Key of SHINee has received top honors from NME, one of the United Kingdom’s leading music publications, earning a perfect five-star rating for his third solo studio album, ‘HUNTER.’ 

On the 11th (local time), NME published a glowing review on its official website, lauding the album as “a daring work where unfamiliarity and novelty coexist.” The review praised the album’s vibrant production and experimental sounds, describing ‘HUNTER’ as “the best work in the history of Key’s solo career.”

The magazine further highlighted the album’s artistic cohesion and rich vision, noting both its musical and visual excellence. According to NME, the album uniquely brings together the diverse elements of Key’s previous works, calling it a standout release among all Korean albums seen this year.

NME also remarked, “Key has built a distinctive presence by adapting retro-inspired pop, house, and R&B into his own style, and with this album, he expands his sophisticated musical world into new territory.” The title track ‘HUNTER’ and other songs on the album were all given special attention.

The global response to ‘HUNTER’ has been remarkable. The album broke into the Top 10 on the iTunes Top Albums chart in 16 regions, and claimed all ten spots on Japan’s AWA real-time rising chart, demonstrating strong international support from music fans. With the added endorsement from NME’s five-star review, anticipation for Key’s latest release continues to grow.

Key is set to showcase his new single ‘HUNTER’ on Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’ stage on the 14th.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=SM Entertainment