The SMTOWN YouTube channel released the Taeyong SHALALA MV (샤랄라) on June 5, 2023, at 6PM KST, and frankly speaking, we’ve never met with as many avatars of the NCT leader as we see in his official solo debut titular video. Despite having previously seen many attention-stealing previews and teasers for his first mini album release, nothing could’ve prepared us for his actual solo venture.
Known for his hypnotic rap verses, and mind-boggling dance expertise, Lee Taeyong always brings his A-game to ever NCT project he’s been a part of. In spite of leading such a huge squad of artists, he’s never been caught slipping from his high post, but with SHALALA, he finally had the opportunity to outshine everyone in the music game, and so, he did.
Starting with his chic style, the rapper is more than sure that about what he’s doing, and is far from keeping it “lowkey”. He rather admits and proves his work ethic through the lyrics “Imma shine”. Although he’s at it alone this time, he’s still very much in tune with his “Neo Culture Technology” roots, and the essence of the same is reflected in the tone of the song as well, which is far from your usual K-pop releases.
The music video is all over the place in terms of its entertaining factor, and that’s exactly what ascribes it with the “Neo” flavour. It seems that Taeyong chances upon a mysterious TV which helps him travel to different timelines, thereby creating several new worlds that go out of control from the overseeing surveillance party’s hand. As the character so portrayed puts on the guise of a god, sporting the quintessential garb of the Greek Gods, it can be assumed that the man in question is supposedly the modern rendition of a god who’s also likened to the vision of a CIA agent, always keeping tabs of people and their movements.
It’s even more interesting to see how NCT Taeyong is the first member of the huge SM Entertainment boy group to have kickstarted official solo debuts. While he, Mark, Jaehyun, Ten, Doyoung, Taeil and others may have released their solo OSTs, mixtapes, or SM Station tracks over the years, they’re all yet to venture out alone in terms of releasing their official albums.
With his solo entry, Lee Taeyong has already fleshed out several sides to his professional makings by stepping out of the box and making room for an experimental tune that many artists have shied away from. The reflection of his new daring choices is an amusing extension of what he’s released so far, and its intriguing twists keep you hooked.
Also read: 2023 NCT Concerts and Album Dates Revealed, 2 Members Leave the Kpop Band
Watch the Taeyong SHALALA MV
In addition to the leading track, there are 6 more songs on the album – GWANDO, Move Mood Mode, Virtual Insanity, RUBY, 404 File Not Found, and Back to the Past. All these titles hint at the incorporation of SM’s overarching AI or metaverse concept. Yet they’re equally personal in tone, considering Taeyong has voiced out how feeling stuck feels like, while also talking about letting of lingering feelings of past love, and his own past experiences where he was met with many heartrending struggles.
The SHALALA album is now streaming on Spotify, and it also feature his collaboration with Red Velvet’s Wendy on the track Move Mood Mode.
What are your thoughts on the SHALALA music video? Which other song from the new album is stuck in your head? Let us know your picks in the comment section below.