I am not sure about the industry criticism part but definitely with you on "the genre doesn't own us, we own the genre". There are a lot of divided opinions over this title track and I am sure they knew there would be. If you go far far back in K-pop and their discography this is actually super atune with 1st generation K-pop which was more hip-hop oriented and their first few albums (SHINee were actually supposed to debut as a hip-hop group rather than R&B). This is their way to show their growth and say "yup, we can do this too, we can and WILL do anything we want" The entire album feels like their early discography but refined by their experience and creative input. The fact that so many people seem to be missing the point only shows how vast their discography is that there are people out there that are completely clueless that this is something they've done before.
I agree! Those who say this is not their usual sound seem to be lost, like do they think View and Everybody were similar? 😂 SHINee has proven time and again that they cannot be boxed in. They’ve successfully done sooo many genres and this one is no exception. I personally think this song is actually very SHINee. But no matter the differing opinions, no one can deny this is song slaps. SHINee is definitely back! 💎💎💎💎💎
Yeah!! Each one has their own style, together they form a group with dynamic, expressive, powerful interpretations. Shinee is special. There are 6 artists: Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho, Taemin and Shinee.
Totalmente de acuerdo, no puedo escuchar las nuevas canciones sin pensar en alguna de los primeros años. Me encanta ya que te hace revisitar su discográfia ❤
Yes, you are totally right this is unexpected but not new for them they are making a point with the this new album and as usual putting the bar higher. People think that they are re inventing they self when true is that they are getting back to the beginning. A new begging ❤
Taemin said the MV is full of Easter eggs about their solos work. There are 2 moments with the drawings, the first is Taemin mastering the piano (he is the ACE), the second one is Minho running away (the CHASE). They both are the beginning and the end of their debuts. Key discovers the FACE of one dancer, and Onew is showing his VOICE (with Blue paint) with a high note. I'm pretty sure there is something for Jonghyun too, I haven't figured it out yet (perhaps it could be the red square in the teasers). There are many more clues, it's a MV full of them and their career
Onew isn’t in the entire MV because he is having some health issues and went on hiatus to take care of himself. So he didn’t perform in the concert and won’t be doing promotions for Hard. Unfortunately, it is sad but as long as he is recovering that’s all that matters. Otherwise I love this comeback! This is SO SHINee to me. As someone that’s been following them since 2011 I don’t understand people that say this isn’t a SHINee feeling when this is a sound they actually debuted with and used to play around with early on. They’ve done so much stuff and tried so much I guess people have forgotten their roots but they’re here to remind us!
i am so glad u and i agree. I am a new fan a few months 6 and i totally think this is their sound. They have always experimented. I still have not heard all their songs but i will.
This song is amazing and even though a lot of people think that Juice should it have been the tittle track, we have to trust that SHINee members know what they doing. SM said Juice, SHINee said HARD so, in SHINee I trust.
SHINee made the right choice choosing Hard. Juice wasn't it for me at first, it took some listening, and their live stages for the song to really have me. However, it's in SHINee that I too trust.
I needed this analysis... was so distracted, didnt get any of the symbolism, thanks so much for thissss 😂 SHINee is insane as always 💙 Minho is like a king 🤣
The whole reason why they chose "Hard" for their title track is because they wanted to show everyone that SHINee can do any genre, including hip-hop.They killed this. This will definitely be a contender for album of the year. SHINee's name has a double ee to show just how brilliantly they SHINe(e) and their name means "the ones who receive light." Their symbol is a diamond and its reflection creates a five point star with each point representing each of the members. Stars are often referred to as diamonds in the sky. Therefore, I think "Ad Astra," which, as mentioned, means "thus one goes to the stars" -- and all the references to light and stars -- in the lyrics is also supposed to represent SHINee. Because this is their 15th anniversary, I think it means that, if they continue on the path they are on, this will be their "way to immortality" or their legacy in the music industry. The fact that it's nothing like anyone expects and different than anything out there, is exactly what makes it a SHINee song. As SM's experimental group, nothing SHINee will ever do is like anything they have ever done before, and it won't be like anything they ever do in the future, but it will somehow always have that SHINee feel. Notice how Key was singing through his clenched teeth in the last part of the song when they were all dressed in black. And he still sounded perfect while giving off the "Hard" vibes that the song required. Just one of the many unique elements of this song that only SHINee can pull off. This is actually just SHINee going back to their roots. Before debut SHINee was actually training to be a hip-hop group. However, as Key tells it, SHINee just doesn't have the swag to pull off hip-hop full time, so last minute SM decided to change up their style to the contemporary R&B style of "Replay" that they have now become known for. "Hard" just proves that in the end, SM wasn't wrong and SHINee has no problem in the world of hip-hop, but their destiny and calling was to be a group that never ties themselves down to just one style or genre. They were meant to show the world that they can be diverse and unique and never do the same thing twice. With every release that SHINee has they are expected to flip the script and change things up in the Kpop industry. That's why when SHINee makes a comeback everyone pays attention because they are looking to SHINee to show them what the industry's next song style and dance trend will be. It is actually said that within 3 months of SHINee making a comeback that you will see that same sound and dance style being duplicated across the industry with every comeback to follow for both boy groups ad girl groups. When SHINee does something the industry takes note and follows suit. I agree with your interpretation of the MV and all the references to music and the piano, etc. I think this could represent how music is what controls their lives and its what has trapped them in this world as artists. Which could be similar to the themes within Taemin's Never Gonna Dance Again album trilogy -- "2 Kids", "Criminal" and "Idea" -- and his epilogue "Advice." When the scene becomes animated, it shows Taemin being pulled into the piano. For example, the room with the brown walls looks like the inside of a piano with the wooden hammers that create the sound when the keys are played on the walls behind them. And as you said, the lighted white screen is divided like the white keys of the piano with the people's silhouettes representing the black keys, etc. However, I'm also pretty sure that the whole "Hard" MV storyline is connected to SM's SM Culture Universe. The more I watch it, the more I see that seems to indicate that it's all connected. I haven't had a whole lot of time to really analyze everything, but what I see right off the bat is, that when we first see Taemin, when he appears in the black sleeveless suit, he looks just like he did in his SuperM debut teasers. I also think you're right, that it even could be connected to Taemin's "Advice" storyline. We see him with his hands painted blue in "Hard," similar to his black ink stained hands and body in "Advice," and in both scenes we see him standing in front of/playing a piano. (Technically, Pearl Aqua is SHINee's color. However, before LED lights were invented, creating a wider range of colors -- making way for SHINee's official Pearl Aqua color -- they used blue and green in things to do with SHINee. That's why we still see blue, green and aqua used in most things to do with SHINee.) Some have pointed out that the scene with the silhouettes behind the screen reminds them of the scene in Taemin's "Criminal" MV, with the people behind a screen pushing their hands into it. However, in "Hard" Taemin is standing in front of the screen, rather than walking through the middle with the two sides reaching for him like in "Criminal". Although, I also think that scene could be connected to EXO's storyline, because we see in EXO's "Tempo" MV a scene where there are silhouettes behind a lighted white wall that looks very similar to this. In EXO's storyline, the people behind the wall are thought to be EXO's alter ego clones who were created by the Red Force or they could be the EXO members who are trapped behind the wall. We also see EXO fighting with their silhouette shadows in their live concert performance of their song "Wolf," which is also thought to be EXO battling X-EXO as they search for the Tree of Life. Ever since SHINee came out with "Don't Call Me," I think that storyline was supposed to be SM bringing SHINee into the SM Culture Universe. In their "Don't Call Me" MV it looks as though the SHINee members go through some sort of wormhole as they are teleported somewhere and we see them all posing in their black outfits like they are getting ready for battle. This looks very similar to the scene in SuperM's debut "Jopping" MV when the SuperM members are coming together at the beginning of "Jopping." Therefore, because Taemin is a member of SuperM, I think SHINee is supposed to be getting ready to join SuperM in the fight against the Red Force. In "Hard" we also see Taemin standing on a grate as he crouches down and looks through it at the "people" in white trapped below, similar to his scene in SuperM's "Jopping" MV. I also see the scene with Key standing with all the dancers in white sitting in a circle around him as an important part of the story as well, however, I'm not sure what it all means yet. We see Key remove the mask of one of the guys and we discover the guy has a glowing blue earpiece, which seems to be suggesting that they are being controlled by outside forces. However, because they are all just sitting there without moving, it seems to indicate that they are currently "shut-down". Either these people are androids or robots, like in EXO's "Lucky One" MV, or they are people who are under mind control. Although, I don't think they are being controlled by the Red Force necessarily because we don't see any trace of red anywhere in that scene. Instead, the color we see is blue, which usually within EXO's storyline means that it represents something to do with EXO, who are the good guys. Plus, as I said, blue sometimes represents SHINee and their connection as a group. Minho standing on the edge of that rock formation looks similar to the scene with Girls Generation's Taeyeon standing on the rock in the middle of the ocean in Key's solo "Hate That ..." MV, and it also looks a lot like the scene in SHINee's "Don't Call Me" MV, with Key standing on the submerged phone booth. It all has the same feeling. (Notice how they also are all wearing red in all of those scenes. Remember, red usually represents something to do with the Red Force.) In the next animated scene we see what looks like Minho in that same red jacket fighting with the same piano key ropes that pulled Taemin into the piano in the beginning. To me it looks like its trying to keep him trapped within the piano and under the control of the music. However, in the next scene we see the piano has been destroyed behind them, which could represent how music no longer controls them, but they now control the music. In the last scene at the end it reminds me of the same menacing red atmosphere as Minho's rap section in "Don't Call Me", where we see him in the all red room with the chairs hovering above him. Therefore, I think the gloved hand is Minho's hand because it looks like the same gloves that Minho is wearing in the scene right before that where they are dressed in black. Although I don't know what that means yet, I am sure it is something to connect the storyline to something within one of SM's MVs in the future or will make more sense when more of the story is revealed as SM releases the next chapter, etc.
Love your interpretation. You always seem to notice a lot and think very deeply. But I like it. It makes me think deeper too. Love 5HINee and their musical creative direction.
I always wait for your reaction to SHINee! Thank you for your thorough review!!! Personally, I think that this MV combines every aspect of SHINee as a group and soloist. Parts of the MV giving vibes of their old songs and solo song. And how they’ve grown as an artist and individual. Some argue that this is too NCT-ish, but I don’t think so. It’s more like H.O.T (especially that 2nd chorus part where its more upbeat and banging) and Seo Taiji & Boys, whom SHINee grew up with. It’s like a tribute to the early generation of K-Pop which also influence them. Contrary to popular opinion that this isn’t SHINee, I think this is very SHINee. Well, SHINee never settle with one genre. They always do a lot of things and keep challenging themselves. All in all, this is definitely one of my fave SHINee’s comebacks.
They always show a different version of themselves with this unique essence and what I love, they evolve with their music. I love rap and melody and the bridge is divine. There's a lot of symbolism and Taemin said there's a lot of references to him in there but oh my gosh I'm obsessed with the album. I will add that I see that they refer to hate and being trendsetters and strong and I look at how they prepare their concerts, I see a combination of everything SHINee BACK
It’s funny in your analysis when you say that they control their genre or their sound not the other way around because as we speak there is so many people trying to sit there and define SHINee’s sound and say that this song isn’t “SHINee”. Meanwhile SHINee is going to do whatever they want musically and it will be a hit 💎
I love it when you swear softly because of Onew's voice🤭 I like your explanation that music doesn't define us, we define music. SHINee has debuted for 15 years, and they are still innovating, improving.Dont give a fuck of trend ,we just taking a different path from the new generation of idols.we are so so so proud of them.Thank you for loving this song.❤
I've been binge-watching some of your reactions after this one because I just love the way you dissect the meanings and really dive deep into the videos and songs 💕
thank you so much for this reaction!! you are the only reactor who i actually enjoy and look forward to watch so since i've been waiting for this all day now i can go to bed peacefully😌
let me express my great gratitude to you for loving the shining guy.. your reaction is cool.. you understand and know a lot... the guys are sitting inside the piano.. blue color and blue paint is a jong. He once said that he associates himself with the color blue.. He's always with them.. and a free place where the view above on the guys. They have a piano and the music is shining. It's a great happiness to find these five in your heart, isn't it? I love you and thank you many more times. have a nice day
my ults are back 💕 this album is like one long flowing journey. it's not an album where every song is different style and each song really stands out. different flavors. its more like its all fits together and it's meant to be heard on one go. it can even be a little hard to rememebr which song is which in the beginning. to me. not that they sound alike. but there is just a style to it that makes it blend. and you can judge if you liek that or not. but i really like this album. felt like such a concept. *This song is something else though* :) 🔥
Thank you so much! I've always enjoyed your reaction/analysis of SHINee and their solo music. You definitely helped me understand more the symbolisms in the MV and the meaning in the lyrics.
It was very entertaining to watch your reaction. It's funny that this is your fav SHINee song because opinions are divided. They took a big risk with this song and, in my opinion, in the mv the piano represents the break with the music they used to make. It feels good when someone takes the time to appreciate the work behind the music, lyrics and visuals. Thanks for reacting and hope you can enjoy the whole album, which is amazing ♡
your nickname should be the "' clue and note guy" ( Sherlock 😊) . I enjoy every time your reactions on SHINee and I feel I could debate and argue in a friendly way abt the meaning of SHINee (group or solo ) mvs with you . Cool . Waiting for more . btw , the whole album is a musical feast .SHINee-HARD 8th album is truly amazing.
Don't ever apolgoize, because I really like your interpretation. That's what Shinee does, they create music with so much meaning, imagery, symbolism. There's a whole universe they created, that all started with the plagiarism albums. (Ace, Base, Face, Voice, Chase) It's such a beautiful thing to exist, becusse it's a way to interact and connect with Shinee World.
