Before SHINee make their long-awaited return at the end of the month, they have a gift for fans in the form of pre-release single The Feeling. This song was previously revealed as part of the group’s recent fanmeet and marks the first time we’re hearing all four members on a new Korean track since the spring of 2021. That’s too lofty a set-up for a mere pre-release to achieve, but even with sky-high expectations there’s plenty to enjoy here.
SHINee’s skillful charisma as performers can elevate any song. Just hearing their vocal blend is a total treat, and it cracks apart some of the more generic leanings of The Feeling. There are things I dislike about the track (mainly the sloooow second verse), but when its elements come together The Feeling delivers a rush of enthusiasm akin to a blast of summer air hitting your face through an open car window. As usual, the group wields sentiment well.
The track is at its best when driven by galvanizing percussion. The faster the drum beat hits, the more fully the song takes flight. This is most evident during its second half, when the vocal chorus blends with the instrumental drop that appeared earlier in the track. It leads to a rousing, confetti drop finale that sends us off on a high. As anthems go, it ain’t bad! As expected from a pre-release, the song feels slighter than a title track. But, it’s a welcome peek into the musical world they’ll be unleashing at the end of the month.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Upscale fanservice, buoyed along by the lively beat.
Its like they learned from the best of jpop where keep that beat running no matter what, though I wish they really did keep it running the full song not a start and stop. Remix please!
Also I can’t help but notice that some parts of this song remind me of the old Taio Cruz “Dynamite” chorus. Its not close, much at all, but I heard it once in the chord progression esp in the opening bars now I can’t unhear it dammit. Damn dynamite song, the kiddos pick that one every time on the Dance Wii.
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isn’t their upcoming title track a Dem Jointz production? Don’t Call Me was cute, but I’d stay cautious…
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I believe so, and I’m bracing myself for NCSHinee…
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SHINee’s back!!! Lets be real this could’ve been dial up noises played for the same amount of time and it would be a 10/10 for me just because they exist and it makes me happy. The fact that they did a “It’ll be ok” song on the most disappointing day of my life just kind of makes it the greatest ever to exactly me. Its the exact song by the exact group I needed right now so its the best thing ever. Normally these songs do nothing for me but today it absolutely does in every single way.
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any thoughts on laysha’s comeback red flower? i thought there was a lot of wasted potential. the production was GREAT but thats about it
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I just needed this. The singing is better than the song, but the song is solid. So welcome.
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SHINee is back, SHINee is back!!!!!!!
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Shinee is BACK and said Summer is here! Gods I love this song sooo much! I have been rewatching fancam’s from the fanmeeting for this song ever since then. My Shinee bias is utterly insurmountable and there is no point in pretending otherwise, so I’m gonna call this a ten and continue dancing to it while I wait for the album release.
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As usual, here come the summer songs when I’m going into winter.
This song is great as expected from Shinee.
8.75 from me
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It got me a little when the MV listed the member’s names, and then “and….” I don’t know if I’d return to this song much, but I feel happy for their happiness, you know? And the hope they can impart to others.
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Exactly how I feel, I’m happy for their happiness. The song is okay, but I don’t enjoy the melody much. The MV really does a lot to convey the emotions
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This is so nice! I love some refreshing DnB. The track is sometimes a bit melodically confusing but I guess that’s what makes it interesting.
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Man that “set fire to the dark” bit…absolute heaven.
Our freaking boys are back! Can’t wait for the full release!
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I love Shinee endlessly , been a shawol for 14 years so I feel I can be honest so in my heart of hearts I have to admit that i just do NOT like this song at all. Although I love & support them, I will not want to hear this one anymore. I am really dissapointed to be honest and I truly HATE to say that but on this, I HAVE to be truthful. I am very glad that many others love it! I hope for the future to be grand
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That’s so interesting! I certainly wouldn’t call it one of their best, but what about it makes you dislike it? At worst, it just seems a bit innocuous.
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I thought I was the only person who thought the same. I also love Shinee, they are one of the best boybands and their songs are golden but in this case, I don’t like this song at all and it doesn’t sound like Shinee and it hurts me to say it but I’m still not biased and honestly I have to be. I’ll wait for better releases from them but this one, I pass it.
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Exactly how I feel, I’m happy for their happiness. The song is okay, but I don’t enjoy the melody much. The MV really does a lot to convey the emotions
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I’m supposed to reply to a comment but it appears as a new comment lol
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I’m late to the party but this is a single released for their anniversary and only as an MV, I don’t believe it’s available to stream on Spotify. I see everyone calling it a pre-release but technically it’s not part of their album. There’s already info out there that the title song had Kenzie participating along with Dem Jointz so I’m anticipating a title song akin to DCM.
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How did I completely miss this?!
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Anyway, I love hearing them again but the song itself doesn’t really stick with me when I compare it to an Atlantis or a Don’t Call Me. It’s definitely Shinee though, and they make it soar.
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Coming back here to leave a comment way late as an apology to this song for continuing to forget that it’s one of the best tracks on Hard. This is zipping down the highway in a convertible, hands up with a giant smile plastered all over your face music. I’ve never done it, but that’s the imagery that big instrumental conjures in my brain, along with the random thought that The Feeling would feel at home on the Forza Horizon series soundtrack. This song brings me joy. Can’t ask for much more than that!
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Just got around to listening to this album. Really love the harmonies in the prechorus. Otherwise, the instrumentation in the chorus is too fast, and I like fast beats, but I guess I’m not “feeling” this one. Maybe with time.
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