Criminal (Taemin song)

Last updated

"Criminal"
Taemin - iScreaM Vol. 5 Criminal (Remixes).png
iScreaM Vol. 5: Criminal (Remixes) cover
Single by Taemin
from the album Never Gonna Dance Again
LanguageKorean
ReleasedSeptember 7, 2020
Genre Synthwave
Length3:31
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Shae Jacobs
  • Score (13)
  • Megatone (13)
Taemin singles chronology
"2 Kids"
(2020)		"Criminal"
(2020)		"Idea"
(2020)
Music video
"Criminal" on YouTube

"Criminal" is a song recorded by South Korean singer Taemin. It was released as the lead single of his third studio album, Never Gonna Dance Again , on September 7, 2020, through SM Entertainment. A synthwave song with Stockholm syndrome-themed lyrics, "Criminal" was written by Danke, Lauren Aquilina, Chloe Latimer, Shae Jacobs, Score and Megatone, and produced by Jacobs, Score and Megatone.

Contents

Background and release

On August 28, 2020, SM Entertainment announced that Taemin would be releasing the first part of his third studio album, Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1, on September 7, alongside the lead single "Criminal". [1] It was released in the same timeframe as the SuperM album Super One , causing Taemin to split his time between the two projects. [2] Two remixes of the song by DJ Minit and Sumin were released on September 29 as part of SM's iScreaM project. [3]

Composition

"Criminal" is a synthwave song with "newtro" (new retro) sounds and a Stockholm syndrome theme. [4] Taemin described the song as having "a dark, internal feeling". [2] It features narration from news broadcasts in the bridge, an idea that was introduced by Taemin. [2] [5] The song "pulsates with an intoxicating, borderline hypnotic groove", before building to "an explosive moment of catharsis" in the final chorus. [6] The lyrics depict being trapped in a toxic relationship in which Taemin is a victim and yet also complicit. [7] Billboard viewed the song as a continuation of themes previously explored in "Move" (2017) and "Want" (2019). They interpreted it as Taemin embracing the darkness of his alter ego, akin to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. [8]

Critical reception

"Criminal" received positive reviews from critics, with many labelling it one of the best K-pop songs of the year. Taylor Glasby of Dazed described it as an "opulent piece of sonic cinema". [7] Crystal Bell of Paper praised Taemin's versatility and artistry, calling him "a master of movement and sensuality". [6] BuzzFeed reporter Emlyn Travis stated, "No one in K-pop is doing it like Taemin". She ranked "Criminal" first in her list of the best K-pop songs of the year. [9] Writing for IZE, Kim Yun-ha praised the explosive energy of the song, highlighting the intensity of the final chorus. [10] According to Marga Buenaventura of CNN Philippines Life, the song "reinforces the idea that among male idols today, Taemin is indeed an ace among aces". [11]

Year-end lists

"Criminal" on year-end lists
Critic/PublicationListRankRef.
Billboard The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2020: Critics' Picks12 [8]
BuzzFeed Best K-Pop Songs of 20201 [9]
CNN Philippines Life Our Best K-pop Songs of 2020Placed [11]
Dazed The 40 best K-pop songs of 20203 [7]
Idology 2020: Top 20 Songs of the YearPlaced [12]
Paper The 40 Best K-pop Songs of 20203 [6]
Refinery29 Music Saved 2020: The 29 Best Songs Of The YearPlaced [13]
South China Morning Post The best 15 singles from K-pop groups in 2020Placed [14]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for "Criminal"
Award ceremonyYearCategoryResultRef.
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2020 Song of the YearNominated [15]
Best Dance Performance – SoloNominated
Favorite Dance Performance – Male SoloWon [16]

Music video

The music video for "Criminal" was directed by Jo Beom-jin of VM Project Architecture, who had previously worked with Taemin on "Press Your Number" (2016) and "Drip Drop" (2016). [17] Jo was handpicked by Taemin and they developed the music video together. [2] In the video, Taemin performs the choreography to the song on various sets, including a lava floor, a "sterile white room" and a setpiece inspired by The Devil's Advocate . [17] The choreography was created by Kasper and Koharu Sugawara. [17] Taemin had collaborated with Sugawara on several of his previous releases, including "Move" and "Want". He begins the choreography with his hands tied, an idea that was included at Taemin's suggestion, [2] and unties the knot with his teeth as the chorus begins. [10] At the song's climax, Taemin utters the line, "Destroy me more," while staring directly at the camera and running a hand through his hair. [17] Following this, the dancers, clothed in red, explode in movement around him, introducing "an element of catharsis". [17] Tassia Assis of Teen Vogue described this as "a surrender to the dark, twisty maze of his own artistry." [17] Billboard praised his use of "visual imagery as an extension" of the music. [8]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1. [18]

Recording

Personnel

Charts

Chart performance for "Criminal"
Chart (2020)Peak
position
South Korea (Gaon) [19] 25
South Korea (K-pop Hot 100) [20] 13
US World Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [21] 10

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Criminal"
RegionDateFormatVersionLabelRef.
VariousSeptember 7, 2020Original [22]
September 29, 2020Remixes
 [3]

