[a] 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.

Onew stated, "While I was adjusting, I felt that my body was dancing separately under my neck," and added "it's the members who helped me out a lot.

"[6] Key talked about the pressure to match up to expectations with so much excitement for their new album but promised they would stay true to themselves and be diligent as they always have been.

"[8] The album spans several genres, including pop, hip hop, EDM, R&B, and reggae, and was in the works for around one and a half years.

[9][10] SM Entertainment founder and executive producer Lee Soo-man worked closely with the group for the album's production and promotional appearances.

Written by Kenzie and produced by Kenzie, Dem Jointz, Yoo Young-jin, Robbin, and Ryan S. Jhun, the song is described as "a thrilling dance song [that] captures complex emotions after a love betrayal" and a "straightforward expression of the pain of being thoroughly betrayed by love."

"[11] "Heart Attack" is a dance pop song with an impactful bass loop and a funky electric guitar melody.

[20] Following the album's announcement, teaser images and a special "mood sampler" video titled "Fake Reality" were released.

[22] Alongside the release of teaser images for the album, a special phone number was set up for fans to hear voice messages from the group.

[22] The hotline was also used to share short snippets from the album's songs, as well as serve as an avenue for fans to leave voice messages.

[10] Don't Call Me, featuring the album's title track as the lead single alongside its music video, was released on February 22, 2021.

Onew and Key admitted that they faced difficulty learning the choreography of "Don't Call Me" due to its intensity.

[9] Shinee began music show promotions at M Countdown, where they performed "Don't Call Me" and "Heart Attack".

[33] Prior to the album's release, the group appeared as guests on the February 20 episode of Knowing Bros, where they performed a sneak peek of "Don't Call Me" as well as a medley of their previous hits.

[42] Onew and Minho appeared as guests on the February 27 episode of DoReMi Market, where Key serves as a regular cast member; the three promoted the comeback on the show.

[54] Key appeared on the variety show I Live Alone, where he showcased his home and spoke to close friend Taeyeon about promoting Don't Call Me and mentioning Jonghyun during one of his speeches.

[58] Upon its release, Don't Call Me debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart for the week ending February 27, 2021.

[67] Puah Ziwei of NME opined that the group "meander through echoes of their past hits, chase the latest trends and top things off with a lead single that, for better or worse, draws from the most polarising aspects of fellow SM acts", though she felt the "hits easily outnumber the misses and it still teeters the line of the Shinee sound," ultimately giving the album four stars out of five.

[65] Sophia Simon-Bashall of The Line of Best Fit felt the group "[claims] new ground" with Don't Call Me, noting the hip hop influence of the title track, which she stated "has become increasingly popular in K-pop during their two-year absence – but beneath that is something unique to Shinee".