In an attempt to strengthen my writing, I've started to write short reviews of albums. These were on another blog but I'm moving them here instead.

The only way I can even begin to explain the masterpiece that is SHINee's fourth album, Chapter 1. Dream Girl - Misconceptions of You, is through detailed analogies involving presents and food, two things that I'm sure all humans rank high in their "favorite things" lists.

You know when it's Christmas or your birthday and you've got a big pile of presents before you? Your eyes linger over the pretty wrapping and imagine exactly what's inside each box and bag. Everything you've secretly wanted during the year. Then you actually begin opening and once you're done, you're surrounded by tissue paper and disappointment, ready for Ashton to jump out and yell "you've just been punk'd!" You smile tightly and thank Aunt Becky for the sweater she gave, which looks like a tribute to Picasso from the mix of colors and patterns. (She'd only just taken one knitting class, after all.) It also happens to be a size too small. ("You'll just have to stop eating so much and lose a big of weight!" she assures you, shoving the trap sweater into your face.)

This album is the exact opposite of a horrible present scenario. It's like getting everything you knew you wanted and everything you didn't know you wanted.

It's like being handed a plate, at a buffet, with some chicken and brownies and even a salad with light dressing (just in case Aunt Becky does give you a sweater too small one day and there's no way of setting it on fire without her finding out). Tehre are songs with a kick like surprise hot seasoning, "Dynamite", then there are songs that slow it down and get a little sweet, "Girls Girls Girls."

And even when you're full and say you've heard enough, that last bite or last song ends up turning into three more songs and before you know it, you've listened through the album once again and you're going to be really tired in the morning. But it was totally worth it.

I honestly don't know if I'll even be able to handle part two of this release because that could be too much perfection too soon. All I have to say is bravo, SHINee, and I really hate how much you can make me love you.