Girls' Generaiton divided into 3 this month for the release of their first sub-unit's mini album - Twinkle! The sub-unit group, comprised of members Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun, were given the odd yet appropriate name Taetiseo. Their group name may not be a word that rolls off the tongue, but what about the music? I review Taetiseo's first mini album Twinkle after the break and see if the album lived up to expectations....
Click "read more" to view my track-by-track review of Taetiseo's Twinkle mini album:
1. Twinkle
I had first expected this sub-unit group to be a ballad group - à la Super Junior K.R.Y (a ballad sub-unit group comprised of the band's most gifted vocalists). Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun are some of Girls' Generation's finest vocalists and I assumed we'd be getting a powerful ballad for their first single. I was most definately wrong - for, Twinkle is a sassy uptempo number with soulful elements thrown in for good measure. Reminiscent of Lady Marmalade, Twinkle features lots of fantastic adlibs which show off the 3 girls' splendid vocals and their personalities. Tiffany purrs throughout the whole track, giving Twinkle an authenic American soul feel, and Taeyeon (who is known for her 5* vocals) wows the listener with her powerful vocal performance that rivals the likes of Christina Aguilera. Truthfully, had it not been for the 3 girls' vocals, the song just wouldn't be exciting at all. Musically, the song is not overly daring - it has a retro 60/70s flavour - but with the Taetiseo's vocals layered throughout, it's a really exciting listen.
2. Baby Steps
Baby Steps is quite simply the polar opposite to Twinkle - yet it's another song which displays the 3 girls' wonderful vocals. A simple R&B ballad, built on strong beats and led by a piano, the song seems rather basic on the first listen. But as soon as the chorus kicks in, the listener is in for a real treat. Although the verses are a little weak, I find the chorus completely compelling and very catchy. Musically, just like Twinkle, the song is very basic in it's production. However, Taetiseo's vocals convey so much emotion that the song has a real sad atmosphere to it. Simple lines, such as "won't somebody help me", are heartwrenching and make this song a beautiful yet emotional listen.
3. OMG (Oh My God)
After a R&B ballad intermission, the jazzy and swingy sound of Twinkle returns! OMG is in a similar vein to Twinkle, yet is not as strong in my opinion. The chorus of OMG is very uplifting and catchy and is backed up with trumpets and tubas - giving this retro song a real authentic feel. However, even though the girls' vocals are as strong as ever, this song just doesn't match the top quality tracks of Twinkle and Baby Steps. OMG still remains a fantastic addition to this mini album, however, as it contributes to Taetiseo's convincing retro image.
4. Library
Library is the first track on Twinkle that sounds like a genuine Girls' Generation track. Whereas Twinkle, Baby Steps and OMG explored a sound that would not usually fit Girls' Generation's style, Library definately wouldn't sound out of place on previous Girls' Generation mini albums of albums. This is not a fan thing at all - I think Library is very strong track and one of the highlights on Twinkle for me. I feel that the production - whilst sounding completely retro and classic - is still very fresh and the chorus for Library is incredibley catchy.
5. 안녕 (Good-bye, Hello)
Once again, Taetiseo explore the soulful and retro sound with 안녕 (Good-bye, Hello). For me, although it's not as good as Twinkle, this is by far the most authentic sounding song on the album - something that would not sound out of place on the radio from the 1960s! A cute piano, simply and soft drumbeats and endearing vocals - this is a heavenly sounding song that is reminiscent of The Supremes or other bands of a similar sound. This song is very simple and doesn't rely on any gimmicks - and this gives 안녕 (Good-bye, Hello) a classsy element to it.
6. 처음이었죠 (Love Sick)
처음이었죠 (Love Sick) is the second and only ballad on the album and, like Baby Steps, explores a more contemporary R&B sound. This is a song that I could imagine U.S R&B singer Monica releasing. Vocally, it's another stellar performance from the 3 ladies - but apart from the wonderful vocals, the song doesn't evoke much emotion in me. In my opinion, it's nothing more than a 'nice' listen. A good addition? Absolutely. It fits well with the 6 songs and ensures that the album sounds cohesive - but this isn't a track that makes me want to press the repeat button over and over.
7. 체크메이트 (Checkmate)
Twinkle goes out with a bang with the final track - Checkmate. Aside from Baby Steps, this mini album has yet to explore a darker sound - and I guess that Checkmate is the darkest moment of the album. It has a feisty and powerful sound - a cool guitar, strings that build up to the chorus and crashing drums - that makes this song sound like something from a 70s action movie/series. Although not my favourite song, Checkmate adds a different element to the album - which has so far explored the more cute and sassy sides of 60s/70s music (as seen in Twinkle, Library and Good-bye Hello).
All in all, I am so impressed with Twinkle. Taetiseo really shocked me - they didn't produce a boring and typical ballad album, but rather a 7-track mini album that is well though out and cohesive. Essentially, Twinkle is a glamarous retro R&B album - featuring soaring and soulful vocals from Taeyeon, Tiffany and Taeyeon - and there are thankfully no random additions to the album.
Orange Caramel may be the most recognised sub-unit group in the K-Pop scene but if Taetiseo continue with this unique concept, Orange Caramel could be in trouble. Raina, Lizzy and Nana may have to dust off their wigs and prepare for an explosive comeback to regain their sub-unit crown that Taetiseo are very close to stealing...
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