#sherlock era taemin making a comeback

[smtown-tourist]

Taemin with Grapes: 2012 Vs. 2023

[kimmkitsuragi]

I’m thinking about learning more about ShinEE since Onew has suddenly caught my attention now that he’s in direct competition against one of my favorite groups who are having their comeback tomorrow. (Also he’s real cute and the teaser looked great). Once the most popular (probably him, but I can dream) act wins whatever awards are at stake and the views and streams aren’t so crucial anymore, what do you most recommend by the whole group? So far I’ve only heard “Move” and 1 or 2 other songs by Taemin

omg hii, honestly idk what group will have their cb today, but i hope jinki (onew) can get a win with dice because it's the most interesting kpop release in a long time imo!!

ahhh giving recommendations for shinee is a big task because they have like. literally everything!! so it all depends on what kinda thing you're looking for. i will give some general recs and hope it gives a good idea for what you might like:

if u want dance pop: married to the music, 1 of 1, view, atlantis, dream girl, electric

if u want more "hype" edm: lucifer, sherlock, dont call me, bad love (key solo), everybody

if u want ballads: selene 6.23, y si fuera ella (jonghyun solo), blue (onew solo), romantic

if u want chill/rnb kinda songs: replay, lipstick, im home (minho solo), jojo, marry you

im sorry if my categorization makes no sense smnsndjd 😭 and sorry if im trying to recommend too many things at once!! they just have such a big discography including so many genres, i cant pick just one thing and say this is shinee. so i tried to offer variety in terms of vibes, genres and eras.. i hope it's not too much???

here are some songs i feel like i must talk about but cannot categorize lmao they really did Something here: odd eye, shift, idea (taemin solo), orgel

feel free to tell me your thoughts if you end up checking these out!!!

[fyexo]

200925 SuperM Dives Deeper with Super One

We meet the game-changing and boundary-breaking supergroup everybody needs to know.

There’s a rumble in the ground, a rupture, a star shining in the sky. Like a meteor landing on a quiet plain, SuperM – the Avengers of K-pop – landed in our lives, igniting the industry in unprecedented ways. With K-pop now considered a global phenomenon, how much more innovation is required to demand attention? The answer lies in the Capitol Records and SM Entertainment supergroup: the first K-pop act to debut in the US who immediately stole the show and made music fun again with their record-breaking 2019 introduction. SuperM consists of a diverse group of stars hailing from different groups: Taemin from SHINee, Kai and Baekhyun from EXO, Taeyong and Mark from NCT 127, and Ten and Lucas from WayV. They are the future, the charismatic force managing to both elevate and inspire. With Super One, the group’s first full-length album released on 25th September, they graduate from simply jumping and popping (Jopping!) to invoking the sincere emotions of listeners while simultaneously lighting up the room in the way that only they know how.

Baekhyun – the soulful vocalist, humble leader, and oldest member of SuperM – opens up about their growth: “When we first met, I could tell that the younger members were feeling a little nervous. But aside from working and performing together, we also naturally spent a lot of time together off stage, too.” In fact, their chemistry is palpable: “From sharing the same rooms when we were on tour in the US to shooting a reality show together recently, we made a lot of memories. Now, we’re like close brothers. We feel very comfortable with each other.”

Since joining the supergroup, Baekhyun’s Delight, released in May, became the first album in 19 years by a Korean soloist to sell over 1 million copies. Baekhyun says, “Shortly after completing my solo activities with ‘Candy’ [the lead single], I regrouped with SuperM, and I definitely feel more at ease in a group.” As evidenced by their discography, which fuses elements of hip-hop, pop, and various other genres, “We are always experimenting with different styles and trying to create something new so the synergy that we bring to the stage is very distinct and unique.”

Taemin has found similar success with his solo endeavours, recently releasing his best-selling project to date just this month. His 3rd Korean studio album, Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1, hit number 1 on several iTunes Top Albums charts including the US and Canada. The graceful performer ponders the importance of embarking on this journey with the rest of SuperM. “Through our individual teasers, we wanted to tell a personal story about our beginnings—from how we developed our dreams to how we got to where we are now. They are reflections of our past that allowed us to become the artists that we are today.” For Taemin personally, who first debuted in SHINee in 2008, “This experience helped broaden my boundaries as an artist and I’m very thankful for that.”

Taemin’s wisdom is apparent in how he interprets his growth, “Although I’ve performed abroad many times before, SuperM was formed with the global market in mind so I took this as a new challenge and a great opportunity for me to learn and grow even more. Through SuperM, I was able to get closer to my international fans and learn more about their cultures. Because of the opportunities I’ve had more recently to perform on a global stage, my stage performances and mannerisms have improved and this has made me a stronger artist.”

