SHINee Solos
With Minho’s debut solo album CALL BACK quickly becoming one of my favorite recent album releases, as well as the announcement and sale of Taemin's long-awaited and highly-anticipated upcoming world tour, this week felt like the perfect time to dive into some of SHINee's solo B-sides. With so many tracks to listen to and choose from across the years, here are some of my favorites for you Shawols and casual listeners to enjoy.
“Would You Mind” - Minho
The closing track from Minho’s debut solo album CALL BACK, "Would You Mind," delivers smooth, sensual R&B sounds that emphasise his versatile artistry. His delicate vocals perfectly contribute to the song's melodious tone, wanting you to have "Would You Mind" and all the other CALL BACK tracks on repeat, with this track being one of my favourite Minho songs from across his solo career.
“Never Forever” - Taemin
"Never Forever" stands out as my favorite B-side track from Taemin's second mini-album WANT. The song opens with a mellow guitar melody before adding soft-pop elements that beautifully complement Taemin's distinctive voice. The vocals, melody, and the song's overall sound, all emit a comforting audio experience, making “Never Forever” one of my all-time favorite tracks from Taemin's entire solo discography.
“Golden” - Key
Key takes on Garage sounds in his third mini-album Pleasure Shop, with the third track, “Golden.” From start to finish, “Golden” makes you want to dance to its groove-induced beat, making it the perfect track to hear playing in a club. Although upbeat, “Golden” features a calming bridge section with the inclusion of a stunning piano detail before the track continues to raise the energy through its garage and pop elements. It’s an addictive track; one of many to show Key’s strengths as a pop artist.
“Love Phobia” - Onew
Onew sings of a “Love Phobia” in his second album, DICE, an alternative-pop track with a smooth, laidback beat that allows his smooth and distinguished vocals to shine. Through the lyrics of “Love Phobia,” Onew perfectly conveys the emotions and struggles of love, with the repeated chorus line of “I don’t wanna lose you,” and how it is sung, being my favorite part of the track.
“어떤 기분이 들까 (I’m So Curious)” - Jonghyun
From his second and posthumous studio album, Poet | Artist, the ninth track “어떤 기분이 들까 (I’m So Curious)” stands out as one of my favorite B-side tracks from Jonghyun. Throughout the song, Jonghyun approaches “어떤 기분이 들까 (I’m So Curious)” with a whispered-like vocal approach that heightens the excitement and sensualness expressed through its lyrics. With its layered beat, seductive lyrics, and Jonghyun’s expressive vocals, “어떤 기분이 들까 (I’m So Curious)” comes together as one of the best solo tracks, and overall R&B-pop tracks, within the K-Pop realm.
Edited by Cara Musashi