[Album Review] Circle (1st Studio Album) – ONEW (SHINee)

ONEW’s first solo studio album since his debut back in 2009 is the focus of today’s album review. The album itself was released back in March of this year, alongside the title track O (Circle). It also features nine additional tracks. Circle follows last year’s DICE mini-album release, which earned the award of Best Album of 2022 in the 2022 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.

Based on ONEW’s past album works and his contribution to SHINee’s releases, it should be expected that this album, and any of his releases, are of a high calibre. And this was definitely the case for Circle. 9 out of the 10 songs on this album are rated super high (with that one other song still being a solid number). And this earns the album a recommended stamp, so do check out the album if you haven’t done so just yet. I am sure you will find a song that you will like (if not all of them) on it.

1. O (Circle) (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for O (Circle). (8.5/10)

2. Cough (환절기) – Cough captivates with its simple acoustic guitar instrumentation, which helps bring the mid-tempo pop number to life. There isn’t much to it, with less meaning more being demonstrated in this number. ONEW’s deep vocals was stilling and gripping, and I found myself unconsciously swaying along to the soft beats when I really listen to the song. Altogether, it is a beautiful number and the first 10/10 song on the album. (10/10)

3. Rain On Me (우중산책) – Acoustic guitars continue onwards in Rain On Me and I quite like how they are the main piece at the start and ending of the song. The drum beat (and rest of the instrumentation – i.e., electric guitar, strings etc.) that kicks in later on gives the ballad some oomph, which I also appreciated. As for ONEW, I really liked how breathy he gets in the chorus, which makes for another stunning showing of delicate vocals from the soloist and SHINee leader. (9/10)

4. Caramel (ft. Giriboy) – Caramel is a jazzy pop number, bringing a beat back into the album. ONEW’s vocals shine once again in Caramel. I really enjoyed the melodies he brings to life in this song, which felt like a vibe and gave this jazzy number a reason for me to come back for more. The scat was cool and he also brings a sense of smoothness to Caramel based on the way he ends the choruses. The mouth trumpet was a really cool addition, and felt very unique. Giriboy did add in some rapping into the mix, but I think the Caramel could have done without the rapping with everything else going on in it. (9/10)

5. Anywhere – Anywhere is the one song that I have enjoyed listening to on repeat since its release and cannot get enough of it. Anywhere takes us into funky territory with a subtle undertone from the bass from a keyboard. With the synths building on this, this track has such a cool retro atmosphere. Paired with ONEW’s falsetto, Anywhere is the next 10/10 song on this album. (10/10)

6. Paradise – Paradise brings a smile to my face. I really enjoy the playfulness of the instrumentation and ONEW’s vocals in this number. While praise for ONEW’s vocals will be a constant theme in this review (just in case you haven’t noticed this just yet), his vocals at the start of the bridge and his ad-libs just come off so effortless and I like that aspect of this song. (9/10)

7. Expectations – Expectations is a mid-tempo pop track, with some unique and different synth details to it between each key segment. I did like the synth choices and the beat of the song. But together, the song felt a bit bare and empty, which I wish was not the case. (7/10)

8. No Parachute – Probably the album’s quirkiest number, No Parachute is an indie pop track that stands out for its unique instrumentation and delivery of the word ‘Parachute’. I like its mature and serious tone, the rhythmic beat, the multi-use of the acoustic guitar and ONEW’s solid vocals. (9/10)

9. Walk With You (기억을 걷다) – To me, Walk With You feels like a track I would want to listen to on a nice sunny day where I am out in about. Extra points if I the song pops up when I am walking on a nature trail or somewhere that is very nature forward. Having Walk With You on the background on such a day would feel very comforting. I put this down to both the subtle tropical/summery instrumentation and ONEW’s vocals. (8/10)

10. Always (보통의 밤) – The final song on this album is Always. It ends the 10-track album with a ballad. It features a very nice piano instrumentation and ONEW sounds heavenly in this track. Once again, he manages to captivate me and this alone helps deliver a solid ending to this amazing album. (8/10)