KEY has returned with a new full-length album, Gasoline. Gasoline marks KEY’s return to the music scene after almost a year since the release of his impressive first mini-album, BAD LOVE. The new full-length album Gasoline was officially released on August 30, even though KEY pre-released the b-side tracks ’Another Life’ and ’Proud’ last week and performed the title track ‘Gasoline’ at the recent SM Town concerts in Seoul and Tokyo.
Gasoline contains 11 songs, including the title track ‘Gasoline’ – with lyrics written by KEY and KENZIE – ‘Villain’ featuring NCT’s Jeno, ‘G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time)’, ‘Another Life’ and ‘Proud’ – another track with lyrics penned by KEY.
The anticipation around Gasoline was high and its release encountered fans’ delight as well as global success; the album topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in 23 countries, including Finland, Brazil, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, India, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, Mongolia, Peru, Taiwan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Lithuania. Moreover, according to the Hanteo chart, Gasoline‘s first-day sales counted 29,604 copies sold, setting a new personal record for KEY.
With the full-length album Gasoline, KEY shows a variety of charms, in particular on the addictive hip-hop dance track ‘Gasoline’, KEY combines brass sounds with bold drum sounds, creating a fanfare instrumentation. In the lyrics, KEY compares his overflowing confidence and aspiration to the explosive fuel. The leading track is paired with a sensational music video. In the visuals, the photography and the styling are jaw-dropping, with KEY reminding us that he is not scared of trying – and then claiming ownership of – new and unique styles and outfits.
KEY also performed ‘Gasoline’ for the renowned STUDIO CHOOM, delivering an impressive and energetic performance.
For ‘Villan’, KEY has teamed up with NCT’s Jeno. During an online press conference held on Monday, KEY said about the song, “‘Villain’ is different from the typical musical style of SHINee, as it tells the story of how even a villain can become a hero.”; KEY praised Jeno and his husky voice which he said was the perfect fit for the song. KEY and Jeno will perform ‘Villain’ as part of Gasoline comeback stage on Korean music shows – Mnet’s “M COUNTDOWN”, KBS2TV’s “Music Bank”, MBC’s “Show”, “Music Core” and SBS’ “Inkigayo” – starting September 1.
When speaking about Gasoline, KEY said: “Initially I wanted to prepare BAD LOVE as a full-length album, but I was afraid that it would postpone things too much. So I was also preparing Gasoline on the side while I was working on BAD LOVE, and I’m so glad that it’s finally out as an entire album. I wanted to put everything into it. From the photos to music video, I did my best to present the entire package.” KEY added that he tries to participate as much as he can when working and producing his solo albums. “I got inspiration from retro horror films like “Friday the 13th”. I also wrote the lyrics to three other tracks ‘G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time)’, ‘I Can’t Sleep’ and ‘Proud’.”. KEY explains that his song ‘G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time)’ is an autobiographical song, and he thought it’d give a bit of life to the album. The lyrics speak of the honest thoughts behind becoming an adult, stirring a gentle sense of sympathy. ’G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time)’ is described as a dreamy pop ballad with a soft touching bass sound that can remind of one’s young days.
As for ’G.O.A.T’ KEY said, “I’m now older than my mother and father were when I was a baby. I now understand that my father (who seemed perfect) must have had a lot of inward worries just like me.”
The following track ‘I Can’t Sleep’ is written solely by KEY and it’s a funky pop song with guitar in the base. The closing track ‘Proud’ is another track that sees KEY joining in writing the lyrics and reflect his personal life as it was written about his own family.
With his new full-length album Gasoline KEY thinks it’s the perfect time to show what he is doing with his music by exploring the retro sounds and genre. KEY said how he wants to express the retro genre in its truest form. KEY also added, “I honestly don’t know, even right now, what really defines me. I try not to obsess over whether or not my music represents KEY. The only thing that keeps me going is my fans. It’s really reassuring how I have a lot of people who are out there to support me in any situation. I enjoy feeling happiness whenever I release music to fans. It really is my driving force.”
With Gasoline, KEY stays true to his statement and delivers a new take on the retro genre that will delight fans.
KEY’s full-length album Gasoline is available on all streaming platforms.
