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| artist = [[Baekhyun]]
| artist = [[Baekhyun]]
| cover = Baekhyun - City Lights.png
| cover = Baekhyun - City Lights.png
| caption = Digital cover
| alt =
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|2019|7|10}}
| released = {{Start date|2019|7|10}}
| recorded = 2019
| recorded = 2019
| studio = SM Studios, Seoul, South Korea
| studio = SM Studios, Seoul, South Korea
| genre = {{hlist|[[K-pop]]|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]}}
| genre =
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
*[[Hip hop]]
*[[Electropop]]
| length = 21:37
| length = 21:37
| language = [[Korean language|Korean]]
| language = [[Korean language|Korean]]
| label = {{hlist|[[SM Entertainment|SM]]|[[iriver Inc|Dreamus]]}}
| label =
*[[SM Entertainment|SM]]
*[[Dreamus]]
| producer =
| producer =
* [[Lee Soo-man]]
* dress
* Dress
* [[Cha Cha Malone]]
* [[Cha Cha Malone]]
* [[The Stereotypes]]
* [[The Stereotypes]]
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{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = ''[[IZM]]''
| rev1 = ''[[IZM]]''
| rev1score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.izm.co.kr/contentRead.asp?idx=29736&bigcateidx=1&subcateidx=3&view_tp=1|accessdate=June 15, 2020 |website=IZM|author=Lee Hong-hyun|title=백현 'City Lights – The 1st Mini Album' (2019)
| rev1score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.izm.co.kr/contentRead.asp?idx=29736&bigcateidx=1&subcateidx=3&view_tp=1|accessdate=June 15, 2020 |website=[[IZM]]|author=Lee Hong-hyun|title=백현 'City Lights – The 1st Mini Album' (2019)
|language=Korean}}</ref>
|language=Korean}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]''
| rev2 = ''[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]''
| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="RollingStoneIndia">{{cite web|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/review-exo-baekhyun-city-lights/|title=Review: EXO’s Baekhyun Embraces Dark R&B Immersion On ‘City Lights’|last=Chakraborty|first=Riddhi|work=[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]|date=July 17, 2019|accessdate=July 18, 2019}}</ref>
| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="RollingStoneIndia">{{cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/review-exo-baekhyun-city-lights/|title=Review: EXO's Baekhyun Embraces Dark R&B Immersion On 'City Lights'|last=Chakraborty|first=Riddhi|magazine=[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]|date=July 17, 2019|accessdate=July 18, 2019}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[South China Morning Post|SCMP]]''
| rev3 = ''[[South China Morning Post|SCMP]]''
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="SCMP">{{cite web |url=https://yp.scmp.com/entertainment/music/article/113731/baekhyuns-city-lights-album-review-exo-singers-solo-ep-hits-all |title=Baekhyun's 'City Lights' album review: the EXO singer's solo EP hits all the right notes |last=Gillett |first=Chris|publisher=[[South China Morning Post]]|accessdate=August 3, 2019}}</ref>
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="SCMP">{{cite web |url=https://yp.scmp.com/entertainment/music/article/113731/baekhyuns-city-lights-album-review-exo-singers-solo-ep-hits-all |title=Baekhyun's 'City Lights' album review: the EXO singer's solo EP hits all the right notes |last=Gillett |first=Chris|date=28 July 2019 |publisher=[[South China Morning Post]]|accessdate=August 3, 2019}}</ref>
}}
}}


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== Background and release ==
== Background and release ==
On June 10, 2019, it was announced that Baekhyun will debut as a solo artist in July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8515128/exo-baekhyun-preps-debut-solo-album|title=EXO's Baekhyun Set to Release Debut Solo Album|work=Billboard|date=2019-06-10 |first=Jeff|last=Benjamin|access-date=2019-06-21}}</ref> At midnight on June 20, the album's title and release date were announced. SM Entertainment began releasing teasers on July 2 through Exo's official social media accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004041415|script-title=ko:엑소 백현, 첫 솔로앨범 타이틀곡은 'UN Village'..로맨틱 러브송 {{bracket|공식}}|trans-title=Exo Baekhyun, the first solo album single 'UN Village' .. Romantic Love Song {{bracket|Official}}|website=Naver|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-02|date=2019-07-02}}</ref> Additionally, Baekhyun posted a teaser for his debut through a vlog on his official YouTube channel.
On June 10, 2019, it was announced that Baekhyun will debut as a solo artist in July.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8515128/exo-baekhyun-preps-debut-solo-album|title=EXO's Baekhyun Set to Release Debut Solo Album|magazine=Billboard|date=2019-06-10 |first=Jeff|last=Benjamin|access-date=2019-06-21}}</ref> At midnight on June 20, the album's title and release date were announced. SM Entertainment began releasing teasers on July 2 through Exo's official social media accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004041415|script-title=ko:엑소 백현, 첫 솔로앨범 타이틀곡은 'UN Village'..로맨틱 러브송 {{bracket|공식}}|trans-title=Exo Baekhyun, the first solo album single 'UN Village' .. Romantic Love Song {{bracket|Official}}|website=[[Naver]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-02|date=2019-07-02}}</ref> Additionally, Baekhyun posted a teaser for his debut through a [[vlog]] on his official [[YouTube]] channel.


