Advice (EP)


Advice is the third Korean extended play recorded by South Korean singer Taemin. It was released on May 18, 2021, by SM Entertainment, produced by Cutfather, PhD, Moonshine and Ryan S. Jhun, among others. The album contains five songs including the lead single, "Advice".

Background and composition

Taemin released his third studio album Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 2 in November 2020. On May 3, 2021, the singer's label SM Entertainment announced that Taemin would be releasing a new EP the same month, which will mark his final release before his military enlistment. The album's title Advice and cover art were revealed simultaneously. The title track would serve as the lead single of the album. "Advice" was described as an R&B song that employs piano flourishes and a choir arrangement over a trap beat. "If I Could Tell You" is a collaboration with Girls' Generation member Taeyeon. It was described as a "dreamy" R&B-pop song featuring electronic piano and soft synthesizer sounds. "Light" is a dance-pop song produced by Moonshine, featuring groovy beats, synth sounds, and vocal harmonies. "Strings" is an R&B song that is driven by arpeggio guitar riffs, in which Taemin compares himself to a string instrument. "Sad Kids" is a midtempo pop song in a minimalist arrangement of guitars.

Release and promotion

Taemin premiered the title track on his solo concert, Never Gonna Dance Again, on May 2. Image concept teasers were uploaded to Shinee's social media accounts on May 10–13. On May 18, Taemin held a live event on Naver's V Live app to introduce songs from the album. Taemin promoted the title track with televised live performances on various South Korean music programs including M Countdown, Show! Music Core and Inkigayo.

Reception

Writing for the South China Morning Post, Tamar Herman praised Advice for its "creativity and androgynous aesthetic". She described Taemin as charismatic and versatile.

Year-end lists

Critic/PublicationListRank
DazedThe best K-pop tracks of 202122
InsiderThe best K-pop songs of 20214
Marie ClaireThe 20 Best New K-Pop Songs of 2021style="text-align:center"
NMEThe 25 best K-pop songs of 20217
PaperThe 40 Best K-Pop Songs of 202116
Rolling Stone India21 Best Korean Music Videos of 20212
Teen Vogue21 Best K-Pop Music Videos of 2021style="text-align:center"
Teen VogueThe 54 Best K-Pop Songs of 2021
The RingerThe Best K-pop Songs of 20216
TimeThe Best K-Pop Songs and Albums of 2021style="text-align:center"