(An excerpt from: Jonghyun Deep Dive: A Tribute To The Greatest Writer K-pop’s Ever Known)
One of only five albums by the late, great Jonghyun of SHINee, The Story: Collection 1 is a moody yet ultimately hopeful release that was inspired by the stories he was sent while working on his Blue Night radio program, and tackles love in all its many complicated, beautiful forms.
(See Best Albums Post for other fantastic albums.)
Kim Jonghyun’s The Collection “Story Op.1” is so called because it was written by Jonghyun based on the stories the listeners of his radio show Blue Night confided in him; it’s a very special album for that reason, because it truly feels like a group effort between him and fans. I enjoyed U & I’s sprightly piano, interesting percussion, and cozy guitar, Diphylleia Grayi’s gorgeously sad lyrics and strings, the falling rain sound effects and comfortable energy of 02:34 (which I think was my favorite), and the interpolated phone conversation in Maybe Tomorrow. This is one of my favorite albums of his, and has some of his most excellent imagery.
The album’s main single End Of A Day has always been one of my favorite singles of Jonghyun’s, and I’m not alone. There are few songs as heartfelt, and led by only his quiet, comforting voice and a gentle piano, it feels like a warm hug from someone you love. Telling the listener to “lean on my shoulder” and “let me cheer you up”, it features Jonghyun at perhaps his most earnest. I paused what I was doing for a few minutes just to appreciate the peace that this one radiates, and take a deep breath in and out.
Hope you enjoy <3 Tschüss!!
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