Taeyong of the SM mega group NCT, has officially made his much anticipated solo debut with his mini album titled “SHALALA”. I have very much been anticipating this project, and the expectations are high! Whenever a member of a group makes a solo debut, i’m always quite curious how much of the groups “sound” will be incorporated, or if they will go in a completely different creative direction. So, let us see if Taeyong’s solo debut project lives up to its high expectations!

“SHALALA”

Starting off with the title track, we kick off the mini album with a banger. I already knew right off the bat this track will certainly not be for everyone! Which to me, is a good thing. Anything that is genuinely creative and takes risks, is not going to always be liked by the masses. This track is whole heartedly committed to its 90s/early 2000’s percussive hip hop elements with essentially no melody (except for a small little section). This track certainly incorporates the familiar NCT sound we are used to, with how hard hitting and abrasive it is; however, it still feels fresh and perhaps a song only Taeyong could truly pull off. The track may appear to be minimal on its surface, as like I said, it heavily relies on its bass and percussion. However, the way it plays with these motifs is incredibly creative and nuanced. Overall, this is a perfect track for Taeyong’s solo debut and I just really appreciate the risk and the overall creativity taken here!

Rating: 8.5/10

“Gwando”

With the next track on the album, “Gwando”, we pretty much do a 180 in terms of vibe and sound from the previous track. The track is very much more rooted in its acoustic pop elements and has very digestible melodies. Overall, a pretty vanilla track compared to its previous rainbow sherbet counterpart. I do appreciate how clean the acoustic guitar sounds on this one though.

Rating: 6.5/10

“Move Mood Mode (Feat. Wendy)”

On this next track, we begin dip our toes back into something a little more creative. I generally enjoy the little piano riff that drives the track on this one, and can appreciate the smoothness of the progressions. However, i’m not too sure whats going on in the production here, as the track comes off painfully dry for me. I have had this same complaint with some other previous SM releases, and I am not sure if it is because some of the demos being used are older, and not converting as well. Regardless, this song would have more potential if the production was a bit more polished.

6.5/10

“Virtual Insanity”

Right off the bat, I knew this song should have been the one to follow “SHALALA”. I love the simplicity of those few chords that open up the track and drive throughout as well. Very catchy. The track is getting back into the more futuristic “Neo” side of what we usually hear from NCT. I especially love the prechorus on this one, the smoothness is a very nice break up from the punchiness from the rest of the track. I do wish the chorus had maybe a little something else added to it, as it doesn’t seem to change a lot from the original verses. The biggest strength of this track is certainly its unique bridge and outro. Definitely helps to make the song feel more well rounded.

7.5/10

“RUBY”

With the next track, “RUBY” we slow back down a bit with a more atmospheric pop track. I generally enjoy the spaitialness and dreamy vibe of this cut. However, I just don’t feel like the this song fits very well for Taeyong. It feels a little directionless and is perhaps a bit of a filler track on this project. Not a bad song, just feels off for this mini album.

6.5/10

“404 File Not Found”

Moving on to the next track, I already feel this one is like the better looking sibling to the previous track. I think the more angsty and moody feel of this track is more in line with the direction of this project so far. I enjoy how this track balances having a softer and more intense side. The addition of the little electric guitar break added a nice touch to the track as well!

Rating: 7/10

“Back to the Past”

Closing out the mini album we have “Back to the Past”, and YAY, it’s not a ballad! Just going to start giving any last track on an album that is not a ballad a higher score lol. I like how this track blends and incorporates elements we heard on previous track on this album. The bass on this one feels pretty fresh with some nice grooves and the chorus is bop worthy. Overall, just a nice little track to send off the album with!

7.5/10

Final thoughts + Rating

Looking at this solo debut project as a whole, I think it is generally good. The strongest tracks on this album definitely outweigh the weaker ones. And to be fair, the weaker tracks on this project aren’t really all that bad, just feel a bit lost or out of place. I wish we got a little bit more experimentation throughout the project, but I understand they may have been trying out a softer sound along with the more in your face tracks that were to be expected from Taeyong.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Best Track: “SHALALA”

Worst track: “Gwando”

Did Taeyong’s solo debut project live up to your expectations? Let me know your thoughts, if you would like to share! 🙂