[Album Review] Truth or Lie (1st Mini Album) – HWANG MINHYUN

Today’s album review focuses on Truth or Lie, HWANG MINHYUN’s first solo mini-album since his debut as part of NU’EST 11 years ago. Leading the charge on this min-album is the single Hidden Side, and it stands alongside 5 other side tracks. The mini-album is a mixed bag for me. We have one half of the mini-album that features the more mediocre songs, while the other half features smashing songs. To me, you have a better chance of telling which half is which, rather than what is the truth or the lie. Continue reading the review to find out which half is which!

1. Honest – Honest opens up the mini-album with a balladry number. The instrumental predominately features piano, but we do get some soft guitar work in the mix as well. Together, it creates a calming piece. As with most ballads, there is a nice flowy momentum brought to life by MINHYUN’s vocals. However, it would have been nice for the song to be more memorable in some way (such as, via a more soothing melody) as a way to bring the audience back to the song after Honest finishes. (7/10)

2. Hidden Side (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Hidden Side. (7//10)

3. Crossword – Crossword is a more unique track, with its drum percussion and jazzy tinged guitar work. This combination makes the track feel upbeat and it helps make it stand out for me. I did like MINHYUN’s breathier vocals, however, I wished there was a more riveting melody and hook to the acoustically upbeat song. (7.5/10)

4. Perfect Type – Vocally, Perfect Type fairs much better than the side-tracks before it. MINHYUN brings his breathy vocals back into play in this song, but also combine it with falsettos and oomph (which allows it to go along way). This enables a sensual energy to come through. The rapping and speak-sing portions of the song were also cool moments in the song. The instrumental has a subtle groove to it and a fun retro vibe. (9/10)

5. Smile – We remain in upbeat territory with Smile, but it feels a lot more loaded with the brass elements and thumping beat combination that we can hear in the background. The strings gave the song an elegant touch. Everything altogether makes the entire instrumental package feels grand. MINHYUN’s vocals are a lot more vibrant (which makes sense, given the song’s title is Smile) and has more character, which does wonder for appeal. I do feel like the instrumental does drown out the vocals a bit, but not to the extent where it hurts the song. (9/10)

6. CUBE – CUBE begins in R&B territory. But as we get to the first chorus, the track unexpectedly reverts to epic synths that really wakes you up. From there, the song maintains the momentum. But despite all of that, CUBE sees MINHYUN maintains a R&B vocal approach. His vocals, again, have character and we also hear him draw on his breathy tones and falsettos in this track. The way song eases out at the end allows CUBE to serve as a strong and bold ender to the album. (9/10)