Release Date: April 24, 2017
Tracklist:
- Lonely (ft. Taeyeon)
- 1000
- 멍하니 있어 (Just Chill)
- Love Is So Nice
- 눈싸움 (Blinking Game)
- 엘리베이터 (Elevator)
- 놓아줘 (Let Me Out)
- 벽난로 (Fireplace)
- 따뜻한 겨울 (Our Season)
Total Runtime: 0:35:15
Recommended for: Those who enjoy simple, stripped-down songs that focus on more on vocals and lyrics.
NOT recommended for: Someone expecting the pop and R&B music released on Jonghyun’s albums “Base” and “She Is” or someone who doesn’t like piano/acoustic guitar driven songs.
SHINee vocalist Kim Jonghyun has returned to the music scene as a soloist once again.
April 24 brought the release of Jonghyun’s second compilation album “The Collection: Story Op. 2.” A mix of songs originally released during his stint as DJ on “Blue Night” and four new tracks, this album allows Jonghyun to show off his composing skills in a series of nine songs that reveal the more raw, natural side of the sensitive singer-songwriter.
Track Review:
Track 1 – Lonely (ft. Taeyeon)
It’s hard to go wrong with a ballad in Korea; especially one that features SNSD’s mega-popular main vocal Kim Taeyeon. A song about two lovers feeling alone despite being with each other, Jonghyun and Taeyeon deliver their beautifully meshing vocals over a gentle piano; easily making this track one of the best on the album.
Track 2 – 1000
A sweet tune with lyrics describing a 1,000 day anniversary, this song written for “Blue Night” is one of the more vocal-focused tracks on the album. A soothing acoustic guitar accompanies Jonghyun’s honey vocals on this refreshingly simple track that makes for the perfect song to listen to on a warm, sunny day.
Track 3 – 멍하니 있어 (Just Chill)
“Just Chill” is a track that shamelessly lives up to its name. It’s the perfect song to play when you just want to lay around in bed, or when you just want something on in the background while you work. Featuring a light guitar riff and the perfect beat to snap along to, “Just Chill” is the best song to waste a day with.
Track 4 – Love Is So Nice
Lyrically and vocally, this song really hits the spot. We get to hear some of Jonghyun’s lovely high notes while he sings about the adorable joys of being in love. However, this song’s sound feels a bit repetitive with a song like “Just Chill” preceding it, and fails to stand out because of it.
Track 5 – 눈싸움 (Blinking Game)
By far one of the best songs on the album, “Blinking Game” is a smooth jazz song with a beautiful ambiance that transports the listener to a romantic candle-lit dinner. It’s soft, it’s enchanting, and it’s one of Jonghyun’s strongest songs in his solo discography.
Track 6 – 엘리베이터 (Elevator)
“Elevator” shows the listener the raw, unedited side of Jonghyun. It’s self-reflective lyrics play out across a somber piano, creating the perfect track for when you just need to cry it out.
Track 7 – 놓아줘 (Let Me Out)
Another highly emotional track, “Let Me Out” features lyrics describing the desperation for pity after a break-up. Jonghyun’s rough vocals, low hums, and emotional delivery over a scratchy, distorted electric guitar provides listeners with a song unlike any other from his “Collection” albums.
Track 8 – 벽난로 (Fireplace)
“Fireplace” can be best described as sad sensuality. It has the kind of vibe one would get from a sultry, R&B track, with the lyrics of a depressing ballad. The combination certainly isn’t unwelcome though, as it is surely one of the stronger tracks on the album.
Track 9 – 따뜻한 겨울 (Our Season)
“Our Season” is an adorable winter song describing how love can make a cold winter warm. Featuring a handbell gently ringing along to the beat, “Our Season” definitely sparks Christmas spirit more than anything; making it a track that you might want to save till December.
