SHINee made a highly anticipated comeback with their 6th full-length album, "The Story of Light," released as a three-part series. This marked their first new album in 1 year and 6 months since their 5th repackage album, coinciding with their 10th debut anniversary. The strategy involved sequential releases of EP.1, EP.2, and EP.3, each with a different title track, generating significant excitement among fans for their relay activities.
EP.1 was released on May 28, 2018, followed by EP.2 on June 11 and EP.3 on June 25, each containing five new songs. The albums featured distinctive designs; EP.1 had a red, blue, and yellow color scheme with a fox illustration, while EP.2 adopted a circular shape. Album contents typically included a CD, photobook, lyric sheet, and photocards, with some versions offering posters. Minho of SHINee mentioned that the fox on EP.1's cover represented a medium connecting and the public's gaze.
Bloggers expressed enthusiasm for the album's aesthetic, noting the vibrant colors and unique shapes of the physical releases. They appreciated the inclusion of multiple photocards and posters, often sharing their excitement about which specific versions they received. The sequential release format and the group's continued musical evolution were highlighted as key aspects that resonated positively with fans.
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