Eunhyuk, aka Hyukjae, from Super Junior has been in the K-pop industry for many years, taking on many projects like producing, performing as the main rapper in SuJu, and even choreographing with Shindong for the group. He has made a name for himself since his musical debut in 2011 with the show “Fame”, has been a fixed MC for Weekly Idol since April of 2020, and is also an MC for Back to the Idol. He has participated in many different subunits with his group members, but this time he has embarked on a solo journey with his music. 'Explorer' as a whole has a very 90s, old-school kind of vibe with some hip hop beats to make it impossible to stay still while listening.
“A-yo” serves as an introduction to this album as a hip-hop album with highlights to the funk genre that sets the stage for the throwback feeling of the album. The title, “Up N Down,” continues with the 90s vibe using an older style of instrumentals that is very nostalgic. The music video is aesthetically 90s coded and takes inspiration from other western videos from the time using neon lights, matching tracksuits and fisheye camera lenses. This song is a hype song to get the listener moving and dancing with many breakdowns and dance breaks to help separate the song and keep the listener on their toes. The music video features the Super Junior members as part of Eunhyuyk’s dance crew and they participate in the choreography. Eunhyuk’s voice shines as a rapper and as a vocalist with smooth transitions between the styles.
The retro style continues throughout the album and “Trap” is no exception from this with a sound that is akin to Backstreet Boys. Less rap and more vocals that follow the melody of the instrumental, providing emphasis on the lyrics. This song describes meeting someone and being immediately enamoured with them, causing a trapped feeling when in that person’s presence. The trap is set and Eunhyuk is going for it despite knowing it is a trap. This song is mainly lyrical with a few rap sections to remind people that Eunhyuk is a rapper first, but also a great vocalist.
“You & I” features Eunhyuk’s SuJu member Kyuhyun and this song varies from the previous sound established in this album. The style of this song is more modern and on the pop side rather than hip hop and has a sound that is synonymous with Super Junior. The lyrics describe a spontaneous trip with a person they love, wanting to get away from day-to-day life and possibly start over in a new place. They don’t care as long as they are together and can travel the roadside by side. This song is a nice variant from the intensity of the first half of the album.
Back to the original sound of the album, “Step by Step” presents a lighter retro vibe that isn’t as intense as previous songs. As the name suggests, Eunhyuk is encouraging the listener to move with him step by step and to get into the rhythm, letting the music move your body. The bridge has a funky breakdown where it can be imagined a dance break would be placed. Eunhyuk’s vocals are enticing and encouraging enough to help influence the listener to get up and start dancing.
In a slower pace like “You & I”, Eunhyuk describes his ability to get “Second Chances” in this next to last song. The beat is higher tempo than what would be considered a slow song, but it has a very mellow flow to it that is comforting in a way. He is going back and forth, begging for a second chance but also with being confident he will get those second chances. He laments about regretting some choices he has made, knowing in the moment he would regret them, but that he doesn’t care since he will get another chance. The pop sound this song offers is one that plays with duality when the lyrics are understood.
“Empty” is the last song on this throwback album and is listed as a special track, with a sentimental feel from the start. Longing for an ended relationship and full of emotion, Eunhyuk asks if the person thinks about him or if they will be there when he wakes up. He expresses difficulty getting up in the morning and even cleaning up the little space he has because he is so tripped up over the end of the relationship. He mentions that it was his fault, and it was for the best, but he hesitantly expresses he still misses them. The balance of the melody and the rap lend to the internal battle he is having with acceptance of the situation, one hoping for them to return and the other pushing for acceptance.