SHINEE JONGHYUN - Collection [THE STORY] Op.2 CD+Photo Booklet Sealed K-POP

Following up his first Story Op. album, in early 2017, Jonghyun released Story Op. 2. The album has recently become significant as his last album to released during his lifetime. Just like the first Story Op. album, this second entry presents a stripped back and more personal look at Jonghyun's artistry. This can be seen just from looking at the physical album itself, which again is reasonably thin and fairly simple in design. Coming in a cardboard sleeve, inside you'll find a photobook plus a photocard this time, as well as the disc itself. On the album, you'll find nine songs, plus a CD-only bonus track:1) Lonely - When recently asked what songs sum myself up, Lonely was one of the few I picked, as lyrics such as "If I cry and say it hurts, who will have a harder time? Everyone will be fine." or "I'm used to just holding it in" speak to me so much. But the focus with this song definitely shouldn't be me - this is Jonghyun's song. In light of what happened in December, Lonely has unsurprisingly received a lot more attention from fans. If nothing else, this was a cry for help, one that was sadly noticed too late. Lonely also features Taeyeon, probably the most talented female vocalist I've heard so far in K-Pop, and together with Jonghyun, one of the most talented male K-Pop vocalists, they're a dream pairing.2) 1000 - Written to commemorate Jonghyun's 1000th day presenting radio show, Blue Night. 1000 is like a warm hug to listen to, with a gentle acoustic sound, with sweet, reminiscent lyrics to match.3) Just Chill - As its title would suggest, Just Chill is one of the most laid back songs on the album. It doesn't go to great lengths trying to impress or dazzle your ears, it's just ... well, chilled. Like a lot of Jonghyun's songs, the lyrics to this one are hugely relatable, and perfectly describe that feeling you get when you just want a lazy day on your own.4) Love Is So Nice - With a steady pace and an always enjoyable R&B feel, Jonghyun delivers another sweet love song, made better still by a nice, warm vocal performance.5) Blinking Game - I think my favourite thing about Blinking Game has to be the lyrics. The song itself walks a line between R&B and ballad, but the lyrics about not wanting to take your eyes off someone you love are so romantic and given such a unique edge at the same time.6) Elevator - Why can I relate to so many of Jonghyun's lyrics? Like Lonely, Elevator was another song I instantly felt a connection with, and another I picked as a song that sums me up. Among other things, something that the lyrics touch on is dissatisfaction with self-image. In recent years, I've tried to improve my own self-image, growing out my hair, losing a lot of weight etc. Yet even though I look a lot, lot better than I did some years ago... it's still never enough, and I can still barely bring myself to look at my own reflection. Elevator understands what that's like, and with beautiful, almost ghostly vocals from Jonghyun rounding it off, it's probably my favourite song on the album.7) Let Me Out - The darkest and most intense song on the album, but easily the most important. Through the music, you can hear the dark, nasty side of depression. Just read the lyrics for Let Me Out, especially the chorus - he was literally begging for help. Not to get too dark, but with lyrics like "Just need to go a little more, just one more step and it's all over", it sounds like thoughts of suicide had already taken hold of him. This isn't an easy song to listen to now, but it remains hugely important.8) Fireplace - If proposed suicide was implied clear enough in the last track, Fireplace makes it more obvious still. There's a fair bit of misdirection in Fireplace - if you just listened to the song without reading the lyrics, you'd think it was a fairly standard R&B song. Once you do read the lyrics, and again especially in hindsight, Fireplace takes on a wholly different meaning.9) Our Season - Almost completing the album, Our Season returns to a more positive style with a relaxing sound and a sweet vocal performance. The lyrics are written in such a free and easy way that it's almost like a conversation with the listener - they're not downbeat nor overly positive, just nice and honest.10) Where Are You - Exclusive to the physical album, it's difficult to know whether to be laugh or cry with Where Are You. The lyrics are a mixture of sad and sweet and have a playful innocence about them as well. The song's worth listening to alone just for Jonghyun's closing solo on the kazoo.So, to summarize, Story Op. 2 is another brilliant collection of songs from Jonghyun. With songs that range from sweet and light, to darker and more serious, not one disappoints. I'd probably say both Story Op. albums are on about the same level of quality, but just because of how much I appreciate tracks such as Lonely, Elevator or Let Me Out, this second one has a slight edge on the first. However, I highly recommend both as they'll each show you a more personal side to someone who's missed with every passing day.

Excellent!