Key’s joyful place for almost all of his solo work has been delving into nostalgia, with prior releases drawing inspiration from B-grade horror flicks (‘Gasoline’), ’80s synthpop (‘Dangerous Love’) and different retro popular culture paraphernalia. For ‘Good & Nice’, he retains the throwback feels going, with disco and funk parts littered all through, making a listening expertise that makes it close to not possible to not rise up and dance alongside to.
Like its title suggests, the mini-album is happy with being each good (musically) and nice (at setting the temper). These are titles that Key himself can clearly proclaim as a member of SHINee, considered one of Okay-pop’s most prolific and critically acclaimed acts. Title observe ‘Good & ‘Nice’, which opens the album, fittingly units the tone by making it clear that this launch is completely comfy for the dancefloor, but additionally appropriate for the stadiums and arenas SHINee usually carry out at.
Jaunty but groovy, ‘Good & ‘Nice’ is an invigorating single that takes an optimistic view on exhibiting as much as work even when it’s exhausting. “Days whenever you wanna let go of all of it / There’s various oh, do I do know / I needed this so unhealthy / Selected this path, however don’t imply it’s straightforward,” he croons over a cool bass line, earlier than reminding himself that he’s “good” and “nice” on the catchy refrain: “I work, receives a commission / Thank God all day / I like it, I’m epic.”
It’s an album that’s awash in ambient pop melodies that really feel like a late night time out at a membership, excellent for these hazy, dancing alone philosophical moments. Whereas some Okay-pop acts go for albums that bounce round genres, ‘Good & Nice’ retains issues cohesive all through its six tracks, even getting progressively funkier, and extra atmospheric, because it goes.The moody English-language ‘CoolAs’ exemplifies the vibe of the entire venture, with Key’s breathy, cheeky supply speaking himself up with witty, conversational call-and-response lyrics.
There’s additionally the effusive ‘Can’t Say Goodbye’, with gritty strings driving it ahead, earlier than the seductive, push-pull groove of ‘Intoxicating’ and the angsty whimsy of ‘Reside With out You’ arrive. They’re songs concerning the intense highs and lows of affection, which feels immensely appropriate on an album drawing on the historical past of pop music, when pop is, after all, a style that’s exemplified by love songs. However, in a welcome change of tempo, Key will get introspective on the weighty, self-written closing observe, ‘Mirror Mirror’, a hazy reflection on trying again at oneself.
At this stage in his profession – simply weeks away from his thirty second birthday on September 23 – ‘Good & Nice’ emphasises simply how effectively Key is aware of himself and his viewers, and is prospering in consequence. Like a soundtrack to Virgo season, the mini-album places forth vibrant, addicting dance-pop tunes that bounce alongside easily to glitchy beats and smooth basslines.
Whereas ‘Good & Nice’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it doesn’t have to both – typically it’s sufficient to be happy with the way in which issues are. However what the album does do is dwell as much as its title, fulfilling the promise of each “goodness” in addition to “greatness”, with a way of consciousness that comes with the air of somebody who has discovered confidence of their artwork and place on this planet. This will not be Key’s biggest launch, however hell if it isn’t a damned good one.
Particulars
- Launch date: September 11, 2023
- Report label: SM Leisure
