"Don't Fight the Feeling" is a song released by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo on June 7, 2021, as the lead single of their seventh extended play of the same name. The single marked the group's comeback from their two-year hiatus, and the only song to be released as a seven-member group.
Background After the release of Obsession, and embarking on their fifth concert tour in 2019, Exo entered hiatus in the following year and did not release new materials after two of its members, Suho and Chen enlisted for their mandatory military service on May 14, and October 26, respectively. Their previously enlisted members — Xiumin was discharged on December 6, followed by D.O. on January 25, 2021 per the protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, and they resumed their activities with the group not long after.
On April 8, the group uploaded a video in which active members – Xiumin, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, D.O, Kai, and Sehun commemorated their ninth anniversary and revealed that they have been preparing for their next release before the enlistments of Chanyeol and Baekhyun. On May 26, Exo released teaser photo on their Twitter account confirming Lay's participation in the upcoming comeback. This marked his first activity with the group since his last appearance in the Chinese version of "Tempo" in 2018. However, Lay was unable to meet up with his bandmates during the album production due to the pandemic.
The single along with its music video was released alongside the album on June 7.
Composition "Don't Fight the Feeling" is a funky dance-pop song written by Kenzie and produced by The Aristocrats. The lyrics encourage the listeners to believe in themselves and always look for the future when facing difficulty.
Music video The music video revolves around science fiction themes showing the band dancing in what appears to be the deck of an aircraft carrier before it became a vessel heading to space. During an interview with Zach Sang, Lay said his appearance in the music video was made possible due to CGI because he was unable to meet up with his bandmates during the pandemic.
Critical reception
Writing for NME, Natasha Mulenga praised the song's uplifting theme and its catchy retro beats. However, she argued the song lacked attention-grabbing elements, unlike the band's previous releases, "Monster" (2016) and "Obsession".
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes.
Studio SM LVYIN Studio – recording, digital editing Studio 21A – recording doobdoob Studio – recording SM Starlight Studio – digital editing SM Big Shot Studio – engineered for mix SM Concert Hall Studio – mixing 821 Sound – mastering
Personnel
SM Entertainment – executive producer Lee Soo-man – producer Lee Sung-soo – production director, executive supervisor Tak Young-jun – executive supervisor Yoo Young-jin – music and sound supervisor Exo – vocals Kenzie – lyrics Moon Kim – composition Tiyon "TC" Mack – composition, background vocals Chaz Jackson (The Aristocrats) – producer, composition, arrangement Orlando Williamson (The Aristocrats) – producer, composition, arrangement Damon Thomas – composition Mike J – composition Tesung Kim – composition Onestar – vocal directing, background vocals Tone Stith – background vocals Lee Ji-hong – recording, digital editing Z.Y.Lee – recording Jang Woo-young – recording Eugene Kwon – recording Jeong Yoo-ra – digital editing Lee Min-kyu – engineered for mix Nam Koong-jin – mixing Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
Charts + Chart performance for "Don't Fight the Feeling" Chart (2021) Peakposition Japan (Japan Hot 100) 77 South Korea (Gaon) 15 South Korea (Kpop Hot 100) 57 UK Singles Sales (OCC) 52 US World Digital Songs (Billboard) 6
Release history + Release history for "Don't Fight the Feeling" Region Date Format Label South Korea June 7, 2021 Various SM
References