Taeyeon’s To. X turned a long-lasting hit on Korean charts, proving her continued dominance even sixteen years into her profession. To tide followers over between albums, she’s dropped digital single Heaven. Its frothy disco pop sound is worlds away from To. X‘s downbeat confessional.

I’ll admit this instantly: I’m bored with this chill, vanilla, mid-tempo post-post-disco pop sound. It’s one of many causes I’ve struggled to get behind Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso with as a lot vigor as the remainder of the world. To me, it merely seems like a compelling style with all its fascinating components shaved off — easy-listening in a (semi) upbeat package deal. And regardless of an ingrained love for Taeyeon, I really feel principally the identical about Heaven. The tune has groove, but it surely’s featherlight and inessential. The sound wafts over the listener relatively than reaching down and grabbing us by the collar.

This being Taeyeon, Heaven continues to be a well-produced, participating hear. Her vocal tone stays immediately recognizable and that character prevents the observe from turning into musical wallpaper. Given a special association, the melodies have potential to carry extra grit and pleasure. However at each flip, Heaven settles for “good.” And with so many different nice pop bops to select from, there’s not a lot right here that has me desirous to hit replay.

Grade: C+