Why You Should Stan NCT

SM Entertainment's youngest (and unconventionally conceptualized) boy group NCT is probably the most ambitious thing SM has done in quite some time. As someone who started off thinking that I wouldn't like groups larger than seven members (BTS), it was very surprising that I found myself really loving this eighteen-member (and growing) group. Here are some reasons why you should stan NCT:

1. They're incredibly diverse.
With members hailing from all parts of the globe (members come from China, Canada, USA, Thailand, and Japan), NCT truly has a global concept in mind. Members Ten (from Thailand) and Yuta (from Japan) hold the distinction for being the first SM idols of their nationality to debut in an SM group. You can imagine the number of languages the group speaks fluently. There's Korean, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Thai. Truly the most multilingual group in K-pop right now.

2. Taeyong and Mark single-handedly saved SM's infamous reputation for having terrible rappers.
SM, while known for debuting incredibly well-trained groups with strong dancers and vocalists, lacks quite a lot in having decent rappers in their groups. Then came Taeyong and Mark, who have been SM's saving grace in executing NCT's aggressive hip-hop image in their NCT U and NCT 127 songs. Taeyong and Mark are SM's best rappers by a long-shot. Both have a very natural flow to their delivery, and they have incredible presence as rappers.

Mark (left) and Taeyong (right)

3. They are involved in writing lyrics.
Taeyong and Mark are currently the only two members who write frequently for the group (member Jaehyun once contributed to NCT 127's debut song "Fire Truck") and have been since their debut. I find that impressive, considering SM is not known for taking advantage in-house talent to churn out great songs in general, and especially considering the fact that I've never seen an SM group be involved in self-producing as such a young group.

4. Their dancers are no joke.
Members Ten, Taeyong, and Jisung are given "main dancer" roles in the NCT units they partake in, and the title is well-deserved. Ten is acknowledged by both fans and professional dancers alike to be one of the best active K-pop dancers in general. But pretty much everyone in the group can dance incredibly well. NCT dances are more often than not incredibly challenging. The fact that they can pull it off so well is satisfying to watch and makes you want to blink in shock.

5. Their music appeals to a wide-range of tastes.
Because of their unit system, in which members are split into largely-independent sub-units within the larger NCT umbrella and focus on certain concepts, NCT discography as a whole pretty much satisfies every music taste. Like experimental, hard hip-hop influences in your music? Look no further than NCT 127. Like a more polished, equally-experimental track? How about NCT U's "The 7th Sense", or "Boss"? Like some straightforward, bubblegum pop? NCT Dream in a nutshell. Looking for vocal-emphasized tracks? Check out NCT songs such as "Timeless", "Without You", "Sun & Moon", or any other song that features NCT 127's vocalists. Personally, I find NCT U to have the most consistently-great catalog. With only a handful of tracks ("The 7th Sense", "Without You", "Timeless", "Boss", "Baby Don't Stop", and "Yestoday") to their name, NCT U has some of the most diverse tracks of any unit (their whole concept, by the way, is to release tracks that explore various genres and themes), and they're all really, really good.

6. They have great personalities.
Partly due to their more junior role in the K-pop industry, and partly due to the fact that they are just nice people, NCT members are all emerging idols in the industry that deserve more attention for their fun and respectful personalities as opposed to their looks.

7. Their vocalists are underappreciated.
With their concept focusing so much on experimental hip-hop sounds, it's no surprise (but disappointing nonetheless) that NCT vocalists have to take a backseat on their main tracks. Even knowing that SM has been consistent on giving us great vocalists throughout their history of being involved in the idol-making process, I was still surprised by how talented NCT's vocalists are. There's powerhouse (and incredibly stable) vocalists Taeil, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Haechan, and Chenle, but there's also Ten (whose vocals in "Baby Don't Stop" are a god-send), Johnny, Yuta, and Renjun. Even rappers Taeyong and Mark are surprisingly good singers.

Vocalists Doyoung (left), Jaehyun (middle), and Taeil (right)

8. Their concept is not that confusing, so stop lying to yourself.
Basically every time a person says they don't like NCT, the reason they give is because their unit system is "confusing", which is a bunch of BS. Yeah, they're going to add members, and there are multiple groups within NCT, but once you accept that they're trying to be different from any other K-pop idol group, then it's not hard to learn about how NCT works. Even with so many members, I find learning about the NCT members incredibly easy, considering that members are usually split up into their different units. Plus, it's not like learning about each unit requires learning a new set of faces and names: there are a handful of members in more than one unit, so there is overlap to the NCT system that makes it even less confusing.

