Base cover

Base

Kim Jong-hyun · 2015

28 min · 7 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and dance-pop, showcasing smooth vocals and rich, layered production.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    할렐루야 (Hallelujah) — This track stands out for its soulful delivery and intricate arrangement, showcasing Kim's emotional range and vocal control.
  • →
    Crazy (Guilty Pleasure) — With its catchy hooks and upbeat tempo, this song exemplifies Kim's ability to blend fun pop elements with deeper themes of desire and guilt.
  • →
    일인극 (MONO-Drama) — This song features a compelling narrative structure that highlights Kim's storytelling ability through music, making it a centerpiece of the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Base showcases strong vocal performances and production but has some uneven pacing in its tracklist.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the last four shift between slower ballads and upbeat dance tracks.
  • Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with Kim Jong-hyun often singing in a call-and-response style with backing vocals.
  • The production includes rich instrumentation, with electronic elements and live instruments blending seamlessly across the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • upbeat tracks for celebratory moments
  • short bursts of catchy energy
  • engaging melodies for social settings
  • dynamic vocal performances throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive experiences
  • seek deeply introspective themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Base is Kim Jong-hyun's debut solo EP, released after his successful tenure with SHINee, marking a significant step in his career. At the time, he was exploring personal artistic expression beyond the group's established sound, seeking to define his individuality as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Chungha· Eric Nam· Zico

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 데자-부 (Déjà-Boo) 3:31
  • 2 Crazy (Guilty Pleasure) 3:43
  • 3 할렐루야 (Hallelujah) 3:20
  • 4 Love Belt 3:33
  • 5 NEON 3:31
  • 6 일인극 (MONO-Drama) 4:16
  • 7 시간이 늦었어 (Beautiful Tonight) / 포춘쿠키 (Fortune Cookie) 6:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata