[Album Review] Guilty (4th Mini Album) – TAEMIN (SHINee)

I had intended to wrap up my reviews of 2023 albums (for now) this week with another album (look over my more recent reviews to figure which album that might be). But then I realized I may have overlooked an important comeback from the past year that I should have picked up earlier to review – TAEMIN’s Guilty. I know, I apologies for missing Guilty. But I have slid in Guilty into the agenda this weekend, and move that other album to next weekend. This is TAEMIN’s first mini-album since completing his military list, his last mini-album with SM Entertainment (TAEMIN left SM earlier this year and has signed on with Big Planet Made (BPM) Entertainment) and his fourth Korean mini-album overall. It features the title track of the same name and 5 additional side tracks.

1. Guilty (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Guilty. (9/10)

2. The Rizzness – Despite having a questionable name, many listeners unexpectedly like The Rizzness. I am in that group as well, but not exactly to the extent of others. The Rizzness is a much edgier song than usual for TAEMIN, and this attracts attentions. He is known for more aesthetic works, so The Rizzness is very much different for the soloist. The instrumental adds to that ‘difference’ with a bold trap/hip-hop styled drill sound. His vocals definitely smooth out the roughness of the instrumental backing whilst also creating tension with the rest of the song. But I think there could have been some more interesting delivery from TAEMIN to make The Rizzness even more interesting. It is good as it is, but some flair (one way or another) in the vocal department could have made it even better. ICYMI – TAEMIN also released a performance video for The Rizzness. (8/10)

3. She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not – The trap and guitar riffs make this track interesting from the onset. Then comes TAEMIN’s vocals, which is by far the most captivating element and literally carries you onto the journey of She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not. He relies on a breathier tone in some parts to provide a more sensual yet pensive vibe, and amps up other parts with shoutier vocals in other moments to give us some vigor. This illustrates the dilly dally nature of the song’s lyrics and title (which is about realisation of an ending relationship). Clever. Despite the different delivery tactics used, he manages to also maintain a consistent softness and delicateness to the song, which helps give She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not an emotional ad heartbreaking dimension, as well. (9/10)

4. Not Over You (제자리) – Not Over You speaks to the feeling of not being over someone that you had broken up with and the fact the memories of the relationship still too raw. I found the R&B-esque instrumental for Not Over You gives it a calming presence, yet TAEMIN’s vocals were emotive and engaging throughout. I like how the various elements in Not Over You cohesively worked together. A good example of this is the autotune that blends TAEMIN’s vocals with the instrumental during the choruses. I also really liked how deep his vocals got in the bridge of the song. Definitely a gripping moment in Not Over You. (8/10)

5. Night Away (오늘 밤) – Night Away goes for a softer pop track, which features a prominent acoustic guitar presence and some really nice dreamy synth work. The combination of the two makes for a soothing number. TAEMIN’s clear vocals also follows this direction, and does so in a very consistent manner. This consistency isn’t a flaw in the song, as any differentiation in vocals or delivery could have potentially disrupted the flow of the song. (8/10)

6. Blue – My favourite song on this album comes at the end. Blue is just so captivatingly atmospheric. The only way I can fully appreciate Blue is by stopping whatever I am doing and closing my eyes so I can be whisked away. From the synth work to the vintage drums to the guitar work to TAEMIN’s vocals, everything just felt so calming. Refreshing and freeing also comes to my mind when I listen to Blue. I keep on mentioning how good TAEMIN’s vocals are on this album, but I think his delivery here is the best. Just so captivating. (10/10)