On November 4, Choi Min Ho, also known as SHINee's multitalented visual, rapper, and singer-songwriter MINHO, released his long-awaited debut studio album, Call Back, featuring the eponymous title track. After dropping several singles, both before and after his first EP, Chase, in December 2022, the artist has finally unveiled his full album – nearly two years after the release of his mini-album.

The ten-track, no-skips album is a flawless and powerful reinvention of his musical identity. Beyond his flourishing music career, MINHO has also been busy as an actor, starring in various K-dramas and appearing on variety shows. When he wasn't making waves in his acting or music career, the singer confidently showed off his toned physique and washboard abs at this year's Waterbomb Seoul festival, wowing the live audience and fans watching virtually. Given everything he's accomplished, I was eager to see how he would define himself as an artist with his debut studio album Call Back, and I'm happy to report that he has more than delivered.

The title track, "CALL BACK," is an exhilarating pop anthem that showcases Minho's evocative vocals, set against a backdrop of a deep bass line, powerful piano notes, and an energetic guitar riff that amplify the song's passionate aura. Minho genuinely sings of his determination to “express his feelings without hesitation.”

The second track, "Slow Down," is a captivating R&B pop song infused with trap and synth elements, which perfectly showcase Minho's dreamy and serene vocals. The lyrics convey the protagonist’s wish for time to slow down, allowing him to create more lasting memories with his partner.

"FIREWORKS" (Feat. SOHEE of RIIZE), the third track on the album and MINHO's first collaboration with SOHEE, is a hip-hop-driven song enriched with a rhythmic bass. Featuring MINHO’s powerful rap and crisp vocals by RIIZE’s SOHEE, the track is about igniting the spark within oneself and keeping the fire burning amidst the monotony and challenges of daily life, highlighting a fresh and dynamic synergy.

The fourth track, "Came And Left Me," is a classic dance-pop song that begins with a soothing guitar riff before transitioning into a fast-paced rhythm. Lyrically, the track captures the whirlwind of emotions the protagonist experiences as they come to terms with a breakup, set against a movie-like encounter.

Halfway through the tracklist for Call Back, we have "Something About U," which portrays the protagonist's desire to get closer to someone they feel attracted to and have feelings for. "Something About U" amalgamates a strong kick sound with an upbeat bass, creating a strong and sensual atmosphere, heightened further by the robust build-up of the drums.

Venturing into the second half of the album with the sixth track, "Round Kick," is a contemporary R&B dance-pop song that meets a 2000s-style electro guitar riff, flavored with brass and synth sounds. It’s the kind of foot-tapping, enjoyable track enriched by MINHO’s polished vocals and energetic chanting over a groovy beat.

The seventh track, "Affection", marks MINHO's first experiment with the Afrobeats genre, layered with an R&B pop sound that carries an alluring aura and a smooth vibe. Listening to "Affection" parallels falling in love with someone to slowly submerging into a deep ocean.

The eighth track, "I Don’t Miss You," further cements MINHO's deep connection to the R&B pop genre, enhanced by acoustic guitar tones and a prominent bass and kick sound. Through a delicate, spoken-sung rap, the protagonist seeks to convince themselves that they don't miss their partner and aren't as dependent on them as they might feel, despite the inner conflict swirling in their mind and heart at that moment.

The penultimate track, "Because Of You" (Feat. NINGNING of aespa), marks MINHO’s second and final collaboration on the album. This smooth R&B pop duet effortlessly combines a lyrical guitar and mandolin with a deep 808 bass. The metaphorical lyrics express the sorrow and pain of a breakup, with MINHO and NINGNING’s calming vocals creating a melancholic, yearning atmosphere.

The final track, "Would You Mind," is an R&B song that blends emotional synths with an intense bass sound, layered with several chord lines and RX sounds that create a dreamy mood. The poignant and reflective lyrics describe the protagonist's struggle of not being able to forget a partner, move on with their life, and expressing love out of habit, which only brings them more pain and turmoil.