The album and its title track's music video were released on July 10 at 6PM KST both digitally and physically. On July 12, a live session video of "UN Village" was released.<ref>{{Citation|last=EXO|title=BAEKHYUN 백현 'UN Village' Live Session|date=2019-07-11|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDy-_TGpR7I|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> A third version of the album was released on July 19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.yes24.com/Goods/Detail/76178619|title=백현 (Baek Hyun) - 미니앨범 1집 : City Lights [스마트 뮤직 앨범(키노앨범)]|last=백현|website=YES24|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-13}}</ref>
The album and its title track's music video were released on July 10 at 6PM KST both digitally and physically. On July 12, a live session video of "UN Village" was released.<ref>{{Citation|last=EXO|title=BAEKHYUN 백현 'UN Village' Live Session|date=2019-07-11|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDy-_TGpR7I|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref> A third version of the album was released on July 19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.yes24.com/Goods/Detail/76178619|title=백현 (Baek Hyun) - 미니앨범 1집 : City Lights [스마트 뮤직 앨범(키노앨범)]|last=백 |first=현|website=YES24|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-13}}</ref>


==Composition and production==
==Composition and production==
''City Lights'' has six songs which feature R&B, hip hip hop and pop genres. The album's title track "UN Village" is a romantic [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] love song that combines groovy beats and string sound with sensational lyrics about a romantic moment a couple share under the moonlight of UN Village hill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.asp?newsIdx=271644|title=EXO Baekhyun releases teaser for solo album|date=2019-07-02|website=m.koreatimes.co.kr|access-date=2019-07-03}}</ref>
''City Lights'' has six songs which feature R&B, hip hip hop and pop genres. The album's title track "UN Village" is a romantic [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] love song that combines groovy beats and string sound with sensational lyrics about a romantic moment a couple share under the moonlight of UN Village hill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/05/398_271644.html|title=EXO Baekhyun releases teaser for solo album|date=2019-07-02|website=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=2019-07-03}}</ref>


Various world-renowned music producer [[Rodney Jerkins|Darkchild]], [[The Stereotypes]], [[Cha Cha Malone]], [[LDN Noise]] have participated in the album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/408/0000074922|title=백현, 첫 솔로 앨범 ‘City Lights’ 기대되는 믿듣 라인업|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref> Korean rapper Beenzino<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2019-07-04|script-title=ko:빈지노, 엑소 백현 첫 솔로앨범 수록곡 피처링 지원사격(공식)|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000133882|access-date=2019-07-06|website=Naver|language=ko}}</ref> was featured in the side track "Stay Up!", a dreamy R&B song with lyrics that draw attention by mentioning special nights with his loved one in sexy narrative.
Various world-renowned music producer [[Rodney Jerkins|Darkchild]], [[The Stereotypes]], [[Cha Cha Malone]], [[LDN Noise]] have participated in the album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/408/0000074922|title=백현, 첫 솔로 앨범 'City Lights' 기대되는 믿듣 라인업|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-04}}</ref> Korean rapper Beenzino<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2019-07-04|script-title=ko:빈지노, 엑소 백현 첫 솔로앨범 수록곡 피처링 지원사격(공식)|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/609/0000133882|access-date=2019-07-06|website=[[Naver]]|language=ko}}</ref> was featured in the side track "Stay Up!", a dreamy R&B song with lyrics that draw attention by mentioning special nights with his loved one in sexy narrative.


The third track "Betcha" is a [[hip hop]] R&B with urban beats song with lyrics that tells a story about a cute yet confident attitude of a man who is confident that the other person is destined for love.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004045683|title=엑소 백현, 첫 솔로앨범 하이라이트 메들리 공개..웰메이드 음악 기대|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> "Ice Queen" is characterized as an R&B song with a sophisticated beat and a catchy melody with lyrics about winning the girls' cold heart with his warm one. "Diamond" is described as an R&B ballad with impressive major and minor melodies with the lyrics that compare love for lovers to a solidly glowing diamond.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/215/0000791376|title=엑소 백현, 첫 솔로 앨범 하이라이트 메들리 영상 공개 화제|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> The last song "Psycho" is an [[electropop|electronic pop]] that expresses the inner selves of a man lost among confused emotions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/421/0004080610|title='솔로 데뷔 D-2' 엑소 백현, 'City Lights' 하이라이트 메들리 공개|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref>
The third track "Betcha" is a [[hip hop]] R&B with urban beats song with lyrics that tells a story about a cute yet confident attitude of a man who is confident that the other person is destined for love.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004045683|title=엑소 백현, 첫 솔로앨범 하이라이트 메들리 공개..웰메이드 음악 기대|work=Osen|via=[[Naver]]|access-date=July 8, 2019|trans-title=EXO's Baekhyun Releases Highlight Medley of First Solo Album.. Expecting Well-Made Music|language=ko|last=Sun|first=Mi-kyung|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807113906/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/109/0004045683|archive-date=August 7, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> "Ice Queen" is characterized as an R&B song with a sophisticated beat and a catchy melody with lyrics about winning the girls' cold heart with his warm one. "Diamond" is described as an R&B ballad with impressive major and minor melodies with the lyrics that compare love for lovers to a solidly glowing diamond.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/215/0000791376|title=엑소 백현, 첫 솔로 앨범 하이라이트 메들리 영상 공개 화제|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref> The last song "Psycho" is an [[electropop|electronic pop]] that expresses the inner selves of a man lost among confused emotions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/421/0004080610|title='솔로 데뷔 D-2' 엑소 백현, 'City Lights' 하이라이트 메들리 공개|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-08}}</ref>


== Promotion ==
== Promotion ==
Before the music video and album's release, Baekhyun held a private showcase in Seoul Arts Center where he performed "UN Village" for the first time for the media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004042250|title=엑소 백현, 10일 솔로 데뷔 쇼케이스 개최..전 세계 생중계[공식]|website=entertain.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/468/0000532424|title=[포토] 엑소 백현 '사랑해요'|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/213/0001117817|title=[T포토] 백현 '강렬'|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref> Two hours after the release, he appeared on a live broadcast through the Naver app V Live where he talked about the process of the album and performed "UN Village", "Betcha" and "Ice Queen".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003186650|title='시티 라이츠 쇼케이스' 솔로 데뷔 백현, "엑소 멤버들, 내게 '신박하다'더라"(V앱 종합)|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004047190|title=백현 "솔로 가수 변신, 굉장히 떨렸는데 팬들 보니까 편안해" [V라이브]|website=n.news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref> On July 11, Baekhyun uploaded a [[vlog]] titled "UN Village behind clip" through his Youtube channel where he revealed parts of the filming process for his music video.<ref>{{Citation|last=백현 Baekhyun|title=백현이의 브이로그 (UN Village Behind Clip)|date=2019-07-11|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Acm6LcI98|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref>
Before the music video and album's release, Baekhyun held a private showcase in Seoul Arts Center where he performed the lead single "UN Village" for the first time for the media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004042250|title=엑소 백현, 10일 솔로 데뷔 쇼케이스 개최..전 세계 생중계[공식]|website=entertain.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/468/0000532424|title=[포토] 엑소 백현 '사랑해요'|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/213/0001117817|title=[T포토] 백현 '강렬'|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref> Two hours after the release, he appeared on a live broadcast through the Naver app V Live where he talked about the process of the album and performed "UN Village", "Betcha" and "Ice Queen".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003186650|title='시티 라이츠 쇼케이스' 솔로 데뷔 백현, "엑소 멤버들, 내게 '신박하다'더라"(V앱 종합)|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004047190|title=백현 "솔로 가수 변신, 굉장히 떨렸는데 팬들 보니까 편안해" [V라이브]|website=[[Naver News]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref> On July 11, Baekhyun uploaded a [[vlog]] titled "UN Village behind clip" through his YouTube channel where he revealed parts of the filming process for his music video.<ref>{{Citation|last=백 |first=현 Baekhyun|title=백현이의 브이로그 (UN Village Behind Clip)|date=2019-07-11|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Acm6LcI98|access-date=2019-07-12}}</ref>


