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 time single Confidence, pre-released forward of this third full album subsequent month. As you would possibly anticipate from the season, the observe has a brighter aesthetic.
Whereas summer time was a time of bounding, energetic title tracks, I’ve observed a cooldown over the previous seven years. Groovier, downbeat fare has turn into simply as in style as these nice Duble Sidekick-esque bops of the previous. I suppose this captures the duality of summer time. As thrilling as it may be, an limitless string of summer time days may also really feel languid and drowsy. Nonetheless, “languid and drowsy” is unquestionably not how I favor my pop music.
Confidence casts its laidback vibe proper firstly and by no means strays from that easy groove. This isn’t a track of peaks and valleys. It’s merely the sound of Onew’s voice gliding by means of a light-weight mattress of coffeehouse-ready muzak. Even when he strikes right into a shocking rap verse, it’s delivered in a cast-off, lackadaisical style that feels virtually like improvisation. Followers of this fashion will probably be very happy, however for me a track like Confidence wafts in a single ear and out the opposite.
| Hooks | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7 |
Grade: C-