It’s funny cos every single time SHINee releases something new, other people will always say “this isn’t SHINee” and every single time we shawols would be like: heh u new here and it shows
I love the song, and although it seems like an unexpected genre, SHINee has always experimented with sounds. The thing about being trapped inside the piano reminded me of Taemin's kitten because he always got inside the piano hahahaha. Thanks for reacting.
Wow you really notice every detail so fast, I wish I could do reactions like you 😄 I actually think you are right about the music industry, since both Taemin and Minho gets captured and drawn in by the piano, there are sure a lot of backsides in their feild.. It's not just fun and games at all. But still they are bound to the music with love and passion too, so instead of letting it control them, they make it theirs. Great reaction!!
*SHINEE DEFINITELY GOES "HARD" ON EVERYTHING!!!* I love your analogies so much! I can just sit and listen to you break those songs, this music, for an hour! The way you pay so much attention to every single thing amazes me... really... It's like in the beginning you said he reminds you of "KILGRAVE" because of the black and purple, and I'm like "OMG! HE DOES! LOOK LIKE THAT!", and I didn't even think about it. ---> and this is just really a "meaningless" comment (not meaningless at all, It was super fast for you to even catch that reference), compared to your other very intense comments, this one just got suck in my head from the start of the song. (I'm such a Marvel Nerd) JUST TO SAY----> You are such a freaking smart guy. I can't get over your analogies... I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!
The "misconception" of shinee in people eyes are the view, the 1 of 1, the dream girl and the married to the music. All this just to throw the audience from what Shinee sound even are in the industries within kpop music scene. Shinee dont owns or have any particular sound. What they have is simply Shinee itself. 5 different color of tune and voices that you can blend into any type of vocal ranges and melody that only shinee can have. Shinee is just a nirvana within kpop. Something that you can point at but never actually touch. It's always different sound and melody. And it thanks to all 5 members.
You made a total sense! Shinee always were and remain experimental and most versatile group in industry and their comeback is no different. Shinee broke the boundaries of kpop long time ago and became genre of their own, which was reflected so well in Hard concept. Absolute kings and legends❤❤❤
All I know is that is Taemins Advice mv, he has that black stuff on his hands and in this one, it looks like he took his gloves off and it shows it turned blue during the bridge part, his voice also reminds me of it in some parts...that I guess could be a reference to Advice in a way. There also 2 other thing in this that stood out to me, both with Onew and Taemin again. Ill start with Taemin. So there was a time in this where he i think referenced Criminal with a certain look, he looked into the camera with a gaze with his hands and gloves on his face that is very reminiscent to Criminal. Now for Onew, with his declining health, that in the end could be that he is apologizing in a way that he couldnt be there the whole time, so he might be "stuck in the piano" and could be saying "im sorry that I couldnt be there the whole time guys" if you get it. I just hope he gets better soon, no matter what if thats what Onew was doing, he shouldn't apologize!! 😭
7:20 idk why but reminded me of the advice mv when taemins hands were black playing the piano 16:08 also here there was this one part in there song don’t call me where minho says sick of ur trash and he’s the only one that’s left behind And after that all three of them dance in front of the piano covered in blue do maybe taemin and key helped each other out ??? Also in this same scene the dancers ski masks remind me of one of keys outfits for his Latest solo album
Maybe, think of blue night Jonghyun’s radio show for 3 years. Jonghyun had to retire the show due to scheduling. The blue water may be oceans of tears. Jonghyun in Shinee’s heart forever…💙 I completely forgot to mention the lyrics with Onew starting “no looking back” and on. To me the lyrics are very telling from Onew and blue water.
@milindawilson9175 said on 6/29/23 The whole reason why they chose "Hard" for their title track is because they wanted to show everyone that SHINee can do any genre, including hip-hop. They killed this!! This will definitely be a contender for album of the year. You can't tell me that you're not singing "hard like a criminal, hard like the beat" over and over again in your head after hearing this song. LOL I think this is just as much of an earworm as any of SHINee's songs. This is totally an SM/SHINee song. As you may know, this song was wrote by Kenzie, who is an SM songwriter and producer that has wrote a large majority of SM songs, so it has that signature SM feel, and, yet, it's also very uniquely SHINee. The fact that it's nothing like anyone expects and different than anything out there, is exactly what makes it a SHINee song. As SM's experimental group, nothing SHINee will ever do is like anything they have ever done before, and it won't be like anything they ever do in the future, but it will somehow always have that SHINee feel. Notice how Key was singing through his clenched teeth in the last part of the song when they were all dressed in black. And he still sounded perfect while giving off the "Hard" vibes that the song required. Just one of the many unique elements of this song that only SHINee can pull off. This is really just SHINee going back to their roots. As you may know, before debut SHINee was actually training to be a hip-hop group. However, as Key tells it, they just didn't have the swag to pull off hip-hop full time, so last minute SM decided to change up their style to the contemporary R&B style of "Replay" that they have now become known for. "Hard" just proves that in the end, SM wasn't wrong and SHINee has no problem in the world of hip-hop, but their destiny and calling was to be a group that never ties themselves down to just one style or genre. They were meant to show the world that they can be diverse and unique and never do the same thing twice. With every release that SHINee has they are expected to flip the script and change things up in the Kpop industry. That's why when SHINee makes a comeback everyone pays attention because they are looking to SHINee to show them what the industry's next song style and dance trend will be. It is actually said that within 3 months of SHINee making a comeback that you will see that same sound and dance style being duplicated across the industry with every comeback to follow for both boy groups ad girl groups. When SHINee does something the industry takes note and follows suit.
