SHINEE’s Onew continues his prolific solo run with his third full album today. This was preceded by pre-release Confidence, a song that was musically impressive but failed to pull me in on a gut level. Title track Animals is a more straightforward synthpop affair, reminiscent of some sounds you might find on a SHINee album.
This also feels quite indebted to western pop, surging forward with a simple beat and uncluttered melody. It’s a predictable arrangement, even as the song occasionally stumbles into more experimental territory. Holding it all together is Onew’s inimitable voice. He doesn’t have much opportunity to show off (even a late-song power note is oddly flattened by the production), but his tone is unique enough to supply Animals with plenty of character.
That character goes a long way toward selling this song, but I wish either the melodies or production followed suit. Overall, this has the sanitized sheen of an Ed Sheeran track, making it a fine addition to any playlist but never drawing much attention to itself. I’m not sure what it is Onew needs to be releasing at this point in his career, but I’d hope for something more idiosyncratic.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It does feel quite Western, meaning it probably isn’t bad and it probably isn’t glorious. Rating is about the same.
8,8,8,7 = 7.75
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Amazing song.
Easily in the 9s for me!
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I don’t hate it, but it feels like I’ve heard this song before. Or rather, I’ve heard so many songs like this already. A bit of a numb feeling.
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I like it more than Onew’s recent output but honestly that’s not saying much, as sadly I’ve found his last few songs pretty blah. I loved Dice and Circle so much, it feels like I’m still chasing the dragon of his previous releases
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Circle is so fantastic. But I understand he is trying to grow his discography in more of a festival/small concert direction, since he enjoys concerts the most, so I see why he makes the choices he is making.
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of course this album is a masterpiece but personally, i need to listen a few more times to let it grow on me – this is what happened to “Confidence” previously. I love “Mad” so much though, as well as “Winner” in the previous album.
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Onew’s discography has a problem where it’s full of good songs that are arguably never bad, but also never masterpieces.
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I usually try to listen to the song first, form my own thoughts, then read Nick’s commentary. Today unfortunately I did the opposite, and now I can’t unhear Ed Sheeran. My sister went to his concert (Ed’s) and said it was fantastic, but it is still, like, Ed Sheeran music.
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No one is going to read this anymore but commenting because I got the chance to hear this live today! Onew being my first ever k-pop concert feels fitting given my love for SHINee (the only group I own multiple albums and versions for) and him being my longtime bias.
He killed it but then I expected nothing less!
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I’m reading it, because I went to see him on this tour and I’m now obsessed and reading everything about him. He was so amazing live. I think Yeowoobi, Maestro and Yay were my favourite live performances, but it was all so wonderful. He said he would be back soon and I honestly can’t wait.
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That’s amazing! I can’t believe a fellow fan found this obscure comment. I’m partial to Beat Drum because it’s so fun and lively, but I loved the songs you mention too. Onew is one of my favourite vocalists, he’s so talented and it was so cool to hear him live.
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