On August 19, 2024, Taemin made a comeback with his fifth mini-album ‘Eternal’, which marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career. A decade has passed since his debut as a solo artist, and Taemin showcases versatility through his music genre, intricate choreographies, and vocals that sharply contrast his edgy performances.
Let’s explore Taemin’s journey from ‘Press Your Number’ to ‘Sexy In The Air’ and delve into what makes Taemin, Taemin.
‘Press It’ (2016)
Taemin debuted as a soloist with Ace, but his first studio album was Press It, released on February 23, 2016. The lead single ‘Press Your Number’ was co-produced by Bruno Mars. The single topped several charts and music shows. The music video has a compelling storyline, following his inner turmoil. The rich background makes the music video a stunning marvel.
‘Move’ (2017)
‘Move’ was released on October 16, 2017. The single ‘Move’ gained attention for its unique choreography and genderless performance. To my surprise, ‘Move’ was not initially intended to be the album’s promotional track. However, Taemin chose it as the lead single to showcase his true identity and promote gender diversity. Rightly so, after a viral performance of ‘Move’, it sparked a trend called Move Disease. ‘Move’ is a bass-driven pop R&B song. The MV features Taemin’s sensual vocals and seamless choreography. Although Taemin makes the choreography look effortless, not everyone can pull off this contemporary style of dancing.
‘Never Gonna Dance Again’ (2020)
Taemin’s third Korean studio album, ‘Never Gonna Dance Again’, was led by two singles, ‘Criminal’ and ‘Idea’. It was released in two parts, Act 1 and Act 2, in September and November 2020 respectively. Before the release, a prologue single, ‘2Kids’, was released. This album marked a crucial point in Taemin’s career as a producer. Taemin describes Act 1 as “rebelling against the ordinary and the process of finding a new ego.” ‘Criminal’, the lead single, is a synth-wave song, with lyrics following a Stockholm syndrome theme. ‘2Kids’ centers on a painful memory of love as kids. The MV features Taemin freestyling throughout. The song is described as electropop. The regret in Taemin’s voice makes you want to hold him tight and console him. ‘Idea’ is inspired by Plato’s theory of forms, described as rediscovering oneself and coming into the light.
‘Eternal’ (2024)
‘Eternal’ marks the latest chapter in Taemin’s distinguished career as a performer and solo artist. It was released on August 19, 2024, with the lead single ‘Sexy In The Air’. The album showcases Taemin’s versatility and artistry with seven tracks. The MV for ‘Sexy In The Air’ is visually stunning with powerful choreography, that’s hypnotizing from the beginning. The signature gaze and charisma that captivate us are uncalled for. The lyrics, “Ignite a new version of myself, I create the decision, Trynna find my fake and real,” emphasize the theme of self-exploration and discovery. The song is described as heavy synth bass with sharp electric guitar riffs.
With this latest release, Taemin continues to explore unique themes and blurs our existing perceptions of an idol. It’s always amazing to see idols deliver powerful messages in the form they know best to keep fans excited.
Written by – Kshitija K
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