Hallyu Spotlight: 5 must-know solo hits from Taeyeon

Veteran K-pop star Taeyeon will be performing two nights at the Singapore Indoor Stadium this weekend, from 3 to 4 May (Sat-Sun) as part of her newest concert tour, The Tense. 

The Girls’ Generation member and leader last performed in Singapore in 2023 for her The Odd of Love tour. Then, she held the show at the same venue.

Read more: Show Review: Taeyeon concludes The ODD Of LOVE tour in Singapore with visual and aural spectacle

With just a few days leading up to the concert, HallyuSG has compiled a list of essential tracks you must know.

I feat. Verbal Jint (2015)

I (2015) needs no introduction. This was Taeyeon’s debut solo single, which marked the powerful beginning to her career as a soloist beyond her Girls’ Generation activities.

The track is refreshing and highlights her distinctively clear and emotional vocals. It narrates a journey of self-discovery that feels almost autobiographical. It also explores how one breaks free from societal expectations and embraces one’s true self.

To. X (2023)

To. X (2023) takes us to the R&B land directly. This addictive beat gives the song a nice bounce. Its groove makes it a pleasant listen.

Lyrically, the track is about moving on from a toxic relationship. Lines like: “Even the long late night call, I’ve gotten tired of it now / Every day, every night /I want to fill it with myself” express her emotional fatigue.

And it delves into the realisation of being under her partner’s control, marking the end of the relationship.

U R (2015)

Another track from her debut album, U R (2015), is a ballad that truly does justice to Taeyeon’s vocals.

This track is a love letter, conveying bursting heart-fluttering emotions and gratitude. Nearly a decade since its release, this track continues to resonate with listeners and remains a fan favourite.

Time Lapse (2017)

Released in 2017, Time Lapse (2017) holds a special place in her discography as one of her most emotionally resonant tracks. It is a synth-rock track, which begins with a delicate piano melody before gradually building into a dramatic climax.

Taeyeon sings about parting with a loved one and the static feeling of loss: “Though everything changed, you are at the same place, looking like you always do, making me cry” 

Blur (2024)

Bringing you to her recent discography, Blur (2024) is an electropop song with hints of alternative pop and indie pop. It is a more upbeat but emotional track from her latest album, exploring confusion in a relationship.

The track, once again, highlights her extensive vocal range. It also showcases her powerful vocal prowess from excellent harmonies and effortless high notes to an emotionally charged finale that leaves a lasting impression.