SHINee’s KEY has earned a glowing review from the UK music magazine NME for his third studio album, "HUNTER."
On August 11 (local time), the acclaimed British music outlet published a review on its official website under a headline praising the album’s bold balance of the unfamiliar and the new. NME wrote that "HUNTER" fuses lavish production with experimental sounds to deliver the strongest album of KEY’s solo career, awarding it a perfect five out of five stars.
NME added that the record showcases a strikingly cohesive artistic vision, both musically and visually. It noted that KEY―long synonymous with kitschy, stylish, story-driven pop―draws together threads from his past work into a fully realized statement, calling it one of the most compelling releases to come out of Korea this year.
The review also highlighted how KEY has carved out a singular lane by reimagining nostalgia-tinged pop, house, and R&B through his own lens―and how the tracks on "HUNTER" push that momentum into even more adventurous territory, spotlighting the title track "HUNTER" along with the album’s B-sides.
Earlier, "HUNTER" landed in the Top 10 on the iTunes Top Albums chart in 16 regions worldwide, and all 10 tracks simultaneously claimed Nos. 1?10 on Japan’s AWA real-time Rising chart―clear signs of strong global interest. With NME’s top rating now in the mix, the album’s buzz continues to build.
Today (the 13th) at 6 p.m., KEY will appear on the YouTube channel "Hyo’s Level Up," joining Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon. The two are longtime labelmates and well-known 'TV show naturals at SM Entertainment,' and they recently teamed up on ENA’s talk show "Salon de Idol." Expect plenty of easy banter and laughs from their on-screen chemistry once again.
Meanwhile, KEY will perform his new single "HUNTER" on Mnet’s "M Countdown" tomorrow (the 14th).
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)