Since going their separate methods for solo promotions, no SHINee member has been as musically prolific as Onew. This isn’t what I’d have anticipated primarily based on previous historical past, however he’s been churning out materials with nice consistency. Subsequent up is summer season single Confidence, pre-released forward of this third full album subsequent month. As you may count on from the season, the monitor has a brighter aesthetic.
Whereas summer season was once a time of bounding, energetic title tracks, I’ve seen a cooldown over the previous seven years. Groovier, downbeat fare has turn into simply as fashionable as these nice Duble Sidekick-esque bops of the previous. I suppose this captures the duality of summer season. As thrilling as it may be, an infinite string of summer season days also can really feel languid and drowsy. Nevertheless, “languid and drowsy” is unquestionably not how I desire my pop music.
Confidence casts its laidback vibe proper at first and by no means strays from that straightforward groove. This isn’t a music of peaks and valleys. It’s merely the sound of Onew’s voice gliding via a lightweight mattress of coffeehouse-ready muzak. Even when he strikes right into a shocking rap verse, it’s delivered in a cast-off, lackadaisical trend that feels nearly like improvisation. Followers of this type will likely be very happy, however for me a music like Confidence wafts in a single ear and out the opposite.
| Hooks | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
Grade: C-
