It appears there will be no full group comeback for SHINee this year, but that doesn’t mean the individual members won’t be busy. In between his many appearances on variety, Key has returned with a new Japanese single. Tongue Tied was made available last week, but today marks its music video debut. I haven’t been shy about my love for Key’s music in the past. He’s one of those soloists who truly seems to have an idiosyncratic vision. And, our musical preferences often overlap.
With that said, I prefer Key at his most ambitious. Songs like Bad Love, Killer and (underrated b-side) Imagine see him reaching for the stars, whether that be through melody, production or sheer charisma. In comparison, Tongue Tied feels mid-tier in both ambition and execution. The chorus’s layered, almost choir-like vocal arrangement kills. The track drips with texture, utilizing sonic hallmarks that reach back all the way to the 70’s. There’s a sweltering sleaze that emanates from the bass line, and a standout instrumental break further enhances this atmosphere as we reach the final chorus.
Yet, Tongue Tied doesn’t really go anywhere. It’s an accomplished ode to its influences and offers a slightly different twist to Key’s artistry, but when the song ends I’m not begging to repeat it. This is where a touch more ambition would have done the track good. Even so, mid-tied Key is more engaging than many artists at their peak.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Speaking of Key b-sides, it doesn’t get any better than this. Still can’t believe it wasn’t promoted as a single:
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of my most replayed. It’s such a good night driving song!
LikeLiked by 2 people
this made my top-played songs! key’s albums never disappoint
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m still processing SHINee not having a comeback this year. It’s good to see the members performing together (that’s always a good sign). I liked the song, but I found myself listening to the b-side more often.
LikeLike
I felt similarly about this one. I truly enjoyed listening to it, but I have no desire to hit the replay button like I do with most of Key’s music. I’ve seen it mentioned in the comments here and on your J-pop roundup already, but I was also much more drawn to the b-side ‘Fresh.’ That one was an instant playlist add. Still, this is a solid track, and Key continues to be the solo artist who most consistently puts out music that I enjoy listening to.
LikeLike
I agree with everything said here. It works for me because we have the same sensibilities and it is a perfectly serviceable example of them, but it’s not a killer track. Still, it’s perfectly fine and nothing really doesn’t work. I would say it’s simply that no one can always be at the top level, and Key is no exception 🤣
LikeLike
This is in the 9s for me.
Maybe he holds back a bit more than I would’ve liked? But it doesn’t take away from the greatness that is tongue tied.
That bass man!
LikeLike