Kim Taeyeon, The Diva

Written by: Alyssa Rasya Adzhani Pujiasmoro — Music Director

Take a bow people, King Taeyeon is back with her new album! No questions needed, I AM LOVING IT. If you have read my previous writings, then you’d know that I speak K-pop since 9, been changing heart ever since, but guess what? Taeyeon was the one who brought me into the K-pop world and never once that my admiration for her changes. Find out why I dare to call her a diva by scrolling down below (oh, also look forward to the highlight: some song recommendation for the hopeless romantics)!

Taeyeon — “INVU” music video (SMTOWN/2022)

My first thought after listening to the whole album was that Taeyeon is serving the taste that people on their 10s and 20s prefer nowadays―house based instrumental mixed with some guitars, creating not-so-loud pop disco sound. Oh and, surprise, lads, no ballad songs for this album. Seems like Kim Taeyeon decided to continue exploring different colors, getting out of her comfort zone, and nailed it once again.

Speaking of vocal, I can hear improvements everywhere on her vocal control. She’s indeed an excellent singer from the very beginning yet even better now. Taeyeon also doesn’t pull out her usual power on her voice for this album. Personally, I consider singers as ‘brilliant’ when they don’t necessarily have to ‘scream’ to show off their vocals’ quality. Rather than belting super high notes on bridges, she points out certain parts of each song by―like idk how to say it―making it sounds uniquely pleasing. By all means, please listen to the album.

Best track in my opinion. The rest of the album sound spectacular nonetheless.

Let’s take a short trip down memory lane with Taeyeon before I recommend you another song. She debuted with Girls’ Generation (I don’t need to introduce them do i) almost 15 years ago as main vocalist. In just 2 years, the group rose to fame thanks to chart-broker single “Gee” and managed to enter Japanese market with Japanese singles not long after.

Girls’ Generation — “Gee” music video (SMTOWN/2009)

World tours, new records, bags of awards―Girl’s Generation took the spotlight over years. As the girls were expanding globally, Korean music industry had its eyes―or ears―on Taeyeon’s distinctive vocal then got her flooded with offers for television dramas’ soundtrack. The title ‘Queen of Soundtracks’ was crowned to her per the popularity of (literally) every OST she sang.

Here’s some of her *peak emotional moment* while singing live.

Taeyeon singing OST of “Athena: Goddess of War” (Credits to: Jacky Chong)

Taeyeon singing “UR” at her solo concert in Busan (Credits to: Jovial mood)

Taeyeon singing “Into The Unknown” from “Frozen 2” (Credits to: LIKE A FOOL)

In 2015, Taeyeon finally made her debut as solo artist with album “I”. She continued to widen her range by trying on different genres and languages on her work while rocking the stage for solo tour around Asia before COVID-19 strikes (pfftt). Aside from making bops, Taeyeon who’s also known for her fun personality is currently active as MCs for Korean variety shows.

Buckle up, let’s get into the highlight everyone. Here are Taeyeon’s songs to hear whenever you feel like a hopeless romantic!

All about you

Have any of you seen Hotel del Luna? If you haven’t, this OST by Taeyeon might tempt you. *In deep thought of how to elaborate the lyrics without giving spoilers*

Taeyeon — “All about you” music video (DOM 덤스튜디오/2019)

“Since when I saw you
Did you feel it was fate?
Like the stars in the night sky were shining
You’ve been around for a long time
Every time I think of a poem called ‘you’
I want to memorize it so I can remember you
When the sad night comes, I’ll protect you.”

I feel like I’m in a romantic movie with sad ending whenever I listen to this one. Imagine being deeply in love with someone so close yet so far to you…

Secret

I assume this song isn’t largely known even by K-pop fans since it’s not the title song but dear people… listen to Taeyeon singing her heart out.

Taeyeon — “Secret” (Credits to: JJPOTTER)

“When the dream comes closer
Fear overcomes me
Find me when I’m lost
Come to me and take me away

Then there’s you, at the end of my parched world
Oh it’s you, you’re the rain that wets it
For a long time deep inside my mind
Hidden these precious words
I love you, Oh, then there’s you.”

11:11

You know how they say 11:11 is the perfect time to make a wish? Check out what Taeyeon (or maybe you, too) wishes for when it’s 11:11!

Taeyeon — “11:11” Live Acoustic Version (SMTOWN/2016)

“Everything reminds me of you
The wind is as cold as the edge of your heart
When I open the window, you blow in
When this time passes
Will this breakup be over?
Will I forget you?

Everything finds its place and leaves
You took all of me and left
But like the two hands of the clock in my heart
I keep lingering in the same place

Like a strange flower that blooms between seasons
Like the morning star that hangs between days
All of this, someday, will pass

Everything finds its place and returns
If I finally smile as if nothing happened
Calling out your name
Won’t hurt as much as it does now.”

I’m not gonna say anything, the lyrics says it all.

Fine

Taeyeon — “Fine” (Credits to: JJPOTTER)

I’m pretty sure most of you have seen this clip in social medias. The song became enormously famous for its relatable lyrics (see for yourself below). She was praised even more after singing part of “Fine” in acapella at her solo concert.

“After a day, a month and a year,
We would live different lives

But I’m not
I don’t think it’ll be easy for me
You still fill my days

I can’t help
Thinking of our last moment
The parting that “take care” was all of it
No not yet
The words I repeat like a fool
I can’t hold the words lingering on my lips
It’s not fine.”

Well now it is not fine at all if you still don’t see why Taeyeon is a diva.