Chen Charts a New Musical Course with ‘Arcadia’
EXO’s powerhouse vocalist Chen is entering a new era of storytelling with his fifth mini-album Arcadia, dropping on June 29 at 6 PM KST. The singer just revealed the five-song tracklist—including two songs he co-wrote—promising a heartfelt journey into an imagined utopia.
A Blend of Emotion and Concept
Shared via INB100’s official social media on June 19, the tracklist offers a glimpse into Chen’s evolving artistry. The album features five songs: the title track “Arcadia,” “No Gravity,” “Help Me (Somebody 2 Love),” “In My Life,” and “Deja-Vu.” Notably, Chen took part in writing the lyrics for both “Arcadia” and “Help Me (Somebody 2 Love),” hinting at a more personal touch than ever.
Concept-wise, Arcadia explores a dual narrative. Previously released teaser content introduced two opposing moods—ON and OFF—representing the journey to and arrival in this dreamlike realm. Think of it as EXO meets Alice in Wonderland, but with high notes and deeper emotions.
Tracklist Imagery That Tells a Story
The tracklist image itself doubles as a visual teaser. Instead of a standard list, each song is represented by a directional signpost, evoking a road trip through emotion and dreamscapes. Beneath each title, snippets of lyrics offer poetic breadcrumbs for fans hungry for more.
If the aesthetic is anything to go by, Chen’s new album is all about personal freedom, emotional complexity, and the kind of vocals that make you pause mid-scroll.
What to Expect from the Release
Arcadia isn’t just an album title—it’s a concept. The word traditionally refers to an idyllic paradise, and that metaphor seems fitting for what Chen is crafting—an escape, a dream sequence, maybe even a reset.
With EXO veterans constantly re-inventing themselves, Chen’s solo work continues to stand out for its sincerity and cinematic emotion. And with his voice leading the charge, fans can expect a goosebump-inducing soundtrack to whatever season they’re in.
Ready for Takeoff
The fifth mini-album Arcadia drops on all major music platforms on June 29 at 6 PM KST. Mark your calendars, EXO-Ls—Chen is taking us somewhere we’ve never been before.
