Took me a while to finalize this one. But it’s finally here! It was pretty bittersweet like the poison apple because Taemin is leaving SM (chapter closing). But sweet because he is now signed to Big Planet Made! Which is super exciting (new chapter!). So, the timing is a bit awkward, I apologize for that. It is also Shinee’s 16th anniversary. I am so proud and happy for the boys. I know it’s a landmark and I just want to give them big hugs. 

I have to say, I couldn’t find where they put the description of the songs. So, I went with Wikipedia. Thank you, Wiki and fellow Shawols, for your help on this one! I also have mention this; it is so hard for me to finalize music reviews these days. It’s been a long time since this came out (almost a full year), but I am finally here. The review is in track order. 

Bias Disclaimer: I am biased as I am a big fan of SHINEE and of Taemin. This did not change my view on the songs, but watching the performances over and over makes it more difficult to pick a favorite. I also speak on some songs based on the artist if I am more familiar with the artist. But yeah, as always, I will listen to every song and give them a rating. These aren’t as formal as most reviews, but more conversational. Let’s get into it. 

Guilty

So, I heard this one for the comeback and I ran to watch it after seeing the Instagram video. The dance challenge is something I might have to hesitate to do, but he did have an alternative one where the shirt remains on so that’s cool. 

I think that the album cover is that poison apple right? It’s definitely poisonous. The apple on the cover was smart. And it shows the time planned out into the concept. People were a fan of this. The effect of it I saw all over SNS. I think I like how it is pretty simple as it would look amazing in a display case. It works well with the songs on the album as well. 

The start of this song was so intense and dramatic. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The way the melodies are played with is so fun and refreshing. 

I love Taemin with strings. It suits him and they live in harmony. I can’t describe Taemin without saying “mysterious”. Like a secret. His aura is amazing. I watched one of his videos on ig of a tiktok, that showed him switch from the stage presence to his shyness. I loved it. I love how breathy he is. The melody isn’t predictable either. I am in love with it. I like how he plays with pace in his songs. Even the strings are having fun with  the song with normal playing and staccato throughout the verses as well. 

I didn’t like the rapping as much. I thought that it kind of threw it off. I think it could have been rearranged better. I began to like it more as I got used to it. That belt in that hook. And the bridge. Woah. The ending doesn’t disappoint. The strings are intense. The ad-libs don’t disappoint either. I like the ending as well. The choreography is amazing as well. And works well with the delivery of the song. The outfits were nice as well. Like I mentioned earlier, I did watch the stages for this. I also heard the choreography was difficult, but all the dancers learned it and slayed it. We know Taemin is a great performer, and he did not fall short. Amazing job! This definitely shows 

The Rizzness

Taemin has.

This was what I was saying. The difference. From that insanely beautiful song and the hip hop right after. And the transition was awesome. 

The description explains that this was a hip hop genre track. You definitely get those elements, but in a different way. Mainly with the delivery of the song in my personal opinion. The way Taemin delivered the verses, it was a softer sing-songy delivery. Especially since I see Taemin as mainly a singer. And with his costumes for this specifically it gave hip hop inspired. And this is outside elements, but it definitely affected how I took it. The sounds and instruments used were 808 bass kicks, synth bass, and electric guitar, organ. Each instrument had a purpose and you can hear it. That was very cool.

 I watched this one’s live for both the concert and the stage. I heard there was controversy with the title of this song. But to  be honest, I think it really grew on me. I think at first I found it a bit tacky, but Taemin really slayed this concept. I thought seeing “Rizz” as a lyric was cringey initially, but then it worked well. Taemin has this charming adorable factor to him so it’s hard to take any rizz seriously even if during the performance he did really well.  Because during the ending fairy that duality is very present (did you see that compilation with him being shy after the song? Love it.) and it’s iconic.  

I think the heavy beat worked well as there was space that left that mysterious factor in. I am a huge fan of 808’s in music. It really gives the power this song is excluding.

This rap worked well. Then the singing at pre-chorus was cool. Then the chorus came and as I was saying it was minimal the beat hit hard and then we get to the verses again. This is truly experimental. It’s really fun. I want a song like this. 

The beat has guitar I think and synth? I’m not sure what plugin and presets were used.

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

This felt creepy yet magical. The start was interesting. I didn’t like how it felt like it started over when the verse came in. It felt like one of those “type beats” you see online. The beat feels familiar. In a way because it reminds me of that. It is a hip hop based track, which I could tell right away. Yet the delivery again was less hip hop so I understand why it’s described as “hip-hop based”. Again the instruments had their own purpose. As described on the wiki, has retro synth and guitar riffs. It is supposed to paint the atmosphere as empty. I think them together gave a scary emptiness.

I think this was one of the weaker songs on the album. However, it is still pretty good I catch myself singing the ending every now and then. But in comparison to the other songs, I think this one isn’t very strong.

His vocals were really good. Especially from the bridge I got to listen a lot more. I think Taemin is pretty versatile with moods. His voice is so distinct. I also like the other layers of voices added to the track. I think that it made it really powerful. And I do wonder how it makes it lonely though because it doesn’t to me. I think the tone of the song gives more lonely and the key it’s in. But it also gives you an uneasiness. 

Not Over You

I feel like I keep going into a new world with each song. The transition wasn’t as smooth, but we’re moving into more calmer vibes in this album. 

This song is described as an alternative pop song. It has rhythmic drums and “dreamy chords”. I do wonder if I am getting dreamy chords or if it’s just the presets of the whole thing that makes me feel like I’m in another world, space, or underwater which is another world than we are used to. I think it could be it all. I think all the instruments together make the song. The drums volume and rhythm is really good. It also describes “emotional vocals”. I think so. This is the Taemin I am used to. Or the one I think of when I say “Taemin”. 

This one is really good. It works with everything I was mentioning about Taemin. So many chord changes that are unpredictable. I want a song like this one too. It feels calm, but strong. I really like it. It felt fun and fresh. I’m just listening because I can’t predict where it is going. I like the whole thing. The beat was really good, and I think the guitar parts where it riffs a little towards the end was great. I don’t think one part was lacking in any way. It’s really good. I can see his whole range in one thing. I wish the hook would’ve repeated one more time or had a callback. Speaking on the ending, I really like how it mimics the beginning well which makes it perfect to repeat over and over (super guilty of this). I really love this song and I wish that I can see it live. I think a music video would be cool for this one too, it has so much potential. 

Night Away

I think the transition was perfect. This is more lively than the previous one. This one feels familiar with the beat. I can’t remember what though. 

This song does not have a description…but the instruments do. I’m sorry I’m not good at labeling genres yet. It uses soft guitar and synths. I guess this one is supposed to hype the mood. This one is happier. I think it might be maybe Alternative hip-hop pop kind of fusion. Hip-hopop? I don’t know. Anyways I can hear a lot of influences from both. This one gives you the “warmth” you will feel. And it feels more dreamy in my opinion. 

I think that the pre-chorus picked the song up. It was really calm and felt happy, sentimental, and just overall an emotional happy is what I was getting. Him harmonizing with himself was nice. Some adlibs should have been decreased a bit (like the repeated ones right after another), but the rest were super nice decorations to the song. I think the embezzlements complimented the song well. I like the sparkle effects. Some instruments are doing their own thing. And some are going with the melody of the verse. I like these choices the producers and other studio positions make. It’s really cool. The delivery of all of the song sounds like Taemin is in love. And I love the sweet tone. At times it sounds like he is smiling. It makes me happy to think about. Everyone deserves love. And this song is such a cute one to fall in love to. 

The run needs more work though, the second one on the bridge was great though. The outro harmonies are really good. The ending was not good for me because the run was good once, but when you start to dissect it it wasn’t clean enough. And I think the echo went on for too long. However I don’t know how it would sound without it because I am used to hearing it this way now. I just think the run was done a couple of times. I feel like I will listen to this a lot. Especially since I want to remember the melodies. 

Blue 

This one feels like it can be in the start of a movie in the middle of a travel movie, old memories, or when you separate from each other on a happy or indifferent note. 

This one did not have a description as well. I’m getting alternative pop-rock. Mainly rock. The song based on an archived article Wiki mentioned was one that was supposed to insinuate a hopeful feeling from the song. It has vintage drums and other instruments to provoke an emotional feeling. I think the song is really cinematic. I want a music video for it. I also think it was an amazing ending to the album. I think the cautious approach to the lyrics made the feelings more intense. It mentions this as well in the article describing his vocals as delicate. I think all the vocals were more mellow on this song and were more harmonious. The beat and vocals work together and none stand out as a solo element. So it makes it a calmer song. 

Ratings

I’m really stuck on the top 3. Each have their own reasons why I love them

1. Guilty
2. The Rizzness
3. Not over you
4. Blue
5. Night Away 
6. She loves me, she loves me not

Overall…

I think this album is worth a listen. Taemin had a lot of different moods that actually work together. I like the organization of this album. You were able to experience so much in an aesthetically pleasing way. It makes you want to start the album over again. I think this one is worth a listen, try, and buy if you want a variety of songs that work together, but don’t have similar vibes. 

Like I mentioned before, Taemin is leaving his old company and starting new at BPM! That can be very scary.  We will be with you no matter where you go Taemin! Make sure to send support on his new venture. As well as the company. Please also send your congrats to Shinee on their anniversary. A lot of stuff is happening right now. 

So, what are your thoughts on the album? What is your favorite song(s)? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Take care of yourselves and make sure to find something to entertain you! 

Written and illustrated by: A.P.