TaeTiSeo better as a sub-unit?

 

       The girls of SNSD are back- but this time, it's only a third of the members- Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seoyeon as they perform as a sub-unit called TaeTiSeo. Many popular groups split into sub-units, so it's nothing new that Girl's Generation/SNSD, one of the largest girl groups, are finally attempting it for the first time. What's most curious is to me though, is that they have placed the three strongest vocals (with the exception of Jessica) together into a sub-unit. In theory, this is a great idea, as the vocal version of the performances will almost be guaranteed to be live without so much help from the background music. Still, doesn't SM realize that this sub-division is pointing out that the rest of SNSD (only again, excluding Jessica), is not as vocally strong? Though most people wonder why Jessica wasn't added into the sub-group, I'm actually glad that she wasn't included. Though she is strong vocally, I'm not a big fan of K-Pop artists with voices so high that it almost sounds thin. Nothing personal, that's just a preference.

The members themselves disclose their feelings about the advantages and disadvantages of the sub-divisions, with Taeyeon stating that, though they try their best, the energy is different with three members instead of nine. They also barely get to see the other members during promotions of TaeTiSeo, but Taeyeon noted that they have grown fonder of each other. Tiffany points out one of the advantages in styling options, as the sub-unit gets to explore more wardrobe options during their promotions. She explains that as a nine-member group, each member is designated a certain style that fits their image and also sets them apart from the other members. These styles are the same throughout a promotion, but outside of the larger group, there are more clothing concepts to explore.

Taeyeon also comments that, "As Girl's Generation, the group choreography was the important element, but with three members, the stage focuses more on vocals than choreography. I think this is the point that changed the most." This is definitely a big deal, as I actually regard singing ability to be much more important dancing ability. Sure, you need to have both in most performances, but when it comes to ballads, you can't trust that anyone of the members can perform a solo. When it comes down to it, you can teach a strong vocalist how to dance, but you can't always expect to train a great dancer into a strong vocalist.

Tiffany, Taeyeon and Seoyeon

This is why, though TaeTiSeo's first single, "Twinkle" sounded like a fluffy glamour song to me, I was still  captivated by their live performance. They hit the high notes and sing as professionally as if it was the studio version. I can't say many K-Pop groups can do that. However, I can't say they are as flawless vocally in their ballad song, "Baby Steps." Check out their live performance below.

TaeTiSeo performs "Baby Steps" & "Twinkle" on Inkigayo

Read TaeTiSeo's original interview here:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/05/taetiseo-reveals-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-promoting-as-a-unit