KEY shows he’s not afraid of breaking away from trends through his third full-length solo album, HUNTER. With a haunting theme and introspective tracks, he creates a musical experience like no other.
On August 11, SHINee’s Key officially dropped the newest addition to his glowing discography. His third full-length album, HUNTER, takes a deeper look into human nature with a horror-infused twist.
This follows his 2024 release, Pleasure Shop, a six-track mini album infused with chic and futuristic grandeur. Key adopts a darker and grittier style for this new era, moving away from the science fiction-esque visuals.
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Dr. Odd’s Room: Concept Master Key Strikes Again
Since his solo debut in 2018, Key has established himself as an artist who thrives on experimentation. From his album concepts to his songs, he never fails to surprise his fans with something new. And for HUNTER, he remains unwavering as ever.
Like all of his past albums, Key played an active role in the conceptualization of HUNTER. With horror as the focus, he shared how he wanted to stray away from typical ghost stories and venture into more uncanny territory. This idea set the stage for an “urban legend” approach that features Dr. Odd.
To bring the concept to life, Key and his team created the fictional character, Dr. Odd — a ghost story collector who finds excitement in researching strange rumors. Through social media, they heightened the fans’ anticipation with cryptic tweets and interactive sites connecting to the comeback.
A few days before the album’s release, they also announced a week-long pop-up event called “Dr. Odd’s Room.” This simulates an escape room experience, leading you through rooms filled with evidence about a particular urban legend.
And the haunting surprises didn’t end there. In addition to Dr. Odd, Key released eerie mood films that show him encountering a transcendent being who happens to look just like him.
This is a level of creativity we rarely experience in today’s music industry. Yet, Key boldly sets his own trends and goes beyond our expectations.
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HUNTER: Album Release & Tracklist Breakdown
HUNTER comprises 10 tracks with distinct colors, but Key’s musical identity remains intact. From house to R&B, there’s a song to match anyone’s palette.
In an interview with Billboard Brasil, Key also stated how this album contains his most honest self. Beyond the bold concept and diverse genres, the stories he always wanted to share are found within each track.
1. HUNTER
Look, finally
We’ve become one
You’re the hunter
Setting the tone with intensity, we have the title track “HUNTER.” It unapologetically embodies the album’s central theme of “hunt or be hunted,” keeping you hooked with its hard-hitting rhythm and infectious groove. Paired with the lyrics, it strikes an uncommon yet fitting contrast between introspection and horror.
Complete with zombie-like choreography and an immersive plot, the track’s music video carries forward the same atmosphere. In it, Key portrays two characters that symbolize his inner selves — the hunter and its prey. Yet, as the story unfolds, we ultimately see them molding into one being.
It’s the perfect visual accompaniment that leaves you formulating your own conclusions. Was his true self consumed? Who was the hunter all along? All of these are up to you to answer for yourself.
2. Trap
Again
And again, and again, and again
The dark and hypnotic vibe from the opening flows seamlessly into the album’s next track, “Trap.” With its haunting lyrics and steady percussion, the song lives up to its title with precision.
It draws you into a nightmare with nowhere to go. Each repetition of “again and again” feels like an eerie mantra, coiling around you with a vice-like grip. And whether you want to embrace it or break away from it proves to be a difficult choice.
3. Strange
Ain’t it kinda strange
That you’re supposed to want
What everybody else wants for you, you
Packing a powerful punch, “Strange” greets us with a daring insight about our inner selves and today’s society. It criticizes the lengths we go through to fit in, so much so that we’re starting to lose our humanity. Key’s distorted vocals create a haunting effect, amplifying the track’s message and the album’s experimental beauty.
As the only full-English track, it adds a refreshing touch and even more variety to the 10-track album. In addition, singer-songwriter eaJ also lent a hand as one of the song’s lyricists and composers. Known for his genre-defying tracks, “Strange” proves his unique sound perfectly merges with Key’s artistic vision.
4. Want Another
Riding so fast
No one before me
You can’t go back
To life before me
Moving to another upbeat experimental track, we have “Want Another.” It’s intense and assertive with a distinct buildup. Key also showcases his sleek rapping skills, which we didn’t get to hear in the previous tracks.
Listening to it feels like we’re getting chased by an unknown entity, which isn’t far from the lyrics. Through the song, Key attempts to lay hold of our hidden desires. Akin to a voice inside our heads, he finds a way to occupy our consciousness and consume us whole.
