SHINee - 네가 남겨둔 말(Our Page)
SHINee has released their final title song, "Our Page," for The Story of Light Ep. 3. Debuting the song on June 25th, exactly one month after their 10 year anniversary, "Our Page" dives into the emotions of SHINee in this bittersweet vocal melody dedicated to late member Kim Jonghyun. All four members participated in writing the lyrics for this song and held nothing back as they sing of their memories and wishes of the group with Jonghyun. The words throughout the song come to a climax in the chorus in which the passion can be heard echoing in the lyrics “This unfinished novel, we'll fill it until the last page."
The accompanying music video matched the raw feelings of the song. To me, it felt almost invasive to watch. We follow SHINee as they continue to trudge through their everyday activities. As time passes, each member appears frozen in winter, unmoving. Although lost and troubled, the members are guided back on stage to sing once again by an aqua pearl light. I can only feel this means SHINee has found strength through each other and their fans to continue. The final shot of the music video depicts the four members looking towards an empty fifth microphone standing at the center of the stage. This final imagery solidifies that Jonghyun has been an inspiring part of this comeback as his presence is felt on the stage as SHINee perform.
This song was meant for Jonghyun, for SHINee, and for Shawols. The entirety of The Story of Light has been a healing process and a journey for those still grieving, lost, or feeling trapped in December. This comeback has certainly guided not just SHINee back to the stage but the fans as well. "Our Page" has beautifully concluded the end of one chapter and opened another as SHINee fills the pages for many more years to come.
- Brianna
MOMOLAND - BAAM
Following their last viral hit “Bboom Bboom” that landed them at top 4 on the Billboard World Digital Sales chart, MOMOLAND returns with a new title track from their EP Fun to the World. Like “Bboom Bboom,” “BAAM” is also produced by Shinsadong Tiger, and I’m not too mad that it follows the same formula of their last hit.
Taking the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” route, we have similar line distribution, the trademark synth horn carrying the melody, and build-up to the infectious chorus, complete with fancy footwork and hip-swaying, ear-holding references to “Bboom Bboom.” It’s a new era though, and the dab is replaced with the shoot dance move (mandatory in all K-pop dances now).
“BAAM” isn’t completely new, but it’s still catchy as hell. I argue that while the song is similar, it isn’t identical, and I think MOMOLAND has found their stride in smartly filling the gap of the quirky girl group with meme dances that will undoubtedly go viral.
- Julie
Taeyeon - Something New
The opening of this song gives me serious Imogen Heap vibes. After some trippy vocal modulations, it quickly dissolve into something new (pun COMPLETELY intended, you think I’d pass that up?). Taeyeon, member of SNSD, has returned with her third mini album, also titled Something New. The track is funky, jazzy goodness with a killer MV to boot. Taeyeon becomes an action heroine masquerading as a superstar idol, fighting off the baddies in couture gowns. The vocalist shines over a brassy backing track and a catchy chorus of “na-na-nas.” SM put some heavy hitters behind this track. Dwayne “Dem Jointz” Abernathy Jr. helped produce and compose this song, a multi-platinum and 3x Grammy nominated musician, who has worked with the likes of NCT 127, Janet Jackson, Rihanna and Dr. Dre. Combined with Taeyeon’s experience and charm, it’s no surprise the new mini album top the iTunes Charts worldwide.
- Kerry
Kim Dong Han - Sunset
On the cusp of his very first win on The Show as a solo artist, I’d like to talk about Kim dong Han and his new song, "Sunset." The former JBJ member is the first of the now disbanded group to go solo and has come right out of the gate with a strong debut. "Sunset," a bass heavy, retro pop track, was released on June 19th as the title track off Dong Han’s mini album, D-Day. While I never followed JBJ’s activities closely, something about “Sunset” struck a chord with me. The song opens with snaps and atmospheric backing noises. I thought it was going to explode into an upbeat, yet all too common, electro pop chorus, but was pleasantly surprised by an intense lead up of thrumming bass in the pre-chorus, which slides right into electric guitar and a popping bass for the chorus. As Dong Han sings of his infatuation with someone, he implores that person to only “look at me, I’m only looking at you.” On top of the lyrics, the song feels seductive and almost scary, as if someone or something is hunting you, and you’re not quite sure if you want to be caught. Dong Han is electric in the MV, drawing on the likes of performers like Taemin or BoA, individuals who can hold your gaze with their own and captivate your senses by their presence. Dong Han has found that niche in “Sunset,” and I hope to see him develop that concept in his own way.
- Kerry