Kang Daniel after fighting his way out of his own label returns with fifth mini album Act and title song Electric Shock .
Oh we are absolutely getting treated today, first Key comeback, and now Kang Daniel on the same day? My ears are being blessed. First off I want to say that I am so glad Daniel could resolve all the complications he had to go through with his own label. We all really thought it was going well until someone had to take advantage of him huh? But I think the fight and wait was so worth it because our best boy is finally back and the music sounds as good as ever. So let’s review!
Electric Shock is another Kang Daniel classic in my opinion because our boy gets the chance to show off his entire skill set again with this one. Daniels vocals are on point and Electric Shock is more of a chiller song but it still has the classic Daniel vibes to it and it is almost alluring/haunting with its vibe? Daniel is as per usual telling a story with this one and I think the message comes across very well. We get a pop song that fits the autumn season, marks his grand return to the scene after yet another fight with a label and shows yet again that Daniel can’t make a bad song. Electric Shock is as catchy as his out songs and will be on my playlist on repeat. Also the music video is so good?? I loved it so much it’s so great to see him again.
Okay but I can’t have been the only one that absolutely freaked when she saw Chungha on one of these songs because what a collab! This could have only been great and so it is because these two soloists coming together made some magic. Absolutely obsessed with Come Back to Me. Another song I think would have been title track worthy even has to be Losing Myself, what a song, what a story, and the oomph it has? The rock elements had me sitting up straight the moment it came on. Overall, this is another great comeback and I will be enjoying it for weeks to come!
Kang Daniel is back! We cheered! Just yesterday I was organizing some folders on my phone and stumbled upon the videos I took of when Lina and I saw Daniel last year – he was so cute. I’m so sad that he has had a rough year again because I’m sure it was so difficult mentally to overcome yet another trouble that he had on his way. It’s sad to see the company he invested in go down but I’m so happy to know that he’s continuing his great career and making sure he blesses us with good music like he always does. He truly is a warrior and I think the sky is the limit for him – he can overcome everything. Let’s see what Electric Shock is like and review the new mini album under the new label as well.
Electric Shock is such a catchy tune. It sounds like it would be a perfect match for his 2022 album The Story because it reminds me so much of the energy and melody that the entire album had. It’s both laid-back and groovy, offering us such a pleasant track to start our working week with. Maybe it’s because it’s sunny today but I feel like Electric Shock just immediately put me in a good mood. I like the lyrics and the way the music video perfectly and completely fits the message behind the song and the whole concept that it brings. It’s so fun when the music video actually tries to tell a story all while actually matching the lyrics of the song. Kang Daniel made sure we are in for both a musical and visual treat today. I also love the styling in this era – that hair colour looks so good on him. I’m also a sucker for water scenes and that finale really had me positively gleaming. Electric Shock is catchy and melodic, and serves as a great comeback track for Daniel who I know will manage to overcome all the hardships and continue making great music just like he did so far. I’ll have the lalala part surely stuck in my head this week.
Like Lina, I am all here for the Daniel x Chungha combo because those are two talented, incredible people who deserve all the appreciation! This new mini-album is totally my style and also really highlights Kang Daniel’s versatility. I’m kind of in love with all the b-sides on the first listen and I feel like this might even be one of my favourite mini-albums of his! Maybe I’m just happy that he’s back but I really feel Act has some sort of special feeling to it as an album, maybe because it marks a new era in his career and life as well. I’m going to have to be honest and say that it’s so hard to choose a b-side to highlight in this review. Get Loose gets you moving and really puts you in such a good mood, especially once that fun chorus kicks in. On the other hand, Come Back to Me manages to really put you in your feelings and bring this wistful, melodic atmosphere to life. Can we talk about those emotional lyrics as well? I love this track so much and I love how it brings a 2000s vibe during the chorus.
However, considering the situation Daniel is in, I’d love to give some spotlight to 9 Lives, the closing act of this album. The lyrics of the song are just so emotional and I could understand the story he was trying to tell with them immediately. Like I got nine lives / I’ve been bumping into things again and again / Without fear / Fight or flight / I’m climbing over the wall and up high / Day and night / Even if I fall down eight more times / Like I got nine lives – especially this section and the lyrics really made me emotional and also proud of everything he has overcome. You got this, Daniel. What a wonderful, hopeful, uplifting song.
One of his best mini-albums without a doubt, full of songs worth checking out. Don’t miss out on this one. Welcome back Daniel!