Watch SURAN and NCT TAEYONG’s Dreamy New Single ‘Diamonds’

K-R&B singer-songwriter SURAN teams up with NCT’s leader-rapper and songwriter TAEYONG on the highly anticipated release “Diamonds.” Foraying the vocalists’ EP Flyin’: Part 1, the single comes roughly a week after TAEYONG released his self-written track “Lonely,” with SURAN lending her vocals as a featuring artist. 

Co-written and composed by SURAN, TAEYONG and Malaysian producer Zayson with Brian Cho joining the trio in a composer capacity, the fantasy R&B single sees the singer explore a dreamy soundscape – a style we last saw her embrace in the 2021 single “Sunny.” Contrary to her raspy vocal performance in the pre-release single “Devils In The City,” SURAN employs smooth, velvety vocalization to complement “Diamonds” moody vibe. Further accompanied by hip-hop beats and resonant synth-base sounds, “Diamonds” paints a picture of a dreamworld, brimming with hope and romance. 

The lyrical arrangement runs adjacent to the track’s dreamy soundscape, describing the array of emotions one experiences at the start of a new romance: “If you’re scared, you can hold my hand/ Put on your favorite song and/ Let’s fall in love/ Lucky stars are flyin’ over me.” 

While SURAN perceives romance as fantasy; a serene realm burdened with no complications, TAEYONG touches base as he expresses his desire of wanting a relationship described in classic literature: “My mind is living in Ghibli/ I believe in the charm of classic.” While he seems skeptical of this ‘fantasy,’ he’s willing to take the chance and let go of his doubts; “So my anxious heart is foolish, but I believe in it, yeah-uh/ As I am who I am, I have no choice but to believe in myself/ With my shining faith, take a ride in the sky/ If you’re with me, we’ll reach each other soon.” 

Together, the artists fashion an immersive aural experience in their distinct styles. While the rapper appears for a criminally short duration, his vocal performance and unique rap delivery leave a lasting impression. The duo concludes the track on a transfixing note, as they harmonize: “‘I’ll be your autumn, your winter/ Your summer and your spring/ A shining melody/ Pouring diamonds are dancing.”

Deploying bokeh effects, SURAN keeps the music video aesthetic and visually appealing. Donned in knee-high boots and a silver slip-in dress, SURAN earnestly performs the track in a brightly lit set. On the other hand, TAEYONG keeps it suave in his embroidered black suit, accentuated by silver chains. 

SURAN’s EP Flyin’:Part 1 includes the pre-release singles “Sunny” and “Devils In The City” featuring DoK2, alongside “Lucky Star”, “Wish I Could” and “Let It Fly.” In a press statement released earlier, the singer opened up about what she wishes her fans to take away from the latest release; “I decided to keep believing what I believe in and I hope you never lose yourself,” she explains. “Through this album, I hope you can find hope, hold on to your dreams forever and open your heart.”

In 2021, SURAN established her independent label, S-TASY, and brought out her own music, showing the industry that it is possible to take control of your own artistry.