SHINee DON’T CALL ME: In-Depth Album Review – Kiss Kiss | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

Enough of you asked for it, and who am I to deny? It’s time to dive deep into SHINee’s long-awaited comeback album Don’t Call Me, track-by-track.

1. Don’t Call Me // 2. Heart Attack // 3. Marry You // 4. CØDE // 5. I Really Want You // 6. Kiss Kiss // 7. Body Rhythm // 8. Attention // 9. Kind

Kiss Kiss

Kiss Kiss is the kind of song that’s deceptively simple, yet improved upon immensely by the artists performing it. As a piece of music, it’s quite repetitive and single-minded in its groove, but succeeds in painting a striking mood – sort of a laid-back, post-party disco moment.

Over insistent kick and flutters of rhythm guitar, Kiss lays down an airy funk, harnessing muted synth accents for extra atmosphere. You could certainly get lost in this beat, and the equally rhythmic melody compliments the vibe perfectly.

But like I said, this is the SHINee show, and their performance really elevates the track. Not only do they offer commanding turns during the verses and an ultra-emotive bridge complete with passionate adlibs, but their distinct blend is capitalized upon to make the post-chorus a standout moment. The vocal layering and harmonies here are simply hypnotic, turning a mellow groove into something insanely captivating. I feel like I’ve been writing about texture a lot lately, and this ethereal glide is as smooth as butter. Yet, you don’t lose SHINee’s own character amidst all the production polish.

Taken as part of the album, this is the perfect comedown after the ebullient I Really Want You. The songs are almost like two sides of the same coin.

Hooks	8
Production	9
Longevity	9
Bias	8
RATING	8.5

17 thoughts on “SHINee DON’T CALL ME: In-Depth Album Review – Kiss Kiss”

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I Really Want You and Heart Attack are such amazing pieces of music that it makes Kiss Kiss pale in comparison.

But the song is pretty awesome by its own!

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Yep, this is really nice! Once I noticed the kissing sounds, I couldn’t unhear them – the fact that Minho apparently recorded those makes it even funnier. The production reminds me vaguely of Say So (same style/genre, I think).

The bridge is amazing and really takes this song to the next level.

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blueraspberrysyrup says:

February 27, 2021 at 6:29 pm

This song kind of reminds me of a song DNCE could’ve released. Also, Minho recorded those sounds?! Wow…. Plus, the kissing sounds are a bit unnerving to listen to. All I hear is moist puckering and it’s…..unpleasant

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- Discount Seungmin says:
  
  February 28, 2021 at 3:52 am
  
  You’re right- I can definitely hear the DNCE vibes!
  
  In the comeback V-live the members basically asked Minho “Wasn’t it you who recorded the kiss sounds” and he replied “It’s a secret” with a mischievous smile. I took that as meaning he did, but who knows.. I imagine it’s annoying to hear when you’re sensitive to ..mouth sounds..for lack of a better term :’)
  
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Those harmonies are magical. This song just makes me happy.

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I like this song more every time I listen to it. It’s crept up to be my 4th favorite on the album. This is another really excellent vocal arrangement. The chorus is the best part, & the oohs in the post-chorus are honestly addicting.

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This was an instant favorite. I love the bounce of the chorus, and SHINee’s vocal ability really shines through here. In the course of this song their vocal delivery is sometimes sweet and airy, sometimes passionate and powerful, but always skillfully executed in whatever level of strength they choose to apply. It creates so much interest for me as a listener!

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