I think it’s safe to say I’ve been waiting on a full Minho album since CHASE. And CALL BACK feels like a natural progression of that sound and what a Minho solo sounds like. What to expect. And I like it. It’s definitely a grower. The more that I listen to it, the more I love it as a whole. There are a few songs that had me hooked right away. So let’s get into it!
I don’t know if I’ve ever said this, but I really like when the title track and the album name are the same, just because it’s easier to remember. I tend to associate title tracks with their album if I forget the album title, or I know the person I’m talking to isn’t as familiar with that album. For example, I was talking about The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION earlier today with one of my best friends. It was easier to call it the album with “Sugar Rush Ride” on it, versus The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION. She knows TXT’s discography, but like not like that, lol.
I love the styling going on here during this era. The teasers are great. I love all the different shows Minho has been on lately. He just had a concert in Seoul. And they even had merch fusing his love of soccer with it. It’s a great time for Minho stans. I feel like in the past I wasn’t as much of a Minho fan. But now is like peak era for me. Not that I didn’t like him, I just didn’t keep up with his solo things nearly as much as a do now.
CALL BACK has solidified that for me. Along with “CALL BACK” the song. It’s my third favorite song on the album. The music video is one of those full circle plots. And y’all know I love a plot heavy music video. Him sitting in the middle of traffic with a piano did take me out. I’d be so annoyed if I was trying to get somewhere.
“CALL BACK” kinda feels like something Key would release. It reminds me a bit of “Honest”. I love that it’s a bit downtempo but still has some dance elements to it. I love the piano in the instrumental. And most of all, I love that Minho is still singing in this song. Although we do get a little bit of rap!Minho back later in the album. Looking briefly at Wikipedia, it doesn’t look like he has any song credits this time around. I had to check back with CHASE and I think I temporarily forgot he did have credits on my favorite song on there, “Runaway” feat GEMINI. Banger track, btw.
Minus Minho not having any song credits on the album, there are numerous writers and producers on there that have a good track record (with my personal taste) that created a wonderful sound and story throughout the album.
“Slow Down” has a similar vibe to “CALL BACK”, without piano. I love he kept with the R&B sound on this album. I just love an SM R&B track. It’s one of the main reasons I stick around. “FIREWORKS” feat Sohee of RIIZE is my least favorite song on the album. Not because it’s awful. It’s definitely a throwback to older SHINee songs where they just have fun on the track. It’s a little camp but fun. Nothing I plan on revisiting. You get rap Minho here if you squint.
“Came And Left Me” is more Pop leaning and kicks off the shift in sound going into the second half of this album. “FIREWORKS” feels like a club track, but “Something About U” feels like a mature/sexy club track. Love the beat on “Something About U”, second favorite song on the album.
“Round Kick” is another track I don’t care for much. It feels like a b-side to “FIREWORKS”, which is great cohesive wise. But not so much for me, because I didn’t like when we did this the first time like three songs ago, Mister Minho. But I do think it’s one that is likely better performed live.
“Affection” brings us back to a similar sound and vibe to “Something About U” but slower in tempo. I really like this one too. There are 3 main formulas on CALL BACK, the songs that sound like “Call Back”, the songs that sound like “FIREWORKS”, and the “Something About U”. Some variations, of course, but I adore how easy of a listen it is. You’re not getting a wild variety of sounds or genres, just honing in on what works. Giving the people what the way.
The guitar on “I Don’t Miss You” is the stand-out on this track. The background vocals throughout CALL BACK are great. I love the oos and ahhs going on. They were just vibing in the studio with this album, huh. Fourth fave song on the album.
Ah yes, on to my favorite song of the album, “Because of You” featuring Ningning of aespa. I gotta do an article talking about “Whiplash” and my new love of the direction aespa is going music wise. But know it’s on the way.
Anyway, we know I love a good midtempo R&B track, and that’s exactly what we have going on in “Because of You”. Minho and Ningning’s voices together sound so good. Very chill and cozy. I need more Ningning features.
I think “Because of You” is a good parallel to “Runaway”. It feels like a part 2 unintentionally. I checked to see if anyone worked on both songs, but nope. Just vibes.
“Would You Mind” is our album ender, and it’s a great ending to a great album. Very similar sound to most of the album, midtempo R&B. The song order on CALL BACK is perfect. The song tempos are about the same, like on CHASE. And the more upbeat, uptempo songs are sandwiched in perfectly. Nothing I would change order wise. I think this is another album where if you liked Minho’s previous songs, you’ll enjoy this album start to finish.
But what are y’alls thoughts on CALL BACK? Did you like it? Hate it? Tell me everything in the comments! Next up is STAYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, & BlueSky.
-Ash💫