Taeyeon – ‘I’ Album Review

Taeyeon, the voice and visual of Girls’ Generation has just released her highly anticipated solo mini-album, I. Taeyeon’s past solo efforts are most frequently represented by heart-wrenching, beautiful kdrama OSTs, many of which (If and I Love You) are my all time favorite ballads. So I half expected I to be filled with similar styled songs. But I’m happy to admit that I caught me off guard with a variety of charming pop songs that exhibit yet a different kind of sensibility from Taeyeon.

Track 1 – I

I immediately grabs my attention with a catchy hook and aspirational vocals accompanied by light acoustic guitar to set the tone for the rest of the song. It turns out to be a mid-tempo pop ballad that tells the story of Taeyeon’s hard road to success. I is emotional and uplifting at the same time. The lyrics describe what it’s like fighting through the days when no one believed in you to finally come on top and soar towards a bright future. Musically and lyrically, I is easily my favorite song of the album.

Track 2 – U R

U R is an acoustic piano backed soulful yet spirited ballad where Taeyeon’s bright and crystal clear voice does what it does best — conveying emotions and melting hearts. In this case, she’s transcending the longing hopes and dreams of a young girl waiting for her perfect match under the rainbow (get it?).

Track 3 – 쌍둥이자리 (Gemini)

Here is yet another track with a totally different flavor from the previous ones. This time, a groovy mid-tempo R&B track with light percussion beats in addition to piano. Taeyeon’s warm and bluesy vocals in Gemini softly expresses the bittersweetness of having to separate from someone that’s close like a twin.

Track 4 – 스트레스 (Stress)

After being continuously showered with a variety of emotional songs, Stress shows up as a surprising upbeat and energetic pop song to lighten up the mood. Weighty drums, rhythmic piano chords, and electric guitar help let out the stress and get rid of any leftover sadness from earlier in the album.

Track 5 – 먼저 말해줘 (Farewell)

The album says goodbye to us by returning to Taeyeon’s sorrowful ballad roots. The slow violins and piano harmonies help paint a melancholic mood while Taeyeon’s rueful vocals add even more layers of sadness to Farewell. The melody of the verse is quite pretty but the chorus is somewhat of a let down as it’s a bit draggy and doesn’t have an emotional high point.

Track 6 – I (Inst.)

Not reviewed.

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