SHINee’s newest B-side track ‘Marry You’ is a romantic serenade I have on repeat

It’s been almost three years since we heard from SHINee. We’ve done our waiting—the countdowns are done, and the replaying of good ol’ tracks is about to halt. The boys are together again and one thing’s for certain: SHINee is back.

On tonight’s 2-hour long comeback tease, the contemporary boy group released their upcoming album’s B-side track titled “Marry You,” a sweet serenade that connects the past with SHINee’s iconic recurring lyrics (mainly from “Replay” and “Love Sick”), emphasizing the maturity they’ve gained through the years of their musical journey. 

It’s an adamant attempt to break away from the love known only to the young, a declaration of growth written as a beautiful ballad. Key and Minho throw the first lines to get the rhythm going, then Taemin swoops in with a powerful hook, leading us to a soft and entrancing version of the chorus. It’s reminiscent of old-school R&B—making us sway to its wistful, dreamy sounds.

The way the keys change in the second verse makes this a classic SHINee song. The boys are amplifying the unique textures and tones of their voices with each lyric. It is the fluidity of the rhythm that solidifies the strength of emotions being brought out of the song.

The effortless swag of Minho’s lines alters the beat come the second verse, while Key is in charge of setting up the tone to welcome Onew’s higher notes—his quiet presence cascades into the song’s climax, where SHINee’s whistling vocals come with a cadence of emotions as the notes get higher.

“Marry You” is a medley filled with warmth. It contains a restrained passion in each of its verses, where the emotions swell when their voices finally meet at the song’s refrain. The chorus pulsates with an energy that feels familiar—yet makes us experience a new richness in SHINee’s sound, a sound of sincerity collected in the years that passed, once again proving the depth time (and the experiences that come with it) can bring into a song.

The B-side track is one smooth ride, bringing with it a harmonious narrative of intimacy and growth—a ballad that cuts through wistful moments and fades into a soothing melody that marries you to the music.

SHINee sings of a love that’s constant, reassuring, and intimate—just like how their presence back on that stage feels like. Now the only question is: How can I fast-forward to Feb. 22 right here, right now?

Photos courtesy of SHINee and SM Entertainment

Selpink chillin' in your area

When BLACKPINK (BP) finally released their most-anticipated collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Ice Cream,” I was surprised with the genre they went with—bubble pop. Neither BP nor Selena are known for this kind of music. It was definitely refreshing to see a new side to all the ladies involved. After watching a couple (okay, maybe several) times more, I wondered why all five of them never interacted. Turns out they filmed at separate locations for safety, so big applause for the production team on making it look so seamless still.

THE SONG

I liked this the most among their 2020 releases, ranking above both “Sour Candy” (a collaboration with Lady Gaga) and “How You Like That,” but still nowhere near what they have released before. What I liked about “Ice Cream” is that it’s light, easy to listen to, and has a proper flow. Honestly, the lyrics could make more sense but I like how each girl fit the concept with their own unique styles.

Especially with Lisa owning the rap parts. I honestly don’t know what she was rapping about, (again, I would like to reiterate the lyrics could have been better) but she flows well, so I’m not that bothered. I don’t know what “Mona Lisa kinda Lisa” means but I’ll be saying it all the time now.

Have you also taken time to appreciate Jisoo singing entirely in English? I think she has reached a milestone! Those English lessons with Jennie have paid off. One thing I would also do to improve the song is to give Rose more singing parts. Her voice just fits the song well and she slayed all the high notes in the chorus.

THE MV

If this collaboration won at anything, it would definitely be the music video. Every time I tried listening to this song on Spotify, I found myself opening YouTube instead. Each frame was a beauty shot that emphasized both the cute and sexy side of each person. Definitely loved how Selena was introduced “driving” the ice cream truck in a bikini (that whole look and vibe was fire).

But also, I’m still processing how quickly Jennie switches sides, with one second all smiley and cute, then fierce and a bit sexual the next. There were definitely some awkward moments (which makes as much sense as their lyrics), which is topped by Jennie sharing a carrot with a capybara. These cut scenes came too quickly which makes its viewers instantly move on to their next look.

Speaking of looks, was I the only one that tried to keep count of how many they had an outfit change and failed? My personal favorite is the one shown towards the end; a bit on the edgy side with leather accents and Jisoo was wearing a bandana for a top. I didn’t know it was still a thing. Sadly, it’s the look where they had least screen time in.

Now let’s all celebrate by learning the moves from BLACKPINK x Selena Zepeto dance performance and continue in the wishful thinking that we’ll see them all perform this song together in the future.