Shinhwa - Vol 9 (Limited Edition)

There are perhaps a few Korean pop fans that haven't at least heard of Shinhwa in passing. Beginning in 1998 with SM Entertainment and bubblegum pop, the six-member group have since moved on to Good Entertainment and a more R&B and dance orientated sound. Able to stand on their own as solo artists and actors, dabbling in producing, composing and lyric writing, the members bring their own experiences and tastes to the mix to make Shinhwa a creation that is constantly changing and evolving. Each album is a step forward, a slightly different style and yet still undeniably Shinhwa. It is this constant evolution, as well as their firm friendship, that has let Shinhwa survive to become Korea's longest lasting boyband.

The wait for Shinhwa's 9th album has been a long one and now that it is finally here, it is a bittersweet moment for fans. This album marks both Shinhwa's 10th anniversary and also their last release as a group before they go on hiatus for the next 2 to 3 years to fulfil their military duties.

The album starts off with LAST TRAIN HOME, an instrumental intro that blends seamlessly into the next song, Voyage. Both songs are upbeat but the simple melody and slightly electronic flavour creates a sound that is both uplifting and nostalgic in it's own way, like you're moving forward yet leaving something behind. It's a mature sound that isn't quite pop or R&B but a Shinhwa-esque blend of both, which sounds like it could easily be from an OST or the theme song of a drama.

Dashi Han Beonman is the next track. Written by WANTED's Kim Jaesuk and released as a digital single shortly before the release of the album, the R&B ballad gave listeners a tempting taste of what the album would hold. With soaring vocals and strong harmonies, it's a heartstring tugging song about being unable to let go. Compared to Once In A Lifetime, the main ballad from State of the Art, Dashi Han Beonman showcases just how far the group's vocals have come since then. The song is strong on every level and each member gives it their all.

After a ballad like Dashi Han Beonman, the switch to Free Style #1 is almost jarring; with heavy beats and a strong rap from Eric, it prepares you for the heat being turned up even more with RUN. Written by Minwoo, RUN is similar to Minwoo's previous solo hits Bump! and Stomp, but harder and faster; a supercharged dance track with a hard edge and heavy bass. The lyrics tell part of Shinhwa's story, of their 10 years shared passion for music and the stage, and how this is only the start.

2 Ma Luv... is an upbeat song that opens with a rap by Andy and Eric. Although it's a fairly standard pop and dance song, it's light, uplifting and enjoyable enough; and then we're thrown right back into the heavier beats with We Can Get It On. Composed by Eric, We Can Get It On is a hip-hop track that wouldn't be out of place in a nightclub. Eric and Andy work this song as naturally as one would expect from the group's main rappers, and Minwoo is no stranger to this style but it's definitely interesting to hear Hyesung's sweeter voice in this type of song.

SO IN LOVE is another upbeat pop and dance song, which features lyrics by Minwoo. Catchy and nice to listen to but, like 2 Ma Luv..., it is perhaps one of the weaker songs on this album.

Gieoknani? is a talk track. As a rule, I can't stand talk tracks; but I have a soft spot for this one. Listening to the boys just talking and laughing, teasing each other and having a good time. In shows and interviews, Shinhwa have often showed their smiles and easy laughter and it's that same good feeling that fills this talk track. Even if you don't understand what they're saying, the high spirits need no translation to be understood and their laughter is infectious. For many fans, this track sums up what Shinhwa is: happiness and friendship.

Ajik Motdahan Iyagi wraps the album up with acoustic guitar and sweet, melodic vocals. "We walk the same path, we jump around, we rock the music on the same stage", Ajik Motdahan Iyagi is simple and sweet, Shinhwa's song about themselves, their experiences, and their hopes and dreams. It carries the feel that it is a song for Shinhwa themselves, a promise to the fans but more importantly to each other to return again as Shinhwa, to never forget the past and continue to chase their dreams together. It's an uplifting way to end the album, leaving you looking forward to when Shinhwa return.

Overall, this is a strong album despite its short length of just over 30 minutes. It leaves you wanting more but at the same time satisfied; it feels like quality over quantity and it is certain that 110% effort has been put into every single song. With a good mix of pop, dance, R&B, hip-hop and ballad, the album has something for every taste and shows how much Shinhwa have matured as individuals and as a group over these past 10 years - and it is little wonder that the 50,000 copies of this Limited Edition version were sold out even before the release date, causing suppliers to request Good Entertainment to print more.