SHINee's Key debuts as solo artist after 10 years in inventive boy band

Key performs “One of Those Nights” at a press showcase to unveil his new album at New Millennium Hall of Konkuk University in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Kwak Yeon-soo

K-pop boy band SHINee's member Key released his solo album “FACE,” Monday, fronted by the lead track “One of Those Nights” featuring Crush. The song is a smooth R&B track with house rhythm that emphasizes Key's sentimental personality.

The album contains tracks produced by various collaborators, such as Skrillex, Valentino Khan, Kenzi, LDN Noise, Bazzi, Adrian Mckinno, TAK and IMLAY. Singers Crush, Soyou and rapper Vinxen also feature on a few cuts.

“The album title FACE has multiple meanings. First of all, it was inspired by the phrase 'face it' and also represents my determination to show my various charms and facets,” Key said during a press showcase held in Seoul, Monday. He added that it was his intention to make the title sound similar to SHINee members' previous solo albums. Taemin's first solo album title was “ACE,” while the late Jonghyun's was “BASE.”

Key explained the thought process behind the album-making. “Many asked me why it took so long to release a solo album, but I didn't want to be driven by impetuosity. I think now is the right time to debut as a soloist,” he said.

His work veers toward funk EDM music, a notable change from SHINee, which focused on house music and electro-pop in their most recent album “The Story of Light.” Key's natural charisma helps him show his emotions.

The other nine tracks include “Good Good,” a rock funk song that emphasizes the falsetto of Key, “Chemicals,” a trap tune, “Honest,” an electro-pop number and “Imagine,” a Complextro Nu Disco track.

The 27-year-old singer helped write the lyrics for four tracks on the album.

One of them, “I Will Fight,” is an R&B ballad featuring rapper Vinxen. He also participated on “Easy to Love,” a house R&B song in which the electric guitar riff stands out, “The Duty of Love,” a pop rock number and “This Life,” a progressive house genre song that represents breaking free from past trauma.

“Forever Yours,” an R&B pop song with tropical house vibes featuring Soyou, and lyrics focused on romantic feelings, is also included on the latest album.

A teaser image of Key's first solo album “FACE” Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Earlier in May, SHINee ― now consisting of members Key, Onew, Mino and Taemin ― released the three-part sixth full-length album “The Story of Light” to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

“I want to prove that I am capable of doing many things at once. This year was pretty hectic for me. I've released a new album as a member of SHINee, been appearing on numerous variety shows and even shot a film that will be released next year,” he said. “But I still have energy to do more,” he said.

Key's album will be followed by one from Onew, the leader of SHINee who is set to join the military Dec. 10. Before he bids a temporarily farewell to his fans, he will release his first solo work. Since making its debut, SHINee has earned worldwide fame and had numerous hit songs including “Love like Oxygen,” “Juliette,” “Ring Ding Dong,” “Lucifer,” “Sherlock” and “Everybody.”