Next album on the blog to be reviewed is SHINee’s HARD, their 8th studio album that celebrates the group’s 15th anniversary since their debut in 2008. The studio album features a total of 10 tracks, including the title track HARD and the pre-release track The Feeling (which I have binging as part of the preparations and writing for this review). For me, I found the album to be a mix bag of tracks – some of them were very good (and most songs on HARD leaned towards this end of the spectrum), whilst some others were rather weak. Find out where the side tracks lie on the spectrum down below.

1. HARD (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for HARD. (8/10)

2. JUICE – JUICE is quite overwhelming from the first second, with so much going on in the instrumentation alongside the vocals. The track is obviously designed to be bold and ‘hit hard’ from the first second, but it just took over and it all sounded jarring. As JUICE progresses, the EDM and hip-hop song does settle a bit and becomes a little more appreciable. However, it does feel like it could become too much at any moment. The different detailing in the instrumentation already, along with the softer direction of the bridge does turn JUICE into a messy affair, and I guess I wished there be more cohesion in the track. On a more positive note, the members do sound quite good with their bold vocals in the chorus, and the hooks are definitely all there. (6.5/10)

3. 10X – Following on from JUICE is 10X, which production is much more streamlined and cleaner. The breathy vocals throughout the chorus or MINHO’s deeper vocal repetition, along with the jazzy influence from the piano, makes 10X so groovy. I had a hard time getting this track out of my head. (9/10)

4. Satellite – Satellite is such a smooth number, one that I can listen to again and again. The vocals at the start and throughout the chorus just brings the members together so well. The vocals elsewhere in the track follows a similar direction and each member sounds so good in the song. I also really loved the wavy flow of Satellite that just propels the song forward. Altogether, you have one dreamy track in Satellite. (10/10)

5. Identity – The synth instrumentation here makes Identity interesting. There is a funkiness to the song that is a good starting point in making this track. The flourishes help liven up the track and creates a dynamic piece. Some of them are quite punchy, as well. The vocal work follows a similar set up as per Satellite, with the members singing individually in the verses and all the members coming together in the chorus. In both cases, the vocals are tenacious, which makes it a strong track. (9/10)

6. The Feeling (Pre-Release Track) – Click here to read the full review for The Feeling. (9/10)

7. Like It – Just like in Identity, the funkiness in the instrumental starts off Like It strongly. But it is the shrilly-like synth in the chorus that really makes the song pop out. The electric guitar at the end was also a really nice touch. Like It is the type of track you expect to hear on the dance floor, and I would gladly dance along to the music should I ever hear it pop up. The vocals, particularly in the chorus, felt nostalgic and were definitely a solid effort from the members. The melodies and hooks were quite pleasant, as well. Another strong track, overall. (9/10)

8. Sweet Misery – Sweet Misery could have been a stunner. Vocally, I quite liked where the song was going. I really love the wispy and soft ‘Sweet Misery’ in the chorus, which I find to be an iconic aspect of the track. The rest of the vocals that follow through in the chorus were nicely done, as well. The verses were sounded so good, as well. But the instrumentation in the latter parts of the choruses does overwhelm Sweet Misery and detract it away from what should have been a vocally beautiful track. (6.5/10)

9. Insomnia (불면증) – Insomnia enters R&B territory with a sensual and smooth number. I really like the jazzier moments in the instrumentation. SHINee has proved themselves vocally with R&B numbers in the past, and they do it again in Insomnia. The harmonies add to the appeal of the track, while the rapping parts keep the song interesting and intriguing. (8/10)

10. Gravity – The final song on this album is Gravity. It is a soft pop track, with the members’ vocal work and melodies feeling so comforting and inviting. I like how the members add to the softness of the track, by keeping the vocal work consistent through and through. The only exception “Gravity Gravity” pierces through the softness, creating a bold moment in the song that keys the song’s title and hook into your head. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.3/10