Taeyang of BIGBANG is back with his third studio album “White Night,” after a 3-year hiatus as a solo singer. As soon as the first two singles, “Darling” and “Wake Me Up,” were released on the evening of Aug. 16, they hit No. 1 on iTunes charts in 23 countries and local music charts like Melon and Bugs Music.

As the word taeyang means sun in Korea, Taeyang’s albums have all been named in a similar theme – ”Hot,” “Solar” and “Rise.” The latest album, “White Night” refers to a natural phenomenon in which the sun doesn’t set in the evening, in regions above the latitude of 48.5 degrees.

It’s been more than 10 years since BIGBANG debuted as a rookie group in 2006, and nine years since Taeyang released his first solo mini album, “Hot,” but Taeyang shines just as bright as he ever has. On Aug. 16, when Taeyang met with the press at the D Museum in central Seoul to introduce his new album, he looked relaxed, calm and collected. He spoke candidly about his music, his love life and his teammates in BIGBANG.

It’s been three years and two months since Taeyang’s last album “Rise,” which stormed the charts with the hit song “Eyes, Nose, Lips.” Just as the name “White Night” alludes to an eerie image of a tranquil landscape, the album’s eight tracks are more subtle and calm than his earlier work.

“I’m pleased and happy to have released this album” said Taeyang. “I worked with a different producer this time. So I was able to find a new musical character. It helped me broaden my musical spectrum. It was an opportunity for me to make music that was the most ‘me.’”

Since Taeyang’s last song “Eyes, Nose, Lips” was widely loved by the public, Taeyang admitted that he felt somewhat pressured. “‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ was loved so much, and so it’s not so much a burden to me but I do feel more nervous than ever. People would inevitably be comparing this song [to the last one]. My only wish is that even though ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ was a good song, people find this one better.”

The lead single, “Darling,” is another love song in a long list of mellow works that have been hits for the singer, including “Only Look At Me” and “I Need A Girl.”

“It was wrongly reported [before the release] that the song was a break-up song, but it’s actually a song with multiple emotions mixed together, with lyrics that couples would easily identify themselves with,” said the singer. “I was working on ‘Darling’ while we were working on ‘Made’ (the latest BIGBANG album released on Dec. 12). I just had a rough idea of the chords and the melody. But it just didn’t fit me right. The song was created the way it was when Brian Lee [a U.S. song writer] dropped by the studio for a visit.”

Regarding Min Hyo-rin, Taeyang’s girlfriend, the artist didn’t hesitate to say that, “She is undoubtedly the love of my life,” and that “She affected not only this song, but ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ as well. She’s the person who gives me the most inspiration, and she is my muse.”

Even though Taeyang is well-known as a solo artist, he stands firmly rooted in BIGBANG. Yet, with group member T.O.P. recently sentenced to two years of probation for illegal drug abuse, the whole group was harshly criticized by the fans.

“As a fellow member [of the group] and also a close friend, I think it’s the best consolation for a situation like this to just stay by his side,” said Taeyang. “I’m sure that he’s well aware of his wrongdoings. Rather than giving him solid advice, I’m choosing to drop by or call him whenever I get the time. I’m trying to stick by his side as much as possible through such a hard time. I listened to him and told him my own stories. I talked about lighter and casual things. I thought those were the things that would cheer him up and help him [pull through].”

After spending some time promoting this album, Taeyang will begin serving his two-year military obligation. “I hope I finish this year well with this album. I’m glad I was able to make the kind of music I always had wanted to. After I wrap up this year well, I’m willing to answer to the call of the nation,” he said.

Taeyang’s biggest desire is to be on stage as long as he’s not forgotten by his fans. “The most ideal thing for a musician is to go on a world tour. I’ve been dreaming of this for more than 10 years. I hope that I can do more things like this world tour. I want to communicate with more people on the stage. It’s the biggest and the best responsibility of being an artist,” said Taeyang.

BY LEE MI-HYUN [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] – Joongang Daily

Taeyang

“White Night”

Genie Music

(YG Entertainment)

K-pop fans have always expected something different from this particular BIGBANG member and when the emotional R&B crooner dropped his third solo full-length album “White Night” last week, the expectations were heightened.

With his mellow and soulful vocals, Taeyang explored new genres in this electro-R&B fueled eight-track album, successfully projecting himself as an irresistible mournful lover. The artist’s vocal is impeccable as always in “White Night.” Yet, it doesn’t seem to be his best work. It’s not as superb or jaw-dropping as the artist’s breakout hit “Eyes, Nose, Lips.” It is just, mediocre.

The two-minute intro track “White Night” featuring futuristic sound of sidechain compression best describes the latest album’s concept — a celestial image of white nights. Taeyang then leads into “Wake Me Up,” an ambient track based on electronic dance music, rarely seen in his previous works. While the song tried to incorporate many pop-electronic elements, it does nothing more than that. It sounds western and trendy, but less Taeyang-like.

(YG Entertainment)

The most-awaited lead track of the album “Darling” is next, but some may find this simple piano-based ballad unfamiliar because of the lack of sound diversity. Like his bandmate G-Dragon’s slow-tempo ballad “Untitled,” the most precious instrument for “Darling” is Taeyang’s own voice. The song conveys deep feelings of the singer who passionately howls for his “darling.” However, “Darling” may ring dull and hollow to those who are used to the singer’s rhythmic hits. Tracks such as “Ride,” “Amazin,’” “Empty Road” and “Naked” are also pleasant to the ears, but not attractive enough to hold listeners to the end of the songs.

Taeyang closes the album with “Tonight,” featuring rapper Zico, and surprisingly, this last track is truly the hidden gem of the album. The song features a unique R&B melody and harmonic layering and the 40-second finale, where Taeyang explodes with emotions, is a perfect wrap up for both the song and the album.

By Hong Dam-young (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) | Korean Herald