EXO's (OT9) Singing and Rap Voice Discussion

[Wallalah]

Hey guys, as a big fan of EXO's music, aswell as an avid singer and composer, I'd like to create this thread for people who are interested in EXO's members' voices. Feel free to contribute your opinions and facts regarding their voices here, like which members' voice you like the most, what you'd like for them to do, blablabla etc...

 

I'd like to start off by listing the voice type and vocal range (if known, if not, I'll put one or two low and high notes heard from them) of these dudes, in descending order of how MASCULINE and MATURE they sound to me:

 

(?) indicates they might go a little bit higher or lower

 

Chanyeol: Baritone: E2 (?)-

Lowest note: Artificial Love: 0:41

High note e.c.:

- C5: Hurt (ft. EXO-K): 2:27

 

Baekhyun: Tenor: F#2-C#6

Lowest note: EXO Showtime Ep. 9: Low note battle

Highest note: Weekly Idol 2013: High note battle

 

D.O.: Tenor (Lower end): C2-G#5

Lowest note: EXO Showtime Ep. 9: Low note battle

Highest note: Call Me Baby: 2:59

 

Xiumin: Tenor: ???-C#6 (?)

Low note e.c.:

- D3: Lotto :1:30

Highest note: Weekly Idol 2013: High note battle

 

Suho: Tenor: E2-???

Lowest note: EXO Showtime Ep. 9: Low note battle

High note e.c.:

- C5: Monster: 2:13

 

Chen: Tenor: E2-Bb5

Lowest note: EXO Showtime Ep. 9: Low note battle

Highest note: Weekly Idol 2013: High note battle

 

Kai: Baritone (Higher end): F2 (?)-???

Lowest note: Call Me Baby: 0:11

High note e.c.:

- D5: Call Me Baby: 2:15

 

Sehun: Baritone: ???-???

Low note e.c.:

- F#2: Artificial Love: 1:42

High note e.c.:

- ??? (Not high enough notes)

 

Lay: Tenor: ???-???

Low note e.c.:

- C3: Monodrama: 0:27

High note e.c.:

- D5 Monodrama: 3:43

 

Added bonus: technique ranking, OT12

Haven't heard much from Kris and Tao but...

1. Chen

2. Baekhyun (has gotten better than Kyungsoo lately, before he was worse)

3. D.O.

4. Xiumin

5. Chanyeol

6. Luhan (from him downwards, no one seems to try to support)

7. Suho

8. Lay (Luhan, Suho and he are very close in that their support is so-so, so consider them equal, I don't know who's better or weaker really)

9. Tao (throaty)

10. Kris (poor pitch)

11. Kai (better pitch than Kris but he screams instead of singing, he's smart though, knowing what notes he can't reach live)

12. Sehun (haven't heard him out of his comfort zone very much, deducing that he might have the most underdeveloped technique)

 

NOW ONTO THE DISCUSSION PART: :D

 

Well first of all I think that EXO is in a general a well balanced group in terms of singing, even though one member doesn't seem to exhibit any proper knowledge of singing (I'm talking about you Sehunnie), even the worst singer (Kai) knows how to reach high notes with precision (compared to people in general of course).

 

I think that the vocal colors of the group is also well varied, from very dark (Baekhyun, D.O.) to very bright (Lay, Suho). Not too much difference in terms of weight though, Kai and Chanie are quite light for Baritones.

 

My personal description for the timbres (Going to involve of course some synesthesia in this LOL) :

 

Chanyeol: Warm, smooth and slightly creamy. Not too heavy, lighter than Kai's (Yes lol)

 

Baekhyun: Dark, sinister, punchy and powerful, sometimes, he can be very breathy in his mix but this is a technical aspect

 

D.O.: Smooth, dark, heavy for a Tenor, earthy (LOL)

 

Xiumin: Whiny, breathy, old man sounding but at the same time leaning towards the boyish a little bit, soft, basically he sounds like a younger Yesung. Inseong from SF9 sounds like them both. Though he's my bias, I'm sad to say that his voice doesn't really appeal to me that much. If anything, he can improve his technique and that might reveal the true colour of his voice

 

Suho: Clear, bright, metallic but not cold, light, prince-like type of dude voice

 

Chen: Clear, light, metallic, not much to say since he's one of the voices I like the least

 

Kai: Heaviest of the group along with Sehun. Blueish in colour, bright, still youthful and may be confused as a Tenor for some people. Fun fact: His "binnaneun geotdereun manna" in Call Me Baby was also actually sung with Sehun, who sung the same notes but one octave lower (wear your headphones and you'll see). Xiumin, Suho, Lay and Tao's lines in the chorus didn't have that lower harmony.

 

Sehun: Sounds very warm and round, slightly dark. He hasn't been able to show his true tone yet due to his lack of skills in singing. He sounds very whiny for some reason, as if he was always doing a nasal sound (a fake one)

 

Lay: Sounds cold as hell but also yellowish in colour. Boyish, he sounds like an adolescent boy and has always sounded like the youngest member in EXO for me LOL

 

 

One of my opinions is that Xiumin should actually become the Main Rapper of EXO, whilst Chanyeol is the Lead Vocalist and sub-rapper. Here's why :

 

So like I've said, Xiumin's tone really isn't anything particularly original sounding. Yes, he sounds like Yesung, but he also sounds like Baekhyun beacuse they seem to be a little bit airy sometimes. He has probably the highest range in EXO though.

As for Chanie, his voice is a very masculine Baritone that contrasts heavily with all of the other members. He also can reach decently high notes in falsetto.

 

Now let's talk about the lines of Xiumin and Chan that we usually hear in EXO songs:

Xiumin: mid to high range nearly always, never go too low but they usually stay in the beginning of the 4th octave. If they're high, they're mostly falsettos. Chanyeol can do these easily.

Chanyeol: Rap lines that are in general mid to low. Mostly mid. Xiumin can do these easily if mid

 

That being said, let's return to the voices:

I think I'm quite tired of hearing always the stereotypical deep voiced guys rapping whilst the higher voices sing. All of us may have heard Xiumin rapped before in EXO songs and may find his rap very different from Chanyeol's in that they are higher and of course, the tone differs.

I think it'd be cooler if Chanyeol gets to be the Lead Vocalist since he's a very distinctive Baritone, whilst Xiumin does the rap, which should be high, in order to contrast with Sehun's obviously lower rap.

Of course, sometimes, most of us prefer the Hip-Hop colour in the rap, which Channie possesses more, but I am curious as to how it might turn out.

 

It might turn out to be like iKON and WINNER's lead singers, which are one Baritone and on Tenor, and PENTAGON's rappers: One high tone rapper (E'Dawn), mid tone (Wooseok) and low tone (Yuto).

 

 

WOO ! That was a long essay ! Thank you guys if you ever took your time to waste it on this message LOL ! Feel free to add your ideas !

[cheolbong supremacy]

I AGREE that Chanyeol should have been a vocalist. The fact that we've been deprived of his singing for so many years is truly a tragedy That baritone smooth, deep and rich tone that he has would have been heavenly as a lead vocalist. 

[taniavy]

whats wrong if your voice sound nasal ? blackpink rosè and jessica voice they both are nasal

[Interativa]

whats wrong if your voice sound nasal ? blackpink rosè and jessica voice they both are nasal

 

Because it's annoying and also is a sign of bad poor vocal technique and obviously can damage their voices/vocal chords.

[Kalypso]

 I love Suho's voice, not too powerful, but soft enough to have an impact. It's like a feather, I'm always trying to notice his parts in songs.

[HYUNNlE]

I don't really have a preference in rap but I do agree than chanyeol should have more singing lines, or be promoted as vocalist more. 

 

Aside from chenbaeksoo, my favorite tones in the group are suho and chanyeol's. I hope they get more lines because their voices are beautiful. 

[Channie Tatum]

I don't know enough about technique but I agree Chanyeol should've learned singing instead of rapping

He did mention that he was inspired to be a SINGER but idk why he trained as a rapper

[VItae]

 

Kai: Heaviest of the group along with Sehun. Blueish in colour, bright, still youthful and may be confused as a Tenor for some people. Fun fact: His "binnaneun geotdereun manna" in Call Me Baby was also actually sung with Sehun, who sung the same notes but one octave lower (wear your headphones and you'll see). Xiumin, Suho, Lay and Tao's lines in the chorus didn't have that lower harmony.

 

 

 

Lurking sehun always makes me smile. He does it a lot. Even in for life I didnt realise he was right three until I put my headphones on.

 

Love the colours. I kind of agree.

 

There's a good bit of darker voices and light feathery voices in there to cover the usual genres and styles they go for.

[NickyGolightly]

I don't know enough about technique but I agree Chanyeol should've learned singing instead of rapping

He did mention that he was inspired to be a SINGER but idk why he trained as a rapper

True he said he wanted to be in a band, which hes voice would have been perfect for 

 

but I can also see how much he loves rapping/Hiphop so i don't think

it's a problem that he became the rapper of the group

He gets chances to showcase both sides

[Lexi.K]

Chanyeol should only sing from now on tbh.

 

Give the rap lines to Kai and Sehun instead damnit SM.

[Wallalah]

Lurking sehun always makes me smile. He does it a lot. Even in for life I didnt realise he was right three until I put my headphones on.

Love the colours. I kind of agree.

There's a good bit of darker voices and light feathery voices in there to cover the usual genres and styles they go for.

Yeah it took me some time to realise why I love to listen to EXO's sings so much is that not only they sing mostly a fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop nowadays (I don't like some of XOXO's too poppy and rock sound), which is my cup of tea, but their vocal palette is also EXTREMELY VARIED in terms of colour. Each voice is pretty much a different hue, a different age, accent, which renders their songs VERY interesting to listen to as the colours keep changing

[Wallalah]

Chanyeol should only sing from now on tbh.

 

Give the rap lines to Kai and Sehun instead damnit SM.

God damn, I absolutely love it when Kai sings, but he maales me cringe so much when through the studio version, I can hear his throaty and straineous singing. His voice in the slower, softer, lower songs like Sing For You and For Life are JUST WONDERFUL to my ears, they warm my ears LOL

[Wallalah]

I love Suho's voice, not too powerful, but soft enough to have an impact. It's like a feather, I'm always trying to notice his parts in songs.

YES! I've always thought of his voice as a white feather jf it were to be visually represented!

[Posy‪ℓuv]

Exo have by far the strongest vocal line out of all active male Kpop groups since super junior

 

You may have a preference for others voices but that is just a fact

 

I love each of the boys tones and enjoy each of their singing performances, I'm always so proud of them!

[Wallalah]

Exo have by far the strongest vocal line out of all active male Kpop groups since super junior

You may have a preference for others voices but that is just a fact

I love each of the boys tones and enjoy each of their singing performances, I'm always so proud of them!

Ehh.... no, not really, according to Ahmin from Kpopvocalanalysis, Bacon and Soo still have a long way to go compared to Chen, Ryeowook and Kyu. Yesung is weaker than Baek and D.O. though.

[Wallalah]

Oh sorry SINCE SuJu, I thought it was better than SJ for a sec XD

[VItae]

Yeah it took me some time to realise why I love to listen to EXO's sings so much is that not only they sing mostly a fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop nowadays (I don't like some of XOXO's too poppy and rock sound), which is my cup of tea, but their vocal palette is also EXTREMELY VARIED in terms of colour. Each voice is pretty much a different hue, a different age, accent, which renders their songs VERY interesting to listen to as the colours keep changing

I really want them to do another MAMA like song though. I loved that. Especially the exo's vocal line can do magic with that kind of songs.

I'm not a hip hop fan but what I love about chanyeol is the varitety he could cover. Acoustics are perfect for him and kyungsoo. That softer raspynes. But I like how his voice/the tone doesn't interrupt the songs flow in rap breaks. Rap breaks aren't my favourite thing.... doesn't matter how skilled the rapper is when that forced tone is breaking through the song... I don't know how to explain it.. but they usually lose my interest. Chanyeol has his moment too but most of the time, he does a good job fitting the song. Maybe it's something to do with the song, some time force rap work.. but most of the time it doesn't. I'm no expert.

 

I adore Chen's voice though. Exo vocal line is pretty special

[Ddeona Oneul Bame]

Xiumin and Lay should rap more, TBH~ 

 

[âž·MiNa]

Couldn't agree more. 

