Poet | Artist cover

Poet | Artist

Kim Jong-hyun · 2018

36 min · 11 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant fusion of contemporary R&B and dance-pop that showcases emotional depth through smooth melodies and intricate production.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    빛이 나 (Shinin’) — This opening track radiates positivity and showcases Kim's ability to blend upbeat melodies with uplifting lyrics about hope and brightness.
  • →
    환상통 (Only One You Need) — The song presents a reflective mood, highlighting Kim's emotive vocal delivery while exploring themes of longing and desire.
  • →
    Take the Dive — With its dynamic production and infectious energy, this track underscores Kim's versatility as an artist willing to experiment with different sounds.
  • →
    하루만이라도 (Just for a Day) — This poignant song captures a sense of yearning and nostalgia, emphasizing Kim's lyrical craftsmanship in expressing complex emotions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant production with emotional depth, showcasing strong songwriting and vocal execution.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered harmonies, while the subsequent tracks shift to more introspective themes with slower arrangements.
  • Several songs incorporate intricate vocal layering, where Kim Jong-hyun's voice is harmonized with itself to create a rich texture.
  • The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving an unresolved emotional tone that resonates with the listener.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady melodic flow throughout
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • for upbeat gatherings
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • seek darker, heavier themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 23, 2018, 'Poet | Artist' is Kim Jong-hyun's posthumous album following his tragic death in December 2017. This album serves as a poignant reflection of his artistry, featuring songs that highlight his vocal prowess and lyrical introspection. It marks a significant moment in his career, encapsulating his evolution as a solo artist apart from his work with SHINee.
Stylistic neighbors
Chungha· Eric Nam· Zico

Tracklist

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

  • 1 빛이 나 (Shinin’) 2:52
  • 2 환상통 (Only One You Need) 3:39
  • 3 와플 (#Hashtag) 3:05
  • 4 기름때 (Grease) 3:19
  • 5 Take the Dive 2:54
  • 6 사람 구경 중 (Sightseeing) 3:04
  • 7 Rewind 3:36
  • 8 하루만이라도 (Just for a Day) 2:50
  • 9 어떤 기분이 들까 (I’m So Curious) 3:24
  • 10 Sentimental 3:26
  • 11 우린 봄이 오기 전에 (Before Our Spring) 4:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata