To. X: Taeyeon's Captivating Musical Journey
To. X is Taeyeon's fifth Korean-language EP and eighth overall. Released on November 27, 2023, by SM Entertainment, it features six tracks, including the lead single with the same name.
The physical album is available in four versions: A, B, C, and Digipack.
To. X
Type
Mini
Artist
Taeyeon
Released
November 27, 2023
Format(s)
CD, download, streaming
Recorded
2023
Genre
R&B, ballad
Length
17:52
Label(s)
SM Entertainment
Distributor(s)
Kakao Entertainment
Track list
"To. X" - 2:50
"Melt Away" - 3:16
"Burn It Down" - 2:50
"Nightmare (악몽)" - 2:55
"All For Nothing" - 3:10
"Fabulous" - 2:51
Background and release
On November 6, 2023, SM Entertainment announced Taeyeon's fifth Korean EP "To. X" would be released on November 27. The promotional schedule was released two days later. Teaser videos for "Burn It Now," "Melt Away," "Nightmare," and "All For Nothing" were released on November 20, 21, 22, and 23 respectively. On November 24, the music video teaser for "To. X" was released. The EP and its lead single's music video were both released on November 27.
Composition
"To. X" is an album with six tracks. The lead single, "To .X", is an R&B song with sensuous guitar riffs and rhythmic melodies. It tells the story of Taeyeon realizing she's in a controlling relationship. The second track, "Melt Away", is also an R&B song with sensual guitar riffs, trumpets, and percussion. It conveys confidence in melting someone's cold heart. "Burn It Down", the third track, is a pop ballad that features an addictive guitar riff and lyrics about feeling ruined by a person who hurt them under the guise of love. The fourth track, "Nightmare", is a pop ballad with a simple acoustic guitar riff and lyrics about leaving without regrets after rebuking someone's weak side.
Commercial performance
X's debut EP, "To", achieved significant chart success. It debuted at number three on South Korea's Circle Album Chart and later reached number two. In Japan, it debuted at number 50 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and number 20 on the Top Download Albums chart. On the Oricon chart, it debuted at number 19 on the Digital Albums Chart. In the UK, it entered the OCC's UK Album Downloads Chart at number 93.
Promotion
Prior to the release of To. X on November 27, 2023, Taeyeon held a live event called "Taeyeon 'To. X' Countdown Live" to introduce the extended play and connect with her fanbase. A pop-up store named "Letter 'To. X' Concept Room" also opened in Seoul, South Korea from November 27 to December 3. The live performance clip for "All For Nothing" was released on December 6, followed by "To.X" on December 8 and "Fabulous" on December 11. The lyric video for "Nightmare" will be released on December 15 through her YouTube channel.
Song Review of "To. X"
Taeyeon, a member of Girls' Generation and Got The Beat, has finally released her new solo mini album, "To. X." Although I greatly admire her as an artist, I find it challenging to connect with her music. However, when she leans into the emotional aspect of a song, it becomes a masterpiece. Unfortunately, the title track of the album, "To. X," is underwhelming and fails to capture attention. The combination of strummed guitar and a languid r&b beat gives off a "coffeehouse" vibe that I typically dislike. Despite Taeyeon's unique rhythmic phrasing, the track lacks charm.
To. X takes us to R&B land with its nice guitar work and mellow vibe. The beat adds a nice bounce to the song, while subtle atmospheric synths create an interesting backdrop. However, the instrumentation feels lackluster and repetitive. TAEYEON's vocals bring substance and determination to the song, delivering the message of moving on from a toxic relationship. Her crisp and clear vocals also contribute to great melodies and rhythm.
The music video for To. X is amazing and conveys a deep message. TAEYEON appears trapped in a house, suggesting manipulation by her partner. There are no physical restraints, but gaslighting is evident. Creepy shots of her partner outside reveal his true nature. TAEYEON seems unaware. Scenes of her walking, finding an overturned car and a road leading nowhere have dual meanings: fear instilled by her partner and the realization that their relationship has no future. The flipped car and his presence indicate his strong influence on her mind. This leads to the events at the end.