And of course, "The Feeling" was the complete opposite. That's how SHINee have been structured since debut. If they release something that is more of a chill song with a happy bright theme like "The Feeling" first, then their follow up track almost always will be darker, rougher and much more "Hard." LOL And vise versa. Yes, you only saw Onew in part of the MV because he went on hiatus in the middle of filming and wasn't able to participate in the rest of the shoot. I think the storyline in the MV can be interpreted in two ways. First of all, notice how in the beginning when the scene becomes animated, it shows Taemin being pulled into the piano. Therefore, all the references in the MV have to do with a piano. For example, if you look at the set with the brown walls, you will notice that it looks like the inside of a piano with the wooden hammers that create the sound when the keys are played on the walls behind them. And the lighted white screen is divided like the white keys of the piano with the people's silhouettes representing the black keys, etc. To me it seems to represent how music is what controls their lives and its what has trapped them in this world as artists. Which could be similar to the themes within Taemin's Never Gonna Dance Again album trilogy -- "2 Kids", "Criminal" and "Idea" -- and his epilogue "Advice." However, I'm also pretty sure that the whole "Hard" MV storyline is connected to SM's SM Culture Universe. The more I watch it, the more I see that seems to indicate that it's all connected. I haven't had a whole lot of time to really analyze everything -- and I'm sure if you take the time you can probably see even more connections than me -- but what I see right off the bat is, that when we first see Taemin, when he appears in the black sleeveless suit, he looks very similar to what he looked like in his SuperM debut teasers. I also think that it even could be connected to Taemin's "Advice" storyline. We see him with his hands painted blue in "Hard," similar to his black ink stained hands and body in "Advice," and in both scenes we see him standing in front of/playing a piano. (Technically, Pearl Aqua is SHINee's color. However, before LED lights were invented, creating a wider range of colors -- making way for SHINee's official Pearl Aqua color -- they used blue and green in things to do with SHINee. That's why we still see blue, green and aqua with most things SHINee related.) Some have also pointed out that the scene with the silhouettes behind the screen reminds them of the scene in Taemin's "Criminal" MV, with the people behind a screen pushing their hands into it. However, in "Hard" Taemin is standing in front of the screen, rather than walking through the middle with the two sides reaching for him like in "Criminal". Although, I also think that scene could be connected to EXO's storyline, because we see in EXO's "Tempo" MV a scene where there are silhouettes behind a lighted white wall that looks very similar to this. As I am sure you know, in EXO's storyline, the people behind the wall are thought to be X-EXO or they could be the EXO members who are trapped. We also see EXO fighting with their silhouette shadows in their live concert performance of "Wolf," which is also thought could be EXO battling X-EXO as they search for the Tree of Life. Ever since SHINee came out with "Don't Call Me," I think that storyline was supposed to be SM bringing SHINee into the SM Culture Universe. In their "Don't Call Me" MV it looks as though the SHINee members go through some sort of wormhole as they are teleported somewhere and we see them all posing in their black outfits like they are getting ready for battle. This looks very similar to the scene in SuperM's "Jopping" MV when the SuperM members are coming together at the beginning of "Jopping." Therefore, because Taemin is a member of SuperM, I think SHINee is supposed to be getting ready to join SuperM in the fight against the Red Force. In "Hard" we also see Taemin standing on a grate as he crouches down and looks through it at the "people" in white trapped below, similar to his scene in SuperM's "Jopping" MV. I also see the scene with Key standing with all the dancers in white sitting in a circle around him, as an important part of the story as well, however I'm not sure what it all means yet. We see Key remove the mask of one of the guys and we discover the guy has a glowing blue earpiece, which seems to be suggesting that they are being controlled by outside forces. However, because they are all just sitting there without moving, it seems to indicate that they are currently "shut-down". Either these people are androids or robots, like in EXO's "Lucky One" MV, or they are people who are under mind control. Although, I don't think they are being controlled by the Red Force necessarily because we don't see any trace of red anywhere in that scene. Instead, the color we see is blue, which usually within EXO's storyline means that it represents something to do with EXO, who are the good guys. Plus, as I said, blue with SHINee usually represents SHINee and their connection as a group. Minho standing on the edge of that rock formation looks similar to the scene with Girls Generation's Taeyeon standing on the rock in the middle of the ocean in Key's solo "Hate That ..." MV, and it also looks a lot like the scene in SHINee's "Don't Call Me" MV, with Key standing on the submerged phone booth. It all has the same feeling. (Notice how they also are all wearing red in all of those scenes.) In the next animated scene we see what looks like Minho in that same red jacket fighting with the same piano key ropes that pulled Taemin into the piano in the beginning. To me it looks like its trying to keep him trapped within the piano and under the control of the music. However, in the next scene we see the piano has been destroyed behind them, which could represent how music no longer controls them, but they now control the music. In the last scene at the end, it reminds me of the same menacing red atmosphere as Minho's rap section in "Don't Call Me", where we see him in the all red room with the chairs hovering above him. Therefore, I think the gloved hand is Minho's hand because it looks like the same gloves that Minho is wearing in the scene right before that where they are dressed in black. Although I don't know what that means yet, I am sure it is something to connect the storyline to something within one of SM's MVs in the future or will make more sense when more of the story is revealed as SM releases the next chapter, etc.
Obrigada por reagir e por colocar a legenda em português 😂❤ tenho um favor, por favor, você pode reagir ao álbum? As músicas estão incríveis é uma melhor que a outra 🥺💙 estou tão feliz com esse comeback 💎💎💎💎💎💙✨
Hi, i am back. Good reaction, ty. I was thinking wondering if Shinee would change their sound again for this comeback and they did. I liked some of the fits. I liked parts of this. Not sure if i like the rhythm. I had to relisten a few times. The song is not bad now. Loved Taemin's long hair. He and Key looked great. I felt callbacks to Taemin's songs with his hands covered in black not blue. And of course the piano. Glad u caught that. Hearing ur thoughts I agree they are incorporating their solo works into their group song. Love it. The circle reference is for Onew's solo song. Spotted it because of u. =0} Music connects us all. They will destroy the current music scene and remake it. Maybe. I think it may mean all of it. I think this does sound like their old experimental stuff. It gives me Don't Call Me vibes and that song still is not my vibe. This one was not for me in the beginning. My HS pal recently heard the song. She likes it but told me it was probably an NCT song and should have gone to them, lol. I don't listen to NCT. I like hard songs with a great balanced production. And this one took some getting used too. I did check the album out on Spotify. The Feeling was there which made me so happy. I hope u check out that song too. It has an MV. Liked how Taemin explored rap further in this group song. He gave us a little before enlisting. Borahae. -NY USA 2019 Army💟
I am not sure about the industry criticism part but definitely with you on "the genre doesn't own us, we own the genre". There are a lot of divided opinions over this title track and I am sure they knew there would be. If you go far far back in K-pop and their discography this is actually super atune with 1st generation K-pop which was more hip-hop oriented and their first few albums (SHINee were actually supposed to debut as a hip-hop group rather than R&B). This is their way to show their growth and say "yup, we can do this too, we can and WILL do anything we want" The entire album feels like their early discography but refined by their experience and creative input. The fact that so many people seem to be missing the point only shows how vast their discography is that there are people out there that are completely clueless that this is something they've done before.
I agree! Those who say this is not their usual sound seem to be lost, like do they think View and Everybody were similar? 😂 SHINee has proven time and again that they cannot be boxed in. They’ve successfully done sooo many genres and this one is no exception. I personally think this song is actually very SHINee. But no matter the differing opinions, no one can deny this is song slaps. SHINee is definitely back! 💎💎💎💎💎
Yeah!! Each one has their own style, together they form a group with dynamic, expressive, powerful interpretations. Shinee is special. There are 6 artists: Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho, Taemin and Shinee.
