Just six months after the release of Gasoline, Key is back with Killer. The repackage of Gasoline, Killer features three new tracks: title track “Killer,” “Heartless,” and “Easy.” To read about Gasoline, click here.

“Killer” leans heavily into the ‘80s influence heard in Gasoline, and I love it. The track is very synth-heavy, and you’ll find yourself putting it on repeat in no time. The lyrics focus on a breakup initiated by Key, with him singing he’s the killer of the, “breakup that was toxic.”* It’s an interesting twist on the breakup songs we usually get from male idols. I feel like, more commonly, we see male idols and groups sing about breakups they regret or breakups that weren’t their idea, with female idols and groups usually taking the “I dumped him and now I’m empowered” route. But with “Killer,” Key is the one who did the dumping, he’s the one who is empowered, and it’s a great example that not all toxic relationships are caused by a man.

The ‘80s influences don’t stop with the track, as the music video for “Killer” is just as influenced. Whether it’s the colors and scenes used, the outfits and hairstyles, or the way Key and his backup dancers adopt a Michael Jackson-esque pose whenever he sings the word “thriller,” the “Killer” music video is just as much a love letter to the ‘80s as it is a celebration of letting go of the toxic relationships in our lives.

Following “Killer” is new B-side “Heartless.” The track is a bit of a departure from the ‘80s influence, leaning into a rock sound…at least, that’s what it sounds like at first. There’s edgy guitars, and the way Key sings the opening verse grabs your attention and makes you feel like you’re ready for battle. However, after the first verse and the build-up into the chorus, the ‘80s sound and synth come back. “Heartless” is every bit as addicting as “Killer.”

“Easy” appears between two of my favorite tracks from Gasoline, “Villain” featuring Jeno and “Burn.” Just like the track’s title, “Easy” is a very easy listen. There’s no ‘80s influence here, but the track is smooth, leaning into a kind of pop-R&B sound. This song makes me want to hear a collaboration between Key and KAI – I think the two could release a really strong pop-R&B track together, and they’d, “make it look easy.”

A Key album never disappoints, and this repackage is no exception. It’s the kind of release you expect from a veteran K-Pop idol, but it’s also so much more. It’s Key finding and expanding on his solo sound, and I can’t wait to see what comes next from him. But, fingers crossed, let’s hope it’s a SHINee comeback now that TAEMIN is so close to finishing his military enlistment!

*Lyric translations from music video subtitles

Edited by Cara Musashi