Shin Hye Sung journeys along the "The Road Not Taken"...

Shin Hye Sung --- Lead Vocalist of the legendary male idol group, Shinhwa

Shinhwa is a name that carries with it a legacy in the Korean music industry. Having debuted in 1998, it's most notable achievement is the fact they're the longest functioning male idol group in the history of the Korean music industry (at 13 years running... wow, right?). In an industry where music groups pretty much come and go, Shinhwa is a picture of continuing growth and loyalty to their fan base. Although the group is currently in extended hiatus because members of the group are either pursuing their solo career or are in the military service, they haven't disbanded and maintain their close ties by supporting each other in their individual activities.

Shin Hye Sung, lead vocalist of Shinhwa, is probably the most musically prolific member of the group considering that he has been a solo artist the longest in the group (since 2005, releasing a total of 9 albums), and, apart from being a vocalist, is also well-known as a song writer. He makes a comeback this year with his 4th full studio album titled "The Road Not Taken".

An album jacket for one of Shinhwa's compilation albums.
(L to R): Shin Hye Sung, Kim Dong Wan, Lee Min Woo,
Jun Jin, Eric Mun, Andy Lee

It's interesting to also note that Shin Hye Sung is considered the first member of Shinhwa, having been recruited SM Entertainment (their talent management agency from 1998 to 2004) while in the US. Shinhwa debuted during a time when the concept of "idol groups" was in its infancy, and groups like H.O.T., G.O.D., and S.E.S. were very popular. 

Even though many years have passed, the roster of the group hasn't changed at all, and Hye Sung growth as an artist is heavily influenced by his time as a vocalist for Shinhwa. Shinhwa is well known for their pop dance songs, although most of their songs are heavily influenced by R&B and pop-jazz. This influence is strongly seen in Shin Hye Sung's new album, "The Road Not Taken". 

"The Road Not Taken" was released two weeks ago on June 16. Consisting of 10 tracks, the album provides a good amount of variety in terms of song style. You can't thoroughly peg the album into any one bucket, since Hye Sung dishes out different songs in every turn. He starts out slow with ballads, then speeds up with a couple of upbeat songs, then calms things down mid-tempo. It's interesting to see this much versatility from an artist; but then again, we're talking about an artist who has been at this for nearly most of his professional life. Music is only but second nature to him.

Along with the album, an MV was also released for the launching track of the album, "Tick Tock". It's not a surprise for me that Good Entertainment chose a ballad to start promotions for the album since Hye Sung is great at them! This song in particular is about the loneliness that one feels after seperation, especially if time doesn't really heal all your wounds but merely amplifies the longing. 

The MV was a treat too since Kim Dong Wan, another vocalist in Shinhwa, also makes an appearance as the male lead in the vid. The visual treatment is interesting --- I liked the hazy feel of the video (as if the entire thing was taken with a hipstamatic camera). 

"Tick Tock" by Shin Hye Sung (MV with English Subs)

Although "Tick Tock" was a good track, the first song that really caught my attention was the 3rd track, 생각해봐요 (roughly translated as "Think About It"). I liked the fact that this track was the nearest Hye Sung has gotten to pop-rock for this album. The musical arrangement was awesome for this track! For some reason, this song had an "anthem" feel to it. I look forward to the time when I find English translations for this song.

 

"생각해봐요" / "Think About It" by Shin Hye Sung (Audio Only)

Another awesome track from this album is the song "Special Love". If you've read a lot of my reviews, I have a special place in my heart for pop-jazz and any track that makes good use of guitars. This track hits both to a tee! Laid-back, mellow and bluesy, this track has it all --- awesome instrumentation and great vocals! 

"Special Love" by Shin Hye Sung (Audio Only)

There were around 4 ballads in this album, but for me the best of them would be the song titled 이별을 꿈꾸다 (roughly translated as "Dreaming of Seperation"). Although most of his ballads in this album was produced really well, I'd have to say good variety in instrumentation made this track stand out better than the rest. The guitar strumming at peak parts of the song made my hairs stand on end... it was romantic and sad at the same time. 

"이별을 꿈꾸다" / "Dreaming of Seperation" by Shin Hye Sung (Audio Only)

I'm glad there are artists like Shin Hye Sung that command a loyal following because of their ability to grow along with their audience, and at the same time inspire a whole new generation of admirers and fellow artists. It's real and definitive musicality like that this that feeds the Kpop phenomenon. 

Personally, I'm also looking forward to a Shinhwa reunion in a year or two. It would be great to see all the boys together again, right? About time since they're nearing their 15th year too!