Totalmente de acuerdo, no puedo escuchar las nuevas canciones sin pensar en alguna de los primeros años. Me encanta ya que te hace revisitar su discográfia ❤
Yes, you are totally right this is unexpected but not new for them they are making a point with the this new album and as usual putting the bar higher. People think that they are re inventing they self when true is that they are getting back to the beginning. A new begging ❤
Well said. Facts
Taemin said the MV is full of Easter eggs about their solos work. There are 2 moments with the drawings, the first is Taemin mastering the piano (he is the ACE), the second one is Minho running away (the CHASE). They both are the beginning and the end of their debuts. Key discovers the FACE of one dancer, and Onew is showing his VOICE (with Blue paint) with a high note. I'm pretty sure there is something for Jonghyun too, I haven't figured it out yet (perhaps it could be the red square in the teasers). There are many more clues, it's a MV full of them and their career
Yes I agree with you but you left out jonghyan with all of them being tired up like in the song crazy (base)
yes spotted this now. ty
Onew isn’t in the entire MV because he is having some health issues and went on hiatus to take care of himself. So he didn’t perform in the concert and won’t be doing promotions for Hard. Unfortunately, it is sad but as long as he is recovering that’s all that matters. Otherwise I love this comeback! This is SO SHINee to me. As someone that’s been following them since 2011 I don’t understand people that say this isn’t a SHINee feeling when this is a sound they actually debuted with and used to play around with early on. They’ve done so much stuff and tried so much I guess people have forgotten their roots but they’re here to remind us!
i am so glad u and i agree. I am a new fan a few months 6 and i totally think this is their sound. They have always experimented. I still have not heard all their songs but i will.
This song is amazing and even though a lot of people think that Juice should it have been the tittle track, we have to trust that SHINee members know what they doing. SM said Juice, SHINee said HARD so, in SHINee I trust.
Honestly, Juice is my least favorite from first listen through the album.
Hard deserves to be the title song, I can't stop listening to it. Just love it sooooo much!!!
SHINee made the right choice choosing Hard. Juice wasn't it for me at first, it took some listening, and their live stages for the song to really have me. However, it's in SHINee that I too trust.
"oh you beautiful bastard" that was me every single second of the mv😂
The way you explain the concept behind the MV makes sooo much sense with what SHINee is. Always appreciate your reaction! 🖤
I needed this analysis... was so distracted, didnt get any of the symbolism, thanks so much for thissss 😂 SHINee is insane as always 💙 Minho is like a king 🤣
Thank you for your analysis! I'm not sold on the song itself, but your thoughts on the MV made me appreciate it a lot more. :)
Love Shinee! Love this song!👍💋❤️
SHINee always come back with surprise 😊
The whole reason why they chose "Hard" for their title track is because they wanted to show everyone that SHINee can do any genre, including hip-hop.They killed this. This will definitely be a contender for album of the year.
SHINee's name has a double ee to show just how brilliantly they SHINe(e) and their name means "the ones who receive light." Their symbol is a diamond and its reflection creates a five point star with each point representing each of the members. Stars are often referred to as diamonds in the sky. Therefore, I think "Ad Astra," which, as mentioned, means "thus one goes to the stars" -- and all the references to light and stars -- in the lyrics is also supposed to represent SHINee. Because this is their 15th anniversary, I think it means that, if they continue on the path they are on, this will be their "way to immortality" or their legacy in the music industry.
The fact that it's nothing like anyone expects and different than anything out there, is exactly what makes it a SHINee song. As SM's experimental group, nothing SHINee will ever do is like anything they have ever done before, and it won't be like anything they ever do in the future, but it will somehow always have that SHINee feel.
Notice how Key was singing through his clenched teeth in the last part of the song when they were all dressed in black. And he still sounded perfect while giving off the "Hard" vibes that the song required. Just one of the many unique elements of this song that only SHINee can pull off.
This is actually just SHINee going back to their roots. Before debut SHINee was actually training to be a hip-hop group. However, as Key tells it, SHINee just doesn't have the swag to pull off hip-hop full time, so last minute SM decided to change up their style to the contemporary R&B style of "Replay" that they have now become known for. "Hard" just proves that in the end, SM wasn't wrong and SHINee has no problem in the world of hip-hop, but their destiny and calling was to be a group that never ties themselves down to just one style or genre. They were meant to show the world that they can be diverse and unique and never do the same thing twice.
With every release that SHINee has they are expected to flip the script and change things up in the Kpop industry. That's why when SHINee makes a comeback everyone pays attention because they are looking to SHINee to show them what the industry's next song style and dance trend will be. It is actually said that within 3 months of SHINee making a comeback that you will see that same sound and dance style being duplicated across the industry with every comeback to follow for both boy groups ad girl groups. When SHINee does something the industry takes note and follows suit.
I agree with your interpretation of the MV and all the references to music and the piano, etc. I think this could represent how music is what controls their lives and its what has trapped them in this world as artists. Which could be similar to the themes within Taemin's Never Gonna Dance Again album trilogy -- "2 Kids", "Criminal" and "Idea" -- and his epilogue "Advice."
When the scene becomes animated, it shows Taemin being pulled into the piano. For example, the room with the brown walls looks like the inside of a piano with the wooden hammers that create the sound when the keys are played on the walls behind them. And as you said, the lighted white screen is divided like the white keys of the piano with the people's silhouettes representing the black keys, etc.
However, I'm also pretty sure that the whole "Hard" MV storyline is connected to SM's SM Culture Universe. The more I watch it, the more I see that seems to indicate that it's all connected.
I haven't had a whole lot of time to really analyze everything, but what I see right off the bat is, that when we first see Taemin, when he appears in the black sleeveless suit, he looks just like he did in his SuperM debut teasers.
I also think you're right, that it even could be connected to Taemin's "Advice" storyline. We see him with his hands painted blue in "Hard," similar to his black ink stained hands and body in "Advice," and in both scenes we see him standing in front of/playing a piano. (Technically, Pearl Aqua is SHINee's color. However, before LED lights were invented, creating a wider range of colors -- making way for SHINee's official Pearl Aqua color -- they used blue and green in things to do with SHINee. That's why we still see blue, green and aqua used in most things to do with SHINee.)
Some have pointed out that the scene with the silhouettes behind the screen reminds them of the scene in Taemin's "Criminal" MV, with the people behind a screen pushing their hands into it. However, in "Hard" Taemin is standing in front of the screen, rather than walking through the middle with the two sides reaching for him like in "Criminal". Although, I also think that scene could be connected to EXO's storyline, because we see in EXO's "Tempo" MV a scene where there are silhouettes behind a lighted white wall that looks very similar to this. In EXO's storyline, the people behind the wall are thought to be EXO's alter ego clones who were created by the Red Force or they could be the EXO members who are trapped behind the wall. We also see EXO fighting with their silhouette shadows in their live concert performance of their song "Wolf," which is also thought to be EXO battling X-EXO as they search for the Tree of Life.
Ever since SHINee came out with "Don't Call Me," I think that storyline was supposed to be SM bringing SHINee into the SM Culture Universe. In their "Don't Call Me" MV it looks as though the SHINee members go through some sort of wormhole as they are teleported somewhere and we see them all posing in their black outfits like they are getting ready for battle. This looks very similar to the scene in SuperM's debut "Jopping" MV when the SuperM members are coming together at the beginning of "Jopping." Therefore, because Taemin is a member of SuperM, I think SHINee is supposed to be getting ready to join SuperM in the fight against the Red Force.
