In Okay-pop, 15 years is an nearly unprecedented time for a gaggle to stay not simply collectively however energetic. On June 10, SHINee celebrated passing that milestone, marking the event with the discharge of an upbeat, sunkissed new single, ‘The Feeling’. However the princes of Okay-pop weren’t achieved with only one tune, following it up a few weeks later with their eighth full-length album.
Over the course of one-and-a-half a long time, Onew, Key, Minho and Taemin (and late singer Jonghyun) have delivered a few of Okay-pop’s most iconic – and, typically, divisive – moments. There have been songs so infectious they’re nonetheless banned round examination season in Korea (‘Ring Ding Dong’), “loverholic, robotronic” chants (‘Lucifer’) and a wealth of poignant, emotional songwriting. However, with a profession spanning such a very long time, not every part alongside the way in which will be product of pure gold, and, sadly, that’s the case with ‘Exhausting’.
The four-piece’s first full-length file in two years, following the 2021 repackaged album ‘Atlantis’, ‘Exhausting’ is completely nice; not a foul album within the slightest, but additionally not one which reaches the dizzying heights SHINee are able to. They’re a gaggle which have blazed their very own path by way of the trade and have stood out as a singular, inimitable band alongside the way in which, however right here they mix in just a little extra.
The title observe and its rapid tracklist neighbour ‘Juice’ mine parts of hard-hitting hip-hop however really feel extra tailored for a unique act – the latter observe, specifically, programs with NCT’s DNA. ‘The Feeling’’s skittering breakbeat, in the meantime, feels extra dated than the style selections within the band’s debut period. Different tracks are extra profitable at protecting issues SHINee, with the likes of ‘Satellite tv for pc’ and ‘Identification’ feeling like touchstones to their previous whereas concurrently including new evolutions to their sound.
Probably the most attention-grabbing moments – sonically, at the very least – come in the direction of the top of the file. First, ‘Insomnia’ builds a nocturnal realm for the quartet to creep by way of, their restrained vocals within the tune’s opening traces like hushed messages despatched whereas the remainder of the world is slumbering. Because the observe grows, it turns into a jazz-tinged dream; a smoky, hazy and slinky lullaby that may make any sleepless evening go from irritating to divine.
Afterward, ‘Gravity’ wraps up the entire file in tender minimalist R&B tones, its mild method making it really feel like a sibling tune to ‘Insomnia’, however this time soundtracking the emergence of dawn on the finish of an extended evening awake. Its choruses are punctuated by layers of pillowy backing vocals, which add new ranges of consolation to an already cosy finale.
If ‘Exhausting’’s sound isn’t all the time hitting, then the album’s lyrics go an extended strategy to uphold SHINee’s excessive requirements. There are moments on this file that vary from highly effective to poetic, every serving to to redeem the album’s much less spectacular factors. “Made it by way of the lengthy nights / All these scars, nonetheless you shone so vivid,” Key declares early on the title observe, highlighting the sweetness that may observe surviving robust instances. Minho takes up the same place of mature power on ‘The Feeling’, admitting: “I do know that we’ll all the time make blunders, nothing’s assured ultimately / No matter solutions we search, they’re unfolding, tied to each determination.”
Amongst these encouragements to hold on, there are additionally loads of traces that evoke emotion. “I forgot the time, I’m drawn to you,” Onew sings on the sultry percussive dance of ‘10X’, paying tribute to somebody who makes life’s trials price it. “You present me a greater manner, this unending evening.” On ‘Gravity’, Taemin calls upon science for his devastating half: “Just like the moon and earth circle round you, even for those who push it, you’ll be able to really feel the attraction.”
It’s ‘Identification’, although, that carries the strongest and most impactful message of all. “Make me wild and free / Now I do know my id, I don’t wanna cover it,” the 4 members sing in any early refrain, settling into their very own pores and skin with jubilation. They cite echoes of Jungian psychology as they describe their path up to now (“It’s been fairly lengthy, the in the direction of me appears to be only the start / I’m the ego,” Minho affords, whereas Onew provides: “Hidden darkish shadow, it’s one other me”) and, ultimately, take their earlier request into their very own fingers. “I’ll be wild and actual,” they assert. “Shout to the world my id.” That’s not simply an essential missive for SHINee’s listeners to listen to, however one which the group ought to remember as they proceed ahead for extra unparalleled years on the planet of Okay-pop.
Particulars
- Launch date: June 26, 2023
- Document label: SM Leisure
