Byun Baekhyun is a South Korean singer, songwriter and actor who is best known as a member of EXO, a successful third-generation K-pop group. Although he made his solo debut in 2019, I will be reviewing his third EP, Bambi, which he released in 2021.
This mini album has a total of six love-themed songs with different styles of R&B. The EP sold more than one million copies within a week of its release and broke his previous record.
The title track, “Bambi,” is a captivating blend of R&B and soulful pop. The lyrics explore themes of love and yearning while also balancing vulnerability and confidence. The jazzy undertones compliment Byun’s vocals nicely, especially his high notes, and create a deep and intimate atmosphere.
The opener, “Love Scene,” evokes a strong sense of longing and connection. And compared to “Bambi,” it’s more of an upbeat song; it has an easy going yet captivating melody and soothing instrumentals which make the song catchy.
It delivers an emotional and elegant feeling for the listener.
The track “All I Got” is more of an emotional ballad. The lyrics speak of devotion and the willingness to give everything to someone. The song especially highlights Byun’s voice and allows it to really shine throughout the song. It has a tender and sincere tone which is a nice contrast to the other passionate tracks on the EP.
“Privacy” has a very late-night feeling to it. It has upbeat instrumentals but still manages to convey a warm and passionate mood. Moving along, “Cry for Love” has a theme of longing, sorrow and heartache; the song builds in intensity as Byun’s vocal delivery ranges from delicate to impassioned. And don’t forget the mixture of instrumentals – soft strings, piano and some subtle percussion – that add to the emotional weight of the song.
And lastly, “Amusement Park,” one of the lighter tracks on this EP, makes it a great way to finish this album. Having a breezier and more playful vibe, the song features a simple yet cheerful melody. It has a refreshing change of pace compared to the other more serious and emotional tracks and brings a sense of balance to this EP.
The title track has an official music video that, in my opinion, is minimal yet impactful. It nicely compliments the passionate and romantic tone of the song. In the video, Byun offers a dreamlike setting along with delicate visuals and creates a dreamy atmosphere which matches the tone of the song perfectly. The choreography is precise and elegant and focuses more on Byun’s expressions than complex movements.
Overall, I give this EP 8.5 out of 10 stars. It greatly demonstrates Byun’s growth as an artist, and the EP is cohesive yet diverse as he showcases his ability to blend genres from passionate R&B to emotional ballads. Each track offers a unique charm that allows the listener to enjoy the album. If you are drawn to R&B or emotional ballads, this EP is definitely for you.