9. They have some truly great songs.
I'm talking about legendary, constant-replay value type of songs. There's NCT U's entire discography (standouts are "The 7th Sense", "Without You", "Boss", "Baby Don't Stop", and "Yestoday"); "Limitless", "Touch", "Back 2 U", "Summer 127", and "0 Mile" from NCT 127; and "My First and Last", "We Young", "My Page", and "Go" from NCT Dream. They're also not all about love, something quite refreshing in K-pop. "The 7th Sense" is incredibly ambiguous and open to interpretation (lyrics discuss feeling trapped in dreams and feeling lost); "Yestoday" is an incredibly personal song for members Taeyong and Mark (who both contributed lyrics to the song) that touch on past regrets and the pains of being an idol, "My Page" touches on the NCT Dream's members' worries and fears as young idols, and NCT Dream's "Go" is a sharp critique of the complicity of society while also being an anthem for teenage rebelliousness. Quite a lot of NCT songs touch on dreams in some way, and it really brings into perspective that even with their ambitious concept, NCT are really just regular people with big dreams that are slowly starting to see those dreams become reality.

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)

An Essential Listening Guide: Seventeen

Curious about 13-member boy group Seventeen? Want to get a crash course on their discography? Here are the Seventeen essentials (my personal opinion, obviously).

1. "Very Nice" (2016)
This is the first song that made me become a Seventeen fan, and the first dance practice I watched. This captures Seventeen's essence in a neat package. It's explosive, fun, and super addictive, with one of the greatest hooks the group has produced.

2. "Don't Wanna Cry" (2017)
This is definitely one of Seventeen's most well-known songs, and with good reason. It gave the group the sort of domestic and international recognition it hadn't previously seen before, and it's a definitely a sonic departure from their funk-driven pop, more playful concepts. Leaning into an EDM-influenced track and choreography inspired by modern-dance, "Don't Wanna Cry" has become one of Seventeen's most ubiquitous songs, their second-coming of sorts.

3. "Clap" (2017)
This is definitely a song that grows on you. I initially didn't like it, but the energetic performance from the group sells you on this happy-go-lucky song about not letting your sad moments get you down. The group takes risks with inverting perceptions about the group, choosing to have members that previously stayed in the background of previous title tracks sing the chorus. It pays off and then some, making this song a return to Seventeen's signature funk style while showing how much they have matured as artists and idols.

4. "Pretty U" (2016)
This was the song that really jump-started the popularity that the group experiences now. It's fun and breezy, but definitely packs enough oomph to really showcase the sort of versatility that Seventeen possesses. Many fans consider this their greatest title song.

5. "Highlight" (2016)
The first Seventeen track I ever listened to, this dance track is originally performed by Seventeen's performance sub-unit, also known as their dance line. There's something truly epic about the song, never losing its energy and sounding incredibly mainstream yet totally unique at the same time. It's entrancing, catchy, and truly iconic.

6. "Thanks" (2018)
Written as a "thank you" song for their fans, "Thanks" is surprisingly grave, even as it has elements of a dance track. Again highlighting the skills of sometimes less-emphasized members, the song continues to push the idea of what Seventeen sounds as a group while also introducing new elements to their signature sound. Member and producer/songwriter Woozi opts for a sort of current trend with the sonic landscape of "Thanks" that still requires multiple listens. The choreography is surprisingly intense and very emotive, showcasing the group's renowned synchronicity. It's a meaningful song for their fans, who were the ones that have seen the group come from a bankrupt company to becoming one of the three most influential and successful K-pop boy groups of this generation of idols. This is their way of expressing their gratitude. The song's Korean title is "고맙다" (romanization: gomapda), which is a more sincere/serious way of saying "thank you" in Korean.

7. "Thinkin' about you" (2018)
Sure, this song is kind of a basic pop love song, but the lyrics have meaningful narratives, raw emotional confessions, and beautiful imagery about past love and the nostalgic, mixed feelings surrounding past experiences with love. The production is impeccable, and it highlights what makes Seventeen so great.

8. "Adore U" (2015)
Seventeen's debut song made a strong statement about the kind of concept the group was aiming for, and boy was it exciting. It remains Seventeen's one of most iconic songs, which isn't always the case for debut songs of other groups. Even if you prefer Seventeen's more aggressive, darker sound in their more recent discography, you still have to appreciate what "Adore U" has done for the group.

9. "Mansae" (2015)
This song is just SO addictive. "Mansae" in Korean roughly translates to "hooray", and the song certainly captures that sort of euphoric feeling in its execution. This song literally makes you want to jump for joy, and the choreography certainly matches the high-energy style of the song and its lyrical content.

10. "Habit" (2017)
A B-side from their Al1 EP, "Habit" is a powerful ballad that highlights Seventeen's talented vocalists (aka their "vocal team"). The group's not known for melancholy tracks, but when they make one, boy do they deliver.

An Essential Listening Guide: NCT Dream

Considered by a very passionate portion of fans as the superior NCT unit, this graduation-based unit consisting of teen, underage members (the lineup, in descending age order, currently consists of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung) is distinctive for their very different style of music compared to the older members. Here are the NCT Dream essentials:

1. “My First and Last” (2017)
Known as the song that saw NCT as a whole win their first music show award, "My First and Last" is undeniably catchy, pleasant, and mainstream, even as it is sonically interesting (the production is truly something). The choreography is insane (keep in mind that the oldest member was only 17 years old when they promoted it), and the vocal performances are incredible (another fact to make you feel worse: the youngest member was around fifteen when they promoted this). It'll go down as one of NCT's milestone songs, and I think it's NCT Dream's best song.

