Kim Jonghyun is known as the powerhouse main vocalist of SHINee, but there’s another side of Jonghyun that is not as well-known. Jonghyun participated in writing the lyrics for a remarkable amount of SHINee’s songs, not just B-Sides, but title tracks as well. Even SHINee’s first comeback was co-written by Jonghyun, beginning his long list of songwriting credits. This list will introduce a few songs that show Jonghyun’s range in lyricism and genres to continue as we celebrate his talents.
1. “Juliette” – SHINee
You spread like an irresistible poison
To start off this list we have “Juliette” by SHINee. “Juliette” was promoted as the title track of the ‘Romeo’ Mini-Album, released one year after SHINee’s debut on May 25, 2009. This song went on to win 4 awards at Inkigayo and Music Bank. A fun fact about this song: this is a cover of a Corbyn Bleu song called “Deal with it”, but with new Korean lyrics written by Jonghyun and the rap written by Minho. These lyrics from Jonghyun emphasize infatuation and teen-romance with Shakespearean flair!
2. “Alarm Clock” (알람시계) – SHINee
I feel like I can still catch your mirage
“Alarm Clock” was written for SHINee’s fourth EP ‘Sherlock,’ and was released as the fourth track in March, 2012. This song is a departure from the carefree crush-like nature of “Juliette”. “Alarm Clock” is a break-up song that follows someone who is still obsessed with their former partner. The lyrics emphasize wishing that their alarm clock would ring and wake them up from the nightmare they are trapped in as they live their life without their significant other. We think that this song deserves some more love for its complex story and beautiful composition!
3. “Pretty Boy” – Taemin (feat. Kai of EXO)
I won’t pretend to be innocent like a puppet
“Pretty Boy” was written for Taemin’s first solo album ‘ACE’ as a duet with Kai of EXO. The lyrics of this song revolve around the expectations that an idol, or in this case a pretty boy, faces daily. Jonghyun uses this song, and lyrics to show how people expect “pretty boys” to act; they do not consider them to be people behind their pretty faces. In addition, the lyrics are also indicative of the fragility of masculinity in popular culture. We think this song is super underrated considering the two artists on the track.
4. “Blinking Game” – Jonghyun
My love, see yourself reflected in my eyes
Next up is a song written by Jonghyun for one of his solo albums. “Blinking Game” is an incredible b-side on Jonghyun’s solo album ‘Story Op.2’, released in 2017. The lyrics of this song describe someone in a relationship, remembering good times and perfect moments. Furthermore, we love that the lyrics emphasize both capturing someone’s beauty in their eyes, and being more in love than they ever thought possible. Overall, this song is beautifully written and performed by Jonghyun.
5. “View” – SHINee
You can start to see the color of music
Finally, “View” is the title track of SHINee’s fourth full album ‘Odd’ released in 2015. We think that SHINee’s “View” is one of the most influential, and endless songs of second-generation boy groups for its distinctive sound, styling, and performance. “View” is incredibly enchanting as the lyrics describe the feeling of having your eyes opened to new experiences and moments in life after feeling how it feels to be in love.
Jonghyun is an incredibly talented artist and songwriter and we will cherish his lyrics and words forever. His pen holds a lot of power, and his career is walking proof of it.
What’s your favorite Jonghyun song? Let us know on our Instagram and Twitter!
Make sure to follow SHINee on Instagram and Twitter and make sure to wish Jonghyun a happy birthday!
