Fresh off a commanding stint as headliner at this year’s KCON, SHINee’s Taemin is back with his first release under BPM Entertainment. Moving agencies — especially from one as distinct as SM Entertainment — has the potential to alter the sound of an artist. Taemin has always held an idiosyncratic vision and thankfully BPM seems to respect that. Sexy In The Air is one of two new title tracks, but based upon the album’s highlight medley I’m much more interested in its synth-powered counterpart Horizon. I assume I’ll get to write a review for that track soon.
In the meantime, we’ve got an interesting sonic shift for Taemin. Sexy In The Air fuses his usual groove-focused approach with scuzzy alt-rock influence. The distorted guitar that opens the track goes on to color much of the instrumental, adding texture that contrasts with Taemin’s smooth vocals. Halfway through Sexy In The Air, the production switches up completely, unleashing a more languid hip-hop beat. I’m not a big fan of this second half, which meanders more than the taut structure that precedes it. But for about ninety seconds we’ve got a fascinating new sound for Taemin.
Due to its fragmented nature, Sexy In The Air is a tough track to rate. As engaging as its best parts are, I find myself frustrated and unsatisfied when the song finishes. It feels strangely incomplete, leaving me wanting more of rockstar Taemin. It’s like reading a great novel only to have it snatched away before you can see how the story ends. Perhaps this dual approach will become more compelling with time.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8