SHINee: Their best B-Sides

Having debuted 14 years ago, SHINee is one of the few groups in K-Pop that have been able to maintain their relevance even with an influx of new groups debuting every year. 

Image: SM Entertainment. 

Whilst most new fans will only be familiar with their latest title track ‘Atlantis’ or their most iconic releases such as ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Replay’, SHINee is a group with a copious amount of brilliant b-sides that deserve recognition. To help newer fans that may find their lengthy discography daunting, here’s a playlist of a few of SHINee’s best B-Sides to get you started.

An Ode To You

This is one of SHINee’s best ballads and is definitely for K-Pop fans that enjoy more mellow tracks. All of the members of SHINee have wonderful vocals but it’s Taemin that shines on this track by showcasing his vocal improvement. The violin and piano instrumental that starts the track off give you an insight into the dulcet melody that the track follows. The lyrics that are dedicated to fans will bring a tear to your eye.

Body Rhythm

The greatest thing about SHINee is that they understand each others’ voices and abilities so well that no genre of music is off limits for them. Whilst this track may be different to their usual retro pop inspired sound, the members are still able to pull it off. Key and Minho’s vocals match the RnB vibe of ‘Body Rhythm’ perfectly. If you’re a fan of 3rd and 4th generation K-Pop, this B-Side is probably more to your taste.

Like A Fire

This track seems like it’s been ripped straight from the 80s with its flamboyant energy that matches Onew and Jonghyun’s voices well. The calm pre-chorus build up with the members harmonising with Minho’s low vocals to the chanting group chorus only adds to the excitement when listening to this song. The strong bassline and twangy guitar riff help add to this retro vibe. No brilliant SHINee song is complete without an impressive highnote belted by Jonghyun.

Odd Eye

This Bond theme-esque track will make you feel like you’re in a dramatic movie scene. Key starts off the track with his deep voice and when matched with sleek all black outfits, ‘Odd Eye’ is the perfect RnB track. The minimalist soundscape allows the members’ voices to shine and gives the track a naturally elegant feel. Being written by Jonghyun, the track has been created to complement each members’ range. 

CØDE

This is another song off their latest album that has a more modern feel by using more electronic sounds. This song feels like it was made for Onew and Taemin. Taemin’s charisma bursts out when performing ‘CØDE’ and Onew’s high register stands out in the pre-chorus as the perfect respite before the intense group chorus. Taemin harmonising with Minho’s rap section in the first verse makes the track extremely pleasant to listen to.

Black Hole

SHINee are undoubtedly the kings of the retro concept with ‘Black Hole’ being a perfect example of that. The 80s synth sounds used in the track’s chorus make it the perfect song to be played at a retro disco. The heavy drum beats and piano soundtrack creates an almost jazzy mid-tempo beat that is instantly addictive.

JUMP

‘JUMP’ is a great track for those that are a fan of the deep house genre. The track acts as an almost slower version of ‘View’ with its use of deep synths and heavy underlying beat in the chorus. Key’s unique vocals stand out on this track and especially on the bridge as his naturally effortless vogue style comes out. If ‘View’ is one of your favourite SHINee releases, you have to listen to ‘JUMP’.

Lipstick

This is another track for K-Pop fans that prefer a more gentle listen but still full of the usual SHINee charm. Whilst not straying very far from the usual K-Pop song structure, the members’ intriguing vocals get to shine equally on this track with Key and Onew taking centre stage in the bridge and Minho having his own rap section. Taemin’s allure and Jonghyun’s adlibs make ‘Lipstick’ an archetypal SHINee track.

SHINee is a group that has been in the industry for so long that their producers and the members themselves really have a deep understanding of their own capabilities. If you’re interested in becoming a part of SHINee World, these tracks are definitely a good starting point to dive into the group’s extensive discography. If you are already a Shawol, let us know your favourite b-side by the boys in the comments. 

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.