There really isn’t a precedent for the kind of music an act like Shinhwa should be releasing. It’s been an astonishing twenty years since their debut, making them K-pop’s longest-running idol group. At this point, their sound could go in any number of directions. I would have expected new single Kiss Me Like That to either draw on the late 90’s influences of their debut year or lean heavily on current trends. But the song doesn’t really do either. Instead, the guys deliver an understated sense of chill sensuality.
Kiss Me Like That is a real tease of a comeback. From its opening acoustic guitar strum to its final moments of muted brass, I constantly expected the track to morph into something more uptempo. But other than a mid-song injection of percussion, the energy stays firmly at one level. In this way, Kiss Me is heavily reminiscent of TVXQ’s Love Line from earlier this year. Both songs cast their accomplished artists in a carefree, wistful light. In TVXQ’s case, this vibe was a welcome counterpoint to their more dance-focused title track. But as the sole promotional offering from Shinhwa’s twentieth anniversary album, Kiss Me falls a little flat.
This isn’t to say that the song lacks appeal. It’s an incredibly pleasant little trifle, wafting on a catchy hook and highly repetitive instrumental loop. I love how additional elements are brought in as the track unfolds, culminating in a wonderful interplay of guitar and brass. This snowball effect prevents the song from sounding too one-note, though the constant presence of its central guitar loop does grow a little tiresome. Shinhwa tie it all together with a reliably assured performance. I’m just surprised that they opted for something so subdued when it comes to their hard-earned twentieth anniversary.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I have to agree with you there, I expected so much after twentieth anniversary. The song itself is slightly better when listened to it along with the music video. I also don’t get how the choreography is… intense for this laid-back song.
I haven’t listened to any other songs on the album yet, but hoped for a full-length album comeback and elegant and energetic dance track, like Brand New and This Love. I feel cheated for some reason.
But the positive side to this is that I like it better than Touch. At least it showcases maturity in the right (a bit bland but..) direction.
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It’s definitely better than Touch. In fact, I don’t have many issues with the song itself. I just think it’s underwhelming as a title track. But then again, “chill” songs seem to be in vogue at the moment.
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True. Kiss Me Like That has been a fast grower to me, but the guitar loop could have been replaced with something else.
I guess Shinhwa chose “chill” concept as their main concept in their 40s.
I don’t like how most of the songs are either chill, lazy, or overemotional for 2018..
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It’s exactly that kind of song who would fit – and deserve – a great remix to sound much better, but unfortunately the remix culture is so far from KPop industry (I’m looking forward to listening to Alan Walker’s rework of Lay’s Sheep, but – for instance – the remix pack of Exo’s Power was terrible and I can’t remember any other relevant example in that way).
The truth is that it seems unbelievable that the massive, huge dance anthem This Love came out from the same group as Kiss Me Like That. Sometimes years don’t pass for good.
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