1. Hard // 2. Juice // 3. 10X // 4. Satellite // 5. Identity // 6. The Feeling // 7. Like It // 8. Sweet Misery // 9. Insomnia // 10. Gravity
IDENTITY
Five tracks into Hard, and Identity is where the album feels like it finally kicks in. Up until now, we’ve had a couple uneven experiments (tracks one and two), and pleasant — but lightweight — b-sides (tracks three and four). Identity isn’t top-tier SHINee, but it delivers many of the dramatic elements I love about the group.
Selfishly, I’d be content if SHINee simply recycled this sound for the next decade. That’s not fair to them as artists, but there’s something to be said about developing a brand and pulling it off better than anyone else on the market. From its thumping electro beat to its towering chorus, the track is funky but substantial. I love the post-chorus vocal filter. The second verse rap is also a highlight.
Now… is this song as good as Heart Attack, CØDE or I Really Want You from their last album? I don’t think so. There’s a bit too much noodling around in places. I desperately want to tighten up parts of the first verse and pre-chorus, and the producers could have gotten more ambitious with the instrumental to breathe even more life into the track. Identity is like an appetizer for the many main courses within their discography. Thankfully, it’s a very tasty one! All of its familiar ingredients are clearly listed and predictably satisfying.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
And that’s why it would be my personal favorite song on the album! It’s very SHINee-coded.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Now we’re talking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This one is just so clearly IT I really think it’s my favorite on the album. I mentioned on another post I could see this being a Key solo track, but my god does it work for SHINee as a group. I honestly kind of wish this was the title track. I hope more people get to hear it.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I also immediately thought of Key’s solo work when I heard this one, so it’s no surprise to me that I love it. They pull this sound off so stinking well. I actually really love the pre-chorus, especially vocally, but also just how the instrumental gives those vocals some space before the big chorus comes slamming in. I love the rest of the song equally as much though, except for maybe the first part of the bridge before Onew comes in and changes my mind with the transition back into the chorus.
Identity sits squarely in my number two spot for the album. Sometimes I think it may take over as my favorite…but then Like It comes on again, and I have to check myself.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes! One of the things I appreciate about SHINee’s sound is that 15 years into their careers, they’ve really embraced their personal influences on their group sound and aren’t afraid to put what they like into their group music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Far and away my favourite on the album.
LikeLike
Man this song compliment Onew so much. He always stands out but this one especially. I live for their harmonies. This song is so great. I think this is my favorite on the album. Its easily top 3. I love it so so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An easy standout, the best song on the album.
LikeLike
This album makes me realize how insane the previous album was – that one was just one fantastic song after another. In comparison, this album is a bit more ‘meh’.
LikeLike
Late commenting on this but I like the fact that Taemin has a song called “Identity” and now SHINee have a song called “Identity”.
LikeLike