The young contemporary boy band is back with a mini-album that is a complete 360 from their previous concept and style.
This comeback has thrown SHINee fans into a frenzy, since the concept this time around is “bad boys." From being innocent and somewhat naïve “Romeos'” in their previous mini-album, released just five months ago, in 2009, Year of Us the transformation of the group is jaw dropping.
Not only does their appearance undergo a drastic change, the sound from this mini-album is very different from what has been heard from them before. Consisting of six tracks, there is a sense of rawness in the way the songs are sung and even in the production. The release also has an '80s feel to it, from the beats to the arrangement of the songs. You get the sense that you have heard the songs before, which makes them very easy to listen to.
That sense is very prominent in the track Get Down, which is reminiscent of an '80s rap song. It evokes artists like Dr. Dre (early releases) and Ice Cube. The sound is very retro with the “na na na nas” and police sirens sounding off in the background. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is proof that SHINee has been steered very far from the style they used to promote.
A huge risk is always taken when trying new things. The result can be quite positive or a disappointment. When it comes to SHINee's release, it is not amazing nor is it repulsive. The new sound and style is refreshing, and it gives the fans something new to obsess over. It also makes you realize that this boy band is a bit older than they may appear to be. With two of their members coming into their 20's and two others turning 19 next year (the exception being Taemin who is just 16) they are no longer boys, nor are they men. This mini-album shows off their growing maturity while still keeping some of that “boyish” charm, as evinced in the track SHINee Girl.
In contrast to Romeo, 2009, Year of Us is an immediate winner. The tracks don't need to be listened to several times to find something to like. The only criticism pertains to the only slow song among the tracks. The Name That I Loved is a solo sung by Onew. It puts a dampener on the whole album since it comes last in the track list, and it feels a bit like a cold shower. As for the execution of the song, Onew sings as though he is whispering or trying to hold his voice back, and the result is a song that sounds a bit unusual.
SHINee are now promoting their mini-album by performing Ring Ding Dong live on various music-chart shows, and a trip to Manilla has been announced.
