How Taeyeon remains South Korea’s top female soloist
With more than a decade in the music industry, Taeyeon never misses striking us every comeback with her exceptional discography. Known as one of the finest artists in South Korea, she offers a wide-ranging genre from pop-rock, jazz, R&B, and country music that all greatly shows a work of art. No linguistic barrier hinders listening to her songs—beyondthose words dives into a passionate, soulful voice that soothes and comforts, leaving anyone in awe.
How Taeyeon remains South Korea’s top female soloist
She started young but dreamed big, just like anybody else. Going through extensive vocal and dance practices in her teenage years to debut into a girl group that later became legendary in K-pop history. Looking at the other side of the lavish fame she gained for her hard work, time went by for Taeyeon. Her youth was quickly consumed by training and mentorship. Undoubtedly away from the serene and carefree childhood everyone deserves.
Even so, she took advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dream and progressed into a strong and fierce woman comparable to a lioness—in command, daring, and dynamic.
A Leader of the Nation’s Girl Group
Kim Tae-yeon debuted in 2007 as a member of the girl group Girls’ Generation at the age of 18 under SM Entertainment. She became the leader and main vocalist of the group. Playing a vital part in supporting the sound of the group gave them recognition as the Nation’s Girl Group in South Korea. The K-pop industry dominated by boy groups back in the day. However, Girls’ Generation entered the scene and made history for every teenage girl’s dream.
Taeyeon always took leadership as the spokesperson in interviews. She embodied confidence at a young age representing their group in award shows and performing by belting those high notes. Her distinct voice gave color to every song. When “Gee” was released, the bubblegum pop tune song became a massive hit with its addictive melody and cute concept. It started their journey to stardom with nonstop advertisements and show guesting all over Asia and appearances in the US.
Taeyeon’s Riffs and Runs
Undoubtedly, triumph continued for the girls with the succeeding release of today’s legendary songs The Boys, I GOT A BOY, Genie, Oh!, Hoot, Run Devil Run, Lion Heart, and other noteworthy title and B-side tracks. Girls’ Generation became the standard of girl groups with their charismatic synchronization yet establishes the individuality of each member. With a fun fact to add, none of the astrological signs overlap in the group, as every member represents a different zodiac sign.
Taeyeon also took part in TTS, a sub-unit of Girls’ Generation that debuted in 2012. She was with her members, Tiffany and Seohyun, which formed the group TaeTiSeo. Each member produces a distinct vocal but harmonizes, which complimented the group’s artistic sound.
Her vocal skill shined with their debut song, Twinkle, which exhibits a medium-tempo dance tune in a funky soul genre but belts high-hitting notes. It was followed by hit songs, Holler and Dear Santa.
Backtracking her vocals prowess
Taeyeon sang the official Korean version of Disney’s Frozen 2 soundtrack of Into the Unknown. Both seniors and juniors in the industry look up to her as an artist with her reputable work ethic and straightforward personality.
She sang numerous K-drama official soundtracks such as the popular series of Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart Ryeo with the song All With You and Hotel Del Luna’s All About You. Nonetheless, her music has always been received well by the public. Her impact on the charts and global popularity shows the influence and love she receives, as well as my delight in recommending her timeless hits.
With the several lists of her albums and digital releases, choosing from her song is quite overwhelming for first timers. Hence, allow yourself to dive deep into her vocal charm and broad music spectrum with the following songs.
Taeyeon’s Playlist Avenue
1. Fine
The song is an alternative pop that features a mellow but dramatic melody. It highlights Taeyeon’s vocals in narrating the pain after a breakup. The version of this in her concert in Seoul last 2018 trended online due to the heartfelt acapella cut of the pre-chorus to the chorus. The arrangement and execution of the song felt like she had gone into a divorce multiple times in this period.
2. Drawing Our Moments
Consider this a ballad song accompanied by an acoustic guitar and flute. It emphasizes her immaculate vocal range supported by a composition of the grand orchestra and an electronic sound. Even with the high notes, her emotions clearly gave justice to the message of the song. It draws attention to the moments of being with someone during difficult times.
3. Four Seasons
A song that uses the artistic concept of the four seasons to portray love and relationships. Emotions and attachments change just like how seasons come and go. Even with the playful tone and beat, Taeyeon’s adapted to the music style and conveyed the agony and message of it through her voice.
4. U R
One of the songs from her first album is a classic ballad song accompanied by the melody of an acoustic piano and glamorous strings. A simple melody song to some, but this underlines Taeyeon’s crystal-clear vocal. Evidently expresses the profound emotions her voice produces. It demonstrates that anyone can feel and appreciate it even without speaking the same language.
5. INVU
Taeyeon shines brightly more than ever in INVU, one of her masterpieces, from the songs in the album up to the music video. The song gives a pop dance and dreamy sound with the flute melody in the chorus. A story of all-out love for someone, even if it may exhaust and hurt you in the end, compliments her high notes and interpretation of every word. It conveys the narrative of the song more dramatically.
A Vocal Powerhouse
Indeed, Taeyeon is a prime versatile vocalist. The responsibility Taeyeon had to shoulder at a very early age showed and honed her expertise and identity. It opened the door to debut as a solo artist in the industry. She proved to be one of the highest album sales among female solo artists over the past ten years in South Korea by bagging awards up until today from prestigious shows and institutions.
As she already had proven herself an undeniably major force in the K-pop industry, the list may go on with the number of superior albums and singles she released. Time will come, and many solo artists will appear and continue to thrive in the K-pop scene, but longevity comes with fortitude and prowess to solidify oneself as an artist.