Baekhyun started performing "UN Village" on South Korean music show from July 12 on [[Music Bank (TV series)|''Music Bank'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsinside.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=869698|title=[인싸뮤직] 다음 주 컴백 예고, 몽환적 분위기의 하성운·감미로운 세레나데 백현|date=2019-07-06|website=뉴스인사이드|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-06}}</ref> The song has since achieved a total of three trophies. On the same day, he performed "UN Village" on You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook.<ref>{{Cite web|title='스케치북' 엑소 백현 "무대 위에 있을 때 가장 행복 '천상 직업'..사랑 돌려드리고파"|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004048287|access-date=2020-06-04|website=entertain.naver.com|language=ko}}</ref>
On July 12, Baekhyun performed "UN Village" on [[You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook]].<ref>{{Cite web|title='스케치북' 엑소 백현 "무대 위에 있을 때 가장 행복 '천상 직업'..사랑 돌려드리고파"|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004048287|access-date=2020-06-04|website=entertain.naver.com|language=ko}}</ref> On the same day, he also started performing "UN Village" on [[Music programs of South Korea|South Korean music programs]] from July 12 on [[Music Bank (TV series)|''Music Bank'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsinside.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=869698|title=[인싸뮤직] 다음 주 컴백 예고, 몽환적 분위기의 하성운·감미로운 세레나데 백현|date=2019-07-06|website=뉴스인사이드|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-06}}</ref> The song has since achieved a total of three trophies.


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
''City Lights'' received generally positive reviews from critics. Tamar Hermann of ''Billboard'' opinied that Baekhyun's "expressive vocals relay a wide array of emotions". She added that by frequently layering different recordings atop of one another, "the wide range of Baekhyun's tone and artistic style" was revelead.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-10|title=EXO's Baekhyun Releases 'City Lights' Album: Watch the Smooth Music Video for 'UN Village'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8519437/exo-baekhyun-city-lights-album-un-village-music-video|access-date=2020-06-03|website=Billboard}}</ref> Riddhi Chakraborty of ''[[Rolling Stone]] India'' stated that "Baekhyun's penchant for romantic ballads is forgotten as he makes a complete immersion into dark and heady R&B". She concluded that by releasing ''City Lights'', Baekhyun "has proven that he understands exactly what kind of artist he is and what he's capable of, therefore he's unafraid to be seen in a brand new light".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-17|title=Review: EXO's Baekhyun Embraces Dark R&B Immersion On 'City Lights' -|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/review-exo-baekhyun-city-lights/|access-date=2020-06-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
''City Lights'' received generally positive reviews from critics. Tamar Hermann of ''Billboard'' opined that Baekhyun's "expressive vocals relay a wide array of emotions". She added that by frequently layering different recordings atop of one another, "the wide range of Baekhyun's tone and artistic style" was revealed.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2019-07-10|title=EXO's Baekhyun Releases 'City Lights' Album: Watch the Smooth Music Video for 'UN Village'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8519437/exo-baekhyun-city-lights-album-un-village-music-video|access-date=2020-06-03|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Riddhi Chakraborty of ''[[Rolling Stone]] India'' stated that "Baekhyun's penchant for romantic ballads is forgotten as he makes a complete immersion into dark and heady R&B". She concluded that by releasing ''City Lights'', Baekhyun "has proven that he understands exactly what kind of artist he is and what he's capable of, therefore he's unafraid to be seen in a brand new light".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-17|title=Review: EXO's Baekhyun Embraces Dark R&B Immersion On 'City Lights' -|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/review-exo-baekhyun-city-lights/|access-date=2020-06-03|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Commercial performance ==
== Commercial performance ==
On July 9, it was reported that the pre-order sales of ''City Lights'' reached 401,545 copies in eight days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/108/0002795680|script-title=ko:엑소 백현, 솔로 앨범 선주문량 40만장 찍었다 (공식)|trans-title=Exo's Baekhyun, debut solo album pre-oders surpass 400,000 (official)|website=Naver|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-09|date=2019-07-09}}</ref> Shortly after its release, the EP topped over 67 countries' iTunes charts.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jember|first=Portal|date=2020-05-27|title=Baru Rilis, Baekhyun EXO Pecahkan Banyak Rekor dengan Mini Albumnya, Delight - Portal Jember|url=https://portaljember.pikiran-rakyat.com/hiburan/pr-16389669/baru-rilis-baekhyun-exo-pecahkan-banyak-rekor-dengan-mini-albumnya-delight|access-date=2020-06-03|website=portaljember.pikiran-rakyat.com|language=id}}</ref> ''City Lights'' went went on to debut atop the [[Gaon Album Chart]] for the week ending on July 13, becoming his first chart-topper.<ref name=":2" /> The EP became the top-selling album of July 2019 on Gaon Album Chart with a total of 508,321 sales.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=2019년 7월 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-08-05|website=gaonchart.co.kr}}</ref> It eventually sold over 576,029 copies, which made it the best-selling solo album in South Korea since ''Hestory'' (2003) by [[Kim Gun-mo]], until it was surpassed by Baekhyun's second EP ''[[Delight (Baekhyun EP)|Delight]]'' the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://miak.or.kr:80/stat/kpop_2003_2h.htm|title=2003 K-pop Album Sales Volume|website=RIAK|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228163333/http://miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_2003_2h.htm|archive-date=2009-02-28|url-status=dead|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref>
On July 9, it was reported that the pre-order sales of ''City Lights'' reached 401,545 copies in eight days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/108/0002795680|script-title=ko:엑소 백현, 솔로 앨범 선주문량 40만장 찍었다 (공식)|trans-title=Exo's Baekhyun, debut solo album pre-orders surpass 400,000 (official)|website=[[Naver]]|language=ko|access-date=2019-07-09|date=2019-07-09}}</ref> Shortly after its release, the EP topped over 67 countries' iTunes charts.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jember|first=Portal|date=2020-05-27|title=Baru Rilis, Baekhyun EXO Pecahkan Banyak Rekor dengan Mini Albumnya, Delight - Portal Jember|url=https://portaljember.pikiran-rakyat.com/hiburan/pr-16389669/baru-rilis-baekhyun-exo-pecahkan-banyak-rekor-dengan-mini-albumnya-delight|access-date=2020-06-03|website=portaljember.pikiran-rakyat.com|language=id}}</ref> ''City Lights'' went on to debut atop the [[Gaon Album Chart]] for the week ending on July 13, becoming his first chart-topper.<ref name=":2" /> The EP became the top-selling album of July 2019 on Gaon's Album Chart with a total of 508,321 sales.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=2019년 7월 Album Chart|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225063026/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr:80/ |archive-date=2010-02-25 |access-date=2020-08-05|website=[[Gaon Chart]]}}</ref> It eventually sold over 576,029 copies, which made it the best-selling solo album in South Korea since ''Hestory'' (2003) by [[Kim Gun-mo]], until it was surpassed by Baekhyun's second EP ''[[Delight (Baekhyun EP)|Delight]]'' the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://miak.or.kr:80/stat/kpop_2003_2h.htm|title=2003 K-pop Album Sales Volume|website=RIAK|language=ko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228163333/http://miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_2003_2h.htm|archive-date=2009-02-28|url-status=dead|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref>


