SHINee - SHINee World

SHINee – SHINee World
Release Date: 29 August 2008
This review is written by Nian Xi. It is a personal opinion, and no personal attacks are intended.

1. The SHINee World (doo-bop)
2. 사랑의 길 (Love's Way) Sarangui Gil
3. 산소 같은 너 (Love like Oxygen) Sanso Gateun Neo
4. 너 아니면 안되는 걸 (ROMANTIC) Neo Animyeon Andwae Neungeol
5. 그녀가 헤어졌다 (One for Me) Geunyeoga Heojyeotda
6. 화장을 하고 (Graze) Hwajangeul Hago
7. 마지막 선물 (Last Gift) (In my room-Prelude) Majimak Seonmul
8. 내 곁에만 있어 (Best Place) Naegyeote Manisseo
9. 혜야 (Y Si Fuera Ella) Hye Ya
10. 눈을 감아보면 (Four Seasons) Nunmeul Gama Bomyeon
11. In My Room (Unplugged Remix)
12. 누난 너무 예뻐 (Replay) Noona Neomu Yebbeo

SHINee released their first album for their debut, entitled SHINee World, which is also the name of their fanbase. Compared to their previous mini-album, Replay, this album displays SHINee as individuals who are beginning to shred their images as teenagers and trying to venture into the adult world. They croon more ballads than expected, which is in contrast with their bright and sunny identities.

The title track, The SHINee World, is an upbeat production, which is a very relevant portrayal of SHINee’s intended image as a contemporary group. The song has dynamic techno music, with lyrics custom-tailored as an official introduction to the newly debuted group. Despite its being a fast track, the harmonization done is close to flawless. The unique part of the song has to be Min Ho’s rapping near the end – he wrote the lyrics himself - where he introduces each member together with their monikers.

The current hit of the album is Love Like Oxygen, which is a remake of Martin Hoberg Hedegaard’s Show The World, at a lower key. Jong Hyun’s voice sounds a little strained when he does the verses, even though he has a voice that resembles Martin’s. It may not be a typical song that many prefer, but the song is well done as a group song overall.

For the ballads, the most outstanding tracks have to be Love’s Way and Romantic. Both songs have very soothing melodies, in which the lead singers - Jong Hyun, Onew, and Key - proudly show off their extraordinary vocal styles. Romantic tingles listeners with moved emotions, while Love’s Way adds a more novel and refreshing feel to the album. In My Room (Unplugged Remix) is an acoustic version of the original song, accompanied by a piano piece, complete with smooth harmonization. Last Gift is also embraced by a beautiful piano melody flowing seamlessly throughout the song. The lyrics of these songs are written sentimentally, reflecting the boys’ anticipation of what love could give.

One For Me, Graze, and Best Place are some of the mid-tempo tracks collected in the album. Although they have similar beats, they are still enjoyable to be listened to in their own ways. Best Place has light-hearted music and is very pleasant to the ears. Four Seasons has a slower pace, but it is a disappointment as it does not leave very profound impression.

Jong Hyun has done a solo song, Hye Ya, which is a cover of Y Si Fuera Ella, a Spanish song by singer Alejandro Sanz. The song is relatively difficult to sing to, but Jong Hyun has shown the world his ability to twist and turn his vocal frequently, and still manages to give a perfect performance of the song.

Replay was included in their mini-album as the title track. It is catchy and the rhythm is addictive, and it is potentially the song chosen to be played repeatedly in your iPod. Unlike most love songs, the lyrics speak of the affection that a younger boy has for a girl who is older than him. Thus, Replay stands out a lot among many title songs. Interestingly enough, the song has also helped SHINee successfully attract a colossal number of noona fans, which is the reason why the group plummeted to popularity in a short period of time.

It is an amazement how these five newcomers could produce a stellar album at such tender ages. Jong Hyun plays an impressive tenor of the group with his frequent belting; Onew has a wide vocal range; Key projects a distinct voice; and Min Ho blazes with his strong rapping skills. The youngest Tae Min has his fair contribution to the songs. Sadly, his vocal is weak and is often overpowered by the other members’ voices. Other than brilliant vocals, the album also excels with smooth music textures. With this successful debut, SHINee holds all the aces to emerge as stars with multiple talents.

***

This is the first formal and more professional review that I write for celebrity album. I was actually doing it for a forum, and I think I quite enjoy it. I might consider doing more reviews in the future. =D