Album Review: SHINee - Atlantis
I have already reviewed all songs in Don't Call Me. I decided to combine this into an album review for easier reading. You will notice some of the scores are updated.
Atlantis
I can't call Atlantis perfect, it has a few flaws, and several great points too. It is surprisingly jam-packed with larger-than-life moments for a song less than 3 minutes, and that is part of its charm. Despite its flaws, I am certain Atlantis will age excellently, for even the weaker moments help build a sailing-worthy epic
Rating: 9/10
CØDE
The electronic EDM production goes great with the funky beat and the atmosphere. Yet unlike many modern dance tracks, CØDE never resorts to boy band cheese. Instead, it is driven by its ambition up till the strong climax. When I say I want SHINee back, this, especially the chorus, what I mean.
Rating: 9/10
Don't Call Me
A slow-burner for me, Don't Call Me blends the classic SHINee sound with trends for a great effect. The final chorus in particular is a stand-out. The hip-hop beat adds a bit of bounce and edginess, while the vocal blend of SHINee ground the song just enough for it to feel real rather than larger-than-life. All of the elements lead to one of the group's best climaxes from the last past few years.
Rating: 8.75/10
Area
The main interest in Area is the lyrics written by Minho. They portray loss as a missing piece in a puzzle. It is one of the more clever lyrics this year so far and makes me hope to see more lyrics written by Minho coming up soon. Some have also suspected it is about late member Jonghyun, making it even more personal.
Rating: 8.5/10
Heart Attack
Heart Attack would fit greatly as a b-side of the Misconceptions series of SHINee albums. It takes only a minute for the groove to fully start. The song also acts as a great showcase for SHINee's a-grade vocals.
Rating: 8.5/10
Marry You
Marry You has an issue or two. The production is a little too trendy (and a little outdated as well), for the song to stand out. The trendy tropical beat could have been replaced by an R&B beat, and this would be my favorite song of the album. The lyrics are cringe too. Thankfully, SHINee's vocal performance is great.
Rating: 7.5/10
Days and Years
Normally, I would find songs like Days and Years somewhat underwhelming, but this where SHINee's vocals come in. The vocal layering is joyous. My favorite part is the pre-chorus, which has an incredible harmony between Onew and Key at one point. Taemin singing across the chorus near the end is also incredible. This is what a strong vocal arrangement can do to a good song, it makes it great. Each listen just makes Days and Years better.
Rating: 9/10
I Really Want You
This is the SHINee we all know and love, coming back at full strength. After a few months of being behind utterly underwhelming songs, Ryan S. Jhun finally gets his act together, assisted by a massive list of excellent producers. And of course, there is no discounting SHINee's performance. It feels so good to hear actual voices in pop music once again. Taemin, Onew, Key, Minho, all are solid vocalists and would be the main vocalists if they were in a weaker group. This song is a joyous dream and peak SHINee.
Rating: 9.25/10
Kiss Kiss
The song thrives during its bridge. SHINee show us some classic SHINee, with a strong vocal performance. But in a strong album, this song is somewhat middling.
Rating: 7.25/10
Attention
I doubt I will come back too much to Attention. The reason for this is that Attention goes for a classic SHINee funky sound, of which there are much, much, better examples amongst the album. At least the whistle hook near the end is good.
Rating: 7.25/10
Body Rhythm
The fun reggaeton beat ended up growing on me a lot. It is bouncy, fun, and sensual, and if you think those three should not work together, you are right, but clearly, no one told SHINee that. The beat all leads to the laid-back chorus, one of the most surprisingly successful moments of the year so far.
Rating: 8.5/10
Kind
The chorus is healing. The competent vocals come together to make something special. Something hopeful. The falsettos, the dreamy piano, this is how the album should have, and how it, ended. This is the greatest SHINee ballad for years, and they still have it in them. While I enjoy their dance style, if SHINee went ballad, they have shown themselves amazing enough for me to love it.
Rating: 9/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10*
Do not underestimate this repackage. While the overall score only jumped mildly, the repackage provides the balance the original needed. It finally has SHINee involved in a song, and adds the emotion to the bombast. This is truly an album you should not miss.
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