The EP also attained international success by debuting at number four on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' World Albums Chart, becoming his first top-five entry on the chart. ''City Lights'' sold 1,000 copies in the United States according to [[Nielsen SoundScan|Nielsen Music]], despite less than two full days of sales for the ''Billboard'' week's charts.<ref name=":1" /> In France, ''City Lights'' peaked at number 20 on the [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|French Digital Albums Chart]]. The EP also debuted at 8 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums Chart and number 31 on the [[Australian Recording Industry Association|Australian Digital Album Chart]], making it his first album to chart in both countries.
The EP also attained international success by debuting at number four on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' World Albums Chart, becoming his first top-five entry on the chart. ''City Lights'' sold 1,000 copies in the United States according to [[Nielsen SoundScan|Nielsen Music]], despite less than two full days of sales for the ''Billboard'' week's charts.<ref name=":1" /> In France, ''City Lights'' peaked at number 20 on the [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|French Digital Albums Chart]]. The EP also debuted at 8 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums Chart and number 31 on the [[Australian Recording Industry Association|Australian Digital Album Chart]], making it his first album to chart in both countries.


== Track listing ==
== Track listing ==
Credits adapted through [[Spotify]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6AeMj5CMeTXRGhmUuv0LH3|title=Baekhyun – City Lights|via=Spotify|accessdate=July 10, 2019|date=July 10, 2019}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = ''City Lights'' track listing
| extra_column = Arrangement
| extra_column = Arrangement

| title1 = [[UN Village]]
| title1 = [[UN Village]]
| lyrics1 = LIØN
| music1 = {{hlist|LIØN|dress}}
| lyrics1 = LIØN
| music1 = {{hlist|LIØN|[[Starship Entertainment#Highline|Dress]]}}
| extra1 = dress
| extra1 = [[Starship Entertainment#Highline|Dress]]
| length1 = 3:55
| length1 = 3:55
| title2 = Stay Up

| note2 = featuring [[Beenzino]]
| title2 = Stay Up
| lyrics2 = {{hlist|JQ|Park Ji-hee|Beenzino}}
| note2 = featuring [[Beenzino]]
| music2 = {{hlist|[[Cha Cha Malone]]|Adrian McKinnon|Min-Kyung Cho|Zac Chiocine|Beenzino}}
| lyrics2 = {{hlist|[[SM Entertainment artists#Studio artists|JQ (Makeumine Works)]]|Park Ji-hee (Makeumine Works)|[[Beenzino]]}}
| extra2 = Cha Cha Malone
| music2 = {{hlist|[[Cha Cha Malone|Cha Cha Malone (Iconic Sounds)]]|Adrian McKinnon|Michelle Cho (Singing Beetle)|Zachary Chicoine|[[Beenzino]]}}
| length2 = 3:27
| extra2 = [[Cha Cha Malone|Cha Cha Malone (Iconic Sounds)]]
| title3 = Betcha
| length2 = 3:27
| lyrics3 = [[Kenzie (songwriter)|Kenzie]]

| music3 = {{hlist|Kenzie|[[The Stereotypes]]|[[August Rigo]]}}
| title3 = Betcha
| extra3 = The Stereotypes
| lyrics3 = [[Kenzie (songwriter)|Kenzie]]
| length3 = 3:21
| music3 = {{hlist|[[Kenzie (songwriter)|Kenzie]]|[[The Stereotypes]]|[[August Rigo]]}}
| title4 = Ice Queen
| extra3 = [[The Stereotypes]]
| lyrics4 = BAYLEE
| length3 = 3:21
| music4 = {{hlist|Greg Bonnik|Hayden Chapman|Bobii Lewis|Adrian McKinnon}}

