Despite the growing popularity of K-pop around the globe, there are many who still dismiss it as a valid form of entertainment and artistry. Some may say that pop lacks the depth and details of other genres. Others feel that since the performers aren’t writing all of the lyrics or producing their own songs, they aren’t ‘real’ artists or musicians with a vision. And some feel that anyone who can sing or dance good enough can do the exact same thing, and those under the genre are therefore interchangeable. Now, I think that in most circumstances everyone is entitled to their own opinion (even if it’s wrong), and no one should feel like they need to justify their reasons for liking something that makes them happy, even if it is ‘just’ pop music. But if I was going to introduce an argument to prove all of those misconceptions wrong, I’d start with Taemin.
From starting as an SM trainee at just thirteen, to becoming the maknae (youngest) in the legendary group SHINee (at the time of their debut, his voice was still breaking and his vocals were barely even featured in their debut track), to becoming a global superstar and respected senior (even though he’s only 27)- Lee Taemin has already had a diverse and enduring career that few achieve. He’s also one of the few idols that people from most any fandom can agree has surpassed to the title of a true ‘artist’. He has a way of interpreting and performing a song that puts an indelible stamp of his ownership. With common comparisons on his unique styles and concepts to the likes of Michael Jackson or Prince, his choreography is notoriously challenging to cover because it’s filled with subtle details that make all the difference. And despite his success, he is continually trying to grow and remake himself with every release.
The idea of remaking oneself and transformation is the core concept behind his most recent series of albums, the theatrically themed “Never Gonna Dance Again” which includes a “Prologue”, the recently released ‘Act I’, and the upcoming finale ‘Act II’. The title itself is a paradox of sorts; Taemin is known for his dancing but he wanted to show a completely different side of himself. And fortunately, on his journey to reinvent himself he invites us along for the ride.
“Criminal” (Title Track)
The title track, “Criminal” does a good job setting the tone for the entire album, and it’s filled with subtle details that connect the plot together. Described as synth-wave with newtro sounds, the track has an underlying intensity and gradual build-up that makes the chorus attention-grabbing even without the visual aspect. Taemin wanted the music video to have a cinematic feel and worked with the director (who he hand-picked) to ensure his ideas were incorporated. As the lyrics tell the story of an undeniable attraction taking control, we get glimpses of two sides of Taemin: the criminal and the not-so-reluctant victim. It was Taemin’s idea to introduce the criminal character with his hands starting out tied, but we see that restraint quickly fade away. Even the sets and outfits show the ‘light’ and ‘dark’ sides struggling for dominance. During the second verse, the ‘victim’ persona starts to lose control and we see him smashing the room around him in what Taemin describes as a kind of Stockholm Syndrome. The choreography also contributes to the plot. At first the dance makes him see helpless, like a puppet on strings. But everything changes during the climax at the bridge. As we hear news reports on the criminal’s activity get louder, we see the dancers slowly overwhelm him- and when his face is finally revealed, it’s clear that Taemin has willingly succumbed to the rebellious side. He whispers the phrase “Ruin me more” (더 망쳐줘) but intentionally kept it unclear so it can also be heard as “Run away please” (도망쳐줘). The final dance break shows full accountability and control as he reaches into the deepest parts of his inner self.
“The title song ‘Criminal’ is a rebellion against a world familiar to me. It’s like a new beginning.”
Taemin @The Stage (YouTube)
Notable B-Sides:
“Black Rose” (Feat. Kid Milli)
“Black Rose” continues the darker vibe of the album. Featuring rapper Kid Milli, the lyrics are about meeting someone who completely overtakes you, like the moon eclipsing the sun. Again, the choreography really enhances the words, and you can see the scratching thorns of the black rose ‘bloom’ as the dance crew moves like a frame-by-frame eclipse. Kid Milli’s low verse also contrasts nicely with Taemin’s airy vocals.
“Strangers”
The next track features a shift in intensity without changing the overall mood. The haunting melody describes past lovers who have grown so far apart that now they’re as good as strangers. There’s a cool effect of footsteps in the background which is supposed to represent ‘the moment where you accidentally run into your ex-lover and simply just pass by pretending like nothing happened’ (See SM Entertainment’s album info). The use of minimal backing and well-timed silence adds to the tone of the track, leaving you with a feeling of wanting more just like a love story that was never finished.
“Clockwork”
The minute I heard this track, I immediately purchased this album. There is something both beautiful and haunting in the melody that pulls at your heartstrings even before understanding the words. The poetic lyrics compare the continuous flow of memories from a past relationship to the constant movement of a clock. With just the ticking hands of a clock and repeating piano chords, what makes this track so interesting is that all of the intensity hinges solely on Taemin’s vocals. He expertly pushes and pulls back throughout the verses, as if both barely holding back the emotions in the song while at the same time regretting that he can’t return to the past. Every time I hear this (which is a lot, because I’ve listened to this album an unhealthy number of times) I can imagine someone doing a choreography mixed with modern dance or ballet, and I would love to see it performed live.
“Everything that has passed is getting farther away;
My time, my world”
From “Clockwork”
“Nemo”
Cue the nostalgia. This track reminds me of the ‘90s/early 2000s R&B singers who seduced us with their songs. It’s also one of Taemin’s favorite songs on the album since he felt that he could relax more while matching its laid-back vibe. At first, I was confused why they named a breakup song ‘Nemo’, but it turns out that the title is a play on words in Korean (and has nothing to do with the fish). The beginning of the chorus lyrics ‘My harsh words, my harsh heart’ sound like ‘Nemo’ (네모, pronounced ‘nae-mo’) as he recounts all of his past wrongs in the relationship.
“2 KIDS”
“2 KIDS” was originally released as the ‘Prologue’ (pre-release single), so there is a bit of a thematic shift compared to the rest of the album. Taemin contributed to the lyrics which are about young, clumsy love and mistakes made due to inexperience. The freestyle choreography filmed on the streets of Paris matches the wandering vibe of the song with just the right amount of angst. If we view the releases as a plot, in ‘2 KIDS’ Taemin has lost his way, during ‘Criminal’ and this album he hits rock-bottom, and the next album in the series will be a chance at renewal and a happy ending.
“The time I felt lost or weak was part of the growing process. Despite the growing pains, I know you must push your limit to find a new ego inside you.”
Taemin @The Stage
Taemin admitted he was nervous about this release because he was trying something new, and he wasn’t sure if fans would enjoy it. But this may actually be one of his best releases of so far, and his attention to detail and skill as a performer shines through. Instead of comparing another song/group/genre, each track just sounds unmistakably ‘Taemin-like’. We’re reminded that even if we feel regret over our mistakes, we can never return to the past. So what’s left? Transformation and a new beginning.
“I just want to be remembered as Taemin. K-pop, Idol, those are general terms. Obviously, I’m a member of the leagues that those words describe. But I want to be more than those things… Far in the future… I wish I could proudly say I left my mark in the world.”
TAEMIN @The Stage
What was you favorite track on the album? Let us know in the comments!
For more behind-the-scenes and explanations, watch Taemin’s ‘Criminal’ commentary here and his performance for SM’s @The Stage here.
The album is awesome!
While Nemo the song doesn’t have much to do with fish, I do feel like the instrumentals somehow resemble flowing water!