"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 world 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.[2][3] 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.[4][5]
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.[6][7][8] 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.[9] However, Lay was unable to meet up with his bandmates during the album production due to the pandemic.[10]
The single along with its music video was released alongside the album on June 7.[11]
Composition
"Don't Fight the Feeling" is a funky dance-pop song written by Kenzie and produced by The Aristocrats.[11][12] The lyrics encourage the listeners to believe in themselves and always look for the future when facing difficulty.[13]
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.[14] 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.[15]
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".