| extra4 = [[LDN Noise]]
| title4 = Ice Queen
| length4 = 3:35
| lyrics4 = Baylee (Stoneship)
| title5 = Diamond
| music4 = {{hlist|[[LDN Noise|Greg Bonnick]]|[[LDN Noise|Hayden Chapman]]|Bobii Lewis|Adrian McKinnon}}
| lyrics5 = [[Colde]]
| music5 = [[Darkchild]]
| extra4 = [[LDN Noise]]
| length4 = 3:35
| extra5 = Darkchild

| length5 = 3:57
| title6 = Psycho
| title5 = Diamond
| lyrics5 = [[Colde]]
| note6 = bonus track
| music5 = {{hlist|[[Rodney Jerkins|Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins]]|Marlin "Hookman" Bonds|{{ill|Deez|ko|디즈}}}}
| lyrics6 = Seo Ji-eum ([[Jam Factory]])
| extra5 = [[Rodney Jerkins|Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins]]
| music6 = {{hlist|Zayson|[[Megan Lee]]}}
| extra6 = Zayson
| length5 = 3:57

| length6 = 3:25
| title6 = Psycho
| note6 = bonus track
| lyrics6 = [[Seo Ji-eum]]
| music6 = {{hlist|Zayson|[[Megan Lee]]}}
| extra6 = Zayson
| length6 = 3:25

| total_length = 21:41
| total_length = 21:41
| all_writing =
| title7 =
| length7 =
| title8 =
| length8 =
| title9 =
| length9 =
| title10 =
| length10 =
}}
}}


==Charts==
==Charts==
===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for ''City Lights''
|-
! scope="col" | Chart (2019)
! scope="col" | Chart (2019)
! scope="col" | Peak<br />position
! scope="col" | Peak<br />position
Line 126: Line 131:
| 20
| 20
|-
|-
{{album chart|Oricon|14|date=2019-07-22|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 17, 2019}}
{{album chart|Oricon|14|date=2019-<!-- YYYY-MM-DD -->07-22|rowheader=true|accessdate=July 17, 2019}}
|-
|-
! scope="row" | Japanese Hot Albums (''[[Billboard Japan]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2019&month=07&day=22|title=Billboard Japan Hot Albums|website=[[Billboard Japan]]|language=ja|accessdate=July 17, 2019}}</ref>
! scope="row" | Japanese Hot Albums (''[[Billboard Japan]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2019&month=07&day=22|title=Billboard Japan Hot Albums|website=[[Billboard Japan]]|language=ja|accessdate=July 17, 2019}}</ref>
Line 151: Line 156:


===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Chart performance for ''City Lights''
|-
! scope="col" | Chart (2019)
! scope="col" | Chart (2019)
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Position
Line 158: Line 163:
! scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Gaon)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2019&hitYear=2019&termGbn=year|title=2019년 Album Chart|website=Gaon|accessdate=January 10, 2020}}</ref>
! scope="row" | South Korean Albums (Gaon)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2019&hitYear=2019&termGbn=year|title=2019년 Album Chart|website=Gaon|accessdate=January 10, 2020}}</ref>
| 6
| 6
|}

== Sales ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Sales figures for ''City Lights''
!Region
!Sales
|-
|-
!scope="row"|South Korea<ref>Cumulative sales for ''City Lights'' (CD+SMC):
*{{cite web|title=2019 Monthly Album Chart – July (see #15) (Kihno ver.)|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=07&hitYear=2019&termGbn=month|website=[[Gaon Chart]]|language=ko|accessdate=January 10, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2019&hitYear=2019&termGbn=year |title=2019 Album Chart (see #6)| publisher=Gaon Music Chart |accessdate=January 10, 2020 |language=ko}}
*{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&termGbn=year&hitYear=2020|title=2020 Album Mid-Year Chart (see #97)|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710081224/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&termGbn=year&hitYear=2020|archivedate=July 10, 2020|url-status=dead|accessdate=July 10, 2020}}</ref>
|580,326<!-- 525,935 (2019) + 21,642 (2020mid)(CD) + 32,749 (SMC)-->
|-
!scope="row"|Japan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theqoo.net/japan/1161874765|title=Oricon Weekly Album Chart|date=July 30, 2019|accessdate=2019-07-31|language=ko}}</ref>
|8,000
|-
!scope="row"|United States<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8525820/exo-sc-what-a-life-world-heatseekers-albums-chart-debut-chanyeol-sehun|title=EXO's Chanyeol & Sehun Make Top 10 Debut on World, Heatseekers Albums Charts as EXO-SC|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=August 1, 2019|accessdate=2019-08-03}}</ref>
|4,000
|}
|}

== Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''City Lights''}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|type=album|artist=Baekhyun|title=City Lights|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2019|certyear=2019|certmonth=9|access-date=June 4, 2020|refname="2x Platinum"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}


== Accolades ==
== Accolades ==
Line 173: Line 201:
| align="center"| The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2019
| align="center"| The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2019
| align="center"| 12
| align="center"| 12
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/news/international/8547186/the-25-best-k-pop-albums-of-2019-critics-picks|title=The 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2019: Critics' Picks|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 31, 2019|accessdate=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/news/international/8547186/the-25-best-k-pop-albums-of-2019-critics-picks|title=The 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2019: Critics' Picks|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=December 31, 2019|accessdate=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
| align="center" |''Reddit K-Pop''
| align="center" |''Reddit K-Pop''
Line 183: Line 211:
| align="center"|2019: Album Of The Year
| align="center"|2019: Album Of The Year
| align="center" |19
| align="center" |19
| align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://idology.kr/12920|title=결산 2019 : 올해의 음반|website=Idology|access-date=2020-02-24}}</ref>
| align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://idology.kr/12920|title=결산 2019 : 올해의 음반|website=[[Idology]]|date=24 February 2020 |access-date=2020-02-24}}</ref>
|-
|}
|}


Line 197: Line 224:
!Ref
!Ref
|-
|-
| align="center" rowspan="3"| 2020
| align="center" rowspan="4"| 2020
| align="center" rowspan="2"| [[Golden Disc Awards]]
| align="center" rowspan="2"| [[Golden Disc Awards]]
| align="center"| Disc Bonsang
| align="center"| Disc Bonsang
| align="center" rowspan="3"| ''City Lights''
| align="center" rowspan="3"| ''City Lights''
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web |title=[2020 골든디스크]방탄소년단, 음원+음반 대상 동시 석권…"공정한 2020년 기대"(종합) |trans-title=[2020 Golden Disc] Bulletproof Boy Scouts to Dominate Music + Music Records "Fair 2020 expectations" (general)|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003516381|author=Yoo Jung-na|website=Sports Chosun |accessdate=January 5, 2020 |language=ko |date=January 5, 2020}}</ref>
| align="center" rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web |title=[2020 골든디스크]방탄소년단, 음원+음반 대상 동시 석권…"공정한 2020년 기대"(종합) |trans-title=[2020 Golden Disc] Bulletproof Boy Scouts to Dominate Music + Music Records "Fair 2020 expectations" (general)|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003516381|author=Yoo Jung-na|website=[[Sports Chosun]] |accessdate=January 5, 2020 |language=ko |date=January 5, 2020}}</ref>
|-
|-
| align="center"| Disc Daesang
| align="center"| Disc Daesang
Line 209: Line 236:
| align="center"| [[Gaon Chart Music Awards]]
| align="center"| [[Gaon Chart Music Awards]]
| align="center"| Album of the Year - 3rd Quarter
| align="center"| Album of the Year - 3rd Quarter
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| align="center"|
|-
|-
| align="center"| [[Mnet Asian Music Award]]
|}
| align="center"| Best Male Artist

| align="center"| "UN Village"
== Sales ==
| {{win}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+
!Region
!Sales
|-
|-
!scope="row"|South Korea<ref>Cumulative sales for ''City Lights'' (CD+SMC):
*{{cite web|title=2019 Monthly Album Chart – July (see #15)|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=07&hitYear=2019&termGbn=month|website=Gaon Chart|language=ko|accessdate=January 10, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=2019&hitYear=2019&termGbn=year |title=2019 Album Chart (see #6)| publisher=Gaon Music Chart |accessdate=January 10, 2020 |language=ko}}
*{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&termGbn=year&hitYear=2020|title=2020 Album Mid-Year Chart (see #97)|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710081224/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&termGbn=year&hitYear=2020|archivedate=July 10, 2020|url-status=dead|accessdate=July 10, 2020}}</ref>
|580,326<!-- 525,935 (2019) + 21,642 (2020mid)(CD) + 32,749 (SMC)-->
|-
!scope="row"|China<ref>Cumulative sales for ''City Lights'':
*{{Cite web|url=https://y.qq.com/n/yqq/album/002ci94M4fMYjm.html|title=City Lights|publisher=[[QQ Music]]|language=Chinese|access-date=2019-09-14}}
*{{Cite web|url=http://zhuanjistatic.kugou.com/html/pc_commonchargeV3/index_212130.html?is_go=0&hreffrom=10|title=首张SOLO迷你专辑 CITY LIGHTS BAEKHYUN|website=zhuanjistatic.kugou.com|access-date=2019-09-14}}
*{{Cite web|url=https://vip1.kuwo.cn/fans/fans/template/index.html?key=BAEKHYUN190708&fromkw=share&r=0.6891390130247128&t=usercopy|title=City Lights - The 1st Mini Album|website=vip1.kuwo.cn|access-date=2019-09-14}}</ref>
|300,000
|-
!scope="row"|Japan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theqoo.net/japan/1161874765|title=Oricon Weekly Album Chart|date=July 30, 2019|accessdate=2019-07-31|language=ko}}</ref>
|8,000
|-
!scope="row"|United States<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8525820/exo-sc-what-a-life-world-heatseekers-albums-chart-debut-chanyeol-sehun|title=EXO's Chanyeol & Sehun Make Top 10 Debut on World, Heatseekers Albums Charts as EXO-SC|publisher=Billboard|date=August 1, 2019|accessdate=2019-08-03}}</ref>
|4,000
|}
|}

== Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|type=album|artist=Baekhyun|title=City Lights|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2019|certyear=2019|certmonth=9|access-date=June 4, 2020|refname="2x Platinum"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release history for ''City Lights''
|+
!Region
!Region
!Date
!Date
Line 252: Line 253:
!Label
!Label
|-
|-
!scope="row"|[[South Korea]]
! scope="row"| South Korea
| rowspan="2" |July 10, 2019
| rowspan="2"| July 10, 2019
|{{hlist|[[Audio CD|CD]]}}
|{{hlist|[[Compact disc|CD]]|[[music download|digital download]]|[[Streaming media|streaming]]}}
| {{hlist|[[SM Entertainment]]|[[iriver Inc|Dreamus]]}}
| {{hlist|[[SM Entertainment|SM]]|[[Dreamus]]}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Various
!scope="row"|Various <!-- Inclusive of South Korea -->
|{{hlist|Digital download|streaming}}
|{{hlist|[[Music download|Digital download]]|[[Music streaming|streaming]]}}
|{{Hlist|SM}}
|SM Entertainment
|}
|}


== See also ==
== See also ==

* [[List of certified albums in South Korea]]
* [[List of certified albums in South Korea]]
* [[List of K-pop songs on the Billboard charts]]
* [[List of K-pop songs on the Billboard charts]]
Line 274: Line 274:
{{Baekhyun}}
{{Baekhyun}}
{{Exo}}
{{Exo}}
[[Category:Baekhyun EPs]]

[[Category:2019 debut EPs]]
[[Category:2019 debut EPs]]
[[Category:SM Entertainment EPs]]
[[Category:SM Entertainment EPs]]
[[Category:Korean-language EPs]]
[[Category:Korean-language EPs]]
[[Category:IRIVER EPs]]
[[Category:IRiver EPs]]
[[Category:Dreamus albums]]
[[Category:Contemporary R&B EPs]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Lee Soo-man]]
[[Category:Hip-hop EPs]]
[[Category:Electropop EPs]]

Latest revision as of 14:16, 13 December 2024

City Lights
Digital cover
EP by
Baekhyun
ReleasedJuly 10, 2019 (2019-07-10)
Recorded2019
StudioSM Studios, Seoul, South Korea
Genre
Length21:37
LanguageKorean
Label
Producer
Baekhyun chronology
City Lights
(2019) 		Delight
(2020)
Singles from City Lights
  1. "UN Village"
    Released: July 10, 2019
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
IZM[1]
Rolling Stone India[2]
SCMP[3]

City Lights is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Baekhyun. It was released on July 10, 2019 by SM Entertainment. The album features six tracks, including the lead single "UN Village".[4]

Background and release

[edit]

On June 10, 2019, it was announced that Baekhyun will debut as a solo artist in July.[5] At midnight on June 20, the album's title and release date were announced. SM Entertainment began releasing teasers on July 2 through Exo's official social media accounts.[6] Additionally, Baekhyun posted a teaser for his debut through a vlog on his official YouTube channel.

