Taeyong’s “Fine”
NCT’s leader and rapper Taeyong is plainly on a roll and with his most recent SoundCloud release, “Fine,” the rapper is by all accounts ticking all that off his agenda prior to ringing in 2023.
Titled “Fine,” the track sees the rapper as the sole lyricist and co-composer alongside Saimon. The duo last worked together on the April 2022 release “Love Theory.” “Fine” follows Taeyong’s June 2021 SoundCloud release “Swimming Pool,” becoming the ninth release on the platform.
Taeyong has been experimental and expressive with his SoundCloud releases, choosing to dip his paintbrush into varying genres to paint his artistic vision. The thought and preparation behind each release makes his SoundCloud releases worth the wait. With “Fine,” the artist makes the best of his versatility, delivering the majority of the song in his textured vocals and throwing in a powerful rap verse to dial up the emotional intensity of the track.
A fascinating contrast between Taeyong’s vocal texture and the track’s rich, dark piano arrangement lingers throughout the song, making “Fine” an enjoyable listen. Extra sonic components, for example, a heavenly sponsorship synth and bass are heard in waves, adding notes of tranquility.
With “Fine,” the rapper explores the nuances of loneliness and optimism through a raw, intimate approach: ” I feel like I’m broken/ I livin’ in an empty/ Because it’s gone, my confidence itself/ How can I live without you/ How can I breathe without you.” It’s a reassuring anthem for those struggling to find the light at the end of the tunnel. At the time of its release, “Fine” hit the streaming platform as a demo, which possibly indicates that the full version of the track will appear on Taeyong’s (potential) future solo album.
This year has been a productive one for the NCT rapper and leader. Following the launch of his YouTube channel, Taeyong released self-composed unofficial releases “Lonely” and “Ghost,” each accompanied by choreography-driven music videos. The rapper was featured on South Korean singer-songwriter Suran’s “Diamonds,” the lead single off her EP Flyin: Part 1. This was followed shortly after with the release of the SM Station single “Love Theory” alongside South Korean rapper Wonstein. In September, Taeyong and fellow NCT rapper Mark joined hands on “Lit.” The track was featured on Street Man Fighter’s OST.