In "Hard" we also see Taemin standing on a grate as he crouches down and looks through it at the "people" in white trapped below, similar to his scene in SuperM's "Jopping" MV.
I also see the scene with Key standing with all the dancers in white sitting in a circle around him as an important part of the story as well, however, I'm not sure what it all means yet. We see Key remove the mask of one of the guys and we discover the guy has a glowing blue earpiece, which seems to be suggesting that they are being controlled by outside forces. However, because they are all just sitting there without moving, it seems to indicate that they are currently "shut-down". Either these people are androids or robots, like in EXO's "Lucky One" MV, or they are people who are under mind control. Although, I don't think they are being controlled by the Red Force necessarily because we don't see any trace of red anywhere in that scene. Instead, the color we see is blue, which usually within EXO's storyline means that it represents something to do with EXO, who are the good guys. Plus, as I said, blue sometimes represents SHINee and their connection as a group.
Minho standing on the edge of that rock formation looks similar to the scene with Girls Generation's Taeyeon standing on the rock in the middle of the ocean in Key's solo "Hate That ..." MV, and it also looks a lot like the scene in SHINee's "Don't Call Me" MV, with Key standing on the submerged phone booth. It all has the same feeling. (Notice how they also are all wearing red in all of those scenes. Remember, red usually represents something to do with the Red Force.)
In the next animated scene we see what looks like Minho in that same red jacket fighting with the same piano key ropes that pulled Taemin into the piano in the beginning. To me it looks like its trying to keep him trapped within the piano and under the control of the music. However, in the next scene we see the piano has been destroyed behind them, which could represent how music no longer controls them, but they now control the music.
In the last scene at the end it reminds me of the same menacing red atmosphere as Minho's rap section in "Don't Call Me", where we see him in the all red room with the chairs hovering above him. Therefore, I think the gloved hand is Minho's hand because it looks like the same gloves that Minho is wearing in the scene right before that where they are dressed in black. Although I don't know what that means yet, I am sure it is something to connect the storyline to something within one of SM's MVs in the future or will make more sense when more of the story is revealed as SM releases the next chapter, etc.
Great reaction! I loved the attention to detail: from the music & lyrics, to the settings and costume
Love your reaction. So far one of the best I’ve seen. SHINee doesn’t have a genre, SHINee is the genre. ❤
Infinity symbol!!!! Onew spoiled that during a live 🤣 thanks for pointing that out 😊
love ur reaction
I love that this reaction is so freaking detailed. thank youuu!
Love your interpretation. You always seem to notice a lot and think very deeply. But I like it. It makes me think deeper too. Love 5HINee and their musical creative direction.
I always wait for your reaction to SHINee! Thank you for your thorough review!!!
Personally, I think that this MV combines every aspect of SHINee as a group and soloist. Parts of the MV giving vibes of their old songs and solo song. And how they’ve grown as an artist and individual.
Some argue that this is too NCT-ish, but I don’t think so. It’s more like H.O.T (especially that 2nd chorus part where its more upbeat and banging) and Seo Taiji & Boys, whom SHINee grew up with. It’s like a tribute to the early generation of K-Pop which also influence them.
Contrary to popular opinion that this isn’t SHINee, I think this is very SHINee. Well, SHINee never settle with one genre. They always do a lot of things and keep challenging themselves.
All in all, this is definitely one of my fave SHINee’s comebacks.
Wow! Just wow! This is the best Hard’s reaction so far, the artistry explanation, the details! Sir.. You hit the nail on the top, thank you so much
They always show a different version of themselves with this unique essence and what I love, they evolve with their music.
I love rap and melody and the bridge is divine.
There's a lot of symbolism and Taemin said there's a lot of references to him in there but oh my gosh I'm obsessed with the album.
I will add that I see that they refer to hate and being trendsetters and strong and I look at how they prepare their concerts, I see a combination of everything
SHINee BACK
It’s funny in your analysis when you say that they control their genre or their sound not the other way around because as we speak there is so many people trying to sit there and define SHINee’s sound and say that this song isn’t “SHINee”. Meanwhile SHINee is going to do whatever they want musically and it will be a hit 💎
Same as you it might be my favourite SHINee song ! :) As always you helped me to go though some details in it and in the MV so thank you ^^
I love it when you swear softly because of Onew's voice🤭
I like your explanation that music doesn't define us, we define music. SHINee has debuted for 15 years, and they are still innovating, improving.Dont give a fuck of trend ,we just taking a different path from the new generation of idols.we are so so so proud of them.Thank you for loving this song.❤
I've been binge-watching some of your reactions after this one because I just love the way you dissect the meanings and really dive deep into the videos and songs 💕
thank you so much for this reaction!! you are the only reactor who i actually enjoy and look forward to watch so since i've been waiting for this all day now i can go to bed peacefully😌
I absolutely love this comeback! The song is great and everyone shined!
let me express my great gratitude to you for loving the shining guy.. your reaction is cool.. you understand and know a lot... the guys are sitting inside the piano.. blue color and blue paint is a jong. He once said that he associates himself with the color blue.. He's always with them.. and a free place where the view above on the guys. They have a piano and the music is shining. It's a great happiness to find these five in your heart, isn't it? I love you and thank you many more times. have a nice day
my ults are back 💕
this album is like one long flowing journey. it's not an album where every song is different style and each song really stands out. different flavors. its more like its all fits together and it's meant to be heard on one go. it can even be a little hard to rememebr which song is which in the beginning. to me. not that they sound alike. but there is just a style to it that makes it blend. and you can judge if you liek that or not. but i really like this album. felt like such a concept.
*This song is something else though* :) 🔥
Shinee are spot on in any concept
You're the best reactor , thanks ,now I understood.
Thank you so much! I've always enjoyed your reaction/analysis of SHINee and their solo music. You definitely helped me understand more the symbolisms in the MV and the meaning in the lyrics.
It was very entertaining to watch your reaction. It's funny that this is your fav SHINee song because opinions are divided. They took a big risk with this song and, in my opinion, in the mv the piano represents the break with the music they used to make.
It feels good when someone takes the time to appreciate the work behind the music, lyrics and visuals. Thanks for reacting and hope you can enjoy the whole album, which is amazing ♡
your nickname should be the "' clue and note guy" ( Sherlock 😊) . I enjoy every time your reactions on SHINee and I feel I could debate and argue in a friendly way abt the meaning of SHINee (group or solo ) mvs with you . Cool . Waiting for more . btw , the whole album is a musical feast .SHINee-HARD 8th album is truly amazing.
love this song
your mind was so in the gutter, lol
Don't ever apolgoize, because I really like your interpretation. That's what Shinee does, they create music with so much meaning, imagery, symbolism. There's a whole universe they created, that all started with the plagiarism albums. (Ace, Base, Face, Voice, Chase) It's such a beautiful thing to exist, becusse it's a way to interact and connect with Shinee World.
Thank you very much for your reaction!
