Let’s dive into the diverse world of Taeyong’s music! The leader of the 3rd generation boy group NCT is a man of many facets, including his budding solo career. Taeyong has been steadily releasing his solo music throughout the years, further showing his versatility and unique sound. Even before he released his first official album, he already released a couple of tracks on Soundcloud. Just like his past releases, these tracks are very personal to Taeyong and are well-loved by his fans. So now, let’s take a look at some of these fan favorites that are worth listening to again and again!
Dark Clouds
Taeyong’s affinity for using the sky in his songs continues in “Dark Clouds!” Strongly marking his debut on Soundcloud, “Dark Clouds” expresses the feelings of our minds being clouded by negativity. In this mellow R&B track, Taeyong’s beautiful vocals and raps complement the song well. Here, Taeyong expresses feeling gloomy like dark clouds in the sky, and how the negativity weighs him down.
Continuing the story of Taeyong’s past release “Long Flight,” this song is complementary in its themes and vibe. What’s more, Taeyong describes whales in the sky to express that they are a source of protection for him. Further seen in lyrics like “The whales eject light, in them are countless plankton. Born from stars, shining on you.” Following this, Taeyong encourages listeners to look above the wide and infinite sky. Where light can seep through the dark clouds and shine on us to give us hope for the future.
Blue
Feeling blue and in need of a shoulder to lean on? Then “Blue” by Taeyong is a must-listen song for those struggling through tough times. Similar to “Dark Clouds,” this song shows Taeyong’s vulnerable side as he expresses the complex emotions he feels. However “Blue” takes Taeyong’s emotions on a deeper level as he invites listeners to dive in the blue with him. Where “Dark Clouds” tells listeners to look at the infinite sky, “Blue” takes listeners into the deep blue sea. As the song begins, Taeyong tells himself softly “It’s okay, it’s okay now” while a soft piano accompanies his mantra. This consolation then continues with Taeyong sadly saying “I’m used to it now,” as if resigned to feeling that way.
“Blue” continues its somber melody paired with Taeyong’s demure voice until it grows stronger with the music in the chorus. Then Taeyong’s raw and raspy vocals burst out accompanied by a powerful guitar as the song reaches emotional new heights. He desperately vents his frustrations as he pleads, loneliness and anguish evident as the song reaches its climax. Yet at the height of Taeyong’s powerful emotions, he expresses wanting others to share their heartache with him too so he can offer comfort. He reassures listeners saying “I can fill this void if you want it…pour out everything to me.” Despite all the pain, Taeyong wants listeners to find solace with him so they can be there for each other.
Monroe
For all the old-timey Jazz and R&B lovers out there, “Monroe” is a perfect song to listen to. This track pays tribute to the late pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe, who acts as Taeyong’s beloved muse. Together with EXO’s Baekhyun, this track perfectly blends both Baekhyun’s smooth vocals and Taeyong’s seamless raps. At its heart, “Monroe” is a love song as the duo sings of the love and beauty of their partners. Taeyong and Baekhyun see their partners as their own Marilyn Monroe, their muse whom they keep falling for.
Soaked in a jazzy, love-filled atmosphere, the song is accompanied by a classic piano and cheerful xylophone melody. Apart from Marilyn Monroe, the duo also adoringly call their lovers their Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Similarly, Taeyong and Baekyun refer to themselves as Apollo, the god of music and poetry. Further showing that they are passionate artists who made this song for their muses who inspire them. Overall, Taeyong and Baekhyun sing about their burning love that grows stronger, making the song even more romantic.
Rose
Roses are red, violets are blue, this song is perfect too. Fall deeper in love with “Rose” as Taeyong and Seulgi of Red Velvet serenade listeners with this love song. Amidst the dreamy atmosphere, a playful piano melody and synths emulate the feeling of strolling through a rose garden. As a whole, this track is about strongly pursuing a lover, even if they can be thorny like a rose. Taeyong and Seulgi play two characters in the love story, Taeyong as the one pursuing and Seulgi reassuring their lover. In the chorus, they sing about jumping through roses one step at a time, and how the thorns won’t stop their love.
In this charming R&B duet, Taeyong dreams of being with his lover no matter what it takes. Confessing that even though the thorns scar him, it’s a pain he’s willing to bear to be with his lover. Even though the lover has a “thorny way of talking,” it doesn’t stop Taeyong from wanting them. He is brave enough to pursue his love to fulfill his dream of being with them despite all the odds. Basking in his lovely reverie, Taeyong shows that his love knows no bounds as he hangs onto his thorny rose.
Swimming Pool
Let the noise of the world drown away with “Swimming Pool!” With this fresh new sound, this track of Taeyong dives into the genre of House music. In this track, Taeyong ventures into the Drum and Bass genre, adding to the immersive atmosphere with synths. Setting the scene with ambient sounds of diving into a pool, Taeyong takes listeners to an underwater world. Taeyong starts by questioning himself, “What am I?,” which sets up his dilemma throughout the song. At its core, “Swimming Pool” describes Taeyong’s troubled feelings about himself, as if he’s going through an existential crisis.
The song builds up slowly as the synths begin to escalate, with Taeyong beginning to pour his heart out. In the following verses, he talks about losing himself in his problems and experiencing all this distress. So much so that he says “I kept thinking over the same problem, I’ll wash it all away.” While underwater in the swimming pool, this is where he cleanses himself from his troubles and worries. Leading to a fast-paced chorus, he expresses wanting to escape into the swimming pool where he can be alone. To Taeyong, the swimming pool is a safe space where he escapes the noise of the surface world.
Truly, Taeyong has multiple gems in his discography that express unique messages and resonate well with fans. Although it’s been a while since he uploaded something new on Soundcloud, fans can still look forward to album releases. Taeyong’s 2nd album TAP is coming out soon so be sure to tune in and support him!
For now, fans can listen to his past releases on Soundcloud and more to prepare for his comeback. Which Soundcloud track of Taeyong is your favorite? Let us know on our Instagram and Twitter.
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