Immerse in CHEN's Powerhouse Ballads with 'Last Scene'

CHEN's 'Last Scene' is a collection of ballads that seeks healing and happiness through life situations.

By: Adriana Chavez

With honey vocals ready to warm hearts as the nights get colder, EXO’s CHEN is wooing hearts with his latest album Last Scene. As his third solo project, CHEN uses his greatest tool, his soulful voice, to bring fans ballads that are sweet as a cup of hot chocolate.

Setting the scene with the title track of the same name, “Last Scene” is an emotional track about trying to hold on to the last moments of a relationship before it ends. With a blend of string and piano arrangements, the track let’s CHEN’s voice shine. The music video brings the story to life as we see Squid Game’s Park Hae Soo dealing with the emotions of saying goodbye to the one he loves. 

The album continues with the mid-tempo ballad “Photograph.” The song is an ode to CHEN's childhood as he reminisces on his younger days when everything was filled with laughter and playing without a care in the world. Bringing a breezy upbeat sound is “Traveler.” Inspired by R&B and combining an acoustic sound, it's a wishful easy going track that brightens up the mood.  

In the album, CHEN treats fans by penning the track “I Don’t Even Mind.” The cheery guitar track talks about loving someone and allowing each moment to pass regardless of what may happen. But seamlessly telling the next part of this love story is “Reminisce.” As a powerful ballad which builds to a climax, CHEN sings about the memories now left after the relationship came to an end but wish each other the best.

“Your Shelter” ties up the album together bringing back a slower piano melody giving full attention to CHEN’s vocal power which add to the emotional tone of the track. While the album looked at a relationship through its ups and downs, “Your Shelter” seeks to get closure through the pain reminding us that everything will be okay and find our rest. 

Throughout Last Scene the calming texture of CHEN’s voice pairs well with the emotive lyrics that tug at the heartstrings. Ballads are powerful pieces of music that need the right crooner as vocals are at the forefront. CHEN has shown time and time again that he is the ballad king with his singing that flows with the melodies.