Branded as fast-moving and dynamic, there were certain expectations for them to continue on this path. The motifs are intentional, but fitting, and as the endearing Hong Kong rapper Lucas puts it, “‘Movement’ and ‘speed’ for us carries a deep meaning and represents our strength and energy. It also describes how SuperM is always moving forward no matter how difficult the situation may be. There is no better tomorrow if you’re not moving forward.”

Taemin further reflects on this. “I think fans will be surprised to hear mellow, medium-tempo tracks that are not performance-based. Incorporating the performance element is of course one of the most important parts of what SuperM does in our music, but this time, we also wanted to emphasise a message of hope.”

Kai, lead dancer of EXO and Gucci ambassador, who will also be embarking on his solo career soon, shares that “I really want to perform ‘Infinity’ and ‘Monster’. Together, they form our title track, ‘One’. I’m excited to perform ‘One’ as well, but also would love to showcase the two tracks separately, as I think that would bring a different charm on stage.”

The love for this track is echoed by Taemin, an expert when it comes to this fusion of songs as SHINee also had a combination of tracks with 2012’s ‘Sherlock’, a mix of ‘Clue’ and ‘Note’. “With K-pop, you often have a gradual change of genres in one song, but ‘One’ brings together two completely different songs, so it’s fresh—but it still sounds very natural and seamlessly put together.” He adds, “The members’ vocals really stand out through these tracks so I hope fans enjoy!”

B-sides like ‘Together At Home’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’ are like a comfort blanket for fans, suitable for the current world climate. Kai recognises that impact and describes it as intentional, “Music can really lift your spirits when you’re feeling down so I hope people find healing and happiness while listening to our music. That would make us very happy.”

“FROM SHARING THE SAME ROOMS WHEN WE WERE ON TOUR IN THE US TO SHOOTING A REALITY SHOW TOGETHER RECENTLY, WE MADE A LOT OF MEMORIES. NOW, WE’RE LIKE CLOSE BROTHERS. WE FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE WITH EACH OTHER.”

Prior to the official album drop with title track ‘One’, several songs were released, each accompanied by their own electric music videos. The single, ‘100’, has lyrics written by youngest member Mark, who explains, “For ‘100,’ I wanted to really bring the energy of SuperM, because my verse opens up the track, and I wanted to really complement the song while emphasising our strength as a group and that we have the capability to be at the top.” The Canadian rapper, whose positive energy is contagious, says, “Taeyong and I also wrote our verses for ‘Together At Home,’ and I think we tried to keep the lyrics closely tied to the overarching message of the album. So for that song, we tried to envision what it’s like to be “together at home”, so staying connected to the fans and our loved ones while we are physically apart.”

Ferocious single ‘Tiger Inside’ was released on 1st September, and NCT leader Taeyong describes it best, “as a hip-hop song with an Asian-themed vibe. One part of the lyrics says, “Wake up the tiger inside” which I think describes SuperM’s energy really well. He eloquently personifies the group through a more artistic lens. “SuperM coming together is almost like a painting created using these different colours, to create a new work of art.”

Though promotions are hectic, Taeyong opens up about life outside of the spotlight, sharing, “I personally spent a lot of quality time with my family and also creating new music.” Mark has also been in tune with his rhythmic side, adding, “I’ve been listening to a lot of the new music that’s been coming out… Recently, Big Sean’s new album and Dominic Fike.”

The fashion of the group ranges from traditional Korean wear to modern hip-hop stylings, reflecting the merging of cultures, sounds, and themes apparent in their music. Lucas took a special liking to the outfits they wore for this comeback. “I wore a black outfit in the ‘One’ music video and it made me feel like a fictional character from a film or a book. I really liked the concept of that look. For ‘Tiger Inside’, I wore this beautiful emerald colour outfit with gold embroidery and intricate Asian-themed details—that was another one of my favourites!”

With everything going on in the world right now, Ten, the multilingual Thai singer and dancing king, says, “Right now, our biggest goal is to interact closely with our fans in the best way possible given the current situation. Even though we can’t meet each other in person, we want our fans to know that we are always thinking of them and that we are always trying to create opportunities to make us feel close.” He mentions ‘Beyond Live’, the platform SuperM spearheaded earlier this year to provide a virtual concert experience for fans.

“We are always thinking of fun and innovative ways to interact with our fans so we are definitely planning on doing many more online promotions that bring us closer together.” He elaborates, also sharing that he’s excited to finally perform songs off of Super One.

This album is a new era for SuperM, whose journey as a group has been far from ordinary but delightfully rewarding. As Baekhyun concludes, “When SuperM was first announced to the public, it may have been odd to see members from different groups come together like this to form a new group. But in spite of that, our fans have always cheered us on from the get-go and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.” SuperM’s awareness of the times they’re in and ability to adapt allow them to be a tantalizing force in the industry.

Though awards and accolades are nice, what makes this group special beyond their obvious talent and charm is the passion, grit, and hard work they put into what they do, and Super One is the ultimate care package and culmination of their gifts. Through music, they remind us that we all have the power to unite together as one no matter where we come from.

Ashlee Mitchell @ TMRW

[shawoluvs]

dkb and shinee!

DKB

do i already stan them? yes | only for the music | attempting to | no

my bias + bias wrecker: Based purely on our shared birthday, Yuku, the sweetest sunshine boy, is my bias~~~~~ And they're all wreckers, every single one of them, they're A LOT

first time i heard of them: I heard of them just after they debuted! I'm pretty sure it was through tumblr too, I got a suggested post from a blog that announces kpop debuts and I was like "oh they look cool I'll check them out" and I was just hooked from 'Sorry Mama'.

when i became a fan: Debut era~ When they debuted I was just a little in awe of them, honestly, not because they were necessarily better than other groups debuting at the time but for me 'Sorry Mama' didn't really sound like anything else that had been released. I thought it was really cool and interesting for them to use female vocals in their debut song at the end, it's usually a lot later that kpop groups have other artists involved like that (if ever, really) but that made the song really stand out and then I started watching some of their Dakcumentaries and just really liked them~

favorite (and least favorite) title track: My favourite title track is 'Still'! It was such a change up from 'Sorry Mama' but they did it so well, for me their debut really let the rap line shine but 'Still' was all about the vocalists and they did it so well!!! My least favourite title track is probably 'Sorry Mama'... ejrgberhge which ok yes I do love it but it's just my least favourite of the title tracks, I think they've grown a lot since their debut and while I do love the song it also has some of the worst line distribution so...

favorite (and least favorite) b-side: For me DKB have such a solid discography so early on, honestly, they went for very distinct concepts for all their albums and those concepts are carried through into every b-side so everything flows so well~ But my faves are: Fondue (like seriously guys... seriously... idk what it is... is it e-chan with his soft vocals or Junseo being given the credit he deserves??? idk but yes to all of it), Flower Less (again like!!!!!! yes!!!!!), Go Up (so cute, so wholesome), Rose (she classy, she a little bit sexy, she a subtle bop, we love her). I don't really have a least favourite b-side but I'll just say Youth because it's technically just like the album opener and it's too short at 1:43. OK and if I had to pick probably 'Samsung', because it's just idk it's funny??? I don't dislike it but it's pretty much just a promo for Samsung and as a Samsung user I relate to thinking the phones are pretty good but ejhrgbejre the song is just funny, if there was any song of theirs I'd occasional skip it would be that one.

favorite (and least favorite) mv: Favourite MV is 'Work Hard'! It's just colourful and cute, I love like the three different distinct groups the members are divided up into with completely different aesthetics and just the overall styling of the MV is so good, Lune with that golden-blonde hair??? YES. My least favourite MV is probably 'Sorry Mama' just 'cause it's not my favourite aesthetically, it's quite flashy from what I can remember and you canny see Junseo's face literally the entire time, like what was with the bucket hat????

favorite (and least favorite) album: 'LOVE'! It's my favourite of the debut mini series, all the songs are so good and so on concept, it's such a change up from their debut and such a good first comeback album, it's just flawless~~ My least favourite is probably 'The Dice is Cast' and it's literally only because it's their first full album but it's actually just a repackage of all their minis... and yet they didn't include every song??? Like song-wise it's brilliant 'cause I just think most of their songs are great but idk it just defeats the point of repackaging if you don't include all the songs?? I would've just liked a huge mega-repackage where they included all 18 songs on it but there's only 10...

a concept i wished they’d try: I'm not entirely sure, I think obviously a suit concept... 'cause I like suits and that's just the whole truth, if ever idol group wore suits every era I wouldn't be mad about it. I think I'd love to see them go really summery too though???? I think there are some members in particular who'd suit the concept really well (sunshine concept for my sunshine boy pls) and idk a song along the lines of like Astro's 'Baby' or Seventeen's 'Pretty U' or Golden Child's 'Pump It Up' or The Boyz 'Bloom Bloom' like something just fun and summery??? It's not something they've really done 'cause they've gone with different sounds but I think they've got the talent to pull it off and might be a good challenge for them.

what i like most about them: I think they just give off a lot of positive energy? I know we don't know anything really about these idols and honestly that's kinda how it should be, those boundaries are important, but together they seem to have a really good energy. They really hype each other up, they seem really hard working and ambitious, all of them are really willing to put in the work to get better at what they do and I think in an industry like theirs it's important to be motivated but also have people around you to build you up and encourage you, which is what they seem to do for each other.

SHINee

do i already stan them? YES | only for the music | attempting to | no

my bias + bias wrecker: I love all of them equally but Taemin was my first bias!

first time i heard of them: I heard SHINee for the first time in about 2012, at the time I was watching a lot of anime (anime mvs on youtube too haha good times) and listening to a lot of the osts on youtube, then one day Sherlock was recommended to me, I clicked on it and I have been a sucker for them ever since.

when i became a fan: I pretty much became a fan immediately, they drew me in so quickly and once I'd heard Sherlock I was watching all their previous stuff, listening to their b-sides and finding out a lot more about them! They're pretty much the only kpop group I've listened to consistently since 2012, it took me a good while to get into a lot of other groups beyond casual listening but I heard those 5 shining boys and I was gone~

favorite (and least favorite) title track: My absolute favourites are: Replay, Love Like Oxygen, Juliette, Ring Ding Dong, Lucifer, Hello, Sherlock, Dream Girl, Why So Serious?, Everybody, View, Married to the Music, 1 of 1, Tell Me What To Do, Good Evening, I Want You, Our Page, Countless, Don't Call Me and Atlantis! And I don't believe there is any to dislike~ Also a shout out to their Japanese discography 'cause I only mentioned their Korean ones but tracks like DxDxD and Get the Treasure and Sing Your Song are also everything~~

favorite (and least favorite) b-side: I can't manage what I did above where I list every single b-side and to be fair they're probably not all my favourite, even though I love them all, so off the top of my head (and I literally mean just what I can remember this second) my faves are: Area, Body Rythm, Hitchhiking, Aside, Electric, Chemistry, Undercover, Colorful, Runaway, Excuse Me Miss, Love Sick, I Really Want You, Marry You, Heart Attack, Don't Stop, Feel Good, Forever or Never and Savior~ and unsurprisingly there aren't really any b-sides I don't like, depending on my mood there's always something SHINee's done that will work~ Again I mainly did their Korean discography here too but their Japanese music is incredible songs like ABOAB, LUCKY STAR, Tell Me Your Name, Diamond Sky, Downtown Baby, Colours of the Season and 君のせいで, to name just a few, are amazing!

favorite (and least favorite) mv: I love most of their MVs but of course Replay, View, Atlantis and Married to the Music come to mind~ Also Your Number isn't technically an MV but it's literally one of my favourite videos of all time, I could (and perhaps have) watch it a billion times! There's not really MVs I can think of that I don't like, even the ones that are a bit dated now are so iconic that they hold a special place in my heart~

favorite (and least favorite) album: At the moment I won't deny the Atlantis repackage is probably one of my favourites, simply because it's still so fresh and I have listened to the others a billion times. I do really love 1of1 too! I don't really have a least favourite album, my absolute favourite songs tend to be scattered on all different ones so... canny pick one~

a concept i wished they’d try: Gosh, what haven't they already done? I guess it'd be interesting to see them do a darker concept because they've not done a lot of that, something quite intense with I guess Tell Me What to Do vibes but a bit more... I don't wanna say horror based but I don't know how else to describe it????

what i like most about them: Without going off on an emotional tangent, what I love most about SHINee is that their music cheered me up during some really tough times in my life. I really think music can be a very powerful thing and all different people have different relationships with music, for me SHINee was just one of those influences that always made me feel better. They were a great source of motivation, as individuals they've all overcome a lot and the fact that we had people like Jonghyun who talked about his struggles and offered support to his listeners, really making music for not only himself for them too, it meant a lot. I also just love that at this point they're so comfortable and confident in who they are, they're no longer making music for wins and to stay on top of other groups, they've worked hard and accomplished so much, they have a supportive and consistent fanbase and I think they can really just enjoy the whole thing a lot more? The music they make is fun and powerful and interesting, they push boundaries as individuals and a group, and they just get better and better~ They set the standard, honestly~