Key returns to us with a new single called Pleasure Shop.
I’m a bit tight with time today (this month in general) so I’ll try to keep it quick but, of course, if there’s anyone who deserves all the attention, appreciation, and love it’s definitely KEY. If you guys have been following our blog, I’m sure you know that SHINee is our favourite group and that KEY’s songs always make their way into our year-end top lists (both Lina and I had Killer as our number 1 song of 2023 too). His artistry is simply different and special and I still feel like he doesn’t get nearly enough appreciation as he should for the amazing music he keeps putting out year after year. He’s also one of those soloists who simply outdo themselves with their albums every time so if you aren’t that familiar with his solo music, make sure you check out his b-sides because they are simply incredible. Let’s see what Pleasure Shop has brought us musically and review the new album!
First of all, can we just take a second to truly savour this stunning music video? The visuals are truly, quite literally, out of this world and I love the sci-fi approach to everything. KEY really is the king of concepts and I think this might be one of his best music videos to date. I also love the styling and this dark hair on him – possible one of his best looks ever honestly. He just oozes confidence and style whatever concept he pursues. Pleasure Shop is such a fun, melodic, and catchy track. It’s laid-back at times, but also upbeat when it matters and I think it really brings this both nostalgic and futuristic feeling perfectly to us. Although the verses pick up more in their energy, it’s the chorus that’s the real star of this show and I just love the simple but effective melody it has – makes you truly feel nostalgic. The bridge is another highlight of Pleasure Shop and it’s just so dreamy and stunning. I think Pleasure Shop makes for a great combination of an upbeat groove and wistful feeling, done in a way only KEY can do.
Now, one thing about KEY is that his albums are simply the best. Every single time I find at least two tracks I become completely obsessed with, sometimes even more than with the title track which says a lot about how good his music as a whole is. This time around, he decided to bless us with another fantastic album full of hidden gems. I love the omnipresent house element of the whole album because I think he really suits the genre. I think my current two favourites on the first listen are Going Up and Novacaine, which are quite different in their styles. Going Up sounds more mysterious and even eerie at times while keeping this interesting sensual sound, but I think the song I’ll be obsessed with is Novacaine. It is so early 2010s coded and brings such an insane wave of nostalgia with that stunning chorus melody. The lyrics are also really getting to me and I feel like this is such a perfect album closer because it brings the upbeat energy a bit down while still maintaining the catchy and wistful melody until the very end. It’s just so pretty, from the instrumental and arrangement to the vocals and the vocal alterations which just bring even more nostalgia to the table. A must-listen!
KEY could never make bad music and that has got to become a fact at this point.
Oh you guys cannot believe how happy I am that today I am working from home because that gave me the chance to actually watch this comeback on time, enjoy it, listen through the entire album and now be able to write about it in full length. I am a bit sleep deprived because I was up watching k-drama for too long but you win some and you lose some. You all know how big of Shawols we are on this blog so every time a SHINee member moves we are ready to jump on it and praise it, but always justified because we all know no one does it like them. Let me get into the review.
You can trust Key to see the K-pop industry in shambles and hop right on it to save the day and music in a single music video. I knew Pleasure Shop was going to be amazing, the name alone had me interested but also Key’s solo career has been so incredibly well done and the musical direction is so recognizable and consistent that there was no way Pleasure Shop was gong to be a miss. And this stays true as Pleasure Shop is light on its feet but yet groovy, synth loaded and catchy. Key responds with this song to current trends but also makes it his own. Honestly, even though it is full on fall outside I can feel the summer sun in this song, Key sounds great the kind of tropical club beats are catchy and the bridge goes absolutely insane. if Key is inviting I don’t care where he is taking me, good thing it’s a Pleasure Shop and I do not mind being this pleased about new music.
You bet that I was eating this album up and I can already say I am struggling to not gush about every song. Honestly, I enjoyed each of these b-sides on their own. First of all, Overthink is gonna be my new anthem however, Golden has to be my favorite on the album probably. I don’t know what it is about this song but it is just so good. I love the groove, the catchiness and the danceable the song is. Key just doesn’t miss. But don’t get me wrong I know, Going Up, and Novacaine are all amazing songs and follow the tone Pleasure Shop set for this album. All of the songs harmonize well together and make this mini complete.
I don’t think I have to comment on the music video but hello King Key you never looked better.