You made me see this video and song very differently than before!
Thank you very much
Love this MV! Thank you for your detailed analysis ❤
i absolutely lost it at the "oh, you beautiful bastard" at 4:43 🤣
no but i thoroughly enjoyed your reaction 💙
It’s funny cos every single time SHINee releases something new, other people will always say “this isn’t SHINee” and every single time we shawols would be like: heh u new here and it shows
I knew you would have a field day with this song and the MV..and you didnt disappoint me haha love the reaction
I love the song, and although it seems like an unexpected genre, SHINee has always experimented with sounds. The thing about being trapped inside the piano reminded me of Taemin's kitten because he always got inside the piano hahahaha. Thanks for reacting.
aww, cute.
I'm listening to this in ×2 speed and think this song is awesome
Detailed Observation and review .. thanks for sharing
Wow you really notice every detail so fast, I wish I could do reactions like you 😄
I actually think you are right about the music industry, since both Taemin and Minho gets captured and drawn in by the piano, there are sure a lot of backsides in their feild.. It's not just fun and games at all. But still they are bound to the music with love and passion too, so instead of letting it control them, they make it theirs.
Great reaction!!
*SHINEE DEFINITELY GOES "HARD" ON EVERYTHING!!!*
I love your analogies so much!
I can just sit and listen to you break those songs, this music, for an hour!
The way you pay so much attention to every single thing amazes me... really...
It's like in the beginning you said he reminds you of "KILGRAVE" because of the black and purple, and I'm like "OMG! HE DOES! LOOK LIKE THAT!", and I didn't even think about it. ---> and this is just really a "meaningless" comment (not meaningless at all, It was super fast for you to even catch that reference), compared to your other very intense comments, this one just got suck in my head from the start of the song. (I'm such a Marvel Nerd)
JUST TO SAY----> You are such a freaking smart guy. I can't get over your analogies...
I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!
I like your reaction!❤ Let's go shinee!!!!❤
The "misconception" of shinee in people eyes are the view, the 1 of 1, the dream girl and the married to the music. All this just to throw the audience from what Shinee sound even are in the industries within kpop music scene. Shinee dont owns or have any particular sound. What they have is simply Shinee itself. 5 different color of tune and voices that you can blend into any type of vocal ranges and melody that only shinee can have. Shinee is just a nirvana within kpop. Something that you can point at but never actually touch. It's always different sound and melody. And it thanks to all 5 members.
blu color is the color our fans
Love you video reactions 🎉🎉
I love this song, they are amazing as always. I love how they sing in Korean and English and Taemin 's blue hands reminds me of his hands in Advice.
Masterpiece!!
You made a total sense! Shinee always were and remain experimental and most versatile group in industry and their comeback is no different. Shinee broke the boundaries of kpop long time ago and became genre of their own, which was reflected so well in Hard concept. Absolute kings and legends❤❤❤
All I know is that is Taemins Advice mv, he has that black stuff on his hands and in this one, it looks like he took his gloves off and it shows it turned blue during the bridge part, his voice also reminds me of it in some parts...that I guess could be a reference to Advice in a way. There also 2 other thing in this that stood out to me, both with Onew and Taemin again. Ill start with Taemin. So there was a time in this where he i think referenced Criminal with a certain look, he looked into the camera with a gaze with his hands and gloves on his face that is very reminiscent to Criminal.
Now for Onew, with his declining health, that in the end could be that he is apologizing in a way that he couldnt be there the whole time, so he might be "stuck in the piano" and could be saying "im sorry that I couldnt be there the whole time guys" if you get it.
I just hope he gets better soon, no matter what if thats what Onew was doing, he shouldn't apologize!! 😭
I like the detailed review ^^
best comeback in terms of boy groups next to ateez & p1harmony
You should listen all other songs from 8th album. Thanks for your reaction
Love your insights ❤❤
7:20 idk why but reminded me of the advice mv when taemins hands were black playing the piano
16:08 also here there was this one part in there song don’t call me where minho says sick of ur trash and he’s the only one that’s left behind
And after that all three of them dance in front of the piano covered in blue do maybe taemin and key helped each other out ??? Also in this same scene the dancers ski masks remind me of one of keys outfits for his Latest solo album
I think Onew went on hiatus on june 9th due to his declining health in the middle of filming, so he's missing in some parts (:
Maybe, think of blue night Jonghyun’s radio show for 3 years. Jonghyun had to retire the show due to scheduling. The blue water may be oceans of tears. Jonghyun in Shinee’s heart forever…💙 I completely forgot to mention the lyrics with Onew starting “no looking back” and on. To me the lyrics are very telling from Onew and blue water.
subscribed for more SHINee video reactions
@milindawilson9175 said on 6/29/23
The whole reason why they chose "Hard" for their title track is because they wanted to show everyone that SHINee can do any genre, including hip-hop. They killed this!! This will definitely be a contender for album of the year.
You can't tell me that you're not singing "hard like a criminal, hard like the beat" over and over again in your head after hearing this song. LOL I think this is just as much of an earworm as any of SHINee's songs.
This is totally an SM/SHINee song. As you may know, this song was wrote by Kenzie, who is an SM songwriter and producer that has wrote a large majority of SM songs, so it has that signature SM feel, and, yet, it's also very uniquely SHINee.
The fact that it's nothing like anyone expects and different than anything out there, is exactly what makes it a SHINee song. As SM's experimental group, nothing SHINee will ever do is like anything they have ever done before, and it won't be like anything they ever do in the future, but it will somehow always have that SHINee feel.
Notice how Key was singing through his clenched teeth in the last part of the song when they were all dressed in black. And he still sounded perfect while giving off the "Hard" vibes that the song required. Just one of the many unique elements of this song that only SHINee can pull off.
This is really just SHINee going back to their roots. As you may know, before debut SHINee was actually training to be a hip-hop group. However, as Key tells it, they just didn't have the swag to pull off hip-hop full time, so last minute SM decided to change up their style to the contemporary R&B style of "Replay" that they have now become known for. "Hard" just proves that in the end, SM wasn't wrong and SHINee has no problem in the world of hip-hop, but their destiny and calling was to be a group that never ties themselves down to just one style or genre. They were meant to show the world that they can be diverse and unique and never do the same thing twice.
With every release that SHINee has they are expected to flip the script and change things up in the Kpop industry. That's why when SHINee makes a comeback everyone pays attention because they are looking to SHINee to show them what the industry's next song style and dance trend will be. It is actually said that within 3 months of SHINee making a comeback that you will see that same sound and dance style being duplicated across the industry with every comeback to follow for both boy groups ad girl groups. When SHINee does something the industry takes note and follows suit.
And of course, "The Feeling" was the complete opposite. That's how SHINee have been structured since debut. If they release something that is more of a chill song with a happy bright theme like "The Feeling" first, then their follow up track almost always will be darker, rougher and much more "Hard." LOL And vise versa.
Yes, you only saw Onew in part of the MV because he went on hiatus in the middle of filming and wasn't able to participate in the rest of the shoot.
