[Single & MV Review] Taeyeon - '11:11'

Posted by AllK_Maknae21 pts Thursday, November 3, 2016

If you couldn't get enough of Taeyeon's exploration into her charming, indie-influenced music lately, then her latest single "11:11" will satisfy your craving. Back with another wonderfully calming song, Taeyeon of Girls' Generation sets the K-Pop scene ablaze with her sweet-as-honey sounds and down-to-earth style.

"11:11" implements another downtempo beat with an emphasis on the rhythm rather than multiple sounds. The steady instrumental is complemented by the minimal tones and sounds which both help Taeyeon's already angelic voice stand out clearly. Check it out below!

However, is the song all that? In my opinion, not entirely. Songs like "Rain" and "I" really had something distinct to them. "Rain" was passionate, moody, and moved the listener's heart in a delightful manner with its whimsical instrumental. "I" was empowering, bold, and Taeyeon's high notes easily sent shivers down anyone's spine.

The slow but soothing guitar strumming, acoustic-like instrumental, paired with a gentle piano melody and light synthetic sound effects help the song melt like butter through your ears and straight to your heart. It is delicate, calming and a strong ballad due in part to Taeyeon's vocal prowess.

But "11:11" just seemed a bit too simple for my tastes - as if it were missing one key element. I get it, the simple approach is the point of this song, but K-Pop seems to always carry some sort of pizzaz that I just don't hear in this song.

The hook is evidently the strings of "na na na na na" after the chorus (with the chorus being hard to notice to begin with) on top of the soothing way Taeyeon whispers, "I believe, I'll be over you." However, it isn't enough to keep me addicted.

Regarding the overall message, the song "11:11" is another breakup song with a few eye-catching words here and there. The song fittingly captures that moment of limbo in a relationship. No matter what you do, you just can't seem to shake off and escape the grasp a person had on you. "I keep lingering in the same place" expresses that heart-aching feeling as time slips by but you're still looking back on those same hours and days well spent.

But, like Taeyeon wisely sings, "Everything finds its place and leaves." Some people are meant to be with you, some aren't, but eventually everyone (including yourself) finds a place where they belong. A heartfelt message, indeed.

As for the MV, I wasn't impressed. This simple song doesn't need a dazzling MV to distract viewers, but the MV wasn't holding my interest either. Taeyeon looks elegant and stunning as always, but as I stated before, her other releases had more of an awe-inspiring element to them that this song becomes tame in comparison. The story could have been told more artistically than what was delivered. While the chemistry and acting between her and her "lover" was splendid, it too was missing something.

Overall, "11:11" is not disappointing or falls short of being a great song. It's warm, easy on the ears and definitely a great ballad. However, it doesn't seem to carry much of a theme regarding 11:11. Is it winning material and the next ear candy? I'll let the rest of the public decide.

Taeyeon is truly taking a great step in the right direction with these beautiful blends of indie-influenced music, but I hope her next comeback leaves more of a mark on the music scene.