Key debuted 13 years ago in one of the most iconic K-Pop groups, Shinee. During their decade-long career, Key has proved himself to be an all-rounder. He has shined as a rapper, dancer, lyricist, and even vocalist (even though he debuted as the main rapper in the group). All these skills were brought to the forefront in his 2018 debut album, Face, and its subsequent repackage, I Wanna Be. These albums had Key shine as he created some beautiful melodies and catchy hooks that wouldn't be forgotten years later. As he entered the military not long after these releases, he didn't get to show off his world again until now. After two years, Key is finally ready for everyone to travel to his distant land with Bad Love.
Bad Love comes entirely from Key's own mind which is a huge bonus to the listener. Its retro-future concept, 80s vibes, and even lyrics were all conceptualized by Key. He has said in many interviews how hard this album was to make. It was an album that he had to fight for to be released. It makes you wonder why the company would say no to such a record when it's refreshing and completely different from anything else. Its concept is something that has never been seen in the K-Pop world and the music is such a throwback that there isn't anything else that compares. Key stands on a league of his own here and proves that the fight was very much worth it.
Bad Love spans only 6 tracks and 20 minutes but it definitely does not feel short by any standard. Key fills the time by taking over every one of your senses. Its retro-future vibes will drive you crazy in the best way possible. The synths, bass, melodies, and rhythms will make you dance, scream, sing, and just go wild. From beginning to end, you are transported to another world and once it's over you only want to go back again. The album will play on repeat all over again and again. Those 20 minutes will turn to 40 and then 60 and so on. It's that addicting.
The album opens with the title track of the same name, the retro synths start and Key's voice grabs you in instantly. Like the rest of the album, the song feels straight out of the 80s. Its retro vibes seep into your eardrums and make you addicted. Key's voice is powerful which is really what makes this track. His powerful high notes in the chorus make you forget that he debuted as a rapper. This is a track that you might find yourself listening to itself on repeat because it's a trifecta: the voice, beat, and synths, will make you fall in love.
Yellow Tape follows the title's lead with a climactic chorus and addicting bass. The grooves here are addicting and the chorus is catchy. You might find yourself grooving along as the intense synths build to that powerful chorus. Speaking of powerful choruses, the closer, Eighteen (End Of My World) features the most climactic choruses ever. His voice defines the track as he showcases some beautiful melodies in the chorus. It's emotional and proves to be a great end-credits scene to the album. Then there's Saturday Night which features some disco grooves that will make you forget that this song is actually a sad song. Key's voice also shines here especially the falsetto. It is gorgeous in the chorus. This album also features a beautiful duet with Taeyeon, of Girl's Generation fame. Hate that... features beautiful harmonies as these two really build some sad chemistry together. It's a soft guitar vibe that is not to be missed.
As far as favorites go, that has to be Helium. This is the best b-side you will ever hear. It's so great it could've been a title track itself. This song is C A T C H Y and it doesn't help that it's performed in all English so it is bound to get stuck in your head almost instantly. On top of the sexy bass instrumental, Key's voice gets sultry as he sings and raps. This song builds to insanity from these minimal verses that feature that bass and drum groove to a full-on synth party in the chorus. It's perfection and certainly one of the best b-sides of the year.
Bad Love is a sonic masterpiece. Key takes you on a journey to his world and even though the album only spans 6 tracks, the tracklist flow is perfection so you don't feel like you are missing anything. His voice truly shines as he delivers some incredible falsettos and climactic moments. But what shines the most is his creativity. This album is a retro-future dreamland that was entirely built and fought for himself. Because of this, Bad Love is perfection and certainly bound to be in the top albums of the year. You don't want to miss out on this piece of art.
Check out the music video for Bad Love below and check out this album on your preferred streaming service!
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