Throwback Thursday: TAEMIN Edition
Photo: BIG PLANET MADE
Have you ever heard an artist who just resonates with you? A soloist whose music instantly hooks you from the first listen? For many, SHINee member and stellar artist TAEMIN is that soloist. TAEMIN is a fantastic artist. His music houses a vast range of genres, ranging from R&B, pop, and electro to dance/house music. A tremendous vocalist, dancer, and performer, TAEMIN is a force to be reckoned with. So, let’s take it back and talk about some TAEMIN tracks that we can’t forget.
“Thirsty” - MOVE - The 2nd Album
On October 16, 2017, TAEMIN released his unforgettable, stellar second album MOVE. This album is home to so many tracks that to this day, many scream at the top of their lungs. Songs like “MOVE,” “Crazy 4 U,” and “Heart Stop (feat. SEULGI)” are prime examples of songs that many love to listen to seven years later. Another song that many love is his R&B track “Thirsty.” This was the track that introduced me to TAEMIN’s music, and I have been hooked ever since. “Thirsty” is a groovy track with mesmerizing vocals and striking dance moves. TAEMIN's voice is a mixture of that sultry tone you hear in many R&B tracks and a lighthearted pop tone. In this song, you can hear TAEMIN singing many runs and belts, and there are moments when he uses that pop tone to fit these falsettos that fit the almost dark and sultry vibe of the song.
“IDEA” - Never Gonna Dance Again: ACT 2 - The 3rd Album
On November 9, 2020, TAEMIN released his third full-length album NEVER GONNA DANCE AGAIN: ACT 2. A jam-packed album, each track is unforgettable and a lot of fun to listen to. One track that resonated with many is the title track of the album “IDEA.” An R&B track with a cool crossover of electro and a heavy orchestral instrumental that beautifully combines with a striking bass you can’t help but move along to. TAEMIN’s vocals in this song are entrancing. You can hear the amount of power he put into performing this song. You can hear the soul and passion in each high note he sings, and with each belt he pushes out, it becomes more intense and higher in pitch. Another aspect that stands out in this song is the choreography. TAEMIN is a phenomenal dancer, and in “IDEA,” it’s like watching a story being told in front of you. TAEMIN performs the choreography with so much enthusiasm that you can’t help but gasp in shock with each move that he makes. It’s such a great song that will go down in the books.
“Danger” - The 1st Mini Album ‘ACE’ - EP
On August 18, 2014, TAEMIN released his first mini-album ‘ACE’. Our first look into TAEMIN as a soloist revealed that he did not come to play. Releasing his upbeat dance track “Danger,” everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting for more from TAEMIN. “Danger” is an electro track with some retro qualities and band influence. This track is electric. TAEMIN's voice is at a steady high, and with each time he sings the chorus, you can feel the excitement and passion. Throughout the song, TAEMIN hits powerful falsettos and raspy belts, performing fast-paced lyrics in one breath. Throughout the track, TAEMIN is also giving us a performance of a lifetime. The choreography for “Danger” utilizes the entire body, as each arm sways or leg moves into place, making it unique to the point where it is still being covered to this day. It’s a fantastic debut that showed TAEMIN as a soloist.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne