Since going their separate methods for solo promotions, no SHINee member has been as musically prolific as Onew. This isn’t what I’d have anticipated based mostly on previous historical past, however he’s been churning out materials with nice consistency. Subsequent up is summer time single Confidence, pre-released forward of this third full album subsequent month. As you would possibly count on from the season, the monitor has a brighter aesthetic.

Whereas summer time was once a time of bounding, energetic title tracks, I’ve observed a cooldown over the previous seven years. Groovier, downbeat fare has grow to be simply as widespread as these nice Duble Sidekick-esque bops of the previous. I suppose this captures the duality of summer time. As thrilling as it may be, an infinite string of summer time days may really feel languid and drowsy. Nevertheless, “languid and drowsy” is unquestionably not how I favor my pop music.

Confidence casts its laidback vibe proper firstly and by no means strays from that straightforward groove. This isn’t a tune of peaks and valleys. It’s merely the sound of Onew’s voice gliding by means of a lightweight mattress of coffeehouse-ready muzak. Even when he strikes right into a stunning rap verse, it’s delivered in a cast-off, lackadaisical trend that feels virtually like improvisation. Followers of this model will likely be more than happy, however for me a tune like Confidence wafts in a single ear and out the opposite.

Grade: C-