2. “Go” (2018)
As a part of NCT's larger 2018 project, "Go" saw the Dreamies switch up their soft, bubblegum-pop image for something much more rebellious, mature, and experimental. As acknowledged by the members of NCT, it does seem like NCT 127 and NCT Dream switched concepts for their 2018 project. "Go" is an anthem, literally screamed by the members of Dream as they declare their teenage rebelliousness. This comeback also marks the return of member Jaemin, who went on hiatus due to health reasons for around 1.5 years after debuting with the group in 2016. It's refreshing to see Dream play a concept that's more in-line with their age, and the song is a bit of an earworm.

3. “My Page” (2017)
A B-side track from their first mini-album, "My Page" showcases Dream's exceptionally well-developed vocal talents. The chorus is infectious and bright, and the song is just extremely underrated. It's truly a hidden gem in NCT discography as a whole.

4. “We Young” (2017)
It is a very summer song, and Dream leans well into that concept with their nautical outfits. Like all NCT Dream songs, the song is catchy and has infectious hooks.

5. “Chewing Gum” (2016)
NCT Dream's iconic debut song, "Chewing Gum" is definitely not for everyone, but it is still incredibly addicting (the hook is catchy; you can't deny it). It secures NCT Dream's image well enough, and the choreography (with hover boards) is incredible. There's no denying that even as they play up their cutesy boy concept, NCT Dream is incredibly talented and only have room to grow.

An Essential Listening Guide: NCT U

One essential listening guide for 18-member group NCT would be long and be out-of-date really soon as the group continues to expand, so I chose to instead highlight the individual units of NCT for the sake of length, and I really want to spend my time with each unit, because each unit is so different and requires a more comprehensive guide.

NCT U's rotational concept (meaning members will change based on each song due to the fact that they are chosen to best represent the concept) means that the group is all over the place when it comes to any sort of musical identity. Rather than causing a hindrance to the group, it makes every new song exciting, different, and a thrill to listen to. Here are the NCT U essentials:

1. "Baby Don't Stop" (2018), performed by Taeyong and Ten
If you're unfamiliar with this blog, let it be known that the writer is OBSESSED with this song. I seriously cannot stop listening to it. I have new realizations every day about this song that make me love it even more. The production takes you on a journey of twists and turns. Ten's singing is stunning and such a surprise. The choreography is mesmerizing. Taeyong singing is such a delight and surprisingly soothing. The fact that the song's lyrics use gender-neutral nouns is low-key super progressive. The fact that Ten starts off the song and immediately draws you in, as opposed to Taeyong, who usually starts off NCT songs he's in. The whispered chorus is such an ear worm and really sexy. On paper, Ten and Taeyong’s voices shouldn’t sound so damn good together, but it does. Taeyong, known for his gravelly rapping tone, doesn’t overwhelm nor distract the listener from Ten’s smooth, effortless vocal delivery. Sonically, it’s just amazing. It’s so satisfying to listen to. Everything about this song is just perfect. It’s subversive, playful, experimental, unconventional, funky, and a complete delight.

2. "Yestoday - Extended Version" (2018), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Mark, and Lucas
This song deviates quite far from every other NCT U song. While in the vein of a hip-hop track, nothing about this song is particularly aggressive. It's meditative, emotionally vulnerable, and soulful, backed by a gorgeous, shimmery, ethereal backtrack. Taeyong, Mark, and Lucas dominate the song with their disparate rap verses, with Doyoung's gorgeous voice weaving between those verses to act as a sort of narrator. Taeyong and Mark write and rap about very personal experiences in this song, something you don't really see much from an SM group.

3. "The 7th Sense" (2016), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, and Mark
This remains NCT's most well-known song. NCT U's debut song is truly amazing. It's hard to concisely describe this song. Nothing about it is particularly melodic, but the haunting hook is undeniably catchy. NCT U is known for hard, dominant bass lines, and you can certainly credit "The 7th Sense" and its cult following for encouraging SM to continue using those bass lines. The choreography is incredible, and the lyrics are actually really deep, discussing the nature of dreams. It is a very confident debut, a song that makes a very timeless statement while still being incredibly experimental. Fans still consider this the superior NCT song, and it's hard to argue against that.

4. "Without You" (2016), as performed by Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun
This rock-infused song was a surprise, given I expected a somber ballad from NCT U's vocalists at the time of their debut (I mean, the title is "Without You"). As someone whose favorite member is main vocalist Doyoung, I fell in love with his voice even more, and it really shows how talented NCT's vocalists are in general.

5. "Boss" (2018), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, WinWin, Jungwoo, Lucas, and Mark
The first song released for NCT's ambitious 2018 project, "Boss" certainly makes a statement about the kind of confident, unique, and experimental style that permeates NCT U's image. It's also a fantastic introduction to new members Jungwoo and Lucas, who both shine bright in the music video. As someone who didn't think much about NCT before the release of "Boss" (I watched "The 7th Sense" once in January 2018 and didn't think much of them until recently), it certainly was an excellent way to reintroduce myself to how much the group has evolved in the near two years since they've debuted.