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Circle is the first Korean-language studio album (second overall) by South Korean singer Onew. It was released on March 6, 2023, through SM Entertainment. The album contains ten songs, including the lead single, "O (Circle)". It peaked at number three on South Korea's Circle Album Chart.
Background
Circle was Onew's first Korean release after almost a year, following on from his 2022 EP Dice. In the interim, he released the Japanese-language studio album Life Goes On and embarked on a tour across Japan. Onew originally heard "O (Circle)" before Dice came out, but decided to save it for a future release, believing it to be "too strong" at the time. Kim Eana wrote the lyrics according to his ideas. Onew had previously collaborated with her on his 2021 song "Way", which the two wrote together. He was involved in the production process from beginning to end, undergoing multiple rounds of recording, mixing and mastering, despite struggling with health issues. He noted, "I don't think there was a single part of the entire process that I didn't touch". Onew chose the keywords "healing", "recovery" and "circulation" to describe the album. He stated that he wanted to "broaden the spectrum" of his music and described it as a "stepping stone" for his future work.
Composition
The songs are arranged to give the feeling of watching a single performance. Lead single "O (Circle)" is an R&B song that combines arpeggio synth sounds with a heavy bass line. The lyrics, written by Kim Eana, compare the circular nature of life to the passing of the seasons. The title was chosen by Onew. "Cough" is a pop song that uses acoustic guitar and drum lines to create a lonely atmosphere. It depicts the longing that ensues following a break-up, like a cold that refuses to go away at the change of the season. "Rain on Me" is a ballad with a lyrical melody and acoustic band sound. The second half of the song features layered strings, and the lyrics take the form of a monologue in which Onew describes the person he wants to see in the rain. "Caramel" features rapper Giriboy and is a jazz pop song that likens love to the sweetness of caramel. It contains piano, bass, trumpets and scat singing. "Anywhere" is a pop song with keyboard, bass and synth sounds, sung in falsetto. "Paradise" is a pop song with light guitar riffs and synths. The lyrics describe the sensation of falling in love as feeling like the stars are pouring down. Midtempo pop song "Expectations" has a danceable beat created by electric guitar, a rhythmic drum line and synths. It compares feelings of disappointment and expectation in love to a battery that is continually recharged and drained. "No Parachute" is an indie pop song about jumping into unfamiliar situations, containing a strong drum rhythm and synths. "Walk With You" is a midtempo pop song with a nostalgic theme. "Always" is an "emotional" ballad expressing Onew's desire to stay by the subject's side during times of difficulty and provide comfort.
Release and promotion
The album was announced on February 20, 2023, with pre-orders beginning the same day. Promotional materials, including teaser images and videos, were shared in the lead-up to its March 6 release. Onew held a series of concerts, titled O-New-Note, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul on March 3–5, 2023, which was followed by further concerts in Tokyo on March 14–15. He premiered songs from the album, including the lead single, at the concerts.
^ Seon, Mi-kyung (February 22, 2023). '컴백' 샤이니 온유, 신곡 'O (Circle)' 사계절 듣고 싶은 힐링곡 ['Comeback': Shinee Onew's new song 'O (Circle)' is a healing song to listen to in all four seasons]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023 – via Naver.
Jeong, Jin-ah (February 23, 2023). 샤이니 온유, 정규1집 '써클' 기리보이·샘김 참여…다양한 매력 수록 [Giriboy and Sam Kim participate in Shinee Onew's first studio album 'Circle'... Contains various charms]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023 – via Naver.
Lee, Yu-na (February 24, 2023). 샤이니 온유 첫 정규 앨범 'Circle', 청량미 넘치는 수록곡 예고 [Shinee Onew's first studio album 'Circle' contains B-side songs full of refreshing beauty]. YTN (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023 – via Naver.
Seon, Mi-kyung (February 20, 2023). 온유, 3월 6일 솔로 컴백..첫 정규앨범 'Circle' 발매 [Shinee's Onew will have a solo comeback on March 6... First studio album 'Circle' to be released]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved March 4, 2023 – via Naver.
Cho, Yeon-kyung (March 1, 2023). 샤이니 온유, 첫 솔로 콘서트서 '신곡 선공개' [Shinee Onew to 'pre-release new song' at his first solo concert]. JTBC. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2023 – via Naver.
'음악중심' 샤이니 온유, 출연 없이 1위‥엑소 카이·트와이스 컴백[종합] [Shinee's Onew won first place on "Music Core" without attending... Exo's Kai and Twice comeback ]. Newsen (in Korean). March 18, 2023. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
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