EXO’s eighth full length album ‘REVERXE’, released on January 19, is drawing strong acclaim from international media, with multiple outlets naming it among the most anticipated and accomplished K-pop albums of 2026.
According to SM Entertainment on January 26, major overseas publications including Forbes, NME, and CLASH have spotlighted the album for its scale, cohesion, and artistic confidence marking EXO’s return as a full fledged “album driven act.”
“An Album Artist Through and Through”
U.S. business and culture outlet Forbes described REVERXE as “one of the most anticipated K-pop comebacks of 2026,” while UK-based music magazine NME selected it as one of the year’s most anticipated album releases overall.
NME praised EXO’s long-standing identity as an “album artist,” noting that the group has consistently built narratives through world building, track sequencing, and atmosphere. The publication added that REVERXE both solidifies that identity and clearly opens a new creative chapter for the group.
Title Track ‘CROWN’ Signals a New Era
International outlets also focused on the album’s title track ‘CROWN’. U.S. culture magazine Tomorrow Magazine called the song “a declaration shaped by confidence and maturity,” adding that it bridges EXO’s legacy with longevity while signaling the beginning of a new era. UK music and fashion publication CLASH went further, labeling REVERXE a “comeback blockbuster,” and highlighting not only the music itself but also the members’ reflections shared during the album’s showcase.
‘CROWN’ blends Atlanta trap-style drums, heavy metal guitar riffs, and EDM synth textures into a hard-hitting dance track. Lyrically, it compares a cherished person to a crown symbolizing a vow to protect what matters most at any cost.
A Long Awaited Full Group Chapter
REVERXE marks EXO’s first full album in two years and six months, following their 7th full album ‘EXIST’ released in July 2023. The new album features nine tracks, including ‘Back It Up,’ ‘Crazy,’ ‘Suffocate,’ and ‘Moonlight Shadows,’ showcasing a wide sonic range while maintaining a cohesive narrative flow.
After completing a lengthy military hiatus, EXO officially reunited in late 2025. All members completed mandatory service by September, and the group reconnected with fans through a December fan meeting ahead of this comeback. The album features Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, signaling a focused yet powerful return.