Taeyong Shalala Album Review!
Added 2023-06-05 23:25:46 +0000 UTCWell this was eventually a pleasant experience ONCE I started to take it in for what it was.
His VOCALS are so beautiful and his raw delivery and sense of artistic freedom. This is MUSIC!!
So much presence and energy. I think I forgot to rate it but definitely a B+!
Will definitely revisit a few of these songs especially 404! The song with Wendy was A HUGE disappointment.
Comments
Yes, please, if i could make any request, that would be it. Taeyong's SoundCloud songs. I love his music and i'd love for a preofessional like you to dissect them a bit!! 🌹
Irene Serrano
2024-09-05 21:33:05 +0000 UTCOops! I'll remember the paragraph thing for next time (or maybe not write so much LOL). Yes, his SoundCloud is great!
• JustJen •
2024-09-02 22:45:27 +0000 UTCI don't mind long comments at all but I do mind when there are no paragraphs OJGFSG makes it hard af to read!!!! But I love everything you said and I will consider checking out his Soundcloud stuff, sounds like I'm missing out!!
Koko3op
2024-09-02 21:23:58 +0000 UTCI know I'm watching this late, but thank you so much for checking out Taeyong's first album. I really appreciate your honest opinions and respect for the artist. I'm one of those people that loved "Shalala" from the start, especially the various flows and voice manipulations. It really showed Taeyong's uniqueness, and the MV, while a bit overwhelming at first, was actually quite clever. Like you, I've heard many say that "Shalala" was their least favorite from the album, but I actually think it was the best song for the title track. Even though it was divisive, it was memorable and unique enough to make a more commercial impact. I definitely agree, though, that it sells Taeyong as an artist short, though, because many people will not listen to the b-sides and miss the creativity and depth there. Taeyong actually originally wanted "Gwando" to be the title track, but it ended up being the couple song instead. Also, "Shalala" is the only song on the album that wasn't primarily written and composed by Taeyong himself. Originally, "Move, Mood, Mode" was my least favorite on the album, but it really grew on me, especially after seeing his live performance at the TY Track concert. The audience sings Wendy's part, and it's so fun. I know Wendy didn't get many lines, but as a small feature, I liked where she was added; it gave more impact to the ending. "Virtual Insanity" came from Taeyong's SoundCloud demo called "GTA 2." Btw, if you haven't heard his SoundCloud songs, you are really missing out. I consider it his true first album. There are even true duets (not features) with Baekhyun and Seulgi. Fun fact about "Ruby": he wrote it about his little dog Ruby that passed away. She was a source of comfort and strength for him growing up and during his trainee days. "404 File Not Found" is absolutely my favorite song from the album. It's so interesting sonically and lyrically. I love the way Taeyong shows his vulnerability. He said he wrote the song during the "Kick It" era when he was having a hard time. Finally, I love the old-schoo hip hop vibes "Back to the Past," and once again you can feel the sincerity and poetry of the lyrics. Anyway, hope you don't mind this long comment. I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks again!
• JustJen •
2024-09-02 20:37:00 +0000 UTCIma watch this after I finish what I have on my YouTube queue 👌🏿
bvo.nrd
2023-06-12 17:06:34 +0000 UTCI liked Shalala, but after i heard it I knew you were not gonna rock with it lol. Cause sonically it's not anything you are into at all and that's cool. Glad the album preorders are good, in the midst of SM kinda being in shamble. I hope in the midst of all of that Taeyong can have a fun promotion season.
Shanz
2023-06-06 21:42:05 +0000 UTCSame here not so hot about the title track, but I liked the other songs better. I felt lukewarm at the beginning of the album and actually for me it was getting better and better towards the end. 404 and back to the past are my favourite. Not a fan of rap either so it took me awhile too.
Kaori asene
2023-06-06 06:01:34 +0000 UTCI felt similarly to you. Even if I didn’t love every track sonically, I couldn’t help but love the lyrics and artistic intention/care behind most of the tracks. Which made a huge difference between the B-sides and the TT. The TT does feel a track a music production company makes to sell for mainstream appeal maybe with no artist in mind. A Korean producer wrote it and not one of SM’s go-to producers. Also it seems like most of the time SM seems to want to play safe/mainstream with their idols’ first solo TT. With a few exceptions. I think Kai and Taemin’s were the only ones I really loved. Tho it’s possible TY didn’t feel ready yet to write a TT. Honestly the song ft Wendy felt kinda forced in this tracklist
Christine Nguyen
2023-06-06 01:09:32 +0000 UTC