Related Research Articles

"Candy" (Korean: 캔디) is a song recorded by South Korean boy group H.O.T., released as part of the group's debut studio album We Hate All Kinds of Violence through SM Entertainment on September 7, 1996. Along with "Warrior's Descendant", it serves as one of the two singles from the record. "Candy" is a "cheerful" bubblegum pop dance number, and was written and produced by Jang Yong-jin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taemin</span> South Korean singer (born 1993)

Lee Tae-min, better known mononymously as Taemin, is a South Korean singer, actor, and dancer. He debuted as a member of the boy band Shinee in May 2008 and the supergroup SuperM in 2019, both under SM Entertainment, and has subsequently been labeled by media outlets as the "Idol's Idol" due to the large number of idols citing him as an inspiration. As an actor, Taemin's first role was as Junsu in the 2009 MBC comedy Tae-Hee, Hye-Kyo, Ji-Hyun.

<i>Ace</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Taemin

Ace is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Taemin. It was released by SM Entertainment on August 18, 2014. "Danger" was released as the lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taemin discography</span>

As a solo artist, South Korean singer Taemin has released four studio albums with one reissue, one compilation album, six extended plays (EPs), eighteen singles, one promotional single and seven soundtrack appearances. Taemin's music career began in 2008 as a member of boy band Shinee. In August 2014, he debuted as a solo artist by releasing his first extended play titled Ace, which topped the Gaon Album Chart, with lead single "Danger".

<i>Press It</i> 2016 studio album by Taemin

Press It is the debut studio album by South Korean singer Taemin. It was released on February 23, 2016, by SM Entertainment. The title song for the album is "Press Your Number".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ten (singer)</span> Thai singer (born 1996)

Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, known professionally as Ten, is a Thai singer and dancer based in South Korea and China. He debuted with South Korean boy band NCT in 2016 as part of its first sub-unit, NCT U. Since 2019, he has been active mainly as a member of NCT's China-based unit WayV and the South Korean supergroup SuperM. Ten has also released several solo singles through the SM Station project: "Dream in a Dream" (2017), "New Heroes" (2018), "Paint Me Naked" (2021) and "Birthday" (2022). He made his solo debut in February 2024 with his eponymous extended play.

<i>Move</i> (Taemin album) 2017 studio album by Taemin

Move is the second Korean studio album by South Korean singer Taemin. The album consists of nine tracks including the title track, "Move". It was released digitally and physically on October 16, 2017, through SM Entertainment and distributed by Genie Music. A Korean version of Taemin's Japanese single, "Flame of Love", also appears on the album. The album was re-released under the title Move-ing on December 10, 2017.

"Move" is a song recorded by South Korean singer Taemin for his 2017 album of the same name. The song was composed and produced by Curtis A. Richardson, Adien Lewis and Angélique Cinélu, with lyrics written by Seo Ji-eum. It was released on October 16, 2017, through SM Entertainment as the album's lead single. "Move" is a sultry, bass-driven pop R&B song that has been praised by critics for its blurring of gender boundaries. It has been credited with popularising genderless performance styles amongst male K-pop idols.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SuperM</span> South Korean boy band

SuperM is a South Korean supergroup formed in 2019 by SM Entertainment and Capitol Music Group. The group consists of seven members from four SM Entertainment boy bands: Taemin from Shinee, Baekhyun and Kai from Exo, Taeyong and Mark from NCT 127, Ten from WayV, and Lucas, who is a former NCT and WayV member. The group debuted on October 4, 2019, with their self-titled EP, which entered the US Billboard 200 at number one, making SuperM the first Asian artist in history to top the chart with a debut release. Their debut single, "Jopping", was among Billboard's Critics' Picks for the "25 Best K-pop Songs" of 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Tae-yong</span> South Korean rapper (born 1995)

Lee Tae-yong, known mononymously as Taeyong, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is a member and leader of South Korean boy band NCT under SM Entertainment, having debuted in the group's first sub-unit, NCT U, in 2016 and becoming the leader of its second sub-unit, NCT 127, later that year. In 2019, he debuted as a member of the South Korean supergroup SuperM, a joint project under SM Entertainment and Capitol Records. As a songwriter, Taeyong has participated in writing over 40 songs in four languages, released mostly by NCT's various units and himself as a soloist. He made his official solo debut in June 2023 with his EP Shalala, making him the first soloist from NCT.

<i>Never Gonna Dance Again</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Taemin

Never Gonna Dance Again is the third Korean studio album by South Korean singer Taemin. It consists of two parts, Act 1 and Act 2, that were later collected together in the repackage album, Never Gonna Dance Again .

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ScreaM Records</span>

ScreaM Records is an EDM label established by South Korean record label SM Entertainment.

<i>Dont Call Me</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Shinee

Don't Call Me is the seventh Korean studio album by South Korean boy group Shinee. The album was released on February 22, 2021, through SM Entertainment. It is the group's first release since three of the members completed their military service with the exception of member Taemin and also the group's first album not to feature late member Jonghyun in any capacity. Working with producers such as Dem Jointz, Yoo Young-jin, Kenzie, and Ryan S. Jhun, the album spans several genres such as pop, hip hop, EDM, R&B, and reggae. Shinee forwent an overarching theme for the album, instead opting for songs that marked the group's return after almost three years and presenting the record as a gift to fans. A repackage of the album, Atlantis, was released on April 12, 2021.

