What makes Sherlock (Clue + Note) by SHINee notable?

The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and contributing to SHINee's rising popularity in Japan. Additionally, its innovative mix of genres and styles influenced the K-pop industry's approach to international releases during that time. Released on May 16, 2012, 'Sherlock (Clue + Note)' was SHINee's first Japanese studio album, marking their expansion into the Japanese market. Following their successful debut in Japan with the single 'Replay', this album solidified their presence within the J-pop scene while showcasing their growth as artists.

How many songs are on Sherlock (Clue + Note)?

Sherlock (Clue + Note) has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Sherlock (Clue + Note)

SHINee · 2012

7 min · 2 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and polished synths, reflecting SHINee's signature style in the K-pop landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sherlock [Japanese ver.] — As the title track, this song features a captivating blend of various musical styles, seamlessly transitioning between sections while highlighting the group's vocal harmonies.
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Keeping love again — This track showcases a more emotional side of SHINee through its heartfelt lyrics and melodic structure, emphasizing their versatility beyond dance-pop.

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

The album showcases strong songwriting and polished production but is limited by its short length and fewer tracks.

What we noticed

The title track 'Sherlock' features a dynamic arrangement that shifts between multiple sections, creating a sense of movement and surprise.
The song employs layered harmonies and vocal interplay, with different members taking turns on lead lines throughout.
The second track 'Keeping love again' contrasts with a slower tempo and more subdued instrumentation, allowing for a reflective moment in the sequence.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked SHINee's successful entry into the Japanese market, boosting their popularity.
Themes: Japanese pop culture· dance floor intrigue· synchronized choreography
Career context: Released on May 16, 2012, 'Sherlock (Clue + Note)' was SHINee's first Japanese studio album, marking their expansion into the Japanese market. Following their successful debut in Japan with the single 'Replay', this album solidified their presence within the J-pop scene while showcasing their growth as artists.
Stylistic neighbors: EXO· NCT 127· Got7