I think the storyline in the MV can be interpreted in two ways. First of all, notice how in the beginning when the scene becomes animated, it shows Taemin being pulled into the piano. Therefore, all the references in the MV have to do with a piano. For example, if you look at the set with the brown walls, you will notice that it looks like the inside of a piano with the wooden hammers that create the sound when the keys are played on the walls behind them. And the lighted white screen is divided like the white keys of the piano with the people's silhouettes representing the black keys, etc.
To me it seems to represent how music is what controls their lives and its what has trapped them in this world as artists. Which could be similar to the themes within Taemin's Never Gonna Dance Again album trilogy -- "2 Kids", "Criminal" and "Idea" -- and his epilogue "Advice."
However, I'm also pretty sure that the whole "Hard" MV storyline is connected to SM's SM Culture Universe. The more I watch it, the more I see that seems to indicate that it's all connected.
I haven't had a whole lot of time to really analyze everything -- and I'm sure if you take the time you can probably see even more connections than me -- but what I see right off the bat is, that when we first see Taemin, when he appears in the black sleeveless suit, he looks very similar to what he looked like in his SuperM debut teasers.
I also think that it even could be connected to Taemin's "Advice" storyline. We see him with his hands painted blue in "Hard," similar to his black ink stained hands and body in "Advice," and in both scenes we see him standing in front of/playing a piano. (Technically, Pearl Aqua is SHINee's color. However, before LED lights were invented, creating a wider range of colors -- making way for SHINee's official Pearl Aqua color -- they used blue and green in things to do with SHINee. That's why we still see blue, green and aqua with most things SHINee related.)
Some have also pointed out that the scene with the silhouettes behind the screen reminds them of the scene in Taemin's "Criminal" MV, with the people behind a screen pushing their hands into it. However, in "Hard" Taemin is standing in front of the screen, rather than walking through the middle with the two sides reaching for him like in "Criminal". Although, I also think that scene could be connected to EXO's storyline, because we see in EXO's "Tempo" MV a scene where there are silhouettes behind a lighted white wall that looks very similar to this. As I am sure you know, in EXO's storyline, the people behind the wall are thought to be X-EXO or they could be the EXO members who are trapped. We also see EXO fighting with their silhouette shadows in their live concert performance of "Wolf," which is also thought could be EXO battling X-EXO as they search for the Tree of Life.
Ever since SHINee came out with "Don't Call Me," I think that storyline was supposed to be SM bringing SHINee into the SM Culture Universe. In their "Don't Call Me" MV it looks as though the SHINee members go through some sort of wormhole as they are teleported somewhere and we see them all posing in their black outfits like they are getting ready for battle. This looks very similar to the scene in SuperM's "Jopping" MV when the SuperM members are coming together at the beginning of "Jopping." Therefore, because Taemin is a member of SuperM, I think SHINee is supposed to be getting ready to join SuperM in the fight against the Red Force.
In "Hard" we also see Taemin standing on a grate as he crouches down and looks through it at the "people" in white trapped below, similar to his scene in SuperM's "Jopping" MV.
I also see the scene with Key standing with all the dancers in white sitting in a circle around him, as an important part of the story as well, however I'm not sure what it all means yet. We see Key remove the mask of one of the guys and we discover the guy has a glowing blue earpiece, which seems to be suggesting that they are being controlled by outside forces. However, because they are all just sitting there without moving, it seems to indicate that they are currently "shut-down". Either these people are androids or robots, like in EXO's "Lucky One" MV, or they are people who are under mind control. Although, I don't think they are being controlled by the Red Force necessarily because we don't see any trace of red anywhere in that scene. Instead, the color we see is blue, which usually within EXO's storyline means that it represents something to do with EXO, who are the good guys. Plus, as I said, blue with SHINee usually represents SHINee and their connection as a group.
Minho standing on the edge of that rock formation looks similar to the scene with Girls Generation's Taeyeon standing on the rock in the middle of the ocean in Key's solo "Hate That ..." MV, and it also looks a lot like the scene in SHINee's "Don't Call Me" MV, with Key standing on the submerged phone booth. It all has the same feeling. (Notice how they also are all wearing red in all of those scenes.)
In the next animated scene we see what looks like Minho in that same red jacket fighting with the same piano key ropes that pulled Taemin into the piano in the beginning. To me it looks like its trying to keep him trapped within the piano and under the control of the music. However, in the next scene we see the piano has been destroyed behind them, which could represent how music no longer controls them, but they now control the music.
In the last scene at the end, it reminds me of the same menacing red atmosphere as Minho's rap section in "Don't Call Me", where we see him in the all red room with the chairs hovering above him. Therefore, I think the gloved hand is Minho's hand because it looks like the same gloves that Minho is wearing in the scene right before that where they are dressed in black. Although I don't know what that means yet, I am sure it is something to connect the storyline to something within one of SM's MVs in the future or will make more sense when more of the story is revealed as SM releases the next chapter, etc.
Obrigada por reagir e por colocar a legenda em português 😂❤ tenho um favor, por favor, você pode reagir ao álbum? As músicas estão incríveis é uma melhor que a outra 🥺💙 estou tão feliz com esse comeback 💎💎💎💎💎💙✨
😂 every kpop reactor needs to clip that “oh you beautiful son of a bxtch” for all future admiration instances
Taemin always destroyed me too 😂😂😂😂😂
nobody mentioning Dream Girl mv reminenscieing with the black and white spiral stair tiles tripping ?
Im From Indonesia ❤
"Taemin just destroy me"
Us: he destroyed all of us
Hi, i am back. Good reaction, ty. I was thinking wondering if Shinee would change their sound again for this comeback and they did. I liked some of the fits. I liked parts of this. Not sure if i like the rhythm. I had to relisten a few times. The song is not bad now. Loved Taemin's long hair. He and Key looked great. I felt callbacks to Taemin's songs with his hands covered in black not blue. And of course the piano. Glad u caught that. Hearing ur thoughts I agree they are incorporating their solo works into their group song. Love it. The circle reference is for Onew's solo song. Spotted it because of u. =0} Music connects us all. They will destroy the current music scene and remake it. Maybe. I think it may mean all of it. I think this does sound like their old experimental stuff. It gives me Don't Call Me vibes and that song still is not my vibe. This one was not for me in the beginning. My HS pal recently heard the song. She likes it but told me it was probably an NCT song and should have gone to them, lol. I don't listen to NCT. I like hard songs with a great balanced production. And this one took some getting used too. I did check the album out on Spotify. The Feeling was there which made me so happy. I hope u check out that song too. It has an MV. Liked how Taemin explored rap further in this group song. He gave us a little before enlisting. Borahae. -NY USA 2019 Army💟
also please do a spotlight on the story of the light series🙏🏼 you won't regret it
5hnee... 5!))))
Wait a minute this scene here 14:28 reminds me of Napoleon
Jonghyun's offical colour was blue..
🇵🇸🇵🇸