 엑소 3번째 군복무…"엑소엘 사랑해"|trans-title=Suho becomes third EXO member to enlist, "I Love You, EXO-Ls"|website=Busan Ilbo|last=Kim|first=Eunji|language=ko|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215221/http://www.busan.com/view/busan/view.php?code=2020051409305850850|url-status=live}} A few months later, two previously enlisted members–Xiumin and D.O.–who had been inactive since the group's fifth studio album Don't Mess Up My Tempo (2018), were discharged and resumed activities with the group.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20201123133627310|title=엑소 시우민, 말년 휴가 중 12월 6일 미복귀 전역..코로나19 여파 [공식입장]|trans-title=EXO's Xiumin is on final holiday due to COVID-19 protocols; will return on December 6th|website=XSports News|via=Daum|last=Choi|first=Heejae|language=ko|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123044002/https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20201123133627310|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/01/732_303007.html|title=EXO's D.O. discharged from military service|website=The Korea Times|via=Hankook Ilbo|last=Lee|first=Gyu-Lee|date=January 25, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125145324/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/01/732_303007.html|url-status=live}} On April 8, 2021, nine years since Exo's debut date, the group uploaded a video in which active members–Xiumin, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, D.O., Kai, and Sehun–commemorated the anniversary and revealed that they have been preparing for their next release.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210408001140|title=EXO to release album to mark 9th anniversary|website=The Korea Herald|last=Hwang|first=You-mee|date=April 8, 2021|access-date=June 17, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415134912/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210408001140|url-status=live}}
On May 10, Exo announced the release of a "special album" titled Don't Fight the Feeling. Beginning on May 24, futuristic promotional images and videos for the EP were gradually released.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210524000942|title=EXO floats teasers for special album|website=The Korea Herald|last=Hwang|first=You-mee|date=May 24, 2021|access-date=June 17, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195628/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210524000942|url-status=live}} On May 26, Lay, who had also been inactive since Don't Mess Up My Tempo, was announced to have participated on the project.{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/exo-next-comeback-will-include-member-lay-zhang|title=EXO's Next Comeback Will Include Member Lay Zhang|work=Teen Vogue|last=Mulenga|first=Natasha|date=May 26, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526172251/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/exo-next-comeback-will-include-member-lay-zhang|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/789072/lay-zhang-appears-in-exo-s-teaser-photo-for-don-t-fight-the-feeling-comeback/story/|title=Lay Zhang appears in EXO's teaser photo for 'Don't Fight the Feeling' comeback|publisher=GMA Network|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213200/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/789072/lay-zhang-appears-in-exo-s-teaser-photo-for-don-t-fight-the-feeling-comeback/story/|url-status=live}} Lay did not meet up with the members at any point working on the album as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E78TeGaPwgY|title=Lay Zhang on Reuniting with EXO|website=YouTube|date=November 30, 2022|access-date=December 8, 2022|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201142630/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E78TeGaPwgY&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}} On June 7, Don't Fight the Feeling and the music video for the title track were released simultaneously.
Don't Fight the Feeling contains five tracks including the title track, which was described as a dance song with a "cheerful rhythm".Exo Lysn app post (May 24, 2021). Retrieved May 31, 2021. Physically, the EP was released in four editions, including two photobook editions, a jewel case edition, and an Expansion edition. The Expansion edition itself has six versions, each featuring one of the participating members–minus Lay–on the cover.{{cite web|url=https://tower.jp/article/feature_item/2021/05/11/0112|script-title=ja:EXO{{!}}韓国スペシャルアルバム『DON'T FIGHT THE FEELING』|trans-title=EXO {{!}} Korean Special Album 'DON'T FIGHT THE FEELING'|publisher=Tower Records Japan|language=ja|date=May 11, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214450/https://tower.jp/article/feature_item/2021/05/11/0112|url-status=live}}
Commercial performance
Prior to its release, Don't Fight the Feeling received 1.2 million pre-orders within a 27-day period, breaking Exo's previous personal record of 1.1 million with Don't Mess Up My Tempo (2018).{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210607000989|title=EXO's special album sells 1 million in preorders|website=The Korea Herald|last=Hwang|first=You-mee|date=June 7, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2021|archive-date=June 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607101512/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210607000989|url-status=live}} On June 14, eight days after being released, the album was announced to have sold over one million copies, surpassing Don't Mess Up My Tempo–which took ten days to do so–to become Exo's fastest-selling album.{{cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210614000848|title=EXO adds another million-seller with latest album|website=Yonhap News Agency|via=The Korea Herald|date=June 14, 2021|access-date=June 17, 2021|archive-date=June 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617072655/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210614000848|url-status=live}} This is the group's sixth album to have crossed the one million sales mark.
