EXO Songs to Listen to Ahead of EXhOrizon in Manila

The wait is almost over for Filipino EXO-Ls as EXO prepares to return to Manila for EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon.

Set for July 4 and 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the two-night concert marks the group’s first full-group Manila show in seven years. Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun will take the stage with a setlist that spans different parts of EXO’s career.

For fans reviewing the lyrics and newer listeners catching up on the group’s music, here are 10 EXO songs to add to the playlist before EXhOrizon in Manila.

“MAMA”

It makes sense to begin with EXO’s debut song.

Released in 2012, “MAMA” introduced the group through strong vocals, orchestral elements and a dramatic concept. The song established the style of EXO’s early years and remains closely tied to the group’s beginnings.

Listening to it now offers a reminder of how far EXO has come since its debut.

“Growl”

“Growl” became one of EXO’s defining songs after its release in 2013.

Its simple beat, memorable choreography and one-take performance video helped bring the group to a wider audience. More than a decade later, the opening notes still get an immediate response from fans.

It is also one of the easiest songs for the crowd to sing along to during a concert.

“Overdose”

Released in 2014, “Overdose” continued the darker style heard in EXO’s earlier releases.

The song is driven by a sharp beat and tightly arranged choreography. It also comes from a period when EXO was building a stronger identity through its concepts and performances.

For longtime fans, “Overdose” brings back one of the group’s most recognizable eras.

“CALL ME BABY”

“CALL ME BABY” marked another shift in EXO’s sound when it was released in 2015.

The song carries a brighter tone than some of the tracks that came before it. Its chorus and choreography made it a regular part of the group’s live performances.

It remains one of the songs that best captures EXO’s confident pop sound.

“Love Shot”

Released in 2018, “Love Shot” shows a more controlled side of EXO’s performance style.

The song relies on a simple instrumental and a chorus built around the members’ delivery. Its choreography also became one of the group’s most familiar routines.

For many newer listeners, “Love Shot” was one of the songs that introduced them to EXO.

“Crown”

A playlist for EXhOrizon should also include music from EXO’s current era.

“Crown” serves as the title track of REVERXE, the group’s eighth studio album. The album also includes songs such as “Back It Up,” “Crazy,” “Moonlight Shadows,” “Back Pocket” and “Flatline.”

Adding “Crown” shows that EXhOrizon is not only about revisiting EXO’s past. The tour also gives fans the chance to hear the group’s newer music in a live setting.

After seven years without a full-group EXO concert in Manila, Filipino EXO-Ls will soon hear songs from across these eras inside the arena. It is time to review the lyrics, prepare the light sticks and get ready for EXhOrizon.