Tempo (Exo song)


"Tempo" is a song by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo, released on November 2, 2018, as the lead single of the band's fifth studio album Don't Mess Up My Tempo. The music video was released on the same date. The Chinese version features member Lay, who has been on an extended hiatus since "For Life" in 2016.

Background and composition

"Tempo" was called "a rhythmical hip-hop-leaning dance track that showcases a cappella harmonies as they send warnings not to 'mess up his tempo' with their lover". Billboard stated the preview "starts off with a dramatic synth melody, pulsating beat and the phrase 'I can't believe'."

Promotion

Exo promoted the album and song with teasers throughout October 2018, including a 30-second Tempo Concept short film, showing the band as a biker gang, which was a preview of "Tempo".

Music video

On February 24, 2019, the Korean music video surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

Charts

Chart Peak
position
France 182

Chart Position
South Korea 101

Sales

Awards and nominations

YearOrganizationAwardResult
20198th Gaon Chart Music AwardsSong of the Year – Novemberalign="center"
201914th Annual Soompi AwardsSong of the Yearalign="center"
201936th MTV Video Music AwardsBest K-popalign="center"
201921st Mnet Asian Music AwardsBest Dance Performance – Male Groupalign="center"
201921st Mnet Asian Music AwardsSong of the Yearalign="center"

Critic/PublicationListRankRef.
DazedThe 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 20187
BillboardThe 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 201818
SBS PopAsiaTop 100 Asian pop songs of 201821
BuzzFeed30 Songs That Helped Define K-Pop In 201812
Korea PortalTop 10 K-Pop Songs Of 20187
The Young FolksThe 20 Best K-Pop Singles of 201817
HK0120 Must Listen to K-Pop Songs of 201817
Refinery29Best Kpop Music Video Moments of 201816
SpotifyBest of 2018: K-Pop3

ProgramDate
Music Bank November 9, 2018
Music Bank November 16, 2018
Music Bank January 4, 2019