The album and its title track's music video were released on July 10 at 6PM KST both digitally and physically. On July 12, a live session video of "UN Village" was released.[7] A third version of the album was released on July 19.[8]

Composition and production

[edit]

City Lights has six songs which feature R&B, hip hip hop and pop genres. The album's title track "UN Village" is a romantic R&B love song that combines groovy beats and string sound with sensational lyrics about a romantic moment a couple share under the moonlight of UN Village hill.[9]

Various world-renowned music producer Darkchild, The Stereotypes, Cha Cha Malone, LDN Noise have participated in the album.[10] Korean rapper Beenzino[11] was featured in the side track "Stay Up!", a dreamy R&B song with lyrics that draw attention by mentioning special nights with his loved one in sexy narrative.

The third track "Betcha" is a hip hop R&B with urban beats song with lyrics that tells a story about a cute yet confident attitude of a man who is confident that the other person is destined for love.[12] "Ice Queen" is characterized as an R&B song with a sophisticated beat and a catchy melody with lyrics about winning the girls' cold heart with his warm one. "Diamond" is described as an R&B ballad with impressive major and minor melodies with the lyrics that compare love for lovers to a solidly glowing diamond.[13] The last song "Psycho" is an electronic pop that expresses the inner selves of a man lost among confused emotions.[14]

Promotion

[edit]

Before the music video and album's release, Baekhyun held a private showcase in Seoul Arts Center where he performed the lead single "UN Village" for the first time for the media.[15][16][17] Two hours after the release, he appeared on a live broadcast through the Naver app V Live where he talked about the process of the album and performed "UN Village", "Betcha" and "Ice Queen".[18][19] On July 11, Baekhyun uploaded a vlog titled "UN Village behind clip" through his YouTube channel where he revealed parts of the filming process for his music video.[20]

On July 12, Baekhyun performed "UN Village" on You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook.[21] On the same day, he also started performing "UN Village" on South Korean music programs from July 12 on Music Bank.[22] The song has since achieved a total of three trophies.

Reception

[edit]

City Lights received generally positive reviews from critics. Tamar Hermann of Billboard opined that Baekhyun's "expressive vocals relay a wide array of emotions". She added that by frequently layering different recordings atop of one another, "the wide range of Baekhyun's tone and artistic style" was revealed.[23] Riddhi Chakraborty of Rolling Stone India stated that "Baekhyun's penchant for romantic ballads is forgotten as he makes a complete immersion into dark and heady R&B". She concluded that by releasing City Lights, Baekhyun "has proven that he understands exactly what kind of artist he is and what he's capable of, therefore he's unafraid to be seen in a brand new light".[24]

Commercial performance

[edit]

On July 9, it was reported that the pre-order sales of City Lights reached 401,545 copies in eight days.[25] Shortly after its release, the EP topped over 67 countries' iTunes charts.[26] City Lights went on to debut atop the Gaon Album Chart for the week ending on July 13, becoming his first chart-topper.[27] The EP became the top-selling album of July 2019 on Gaon's Album Chart with a total of 508,321 sales.[28] It eventually sold over 576,029 copies, which made it the best-selling solo album in South Korea since Hestory (2003) by Kim Gun-mo, until it was surpassed by Baekhyun's second EP Delight the following year.[29]

The EP also attained international success by debuting at number four on the Billboard World Albums Chart, becoming his first top-five entry on the chart. City Lights sold 1,000 copies in the United States according to Nielsen Music, despite less than two full days of sales for the Billboard week's charts.[30] In France, City Lights peaked at number 20 on the French Digital Albums Chart. The EP also debuted at 8 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums Chart and number 31 on the Australian Digital Album Chart, making it his first album to chart in both countries.

Track listing

[edit]
City Lights track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."UN Village"LIØN
Dress3:55
2."Stay Up" (featuring Beenzino)
Cha Cha Malone (Iconic Sounds)3:27
3."Betcha"Kenzie
The Stereotypes3:21
4."Ice Queen"Baylee (Stoneship)
LDN Noise3:35
5."Diamond"Colde
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins3:57
6."Psycho" (bonus track)Seo Ji-eum
Zayson3:25
Total length:21:41

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Weekly chart performance for City Lights
Chart (2019) Peak
position
Australian Digital Albums (ARIA)[31] 18
French Digital Albums (SNEP)[32] 20
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[33] 14
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[34] 8
Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[35] 93
Polish Albums (ZPAV)[36] 15
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[27] 1
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[37] 52
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[38] 21
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[39] 4
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[40] 9
US World Albums (Billboard)[41] 4

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart performance for City Lights
Chart (2019) Position
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[42] 6

Sales

[edit]
Sales figures for City Lights
Region Sales
South Korea[43] 580,326
Japan[44] 8,000
United States[30] 4,000

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for City Lights
Region Certification Certified units/sales
South Korea (KMCA)[45] 2× Platinum 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Accolades

[edit]
Year-end lists
Critic/Publication List Rank Ref.
Billboard The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2019 12 [46]
Reddit K-Pop Best Album Cover Art 2019 5 [47]
Idology Korea 2019: Album Of The Year 19 [48]
Awards and nominations
Year Organization Award Nominated work Result Ref
2020 Golden Disc Awards Disc Bonsang City Lights Won [49]
Disc Daesang Nominated
Gaon Chart Music Awards Album of the Year - 3rd Quarter Nominated
Mnet Asian Music Award Best Male Artist "UN Village" Won

