Story Op.1 cover

Story Op.1

Kim Jong-hyun · 2015

32 min · 9 tracks · K-pop

A soulful fusion of contemporary R&B and pop, infused with introspective lyrics and smooth melodies that linger long after listening.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    하루의 끝 (End of a day) — This opening track sets the reflective tone of the album with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about the bittersweet moments at day's end.
  • →
    U & I — The song combines an upbeat tempo with sincere lyrics about longing, showcasing Kim's ability to balance joy and melancholy seamlessly.
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    미안해 (I'm sorry) — This track stands out for its emotional depth, where Kim's vocal delivery captures the pain of apology, enhancing its relatable theme of remorse.
  • →
    내일쯤 (Maybe tomorrow) — With its hopeful yet uncertain lyrics, this track encapsulates the essence of waiting and longing for better days, resonating deeply with listeners.

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 features strong melodies and cohesive themes but remains within familiar K-pop structures.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more ambient soundscape with minimal instrumentation.
  • The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, culminating in a reflective final track that contrasts with the earlier energy.
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 reflective listening experience
  • introspective moments for self-reflection
  • heartfelt melodies for quiet evenings
  • short tracks for casual enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party vibes
  • prefer long uninterrupted sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2015, 'Story Op.1' was Kim Jong-hyun's debut solo album after gaining fame as a member of SHINee. This album marked a significant step in his career as he sought to establish his individual artistry separate from the group's identity, showcasing his vocal versatility and personal songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Chungha· Eric Nam· Zico

Tracklist

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

  • 1 하루의 끝 (End of a day) 4:37
  • 2 U & I 2:51
  • 3 Like You 3:15
  • 4 산하엽 (Diphylleia grayi) 4:35
  • 5 Happy Birthday 2:51
  • 6 미안해 (I'm sorry) 4:11
  • 7 02:34 3:46
  • 8 그래도 되지 않아? (Fine) 3:04
  • 9 내일쯤 (Maybe tomorrow) 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata