Around GMA

Article Inside Page

SHINee World or Shawols--SHINee's fans--are very much aware of how talented (and good-looking) SHINee's Jonghyun is. His powerful vocals and intense stage presence have won many hearts, but there is more to him than being SHINee's main vocalist.

Jonghyun isn't only a force to be reckoned with as a K-pop idol. The SHINee member is also a prolific songwriter, composer, and producer, responsible for some of the group's hit songs such as "Juliette," "View," and "Selene 6.23." The five solo albums he released are also a testament to his remarkable songwriting skills, with all the tracks being his personal masterpiece.

As we celebrate his birthday today, April 8, we asked fans what Jonghyun song would they recommend for those who haven't heard of his music. His amazing discography made it hard to choose just one, so here are seven songs that you can start with:

"Déjà-Boo"

Released in January 2015 and featured Zion.T, Déjà-Boo is one of the seven self-composed songs in Jonghyun's first mini album Base. During a live showcase, he shared, "I personally like this song a lot, and that is the reason behind selecting it as one of the two title songs of the album. That is also why I decided to pre-release it."

Why you should listen to it:
"The song features soul and funk, genres that are not really common in K-pop but very close to his heart. He wanted to showcase these in the album, too. His vocals are consistently smooth and cool from the first note." - Pat Sanchez

"Just Chill"

"Just Chill" is off of Jonghyun's Story Op.2 album released in April 2017. It was one of the four songs that were initially revealed in the "Man Who Composes" corner of the singer's Blue Night radio show.

Why you should listen to it:
"I would recommend this song for first-time listeners because it's a happy, groovy song that reminds us that being alone doesn't mean being lonely, that having 'me time' allows one to rest, reflect, and recharge. This song is a celebration of oneself amidst the mundane." - @onewperiodt

"Shinin'"

"Shinin'" is from Jonghyun's last solo album Poet|Artist, which was released posthumously in January 2018.

Why you should listen to it:
"Jonghyun has always been known to have powerful and strong vocals but I always love listening to Shinin' because it doesn't only remind me of him as a SHINee member and his members, but I also love listening when he sings the line 'Always be with you.' It has been my constant reminder that whatever I go through in life, Jonghyun and SHINee will always be with me." - @jxamri_

"U & I"

Similar to "Just Chill," "U & I" was also revealed in Blue Night but is part of Jonghyun's Story Op.1 album. First played on his radio show in July 2014, the song is based on his relationship with his listeners.

Why you should listen to it:
"This song really gives butterflies inside. It's such a very nice and sweet song. You can feel all the love when listening to this song!" - @monictaem

"End of a Day"

A favorite among Shawols and Blingers, "End of a Day" was inspired by Jonghyun's interaction with his dog Roo, who would wait for him when he comes home late from work. It is the lead single of his Story Op.1 album.

Why you should listen to it:

"I hope this song gives comfort and a warm hug to everyone listening to it when they are alone after a long day. If they are with someone, may this be that extra warm blanket that they can listen to together. All of us have hard, long days and hopefully, we have that 'something' to comfort us when we get home at the end of a day." - @MyCodeDoodles

"Crazy (Guilty Pleasure)"

"Crazy (Guilty Pleasure)" is the other title track of Jonghyun's Base album, along with "Déjà-Boo," and features rapper Iron. Its music video was the most-watched K-pop video in the US and in the world for January 2015.

Why you should listen to it:
"For someone who doesn't understand Korean, the beat and vocals are *chef's kiss.* Plus the music video is [melting face emoji]" - @marybells525

"Y Si Fuera Ella (혜야)"

While "Y Si Fuera Ella (혜야)" may be listed as a SHINee song in the group's first studio album The SHINee WORLD, it is actually a Jonghyun solo. It is originally a Spanish song by singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz released in 1997.

Why you should listen to it:
"Jonghyun rewrote the lyrics into Korean from the original Spanish, gave a career-high vocal performance, and every live stage's incredible and this was on their DEBUT album that came out when he was 18. An amazing intro to his skills!" - @bluenightfm

We hope this list will be the little push you need to discover not just Jonghyun's songs, but SHINee's entire discography as well.

Happy birthday, Jonghyun! You are dearly missed and forever loved.

KNOW MORE ABOUT JONGHYUN AND THE REST OF SHINee IN THIS GALLERY: