Excelsior is the debut album released by Feng Hongxi. It was released on January 23, 2025, with the title track Peaches.
The physical album comes in five versions: 4 Photobook versions (Murder of Balloons, Subtle Killer, Another X, and Mind Reader), as well as an exclusive Vinyl version.
Tracklist[]
- Peaches (title) - 3:18
- whats ur taste - 2:18
- It's Complicated ft. Chae Dahee - 2:53
- Cold Heart - 2:32
- Woo - 3:12
- Deja Vu (promoted b-side) - 3:13
- Beyond Rich - 2:42
- 54321 (Lift Off) ft. Kameron (ANP) - 2:30
- ETA - 2:56
- Peaches (泡泡糖) (Chinese Ver.) - 3:18
- Can't Get You Out (Vinyl ver. only) - 4:11
Composition & Musical Breakdown[]
Peaches[]
Enraptured within an almost fantastical oasis ambiance, Peaches is an overly aesthetically pleasing title track. The factors that pop out the most about this track are the instrumental and vocal talent. Taking a deep plunge into the realm of R&B, the instrumental of this track takes on a lo-fi type of feeling, with light percussive elements added on top. When used in unison, they create an airy, spacious but alluring instrumental for the song. The song presents an underlying, almost sensual, musical taste to the song, alluding to wanting to get closer and blend our energies into a pleasant peachy color.
This particular style of R&B uses a monotonous – almost droning – quality to its melodic construction, phrased in a way that favors languid mood-building over dynamic peaks and valleys. While the melodies float comfortably atop, the instrumental fills in the spaces whenever vocals alone cannot suffice, in a back-and-forth type of relationship. Peaches does so by utilizing a hypnotic beat, incorporating traditional instrumentation as well. Hongxi as well presents himself as if he were a nymph, fae creature, or something beyond supernatural as he lures in onlookers, both in performance and vocal quality and agility.
Additionally, Hongxi is an artist notorious for his silky smooth and buttery voice, and he proved such even more in this project. His singing was light and soft, fitting for this style of R&B. A very straightforward vocal heavy, Peaches is calming, soothing, alluring, and delicate. Peaches is described as a dreamy and comforting track, which is exactly what it excels at.
- Song Reference : Peaches by Kai
It's Complicated ft. Chae Dahee[]
It's Complicated describes the thrill and troubled emotions felt in the delicate balance between stress and love. Collaborating with the ever-talented singer Chae Dahee, the track encapsulates what it feels like to be in an addicting situationship, not necessarily knowing where to go or where it'll take you, but enjoying the ride it takes you on. Sonically, the track is fairly bouncy, relying on deep guitar and bass strums while using a driving, almost jazzy, meter to continue along. Occasionally, the instrumentals take a backseat, allowing the two vocalists to offer various adlibs atop an impressive melody.
- Song Reference : Complications (ft. SOLE) by JUNNY, SOLE
Woo[]
Immediately as the song begins, a drone live bass drum hit continues, which is utilized for the entirety of the song. Completely set in the world of R&B classic songs, Woo is a harmonious masterpiece that delves headfirst into the sensual. Listeners are told to pay attention to the delivery and enunciation of words as Hongxi acts out the feelings of being heartbroken and yearning to come back together after what can be assumed to have been a failed relationship. The harmonies and the repetition of the chorus make for an immersive experience and is recommended to listen to with headphones to get the full experience.
- Song Reference : Woo by BAEKHYUN
Deja Vu[]
Deja Vu is described as a pretty slow song. It contains a slow, gradual build, while also being relatively anthemic and almost sinister, in a siren-esque manner. It fully takes off by the end and becomes a surprising standout. As if it were a giant mass of sound, the song is purposefully disorienting, pulling you back and forth with deep and gritty dark synth waves that ebb and flow as the track progresses. It appears seemingly out of nowhere, interrupting your thoughts while remaining active enough to make you continue listening to see what direction the track goes to next. Deja Vu is the thematic center and climax of the album, relating the most directly with the album title, Excelsior, and representing the zenith of Hongxi's musicianship.
