Kim Jonghyun, one of the most impactful singers in the history of K-Pop, blessed us with his music numerous times. Whether as the main vocalist of a trendsetter group SHINee or as a soloist, he always delivered high quality hits with his never-ending talents. 

Jonghyun’s passion for music is undoubtedly highly admirable. Since his debut in 2008, he embraced his weaknesses and strengthened his potential — and now he made a name for himself with his art.  

While Jonghyun is well-known for his hard-hitting ballads with heart-wrenching lyrics like Lonely, End of a Day and Hyeya, he is a genius when it comes to writing playful and funky songs too! Jonghyun’s discography is full of wholesome gems and I am eager to share his lesser known B-sides from his albums. Get ready to be enthralled with his voice and let your body roll~

1. NEON from Base

Base marked Jonghyun’s commercial debut as a soloist, the second from SHINee after Taemin‘s Ace (we love the rhyme kings). This album showcased Jonghyun’s versatility through eight different tracks. Shawols may remember the retro funk Déjà-Boo as the well-loved pre-release song that ended up as the second title track thanks to its popularity; or the R&B ballad Hallelujah that drives fans crazy with the dance moves.

There is also his self-composed song NEON. Jonghyun pours his admiration into a poetic metaphor by deeming his lover as a neon light. The song itself might be a bit overwhelming with so many instruments included, but even at the first listen you can distinguish that it is definitely Jonghyun’s style — catchy melodies with stellar vocal techniques. The way he pronounces “neon” is so iconic that it sounds different each time and the harmonies with his backtrack vocals is utterly stunning!

When morning comes, when I meet someone
I feel it
The color of the world without you is boring
Even without lights, you shine even brighter
Even without lights, you shine brighter than anyone else

Fun Fact: The album is titled Base because the bass is the first instrument Jonghyun learned to play (both words have the same spelling in Korean), and he also wanted the album to be the “base” of his music career.

2. 02.34 from The Story Op.1

The Story Op.1 is a compilation of songs Jonghyun wrote with listeners’ stories during his time as radio DJ for MBC Blue Night. The songs are based on both his and other’s personal experiences so the lyrics are mostly about simple relatable things that happen in our daily lives.

02:34 refers to the time people get off work from an all-nighter and go out for a drink with their friends. Starting out with an incoming call from his friends on a rainy midnight, the song progresses with captivating beats and a precise storytelling of how long-time best friends behave when they reunite. 

I’m becoming tipsy little by little
I remember those childish days little by little
When we were young
When we knew nothing
Today, I remember those days when we were together
Even though it’s very embarrassing, it’s all our memories
Thinking back it seems all very stupid, but it’s all our memories

It is impossible not to smile while listening to 02:34 as we remember our younger days fondly.

When you are in the mood to dance, check out U & I, Like You and Fine as these three upbeat tracks are also super groovy!

Fun Fact: Jonghyun hosted Blue Night radio show daily for three years. The radio show was very special to him and he was very open about himself through this programme. He won an Excellence Award from MBC Entertainment Award in 2015.

3. Dress Up from She Is

Make way for my ultimate summer album ever! Jonghyun released his first full-length album She Is in May 2016. If you have not checked out this album before, please do so now. Each and every track is a masterpiece and I personally find it difficult to pick favorites. This album is a total summer banger full of Jonghyun’s expressive vocals and seductive tracks.

Dress Up is a song that will make you dance to the beat. The song flows smoothly like a dialogue between Jonghyun and his lover. While there is nothing much to it aside from asking his lover to dress up, the fascinating tunes and the sudden beat drops will definitely steal your breath away! 

Because you’re pretty whatever you wear
But unlike other days, I feel so nice
It’s weird
How you gonna dress up today?

Wanna dance longer? Put on the other tracks like She Is, White T-Shirt, Orbit, Moon, AURORA, Cocktail, RED, Suit Up, oh I mean… the whole album!

Fun Fact: Jonghyun said She Is is a story about a romantic relationship or falling in love so there are no break-up songs or ballads in the album.

4. Our Season from The Story Op.2

Following The Story Op 1, Jonghyun released his second compilation album The Story Op.2 in 2017 with Lonely as the title track. The album consisted of ten self-written tracks, several of which were already revealed through Blue Night. While most of the songs are ballads with deep meaning like Elevator, Let Me Out and Fireplace, he also included laidback songs such as Just Chill, Love is so Nice and Our Season.

Our Season caught my attention as it is Jonghyun’s brand of comforting song with warm and meaningful lyrics about basic human relationships. Sometimes we feel hurt, disappointed and lacking but we are also grateful to people who will always be there for us. 

I want to tell you, thank you
I want to return the words you gave to me
It’s not cold at all today, on this winter with you
Because you’re always by my side

Check out bonus track Where Are You. It is a fun and comical song describes Jonghyun’s personal observation of a couple of cockroaches! 

Fun Fact: Jonghyun released The Story Op.2 not long after his final broadcast on Blue Night. Fellow SHINee member Minho made a surprise visit to the studio with a box of tissues as a gift because he was sure Jonghyun would cry a lot. Truly brotherly behaviour!

5. Shinin’ from Poet | Artist

The last from these list might not be underrated at all since it is the title track of Jonghyun’s posthumously-released Poet | Artist. Shinin’ is a retro dance track that embraces Jonghyun’s funky style thoroughly.

Mind-blowing vocals, check. Catchy lyrics, check. Flashy MV, check. You will get hooked from the first line and find yourself humming to it in no time!

All of you is so dazzling, everything you touch
You’re brightly shining
Getting to know you is so amazing
You’re shining on me even more
When your eyes are on me, I shine more
A lot, a lot, a lot, a lot
Baby come in
Always be with you you you you you you

Do listen to other upbeat tracks Take The Dive, Sightseeing, Just One Day as well!

It is hard to find words to describe my enormous admiration for Jonghyun’s musical style. He constantly proved himself worthy of the title “one of the greatest performers of this generation”.

As we live, we can’t be having fun everyday
But we won’t be tearing up for a lifetime either
It’s okay
It’s fine to put aside everything and rest for just a day

Maybe Tomorrow‘s resembles the human side of us all. Jonghyun is a sleek lyricist who embodies emotions we perceive everyday. There are times we fall down. Some days we feel pleased and loved. The way we cope with things might not be identical. It’s okay, each of us might be different, but we’re human after all. 

Just like how Jonghyun comforted us, made us dance along to his songs or entertained us with his persona, Shawols are blessed and always thankful for his presence. As precious memories formed through the years we shared together, I hope we can remember his glorious days with a smile. Kim Jonghyun from five-membered contemporary band SHINee, an artist we hold dear, is a warm person we will never forget.

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Written by: Rachma
Image by: Agnes

Established in 2011, The Seoul Story is a Southeast Asia-based Korean Events, Entertainment & Lifestyle News Site On The Go

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