A while back I mentioned the group Shinhwa when talking about rap-influenced gayo. I've only just started fully listening to their last album, T.O.P. I think it's better than their first CD in that it tries out a variety of styles fairly successfully. Also, Eric Mun worked on his rapping between albums and it definitely shows in his improvement.
Like most Korean pop albums, Shinhwa's CD begins with an intro. This intro is no better or worse than any of the others I've heard this year. Track two is
(Twinkling of Paradise) [RealAudio] is heavily colored by the familiarity of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. This classical motif makes up the melodic line of the entire song. Apparently I missed the birth of this new "classical hiphop" genre, but it seems to be appearing more and more frequently in gayo. This is one of the more mellow Shinhwa singles and the first to be overplayed.
Next up on the CD is Wun (Cycle). The opening to this track is heavily synthesized. Overall, this song has a much harsher feel than T.O.P. or even Yo1x despite its slower beat. Track five is called Nothing. Hyesung's vocals stand out on this song, and I suspect that this would make it into the top ten if it were to be released as a single.
Chimogeul Kkaego (Breaking the Silence) is hardcore rock and I didn't much care for it. The rapping is competent, and certain lyrical passages appealed to me, but I don't think this track will make it into any of my party mixes. The boys must have worn their throats out hollering on Chimogeul Kkaego because the song that follows it, Somang (Desire), is very fluffy and light.
Track eight is to. G, one of the two songs featuring the singing of Kim Dongwan. This dance song has a Miami sound with trumpets and a slightly latin beat. Eric wrote the rap to this love song. The next song also displays Dongwan's voice. This is Puri (Grief). The lyrics to this song are rather free form and meant to express each group member's point of view. According to Dongwan, the title of the song was taken from salpuri, which is a part of the Korean traditional dance.
Return is another strong song on this CD, and would probably make it as a single. Neoae Gyuteseo (Forever With You) is the one true ballad on the CD. There is nothing to complain about with this song, it's slow and sweet.
If you'd like to compare this CD to Shinhwa's first release, listen to Eusha1x Eusha1x,