Release history

[edit]
Release history for City Lights
Region Date Format Label
South Korea July 10, 2019
Various
  • SM

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lee Hong-hyun. "백현 'City Lights – The 1st Mini Album' (2019)". IZM (in Korean). Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  2. ^ Chakraborty, Riddhi (July 17, 2019). "Review: EXO's Baekhyun Embraces Dark R&B Immersion On 'City Lights'". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  3. ^ Gillett, Chris (28 July 2019). "Baekhyun's 'City Lights' album review: the EXO singer's solo EP hits all the right notes". South China Morning Post. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  4. ^ 엑소 백현, 데뷔 첫 솔로 앨범…7월 10일 발매 – OBS경인TV [Exo's Baekhyun debut solo album...Release on July 10] (in Korean). OBS News. 2019-06-20. Retrieved 2019-06-21.
  5. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (2019-06-10). "EXO's Baekhyun Set to Release Debut Solo Album". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-06-21.
  6. ^ 엑소 백현, 첫 솔로앨범 타이틀곡은 'UN Village'..로맨틱 러브송 [공식] [Exo Baekhyun, the first solo album single 'UN Village' .. Romantic Love Song [Official]]. Naver (in Korean). 2019-07-02. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
  7. ^ EXO (2019-07-11), BAEKHYUN 백현 'UN Village' Live Session, retrieved 2019-07-12
  8. ^ 백, 현. "백현 (Baek Hyun) - 미니앨범 1집 : City Lights [스마트 뮤직 앨범(키노앨범)]". YES24 (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-13.
  9. ^ "EXO Baekhyun releases teaser for solo album". The Korea Times. 2019-07-02. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  10. ^ "백현, 첫 솔로 앨범 'City Lights' 기대되는 믿듣 라인업". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-04.
  11. ^ 빈지노, 엑소 백현 첫 솔로앨범 수록곡 피처링 지원사격(공식). Naver (in Korean). 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2019-07-06.
  12. ^ Sun, Mi-kyung. "엑소 백현, 첫 솔로앨범 하이라이트 메들리 공개..웰메이드 음악 기대" [EXO's Baekhyun Releases Highlight Medley of First Solo Album.. Expecting Well-Made Music]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2019 – via Naver.
  13. ^ "엑소 백현, 첫 솔로 앨범 하이라이트 메들리 영상 공개 화제". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-08.
  14. ^ "'솔로 데뷔 D-2' 엑소 백현, 'City Lights' 하이라이트 메들리 공개". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-08.
  15. ^ "엑소 백현, 10일 솔로 데뷔 쇼케이스 개최..전 세계 생중계[공식]". entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  16. ^ "[포토] 엑소 백현 '사랑해요'". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  17. ^ "[T포토] 백현 '강렬'". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  18. ^ "'시티 라이츠 쇼케이스' 솔로 데뷔 백현, "엑소 멤버들, 내게 '신박하다'더라"(V앱 종합)". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  19. ^ "백현 "솔로 가수 변신, 굉장히 떨렸는데 팬들 보니까 편안해" [V라이브]". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  20. ^ 백, 현 Baekhyun (2019-07-11), 백현이의 브이로그 (UN Village Behind Clip), retrieved 2019-07-12
  21. ^ "'스케치북' 엑소 백현 "무대 위에 있을 때 가장 행복 '천상 직업'..사랑 돌려드리고파"". entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2020-06-04.
  22. ^ "[인싸뮤직] 다음 주 컴백 예고, 몽환적 분위기의 하성운·감미로운 세레나데 백현". 뉴스인사이드 (in Korean). 2019-07-06. Retrieved 2019-07-06.
  23. ^ "EXO's Baekhyun Releases 'City Lights' Album: Watch the Smooth Music Video for 'UN Village'". Billboard. 2019-07-10. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
  24. ^ "Review: EXO's Baekhyun Embraces Dark R&B Immersion On 'City Lights' -". 2019-07-17. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
  25. ^ 엑소 백현, 솔로 앨범 선주문량 40만장 찍었다 (공식) [Exo's Baekhyun, debut solo album pre-orders surpass 400,000 (official)]. Naver (in Korean). 2019-07-09. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  26. ^ Jember, Portal (2020-05-27). "Baru Rilis, Baekhyun EXO Pecahkan Banyak Rekor dengan Mini Albumnya, Delight - Portal Jember". portaljember.pikiran-rakyat.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2020-06-03.
  27. ^ a b "Gaon Album Chart – Week 28, 2019". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  28. ^ "2019년 7월 Album Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on 2010-02-25. Retrieved 2020-08-05.
  29. ^ "2003 K-pop Album Sales Volume". RIAK (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2009-02-28. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  30. ^ a b "EXO's Chanyeol & Sehun Make Top 10 Debut on World, Heatseekers Albums Charts as EXO-SC". Billboard. August 1, 2019. Retrieved 2019-08-03.
  31. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Digital Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  32. ^ "Top Albums Téléchargés". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. July 12, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  33. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2019-07-22" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  34. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  35. ^ "Savaitės klausomiausi (TOP 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. July 12, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  36. ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  37. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  38. ^ "Baekhyun Chart History (Digital Albums)".[dead link‍] Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  39. ^ "Baekhyun Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  40. ^ "Baekhyun Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  41. ^ "Baekhyun Chart History (World Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  42. ^ "2019년 Album Chart". Gaon. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  43. ^ Cumulative sales for City Lights (CD+SMC):
  44. ^ "Oricon Weekly Album Chart" (in Korean). July 30, 2019. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
  45. ^ "South Korean album certifications – Baekhyun – City Lights" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  46. ^ "The 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2019: Critics' Picks". Billboard. December 31, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  47. ^ "annualkpopawards/2019 - kpop". reddit. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  48. ^ "결산 2019 : 올해의 음반". Idology. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 2020-02-24.
  49. ^ Yoo Jung-na (January 5, 2020). "[2020 골든디스크]방탄소년단, 음원+음반 대상 동시 석권…"공정한 2020년 기대"(종합)" [[2020 Golden Disc] Bulletproof Boy Scouts to Dominate Music + Music Records "Fair 2020 expectations" (general)]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved January 5, 2020.
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