SM Entertainment
If you’ve ever fallen for HAECHAN’s voice in an NCT track, his debut solo album TASTE feels like being handed the keys to something unique. Each song is an invitation into HAECHAN’s world, playful, emotional, and undeniably addictive. With this debut, the member of the iconic K-pop group NCT finally steps into his own spotlight, revealing the full range of his solo potential.
The opener “Camera Lights” sets the tone of this album perfectly, bringing us in jazzy neo-soul vibes that let HAECHAN’s vocals stand out. Whilst “ADRENALINE” is more cinematic in the the best way. It’s the kind of track that could soundtrack a high-speed chase scene, full of energetic beats and that restless, thrilling energy HAECHAN embodies so well. Leading the project is the title track “CRZY”, a punchy R&B-pop uptempo that immediately hooks you with its funky 2000s-inspired beat and sharp guitar strings. If you ever feel like you want to relive Justin Timberlake’s Justified era, this one’s going to feel like a rush of nostalgia; with HAECHAN adding his own signature spin, moving effortlessly between raspy rap and buttery smooth vocals. It’s playful, addictive, and very him.
However, TASTE isn’t just about bold and high-octane moments. Tracks like “Love Beyond” and “Roll With Me” bring us back to the heart of R&B: romance, longing, and escape. There’s warmth and vulnerability in these songs that balance the record beautifully. The interlude, fittingly titled “Intermission”, feels almost like a statement. It’s short, sweet, and a reminder that this debut is only scratching the surface of what HAECHAN has in store. It flows seamlessly into the next track “Talented”, a confident electro-funk pop number where he unapologetically claims the spotlight—and honestly, he’s earned it.
Other standouts include “WYN?” (feat. HAON), which bursts with playful energy and a ridiculously catchy chorus, and “Should Be”, which leans into classic 90s R&B heartbreak with raw honesty. Then there’s “Grey Rain”, one of the most introspective moments on the album, where HAECHAN strips things down with acoustic-led vulnerability. By the time we reach “Outro (Back In The Studio)”, it feels less like an ending and more like a promise that this is only the first chapter.
TASTE is exactly what its title suggests: a first flavour of HAECHAN’s artistry outside the collective world of NCT. It’s layered, thoughtful, and at times daring—showing us not only what shaped him, but also where he’s headed. Fans have waited a long time for this, and if this is just the beginning, the future of HAECHAN as a soloist looks incredibly exciting; we can’t wait for more! Stream TASTE right here: