Taeyang's Fourth Studio Album QUINTESSENCE Confirmed for Comeback — Title Track LIVE FAST DIE SLOW Revealed
2026년 5월 13일
BIGBANG's Taeyang is returning with his first full-length album in nine years. The fourth studio album QUINTESSENCE, slated for release at 6 p.m. on the 18th, features the title track 'LIVE FAST DIE SLOW.' Double Black Label announced the tracklist via its official social media on the 11th, revealing 10 tracks in total. Among them, 'WOULD YOU,' featuring Tarzan and Woochan of Old Day Project, has drawn attention. Thus, the album gathers a diverse set of new songs, including the title track and the featuring track.
The album title QUINTESSENCE means 'essence' or 'core.' Taeyang explained that the meaning is meant to be captured through musical color and presence. However, the word can be challenging, so he consulted producer Teddy; he then learned that it is also the brand name of a solution used to polish amethyst crystals, and decided to finalize it as the title.
Prior to this comeback, Taeyang has solidified a strong solo position. Reflecting on last year's Coachella performance, he initially worried about the hiatus, but once he stepped on stage he felt a BangChella energy—a blend of BIGBANG and Coachella. He recalled being swept up by the atmosphere and moving his body freely. He also shared an on-site anecdote about desert performances, where staff joked that he even ordered American-Chinese cuisine via a delivery app, illustrating the lively atmosphere on set.
On his birthday, he connected with fans in a special way, teaching them how to enjoy Pyongyang naengmyeon and signing fans' reviews of the dish. The message that the relationship with fans remains unchanged after 20 years has deeply resonated with fans.
In visuals, a new look is teased as well. QUINTESSENCE's visual content features a crowd gathering into a Q shape and a symbol of two angels, heightening the album's symbolism. The visual film conveys a monochrome yet vivid color scheme and a distinctive texture. Taeyang will bring a restrained monochrome charisma to bold hair colors and daring styling as part of the visual appeal paired with the music.
A fan event is planned to celebrate the album release: along with QUINTESSENCE's release, an album exhibition will be held in Seoul's Yongsan District from the 18th to the 31st, offering a space to visually extend the album's message. Last year he held a fan-meeting tour across seven cities, including Seoul, so the exhibition is expected to attract global fans.
As the official reveal of Taeyang's fourth studio album QUINTESSENCE and the title track LIVE FAST DIE SLOW approaches, curiosity about how the 10 tracks will cohere grows. This is his first full-length album since WHITE NIGHT in 2017, and the work promises a blend of musical reflection and powerful performance likely to capture fans and the public's attention.