Our boy TAEYONG is back with new music in his first full-length album, ‘WYLD‘. Since officially completing his military service, TAEYONG has wasted no time delivering new content and singles while showing just how ready he is for this new chapter as a soloist, and for NCT’s upcoming 10th anniversary. We were incredibly hyped for this release, so let’s dive into the music he prepared for us.
WYLD
The album opens strong with the title track, ‘WYLD‘. Right from the beginning, the song references the iconic intro of NCT 2018’s ‘Neo Got My Back’, instantly setting the tone and energy for the album. The rap flow throughout the track feels groovy, sharp, and charismatic, while TAEYONG’s vocals add an extra layer of sophistication and texture. It is definitely a powerful and fitting title track for this era.
Next up is the pre-release single ‘Storm‘, driven by heavy bass and an edgy sound that immediately grabs attention. TAEYONG first introduced the track through a performance video last week, and honestly, we are still obsessed with it.
‘Hypnotic‘ adds jazzy lo-fi textures into the mix, creating a dreamy yet edgy atmosphere that feels effortlessly immersive. The smooth instrumentals elevate the overall vibe of the song beautifully, making it one of the album’s most atmospheric moments.
Synth-driven sounds take over in ‘I’m a Dancing Cactus‘. The arrangement feels heavily inspired by experimental ‘80s and ‘90s pop influences while maintaining TAEYONG’s signature artistic flair. We especially loved the laid-back flow and unconventional progression throughout the track.
‘Mermaid‘ introduces a more alternative R&B sound into the album, with TAEYONG delivering a fantastic balance of melodic rap and expressive vocals. The track flows effortlessly while maintaining the sleek and emotional energy that defines some of the album’s strongest moments.
Meanwhile, ‘404 Euphoria‘ dives fully into experimental territory. The song opens with raspy rap delivery before gradually evolving into smoother sections filled with unexpected falsettos. The progression throughout the track feels dynamic and unpredictable in the best possible way, resulting in an absolutely stunning listening experience.
EDM, hip-hop, and rock collide flawlessly in ‘Skiii‘. The arrangement here is absolute fire, constantly shifting pace while maintaining a sharp and energetic edge that keeps listeners fully engaged. This track is easily one of the album’s biggest adrenaline rushes.
Old-school hip-hop takes center stage in ‘Hot‘, and we loved how classic and trendy beats coexist so naturally within the same track. The rhythm, style, and instrumentals feel effortlessly cool, making this one of the album’s standout B-sides.
‘Feeling Myself‘ introduces hyper-pop influences into the album, pushing the experimentation even further. The slightly auto-tuned rap delivery creates a distinctive sonic identity that makes the song feel playful, dynamic, and refreshingly bold.
Closing the album is ‘Run‘, which leans into pop-rock sounds for a powerful finale. The guitar-driven instrumentals absolutely shine here, while TAEYONG’s vocal performance adds just the right amount of emotional angst to make this the perfect ending track for the album.
With ‘WYLD’, TAEYONG delivers a diverse and deeply expressive project that highlights his constantly evolving artistry. Every song feels unique while showcasing a different side of his musical identity.
Make sure to experience this release for yourself.
