Since their debut in 2016, NCT 127 has been solidifying their place as one of K-Pop’s most innovative groups. Their newest album WALK is a compilation of the group’s greatest artistic strengths. In the eight years that they’ve been creating music and performing, the group has crafted a formula that works beautifully for them every single time. Their signature sounds and continuous desire to keep pushing their music creatively has kept fans excited for their next move, and given them quite a memorable discography.
The album kicks off reflecting on the group’s career so far with the opener “Intro: Wall to Wall”. Following that, the title track “Walk” kicks it up a notch. The 2000s hip hop-inspired banger is the perfect anthem for a group like NCT 127, with lyrics about forging their own path to create a legacy for themselves. The nine-member ensemble is known for their signature “neo” sound, constantly pushing artistic boundaries and taking risks with their music. “No Clue” is a track that blends hip hop, soul, and funk with lyrics about living carefree and uninhibited by thoughts. The emotional singing accompanied by the laid-back rap verses is a fun showcase of the group members’ skills, and their collective ability to be versatile and create a cohesive sound no matter the genre.
“Orange Seoul” is a jazzy love letter about the sunsets over the group’s home base of Seoul, South Korea. The members then tell a cautionary tale of a costly love with “Pricey”. Switching up the vibe, “Time Capsule” is a sincere and sweet depiction of wanting to remember precious moments and keep them in your memory forever. “Can’t Help Myself” is a dreamy tune with stacked vocals that showcases the stellar emotional storytelling abilities the members have. Vocalists Taeil, Doyoung, Haechan, Yuta, Jungwoo, Johnny, and Jaehyun shine on these three tracks especially.
“Rain Drop” is a bouncy R&B track, going back in one’s memories and expressing inner feelings. The members of NCT 127 created another instant classic with “Gas,” a loud and energetic track with electro-trap roots that embodies the hard-hitting sound the group has always been known for. This particular song embodies the group’s vibe perfectly, and Taeyong and Mark once again prove themselves to be an electric duo. WALK wraps up with “Suddenly” and “Meaning of Love”. The first tells the story of growing to love someone intensely, while the closing track is a classic guitar-driven love song.
Year after year, album after album, NCT 127 continue to outdo themselves. They know what they excel at, and they find ways to refine their skills more and more each time. The group and their production team seem to have a clear understanding of their brand, as well as what the fans want to hear, and they know how to stick to it while being innovative with their work. It’s not uncommon these days to hear someone refer to an album as having “no skips,” but in this case it would be true. Being an NCTzen feels like the gift that keeps on giving.
Stream WALK here!