Don't Fight the Feeling debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart. In Japan, it peaked at number three on the Oricon Albums Chart, and at number six on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart. In the US, the album debuted at number eight on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Don't Fight the Feeling track listing
| extra_column = Arrangement
| total_length = 17:09
| title1 = Don't Fight the Feeling
| lyrics1 = Kenzie
| music1 = {{hlist|Mike Jiminez|Damon Thomas|Tesung Kim (Iconic Sound)|Tha Aristocrats|Tiyon "TC" Mack|Moon Kim}}
| extra1 = Tha Aristocrats
| length1 = 2:56
| title2 = Paradise
| note2 = {{Korean|hangul=파라다이스|rr=Paradaiseu}}
| lyrics2 = {{hlist|Brandon Arreaga|Edwin Honoret|Jake Torrey|Michael Matosic}}
| music2 = {{hlist|Brandon Arreaga|Edwin Honoret|Jake Torrey|Michael Matosic}}
| extra2 = Brandon Arreaga
| length2 = 3:37
| title3 = No Matter
| note3 = {{Korean|hangul=훅!|rr=Huk!}}
| lyrics3 = Mok Ji-min (lalala Studio)
| music3 = {{hlist|Skylar Mones|Andreas Öberg|Patrick Hartman}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|Skylar Mones|Andreas Öberg}}
| length3 = 3:42
| title4 = Runaway
| lyrics4 = Seo Ji-eum
| music4 = {{hlist|Kevin White (Rice n' Peas)|Mike Woods (Rice n' Peas)|Andrew Bazzi (Rice n' Peas)}}
| extra4 = Rice n' Peas
| length4 = 3:27
| title5 = Just as Usual
| note5 = {{Korean|hangul=지켜줄게|rr=Jikyeojulge|lit=I'll Protect You}}
| lyrics5 = Thama (Devine Channel)
| music5 = {{hlist|San (Vendors)|Fascinador (Vendors)|Zenur (Vendors)|Shaquille Rayes}}
| extra5 = Vendors
| length5 = 3:27
}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications and sales
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Don't Fight the Feeling}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=China|type=album|nocert=yes|artist=Exo|title=Don't Fight the Feeling|relyear=2021|access-date=July 15, 2022|salesamount=503,481|salesref={{Cite web|url=http://y.saoju.net/szzj/album/595/|title=Don't Fight the Feeling - Special Album|access-date=January 21, 2022|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609174238/http://y.saoju.net/szzj/album/595/|url-status=live}}}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=album|nocert=yes|artist=Exo|title=Don't Fight the Feeling|relyear=2021|access-date=July 15, 2022|salesamount=49,184|salesref={{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2021-06-21/|title=Weekly album ranking — June 21, 2021 |publisher=Oricon|language=ja |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616022402/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2021-06-21/|url-status=live}}
- {{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2021-06-28/ |title=Don't Fight the Feeling |work=Oricon Chart |date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=2021-06-23 |archive-date=2021-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623022110/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2021-06-28/ |url-status=live }}
- {{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2021-07-05/ |title=Don't Fight the Feeling |work=Oricon Chart |date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=2021-07-14 |archive-date=2021-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701005141/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2021-07-05/|url-status=live}}}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|type=album|award=Million|artist=Exo|title=Don't Fight the Feeling|relyear=2021|access-date=August 12, 2021|salesamount=1,326,189|salesref={{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=08&hitYear=2021&termGbn=month|title=2021년 08월 Album Chart|access-date=September 12, 2021|archive-date=September 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909022520/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=08&hitYear=2021&termGbn=month|url-status=live}}}}
{{End}}
=Critical reception=
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = NME
| rev1score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/exo-dont-fight-the-feeling-review-2968844|title=EXO – 'Don't Fight The Feeling' review: a seamless transition into the next phase of the boyband's journey|work=NME|last=Mulenga|first=Natasha|date=June 14, 2021|access-date=June 16, 2021|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614100849/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/exo-dont-fight-the-feeling-review-2968844|url-status=live}}
| noprose = yes
}}
Accolades
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Accolades for "Don't Fight the Feeling" ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Program ! scope="col"| Date |
| scope="row"| "Don't Fight the Feeling"
| Music Bank (KBS) | June 18, 2021 |
|---|
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release history and formats for Don't Fight the Feeling ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format ! scope="col"| Label |
| scope="row"| South Korea
| rowspan="2"| June 7, 2021 | {{hlist|CD|digital download|streaming}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| Various
| {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |
| October 25, 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.ktown4u.com/iteminfo?goods_no=59762| title=EXO - Special Album [DON'T FIGHT THE FEELING] (LP Ver.) (Limited Edition)| website=ktown4u.com| access-date=July 5, 2021| archive-date=July 9, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185143/https://www.ktown4u.com/iteminfo?goods_no=59762| url-status=live}}
| LP{{cite tweet|user=smglobalshop|number=1409544610200752131|title=EXO Special Album 'DON'T FIGHT THE FEELING' LP Ver.|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=July 5, 2021}} |