May 11, 2018

An Essential Listening Guide: NCT 127

Curious about NCT’s (currently) only fixed, 9-member unit? Here are the songs that capture NCT 127 in a nutshell.

1. “Limitless” (2017)
This is my personal favorite in terms of NCT 127 singles/title tracks. This song is the NCT's experimental concept fully realized, providing a song that is melodic and undeniably pop but still digging into experimental sounds and interesting choices in production. It's a song that makes sense for NCT 127, but it also transcends any perceptions of the group.


2. “Cherry Bomb” (2017)
Personally, I don’t really consider this a good song (the English lyrics are just… cringe, and the song never settles), but it is a very hype song. The production is really eerie, and I do admire how it pushes the boundaries of typical K-pop. This song has brought international recognition to the group and NCT as a whole, and NCT 127 won their first music show trophy with the song, so I think it captures a very big milestone for NCT 127. It even got nominated for a prestigious Korean Music Award (awards chosen by music critics, not by popularity). The choreography is really powerful, intense, and unsettling yet satisfying to watch at the same time (one word: splits). The song does have its perfect moments, with Mark’s parts, especially the bridge section, being a true delight (this boy is seriously so talented). Whether you love it or hate it, it’s hard to deny the lasting impression “Cherry Bomb” leaves.


3. “Touch” (2017)
I was delighted when I heard that the group would be doing a complete 180 with their concepts and choose a soft, refreshing concept for “Touch”. The song is a delight. You kind of feel like floating on clouds when you’re listening to this song, and the chorus is undeniably euphoric and sweet. Main vocalist Taeil gets to utilize his amazing voice in this song (his adlibs really are no joke). This song really shows just how versatile of a group NCT is.


4. “Firetruck” (2016)
This is an... interesting debut. It certainly makes a statement about the kind of group NCT 127 wants to be, but besides the choreography, this song and the era it came with it has been a rather low-point in NCT 127's career, and I think many fans would rather choose to highlight other NCT 127 songs.


5. 0 Mile (2017)
A promoted B-side off of their Cherry Bomb EP, this is a stylistic deviation from their aggressive titular track "Cherry Bomb" by offering an upbeat pop song, something a bit more conventional yet still pleasing to listen to.


You should also check out: "Good Thing" (2017), "Back 2 U" (2017), "Summer 127" (2017), and their newest release (and Japan debut song) "Chain" (2018)

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