Like whether unconsciously or not I always notice Chanyeol's voice whenever he gets a chance to sing, his voice has a 'mature' sounding; it's very deep, rich yet mellow & creamy at the same time it has that distinctive timbre that makes it stand out so much in Exo's songs.  

I absolutely adore that kind of voices definitely my favorite in terms of vocal tones along with kyungsoo. I would like if he trains his voice a little more and try to work on his technique, I'm sure he would do wonders. 

 

When it comes to rapping Chanyeol sounds his best in slower softer songs imo. 

 

 

Chanyeol should only sing from now on tbh.

 

Give the rap lines to Kai and Sehun instead damnit SM.

 

Kai is not good at rapping though.

I don't think Sehun can handle rapping alone so far I've only heard him rap in the same range, not so much of diversity.

Anyway voice preferences are highly subjective, you're prone to you're opinion.

[prince of peace]

EXO has one of the strongest vocal lines. Each one has their own style which I enjoy a lot. Isn't Baekhyun's high note in El Dorado higher than his weekly idol one?

 

Suho: Clear, bright, metallic but not cold, light, prince-like type of dude voice

LMAO That's Suho.

[Posy‪ℓuv]

Ehh.... no, not really, according to Ahmin from Kpopvocalanalysis, Bacon and Soo still have a long way to go compared to Chen, Ryeowook and Kyu. Yesung is weaker than Baek and D.O. though.

I didn't mean they were better, I should have clarified I mean they're the best since super junior (also super junior are kinda inactive right now) you can't deny KRY

[Wallalah]

EXO has one of the strongest vocal lines. Each one has their own style which I enjoy a lot. Isn't Baekhyun's high note in El Dorado higher than his weekly idol one? Suho: Clear, bright, metallic but not cold, light, prince-like type of dude voice

LMAO That's Suho.

 

Yeah nah.... that was a F5, 4 notes away from his highest note, C#6. LOL I think everybody agrees on that for Suho's voice

Xiumin and Lay should rap more, TBH~ 

 

Yeah I think some people wouldn't like to hear Lay's childish voice spitting mad flame though hahah

I really want them to do another MAMA like song though. I loved that. Especially the exo's vocal line can do magic with that kind of songs.

I'm not a hip hop fan but what I love about chanyeol is the varitety he could cover. Acoustics are perfect for him and kyungsoo. That softer raspynes. But I like how his voice/the tone doesn't interrupt the songs flow in rap breaks. Rap breaks aren't my favourite thing.... doesn't matter how skilled the rapper is when that forced tone is breaking through the song... I don't know how to explain it.. but they usually lose my interest. Chanyeol has his moment too but most of the time, he does a good job fitting the song. Maybe it's something to do with the song, some time force rap work.. but most of the time it doesn't. I'm no expert.

I adore Chen's voice though. Exo vocal line is pretty special

Hahah, though I like Hip-Hop, I prefer sung vocals most of the time.

I've always thought of El Dorado as another attempt at Baroque Pop like MAMA, I think that song sounded well produced but really it wasn't my cup of tea. Still a stand out in the album thanks to its epic atmosphere though.

Yes Chanyeol + Acoustic Guitar and SooSoo voice = Heaven to my ears. We need a ChanSoo sub-unit now LOL

[Wallalah]

I didn't mean they were better, I should have clarified I mean they're the best since super junior (also super junior are kinda inactive right now) you can't deny KRY

I really love the songs on their latest album though :( Magic, Forever With You, Simply Beautiful and Love At First Sight basically sum up December 2015 filled with Dengue Fever and unrequited love for me... Ahh... such nostalgia, and let's not forget Chris Brown's mixtape Before The Party XD

[kyungsooloveuse]

Since exodus I say that chanyeol should sing more!!!! The line distribution is a mess rn!

[vocalistjongin]

i think that all of the boys have talent vocally and in rap skills in some way (ok well minseok, chanyeol, sehun, and jongin for rap + vocals), i personally think jongin could be in the vocal line if they'd give him more lines (they gave him a lot in twenty four so im praying he doesnt go back to one-two lines a song). and his rapping isnt bad at all either. his voice isnt powerful but its smooth and relaxing and different compared the others in my opinion lmao hes gotten better and better w every album (even tho hes been good since 2013 when they gave him some for real singing lines in xoxo album) i hope he gets more chances to show how good he is