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

SEJONG, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) — A promotional event for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will be held on the sidelines of the upcoming solo concert by Taeyang, a member of K-pop group BIGBANG, a national content promotion agency said on Thursday.

The singer is set to throw a concert at Jamsil Arena in Seoul this weekend as part of his “White Night” world tour.

The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) said the agency will operate a promotional booth and photo zone where visitors can learn about the Olympics scheduled for Feb. 9-25 in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province.

There will be a giveaway event for fans who share a photo they take at the booth on their social media sites.

In June, Taeyang was picked as one of the honorary ambassadors for the Olympics tasked with promoting the global sports event.

Taeyang (L), a member of boy group BIGBANG, poses with Lee Hee-beom, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, after receiving a letter of appointment as a promotional ambassador for the sports event at the Press Center in Seoul on June 21, 2017. (Yonhap)