TAEYONG is back and has dropped a mini-album to remember. After his last hit mini-album, SHALALA - The 1st Mini Album, last year, the news of TAEYONG’s new release excited everyone. TAEYONG is a member and leader of the hit SM Entertainment boy group NCT. Everything about this mini-album screams NEO, and all six songs hold a special place in my heart and many NCTzens’ hearts as well. 

TAP - The 2nd Mini Album - EP Tracklist: 

1. “TAP” (Title track) 

2. “Moon Tour” 

3. “Run Away” 

4. “APE” 

5. “Ups & Downs” 

6. “404 Loading” 

Title Track: “TAP” 

TAEYONG definitely knows how to make a hype track. “TAP” is a super addictive hip-hop, pop, and house music track. The instant the song starts, you are hooked to the addictive beat, and the chorus will get stuck in your head. The beat in the background kind of reminded me of “SHALALA,” hype and groovy. This dance track will have you wanting to bust a move. “TAP” is one of my favorite songs on the mini-album because of how fun it is. The bridge is my favorite part of the song. I love the dance break, and the smooth vocals during that part created the perfect mixture of house music and pop. 

The video is quirky, bright, and colorful. Everything about TAEYONG carries so much swag. You can’t help but scream “aye” while watching the video. The smile on his face during the video brought a smile to mine, and I can’t help but rewatch the video and dance along with him and the backup dancers. 

“Moon Tour” 

It’s a ballad! The instant I heard “Moon Tour,” I instantly knew this was going to be a favorite of mine, and it is. It is always a joy to hear TAEYONG sing, and “Moon Tour” showcases his skillful vocals. I wasn’t expecting a ballad this early in the mini-album, but I am excited to hear one as the second track nonetheless. TAEYONG’s vocals are raspy and carry so much emotion, that tears can’t help but form in your eyes while listening. The song is overall beautiful. 

“Run Away” 

“Run Away” is a rock-inspired track that showcases TAEYONG’s vocals. The electric guitar and drums create a striking track that makes you want to jump around your room. Yes, this is another favorite of mine. It’s a track you can’t help but dance and sing along to. “Oh, oh, oh. Let me know if you like it too. What’s your next plan? Tell me now. I’m so curious about you, yeah. What you want? What you want? What you want?” 

“APE” 

The amount of genres and languages heard in this song is something that I haven’t heard many do before. Not only is the song in Korean, but it’s also in English and Japanese as well. A heavy hip-hop and electronic dance music style flows through the song. The number of times I rewound the song to hear each bar is uncountable. It’s a fun song that many will love.

“Ups & Downs” 

The flowy rhythm and Neo-soul genre incorporation in this song create a laid-back track that you can just relax to. “Ups & Downs” is a track you can play on repeat. It is another favorite of mine because I am a sucker for a relaxing song. “Through the ups and downs. Ups and downs, ups and downs. Meaningless” has been in my head since the album was released. I would love to see this track live. I can picture it now: multiple lightsticks in the air, swaying side to side while TAEYONG sings to the crowd. 

“404 Loading” 

The R&B is heavy in “404 Loading.” “I dream of oddity, oddity. It’s 404 gravity, gravity.” In the song, there is an electro beat in the background, but the soulful vocals make this the R&B track that many will love. In “404 Loading,” TAEYONG’s vocals will make anyone feel like they’re floating. It’s a delightful song that holds so much emotion and is a beautiful way to end the mini-album. 

What a mini-album! TAEYONG has done it again and released a mini-album we will all enjoy. An interesting fact about this is that TAEYONG took part in the writing process of every song. As an NCTzen, I am super proud of the things that TAEYONG has accomplished, and I know we can’t wait to see what he has planned for the future. 

“TAP” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 9.3/10

“TAP” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 9.7/10

TAP - The 2nd Mini Album - EP ALBUM SCORE: 9.5/10

Total Score: 9.5/10

Edited by Cara Musashi