5. No Way!
No way
Won’t let that ruin my day
No matter what they gon’ say
Yeah, I’m gon’ be okay
Of all the tracks in the album, “No Way!” is the perfect anthem for anyone needing a good pep talk. Like the previous tracks, Key talks about the chaos within himself, but in a more hopeful tone. He fearlessly declares his refusal to let negativity dictate his life, choosing to be resilient despite all odds.
Though undeniably charming, the song’s uplifting message is only part of what makes it stand out. With its light yet playful rhythm, the subtle groove keeps getting better with each listen. For lovers of house music, this will surely get your heads bobbing.
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6. Infatuation ft. PLAVE’s Eunho
You’re my (I’m on ya, babe)
Infatuation (Yeah, I’m on ya, babe)
Don’t you know?
Like a refreshing breather, “Infatuation” dials things down to smoothly flow with the latter half of the tracklist. While less intense, it retains its natural groove and adds to the album’s experimental edge. The fusion of the ’90s new jack swing genre with a modern vibe yields a sound that feels unique and familiar.
Making the track even more special is Eunho’s trendy flow, which complements Key’s airy and bright vocals. Their parts unfold like a conversation, adding to the song’s liveliness and harmony. As the first feature in the album and in PLAVE‘s history, “Infatuation” is a special treat for fans of both artists.
7. GLAM
I’m gonna be the party, be the party
Be iconic
Just give me the glamorous
From the preview alone, you’re probably expecting a flashy track packed with bursts of energy — and you’re absolutely right! “GLAM” floods your ears with feel-good vibes, leaving behind a colorful afterglow. It boldly sets itself apart from the other tracks but still blends naturally into the album.
True to its title, Key is undoubtedly glam-personified. His true self shines in this track, from authenticity to admirable confidence. And that’s one of the reasons why he’s so well-loved and iconic.
8. Picture Frame
Stay forever in this moment
나를 삼킨 picture frame
Bordering between reality and our imagination, the album introduces us to “Picture Frame.” This dance track captivates us with its floating synths and hypnotic vocal chops, like how a vivid dream would.
It’s a stark contrast from the previous track, “GLAM,” which is powerful and commanding. These distinctions give the album its unique identity, with each track standing out in its own way.
9. Perfect Error ft. Red Velvet’s SEULGI
I’m gonna, I’m gonna
Gon’ make a better day
Diving into the next track, we have one that screams pure happiness — “Perfect Error.” As the second and last feature in this album, Red Velvet‘s Seulgi was the perfect addition for this song. Her and Key’s sweet vocals make for a great combination, creating a fun and refreshing vibe.
Its lyrics radiate optimism, as it celebrates acknowledging our mistakes and confidently moving forward. The track comes to life even more with its playful riffs and synths, easing smoothly into the album’s finale.
10. Lavender Love
Lavender love
Yeah, yeah, I want that lavender love
Seeing us off with a gentle wave is “Lavender Love,” a dreamy pop track with heartfelt vocals. The song leaves a bittersweet taste once it ends, like the end of a long yet fulfilling journey. It also carries a message of gratitude for the people we hold dear, including ourselves.
While different from the earlier tracks, Key circles back to the concept of inner selves. He reminds us that, despite our conflicting sides, we’re still the same person. Our various facets make us who we are, and we should embrace them fully.
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KEY in Concert: Welcome to KEYLAND
A few weeks before HUNTER‘s release, Key announced his latest solo concert, 2025 KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley, happening on September 26 to 28. This three-day event will be held at the Ticket Link Live Arena in Seoul.
Additional countries were also posted at a later date, which now include Taipei, Singapore, and Tokyo. According to another notice, more stops will be announced soon, so stay tuned for the latest updates!
Keeping up with the horror vibes, the official posters feature a grim cityscape overturned by lightning while a monster version of BOK-SILLee (Key’s original character) looms over the disaster. These elements offer a sneak peek of what to expect for this concert, heightening the anticipation of excited Shawols.
Seventeen years into his career, Key continues to break the conventions of K-pop with utmost confidence. Both as a member of SHINee and as a soloist, his artistry shines with no question. And his latest album is solid proof of it.
Immerse yourself in horror and frighteningly good music with HUNTER — available now on all major streaming platforms!
Sources: SM Entertainment, Billboard Brasil, SHINee Official IG
