TAEMIN is Never Gonna Dance Again in Act 2 of 3rd Album

TAEMIN has returned once more, but this time with the second installment to his third album, Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2. In the first half of the album, listeners had the chance to see a darker and rough-around-the-edges style from the SHINee member. However, Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2 is much more sensual and soothing. Where there is a dark side, there is always a lighter side; but don’t be fooled as TAEMIN still continues to sprinkle in a bit of darkness that one might miss at first. 

Tracklist: 

  1. “이데아 (IDEA:理想)”*

  2. “Heaven” 

  3. “유인 (Impressionable)”*

  4. “Be Your Enemy” featuring Wendy of Red Velvet 

  5. “안아줄래 (Think Of You)”

  6. “Exclusive - Korean Version” 

  7. “Pansy” 

  8. “사랑인 것 같아 (I Think It’s Love)” 

  9. “Identity” 

*Author’s Favorite Pick 

”이데아 (IDEA:理想)”

TAEMIN is not afraid to push the envelope with “이데아 (IDEA:理想)” as this is another song that reflects the same type of risky and dangerous love and infatuation that “Criminal” has. TAEMIN lures listeners in with the idea that this will be a more upbeat and lighthearted song at the beginning, but builds up to be much more dark and suspenseful. “이데아 (IDEA:理想)” speaks of themes of how this idea of a lover starts to manifest in the mind and becomes something that is so dangerous but so irresistible at the same time. While ideas are merely part of thought and something that is internal, to TAEMIN, his “idea” is his lover brought to life (which is alluded to in the music video) and someone that is liberating and freeing. But there are consequences when things get too extreme. Although TAEMIN speaks highly of his lover, there is a part of the song where listeners hear “killing me” and “killing me softly” (presumably BoA singing the lyrics), which can be interpreted that while this love is great and liberating it can also be a danger to oneself as well, if getting out of hand. 

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The music video is a visual masterpiece like all other TAEMIN music videos. There is a great dynamic of light and dark visuals that accentuate the song further. The visuals alone feel like it has taken a page out of an editorial magazine, thanks to the sets and fashion pieces that TAEMIN and his backup dancers wear. As TAEMIN is known for his dancing prowess, the music video does not forget to highlight the seamless and smooth choreography as well. But what viewers should pay closer attention to is the depictions of heaven and hell throughout the music video, once again nodding to the themes of light and dark. Whether it be the flames or the stairway to heaven, TAEMIN showcases how his idea of love can take two extremes that can be really good or really bad for oneself.

The Album 

As previously mentioned, Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2 is much more sensual in sound and feeling as the album contains more R&B-ballad songs compared to Act 1, which is deeply rooted in upbeat and high-energy themes. This album is much more mellow in tone, but there is this underlying haunting feeling that creeps in between songs and makes it a chilling album to listen to. Nonetheless, TAEMIN delivers a solid second installment of an album. When listening through both Act 1 and Act 2, TAEMIN brings a cohesive album altogether that is a masterpiece and one of his best works yet. Listeners and fans from all over will appreciate this album and will surely not be disappointed. 

“이데아 (IDEA:理想)” Music Video Score: 8.5/10 

“이데아 (IDEA:理想)” Title Score: 8/10

Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2 Album  Score: 8.5/10

Overall Score: 8.3/10