Favourite To. X Tracks
I love four tracks from Taeyeon's album: "Melt Away," "Burn It Down," "Nightmare," and "All For Nothing." These songs bring me immense joy, and I've been listening to them on repeat. The title track, "To. X," takes a few listens to appreciate, but its music video has a captivating storytelling aspect. Check out the unique and visually stunning "To. X" music video. Among Taeyeon's videos, it stands out as one of her most visually captivating ones. "Burn It Down" is my favorite track. The mesmerizing guitar strings in the intro, along with Taeyeon's soulful vocals, give me chills every time. The background vocals during the song's break elevate it to another level with their mesmerizing harmonies.
Achievements and chart performance of "To. X"
The talented TAEYEON won the Best Selling Solo Female K-Pop Album award at the China Year End Awards of 2023 for her album "To. X." This recognition showcases her exceptional artistry and captivates fans in Korea and China. Taeyeon's soulful voice and emotional depth shine through in her remarkable tracks. Her hard work has paid off, and her loyal fans continue to support her. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Taeyeon!
Internationally, To. X gained recognition, with the album charting on global music charts and receiving positive reviews from international music critics. Taeyeon's ability to transcend language barriers and connect with audiences worldwide was evident in the album's global success.
Conclusion and anticipation for Taeyeon's future projects
TAEYEON’s fifth mini-album, 'To. X', delves into the complexities of human nature and vulnerability in relationships. TAEYEON's involvement in its production shapes the album's theme and lyrical concept. Her captivating vocals shine throughout, effortlessly crossing genres with a mix of vulnerability and strength. The upcoming vinyl LP release of 'To. X' in March 2024 will delight SONEs, showcasing TAEYEON's musical artistry.
TAEYEON 태연 'To. X' MV
TAEYEON - To. X (Romanized) Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Cheoeum bon neol gieokae
We skipped the small talk
Baro daeum dangyeyeotji mwo
Danjeomiragon eomneun ge danjeomiradeon
Geu heosedo manyang joasseo
[Pre-Chorus]
Hajiman nae ilgiga
Jaemieopseojin iyu
Naega eopseojin naui
Maeildeureun heojeonhae, oh, oh
[Chorus]
Jom isanghae wae dul saie
Neoman neoman boineun geolkka
Nan kkadaropgo himdeun aira
Geureon pigonhan saenggangman handae
Oneul nanun munja soge
Saero san tisyeocheu
Geu yaegippuniya
Ijeya nan al geot gata
Gonna block you
Bureul kkeo to X
[Post-Chorus]
Pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam
Pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam
[Verse 2]
Geu joahaetdeon ripseutik
Siltan mare beorin
Neol joahaetdeon mankeum
Da matchuryeo haesseo
Na anim nuga
Geureon sesang anajugesseo
Geu mari geuttaen geuri
Dalkomhaetdeon geoya, oh, no
[Pre-Chorus]
Saebyeogui gin tonghwado
Ijen pigonhaejyeosseo
Every day, every night
Naro chaeugo sipeo, oh, oh
[Chorus]
Jom isanghae wae dul saie
Neoman neoman boineun geolkka
Nan kkadaropgo himdeun aira
Geureon pigonhan saenggangman handae
Oneul nanun munja soge
Saero san tisyeocheu
Geu yaegippuniya
Ijeya nan al geot gata
Gonna block you
Bureul kkeo to X
[Post-Chorus]
Pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam
Pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam
Gonna block you
Bureul kkeo to X
[Bridge]
Oh
Say bye, oh, oh-oh
Gonna block you
Bureul kkeo to X
Kkamppakgeorineun
Heundeulgeorineun light
Gonna block you (Oh)
Bureul kkeo to X
[Chorus]
Jom isanghae wae dul saie
Neoman neoman boineun geolkka (neoman boilkka)
Nan kkadaropgo himdeun aira
Geureon pigonhan saenggangman handae
Oneul nanun munja soge (ije bureul kkeo)
Saero san tisyeocheu
Geu yaegippuniya
Ijeya nan al geot gata
Gonna block you
Bureul kkeo to X
[Post-Chorus]
Pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam
Pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam, pa-pa-pa-pam
Gonna block you
Bureul kkeo to X
Lyrics by Genius