Don't Call Me: Album Review

It’s been years. Years. Yet here we are, and SHINee is truly back. With all their mandatory military enlistments done, the group of four has come back for their seventh studio album together. The album, Don’t Call Me, marks a triumphant return for SHINee, with nine songs full of life and vibrancy that just begs to be listened to.

Don’t Call Me

The title song. This is the one with a music video, and it’s a powerhouse of a song. It has rap beats, guitar riffs, a bit of piano, and some amazing vocal work. Taemin, Minho, and Key give some intense delivery, meanwhile Onew always brings his simply angelic voice to string it all together. It’s not your average breakup song. This is all about ferocity and attitude. The bottom line? Don’t call anymore, or else SHINee will dance you into an early grave. Not to mention, all I've been thinking of since watching this music video was how amazing Minho looks with red hair.

Heart Attack

"Heart Attack" is a great upbeat pop song to follow the hard-hitting “Don’t Call Me”. It’s a little smoother but still quick and flashy, a style SHINee specializes in. This song also introduces a bit of the retro vibe that lives in SHINee’s work. It’s gives an even bigger kick of life into an already energetic song. It’s also the opposite of the previous song, this one is all about being crazy in love with someone and all the turbulent emotions that come with that feeling. The vibe matches the meaning, and it’s a ton of fun to listen to.

Marry You

This is a song I really adore, and I’ve listened to it a few times already. It has one of catchiest choruses in the album, and slows things down again from "Heart Attack". It’s a sweet love song full of lyrics about devotion. I love the soft swaying beat to this one. It’s easy to vibe to , and puts you in a chill mood right away. Again, the vocals really shine in this one, and the retro undertone adds that unique SHINee flavor.

CØDE

"CØDE" brings up the beat back to the beginning. From a bass in the background to some pretty awesome electronic beats, "CØDE" is a shot of adrenaline to the system. It’s playful and energetic. There’s a ton of coding related metaphors and wordplay going on that adds to the fun as well. While this one may not be one of the standout songs for me, it’s one that will still stay with you and get you feeling hyped.

I Really Want You

Again, we get an amazingly energetic song midway through the album. It’s another delightful love song with fantastic vocal work by each of the members. The vocals in this, especially the chorus, sound like they genuinely had a fun time recording. That’s a wonderful thing to hear when you listen to a song. The emotion in this song is so positive and loving, you’ll have a smile on your face listening to it.

Kiss Kiss

"Kiss Kiss" really takes the disco vibe and amps it up to a ten. It’s all about dancing and grooving and having a good time. This is one of the most joyful and vibrant songs on the album, and it’s sure to be an easy favorite for a lot of people. From the lyrics to the quick beat, it’s a playful listen that’s easily accessible no matter what language you speak.

Body Rhythm

Another slower song to sway to, and it fits perfectly at the end of the album. This song sounds a lot like something you’d listen to on the beach. This song really does feel like the tide with the way it flows through you as it plays. It's a bit sexy and flirty, as the title implies, and a great little break from the energy of "Kiss Kiss" to lead into the softer songs.

Attention

I have a ton of love for this song. The end of the album starts to wind down with this one. It’s a soft pop song. It has a similar vibe to “Marry You”, in that sense. The lyrics are delightful and sweet, I highly recommend checking them out as well. These lyrics may just be my favorite on the whole album. They’re so sincere and full of sweet talk and hand holding that will just melt you.

Kind

They saved the best for last, in my opinion. This is my favorite song on the album. It’s the softest one, with a much slower beat. It’s soft and sweet, and those always tend to be my favorite K-pop songs. Another one with tender lyrics, “Kind” will hit you right in the feels. From the sincerity in each vocal performance to the beautiful piano notes in the background. It’s a wonderful song to end the album on.

Overall, Don't Call Me is SHINee's vibe, through and through. The fun, retro-pop style is so strong here, and it makes for a refreshingly new yet familiar album from one of the most beloved K-pop groups of all time. You can’t miss this one, whether you’re a veteran to the genre or completely new. SHINee will get you hooked.