Inside the already vibrant realm of Ok-pop music, NCT stand out as beacons of eccentric kitschiness. It’s no shock that Taeyong – who’s the boyband’s chief – wholeheartedly embraces this polarising high quality. His debut mini-album ‘SHALALA’, additionally the primary official solo launch from an NCT member, gives a novel kaleidoscope of self-produced, self-written tracks in NCT’s signature sound, whereas additionally giving listeners a deeper glimpse into who he actually is.
‘SHALALA’, the file’s overture and lead single, confidently weaves collectively an array of percussive components and an alluringly crisp but catchy groove. It’s very not like something we’ve actually heard from Ok-pop, for higher or for worse, and is extra harking back to the eclecticism of up to date hip-hop from the late ‘90s to early 2000s – set your minds to the works of Missy Elliot and Aaliyah.
Taeyong’s funky supply of the rap verses are enthralling – and matched with the dynamic manufacturing, the music virtually works – however ‘SHALALA’ begins to tear on the seams in the course of the refrain. It’s an earworm of a hook, that a lot is definite, however there’s a shocking lack of substance, particularly when in comparison with the album’s different tracks.
Rising from its earlier incarnation as ‘GTA 2’ and impressed by the online game of the identical title, ‘Digital Madness’ is an electrifying sensation. The summary, neon-lit stylings of cyberpop illuminate Taeyong’s musicality and visible fashion right here. The lyrics possess a nuanced depth that surpasses the unique rendition, showcasing Taeyong’s exceptional development as a songwriter (“Digital Madness / I don’t know the way far it’ll go, I don’t know in any respect / This earth boy will go anyplace / I’m a magic wand, name me Granzört”).
Equally embracing the cyber motif, ‘404 File Not Discovered’ employs allegories to delve into private dilemmas. Taeyong articulates the universally relatable expertise of feeling adrift amid the uncertainties of younger maturity, drawing parallels to the frustration of encountering a lacking webpage. However, he encourages listeners to persevere regardless, even when the definitive resolution they search stays elusive for now.
In distinction, the rest of the ‘SHALALA’ album stirs profound feelings and locations better emphasis on vocals – and right here’s the place Taeyong actually shines. ‘Gwando’ units the tone with delicate guitar strings, evoking the essence of springtime, capturing the liberation Taeyong feels after releasing himself from the burdens of a strained relationship. In the meantime, he enlists Crimson Velvet’s Wendy (and her silky easy vocals) for the fascinating ‘Transfer Temper Mode’, a mid-tempo tune the place Taeyong grapples with the complexities of confessing his emotions for somebody.
‘Ruby’ is essentially the most heartfelt music on the album, masquerading as a conventional confessional on the primary pay attention. However delve into the lyrics and also you’ll discover out that it’s a heartwrenching tribute to his beloved canine of the identical title, who handed on two years in the past. It’s laborious to overlook the uncooked love and grief that oozes from his raspy voice as he croons his vows to reunite along with her once more of their subsequent lives: “If we meet once more within the subsequent life / Let’s be one another’s standpoint / And fill the regrettable a part of one another / Let’s be sure that to try this.”
Among the many bunch, nearer ‘Again To The Previous’ is essentially the most painful to digest – and that’s what makes it so unquestionably good. Taeyong shares searing anecdotes of a turbulent adolescence, however the weak tapestry he weaves grounds him in a profound sense of humanity. In an business infamous for its managed nature, many idols understandably hesitate to reveal such private particulars of their music. Nonetheless, Taeyong effortlessly transcends these boundaries, solidifying his place as an artist who wholeheartedly embraces his humanity, whereas making music value listening to.
With ‘SHALALA’, Taeyong presents a compelling argument for a promising solo profession, exhibiting his mastery as a multi-faceted musician. By fusing cyberpunk aesthetics and his down-to-earth songwriting, he forges an unparalleled sonic panorama that pulls you in. Whereas it could spark combined reactions, the NCT chief demonstrates immense potential as an artist unafraid to forge private connections together with his viewers, setting an indelible commonplace for future Ok-pop soloists.
Particulars
- Launch date: June 5, 2023
- File label: SM Leisure