J.Music: - Taemin "Thirsty" (Off Sick Concert Version) Performance

Hey guys! I hope you all had a great holiday season and happy new year! What better way to start the new year than with the first JMusic post of 2018?? It's a good one!

The Juicy Jam (I think I'll call them that now?) for this week is 'Thirsty' (Off Sick Concert Version) by TaeMAN.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Taemin is a member of the South Korean boy group, SHINee; who sadly lost member Kim Jonghyun in December.  But before that tragic news, Taemin released fantastic solo content with his album MOVE, on which this song is featured.

Released for his SM STATION, he aptly named this track because he knew the thirst would be real after watching this.

Are you ready to be thirsty?

The MV

The camera work in this MV and the use of the fisheye perspective added an intimacy to the video. It seemed up close and personal and made it seem like we were peeping in on Taemin. The eye-catching red on red was undeniably seductive but the lighting added a soft balance to him. According to a fan, the red represents blood. In the choreo, there is a part where he kind of bites his wrist, and right before the break down he leans back on his back up dancers as though he is in a coffin. So apparently, there is an underlying vampire theme. Which makes sense when you consider the lyrics. It is not only pretty steamy but you can sense the yearning he has for a taste of whoever he singing about.

The Song

"I’m thirsty Ah ah

Wanna just take a sip of your lips

I’m thirsty

My breathing becomes rougher

My heartbeat becomes faster

I know, you know, we know

Your moon

Is too beautiful to just look at"

The sound of the song itself is wickedly sexy. The strong trap beats paired with slow, sensual instrumentals produce a seductive vibe. The way he vocalizes, where he pushes and pulls, you can hear the want he has for his "prey". The slow break down before an intense, almost frustrated chorus adds a duality to the feel of the song that also reflects Taemin. Someone who appears soft and innocent but can enrapture us with hypnotizing dance moves and a sultry voice. AND THE BRIDGE! The bridge just kills me. Everything just falls away, it becomes truly R&B and so so good. 

The Choreography

I have nothing else to say but that Taemin is the king of fluidity. A kind of androgynously sexy, fluid god of dance. There is something about the way he moves that doesn't fall into typically male or female choreography. It is almost genderless, and it's absolutely alluring. 

There you have it! If you were sleeping on Taemin, I hope you have woken up now! 

Though this song is juicy, it has left me parched! Your girl is dehydrated! But I love it! Like always, check out the rest of the album. It is so well done, the artistry is superb! And check out his first album Press Your Number, another beautiful gem. 

As always, thanks for reading! 

Jen :)