Tohoshinki gives us another musical style with their 13th Japanese single by the name of Shine/Ride On.
Tohoshinki (DBSK)'s Japanese single Shine/Ride on was released in two versions. This review is of the CD+DVD version. The DVD includes a music video of Shine and the making off. The other version comes without a DVD but with the extra song lovin'you Haru's remix "Deep Water", which doesn't appear on the first version.
Let's begin with the first song; Shine. The rhythm of the song is swinging and the style is definitely pop. It's the lead vocalist Jaejoong who begins the song with a gentle and swinging voice before the music starts. The mix is perfect and we can hear that there are some pleasant electronic effects in the music. Then Yoochun's voice begins with a rather soft intonation, followed by Yunho and Junsu. The chorus engrosses us in a breezy and pleasant atmosphere. The rhythm might make you want to sing along. After about 3 minutes, the bass deepens for approximately 20 seconds, like a solo, and we can imagine that a dance show would take place from the group during a live performance of the song. Shine is original and different from the second song.
Indeed, the Ride On introduction is a pleasant surprise. This song is a sudden change as compared with Shine. The bass is strong and you can tell that the rhythm is reminiscent of that in soul music. The voices of each member adapt to the music taking a high intonation that gives to the song a little sensual effect. After 2 minutes, the group sings in round in the chorus and the rhythm are neither slow nor swinging. The listener is totally caught up in the music.
Regarding the Lovin'you remix, you can almost view the song as an "a capella" version. Tohoshinki's voices are really strong. Like the original music, the melody is sweet and flows with the lyrics. Thus, we can clearly hear the members' voices in the mix along with the classical guitar parts.
About the music video, you are totally engrossed in an original atmosphere. The colours are special and the effects are very good, especially when Tohoshinki's members are perfectly rooted to the spot in their dance moves.
In conclusion, this single, Shine/Ride On, is proof that Tohoshinki (DBSK) is able to try different musical styles. These songs are original, like the single atmosphere, and even the remix is not forgettable.
