Review: Key - Hat That Ft. Taeyeon
Key of SHINee's releases are mostly glitchy electropop. Songs such as Imagine have built Key's image as the futuristic dance-pop star of SHINee, while Onew does the ballads, Taemin the alt-pop, Jonghyun used to do the art-pop, and Minho... the dramas.
This glitchy, futuristic sound is likely to grace his upcoming album. However, delays have postponed his album, which has led to us getting a pre-release single in Hate That. Instead of his normal style, Hate That is a mellow mid-tempo song with Taeyeon, who basically has mastered this style by now.
Key is instantly down for this material. His vocal ability has only gotten better with time, and Hate That sees him at his best yet. Now, he proves a strong pairing with Taeyeon, both never letting any moment stray from the song's central story. Every moment where both of them sing together is incredible.
Given how mellow the song is overall, the instrumentation is surprisingly strong. The percussion, in particular, provides just the right amount of crunch which other songs in this style lack. Guitars also dot the track, adding a nostalgic atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the song misses an opportunity. Just a little earlier this year, Love Can Have Two People used its two vocalists for some clever interplay. On the other hand, Hate That sticks a little too strongly to sticking to one side. It would have been much more interesting had Taeyeon and Key singing as the ex-couple, Taeyeon explaining why she is glad their relationship is over, and Key why he feels betrayed and sad she is not sad.
Overall, Hate That has aged surprisingly well. It may not be perfect, but it has all the right elements, and thus works much better than it has any right to. As a pre-release, the song does what is required, and a little more.
[emerges from the dead for a second] It has aged well for me too, it's a nice vibe and they work well together. Excited for the album though, that album cover looks sick.
ReplyDeleteNot crazy for the album cover, but few things are as epic as coming back from the dead to give your thoughts on a song!
DeleteHate That might be my truthfully favorite SM song since RIDIN. The vocals are blisfully well executed, the duo is a standout, there was absolutely no shaky lines and it was just heavenly to hear. I really love it. Maybe an 8 is what I would critically rate it. But 8.5 is also on par.
ReplyDeleteOn other news, ABBA is back and oh boy the new album seems to be my favorite of the year already. I mean I cannot believe I am hearing the actual 80s play right now. Don't Shut Me Down is brilliant and amazing. It seems that the album will really be very great. ABBA doesn't back down.
Glad you enjoy the song!
DeleteI plan on hearing the ABBA album later today, super hyped!!!
By the album, I mean the songs released so far lol.
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