KPOPHERALD - [Album review] 20 years is just a number for Shinhwa 

[Album review] 20 years is just a number for Shinhwa

There’s a saying that over 10 years, even the rivers and mountains change. In the 20 years since Shinhwa’s debut in 1998, the country has seen five different presidents in office, generations have shifted and fans have embraced a new definition of K-pop.

So the 20-year anniversary album of Shinhwa, the longest-running K-pop act to date, is a nod to the band’s inexhaustible range of talent and passion.

Titled “Heart,” the six-track album kicks off with “In the Air,” an up-tempo house track peppered with soft and toned-down rapping by Yoon Mi-rae. While it is experimental in that the track marks the group’s first take on the genre and collaboration with Yoon, “In the Air” is sugar-coated with Shinhwa’s unique warm nostalgic vibe, creating a surprisingly comfortable atmosphere.

Similarly toned down and stripped of heavy synths, lead track “Kiss Me Like That” is groovier and more mature with its mix of guitar strings and the velvet vocals of the veteran singers. Penned by popular lyricist Kim Ea-na, the love song’s lyrics are outright seductive and intuitive, but it’s Shinhwa that makes the sound stylishly restrained.

Funky pop number “Level” is a reincarnation of the group’s previous old school vibe, only richer in sound. The compilation also includes lyrics written by Shinhwa vocalist Minwoo for “Here I Come,” a blend of Latin pop and future bass.

The rest of the album cruises at that same placid altitude, with “L.U.V,” an emotional R&B number, and “Don’t Leave,” an acoustic and poignant break up song, rounding out the album.

As the group with the most longevity in the scene, Shinhwa deserves a round of applause for honing its musical edge and setting a good example for younger artists. It has won the hearts and ears of people across generations.

GOT7 to return with ‘Lullaby’ in four languages

Twice becomes first foreign artist to open Tokyo Girls Collection

[Photos] Check out these unreleased photos of your favorite idols

Suzy’s first Instagram post since break up

제19대 대통령 선거운동기간 4월17일(월)~5월8일(월)에는 댓글, 게시판 서비스가 중단됩니다. 양해 부탁드립니다.

Meet IZ*ONE, the ‘Produce 48’ debut group

Herald Corporation | 주소: Huam-ro 4-gil 10, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea | 제호: K-POP Herald | Online newspaper registration number: Seoul 아03713

Date of registration: 2015.04.28 | Publisher. Editor: Kwon Chung Won | Juvenile Protection Manager: Shin Chang Hoon