<i>Advice</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Taemin

Advice is the third Korean extended play recorded by South Korean singer Taemin. It was released on May 18, 2021, by SM Entertainment, produced by Cutfather, PhD, Moonshine and Ryan S. Jhun, among others. The album contains five songs including the lead single, "Advice".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Sauce (song)</span> 2021 single by NCT Dream

"Hot Sauce" is a song recorded by South Korean boy group NCT Dream for their first studio album of the same name. It was released digitally on May 10, 2021, by SM Entertainment. It became the first trilingual song to enter the Billboard Global 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glitch Mode (song)</span> 2022 single by NCT Dream

"Glitch Mode" is a song that was recorded by South Korean boy group NCT Dream. It was released as the lead single from their second studio album Glitch Mode (2022) on March 28, 2022, alongside an accompanying music video. The song was written by NCT Dream's member Mark and Yoo Jae-eun and was composed by Sam SZND alongside Benjamin 55 and Alony 55, who also worked on the arrangement.

<i>Guilty</i> (Taemin EP) 2023 EP by Taemin

Guilty is the fourth Korean extended play (EP) by South Korean singer Taemin. It was released on October 30, 2023, through SM Entertainment. The EP is Taemin's first release since being discharged from military service. It consists of six songs, including the lead single, "Guilty".

References

  1. ↑ Shim, Eon-kyung (August 28, 2020). '컴백' 태민, 정규 3집 트랙리스트 공개..타이틀곡은 'Criminal' [공식] ['Comeback': Taemin releases tracklist for third studio album.. The title track is 'Criminal' [Official]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021– via Daum.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Herman, Tamar (October 1, 2020). "K-Pop Star Taemin On Taking Control With 'Never Gonna Dance Again'". Forbes . Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Kim, Eun-ae (September 24, 2020). 태민 'Criminal' 리믹스 버전 29일 낮 12시 공개..iScreaM 프로젝트 5탄[공식] [The remix version of Taemin's 'Criminal' will be released at 12pm on the 29th.. iScream 5th Project [Official]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2021– via Daum.
  4. ↑ Shim, Eon-kyung (September 2, 2020). '컴백' 태민, 정규 3집 타이틀곡 'Criminal' 포함 9곡 수록..'듣는 스릴러' 기대↑ [공식] ["Comeback": Taemin's third studio album will have nine songs including title track "Criminal"]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  5. ↑ Son, Jin-ah (September 7, 2020). 태민 "'Criminal' 퍼포먼스, 기승전결 뚜렷하게 표현하고 싶었다"(일문일답) [Taemin: "I wanted to express the storyline clearly in 'Criminal'" (Q&A)]. MK Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 20, 2022– via Naver.
  6. 1 2 3 Bell, Crystal (December 18, 2020). "The 40 Best K-pop Songs of 2020". Paper . Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 Glasby, Taylor (December 19, 2020). "The 40 Best K-pop Songs of 2020". Dazed . Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 "The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2020: Critics' Picks". Billboard . December 23, 2020. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  9. 1 2 Travis, Emlyn (December 31, 2020). "Best K-pop Songs of 2020". BuzzFeed . Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  10. 1 2 Kim, Yun-ha (September 17, 2020). 무대에 영혼이 있다면: 태민과 유아처럼 [If there's soul on stage: Like Taemin and YooA]. IZE (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  11. 1 2 "Our best K-pop songs of 2020". CNN Philippines . January 1, 2021. Archived from the original on January 1, 2021. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  12. ↑ 결산 2020 : ②올해의 노래 20선 [2020: Top 20 Songs of the Year]. Idology (in Korean). December 30, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  13. ↑ Morin, Natalie; Komonibo, Ineye (December 21, 2020). "Music Saved 2020: The 29 Best Songs Of The Year". Refinery29 . Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  14. ↑ Herman, Tamar (January 1, 2021). "The Best 15 K-Pop Songs and Albums of 2020". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  15. ↑ "2020 MAMA Nominees". Mwave. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  16. ↑ Kwon, Hye-mi (December 6, 2020). 태민, 댄스 퍼포먼스 메인 솔로 상 수상…"올해 뜻깊은 상 받아 감사" [2020 'MAMA'] [Taemin wins the Dance Performance Solo Award... "Thank you for the meaningful award this year" [2020 'MAMA']]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021– via Naver.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Assis, Tassia (September 8, 2020). "K-Pop Icon Taemin Talks "Criminal" and His Cinematic Vision". Teen Vogue . Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  18. ↑ Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 (Liner notes). South Korea: SM Entertainment. 2020.
  19. ↑ 2020년 37주차 Digital Chart [Digital Chart – Week 37, 2020]. Gaon Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Billboard K-Pop 100". Billboard Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Taemin Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard . Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Criminal". Melon (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.