- Song Reference : Deja Vu by TAEMIN
54321 (Lift Off) ft. KAMERON (ANP)[]
Taking a slightly unexpected turn for a song featuring a rapper, this track features a sweet and mellow hip-hop beat. It's catchy and lightweight- a song that anyone can easily listen to and enjoy. Hongxi's voice is extremely light and airy, and Kameron's rap perfectly encapsulates the energy needed for the track, with a light rap as well. Additionally, 54321 (Lift Off) is the only track to feature Hongxi and Kameron singing/rapping in three different languages; Korean, English, and Mandarin Chinese.
- Song Reference : 54321 (Lift Off) (feat. Vernon of SEVENTEEN) by THE 8, VERNON
Can't Get You Out (Vinyl exclusive)[]
An exclusive track only available through vinyl purchase, Can't Get You Out is set to be the album's secret hit. Easily a standout for his debut album, Can't Get You Out is a jazzy, smooth R&B sounding track, with Hongxi's sultry vocals sliding across the top with ease. Using assorted instruments such as piano and trumpets, the song takes you on a date to a French café, showcasing Hongxi's ability to adapt to various sounds, like soft jazz. The hidden backing vocals are an additional touch to the track that elevates the experience and reward of listening to the track, and album, in full.
- Song Reference : Can't Get You by JAEHYUN
Tracklisting[]
| Track Name | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Peaches | Feng Hongxi | Feng Hongxi, Gaelle Hypolite |
| whats ur taste | Feng Hongxi | Hyun Sookyung |
| It's Complicated ft. Chae Dahee | Chae Dahee, Feng Hongxi | Chae Dahee, Feng Hongxi |
| Cold Heart | Yoomin, ONEToo | Monaka |
| Woo | Feng Hongxi | Cha Sungwon, Lee Jinhyeok |
| Deja Vu | Feng Hongxi | Yoomin, ONEToo |
| Beyond Rich | Cha Sungwon, Lee Jinhyeok | Lee Jinhyeok |
| 54321 (Lift Off) ft. Kameron (ANP) | Feng Hongxi, Kameron | Feng Hongxi |
| ETA | Feng Hongxi | Cha Sungwon, Lee Jinhyeok |
| Can't Get You Out (Vinyl Ex.) | Feng Hongxi, Gaelle Hypolite | Feng Hongxi, Gaelle Hypolite |
Promotions[]
Music Show Promotional Period[]
- Hongxi will promote his title track, Peaches, on music shows for 2 weeks (January 23, 2025 - February 6, 2025).
- Hongxi will promote his b-side track, Deja Vu, on music shows for 1 1/2 weeks (February 3, 2025 - February 12, 2025).
Tiktok Challenges[]
- 'Peaches' Challenge (Peaches Challenge Choreo)
- 'Deja Vu' Challenge (Deja Vu Challenge Choreo)
| Participants |
|---|
| Chae Dahee |
| Kuin |
| CHEET's Kass |
| Khaos' Tian |
| Mariposa's Rhea |
| NEOVIVID's Zaven |
| MIIX |
| Tommy Jeon |
| Carboncopyluv's Wooseong |
| MAHINAz' Saebyeok |
Video Links[]
- Peaches Official M/V Teaser
- Peaches Official M/V
- Deja Vu Official M/V Teaser
- Deja Vu Official M/V
- Peaches Performance Video (Moving Ver.)
- Peaches Performance Video (Still Ver.)
- Peaches Dance Practice
- Deja Vu Dance Performance Practice
Music Videos[]
| Thumbnail | Title | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
|
FENG HONGXI 'Peaches' Official M/V Teaser | JAN. 16. 2025 | 0:21 |
|
FENG HONGXI 'Peaches' Official M/V | JAN. 23. 2025 | 3:21 |
|
FENG HONGXI 'Deja Vu' Official M/V Teaser | JAN. 30. 2025 | 0:15 |
|
FENG HONGXI 'Deja Vu' Official M/V | FEB. 3. 2025 | 3:15 |
Reception[]
Awards and Nominations[]
*bold denotes highest position.
| Show Name | Date | Category |
|---|---|---|
| K-Pop On Top | January 29, 2025 | WIn (1st Place) |
Charts[]
| Show Name | Date | Highest Chart | Weeks Charted |
|---|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- | -- |
Gallery[]
