Review: Key - Another Life

What is the difference between an idol and an artist? I'd argue that idols are a conduit for a musical style not their own. They can sing or rap, and they may be really talented, but their creative potential has yet to be met. On the other hand, an artist has reached creative potential. He/she does something new not seen within the entire industry, or makes the craft with precision and intention. Artists often have to fight for their creative freedom, but it is incredibly satisfying when they reach their peak. I'd say they are very few K-Pop idols who could be considered 'artists.' Of which, I'd say at least three have come from SHINee; the first Jonghyun, the second Taemin, and the most recently, Key.

Starting with 2018's I Wanna Be/Face album, he has crafted a solid discography, slowly diving more and more into electro-pop with retro elements. All of this has been handled with a sci-fi ambition. With his second full-length LP released, there is quite a lot of anticipation. While single Gasoline sounds great, I am more amazed by the pre-release song Another Life, an almost-perfect successor to last year's stupendous Bad Love.

While I am not sure if the song being entirely in English was the wisest choice, the lyrics never fall apart into cringe-worthy territory, and Key speaks the language fluently enough for the change to work just fine enough. Ignoring that, Another Life is near perfect. It is bombastic and dramatic. Just like Bad Love, there is a personal drama at the heart of the bombastic presentation. It is not nearly as strong as the emotional roller-coaster that was Bad Love, but it still works really well.

This is all headed by a strong melody. With a team of acclaimed western producers heading most of the song. The melody is forward thrusting, always attacking, but with poignant drama at its very heart. The post-chorus, introduced after the second chorus, improves what was already an incredible refrain. Like many incredible songs, Another Life is better experienced as a whole, with each moment playing off another.

Key is an artist, and while Another Life is not his best, it still is a fantastic song that deserves much appreciation. Assisted by a really strong album (with an even better album cover), it is hard not to appreciate Another Life.

Rating: 9/10

Purchase Key's Another Life and Gasoline album right here!

Image Source: Allkpop