In his latest self-composed single “99 Degrees,” NCT‘s Jaehyun pours his heart out in a cinematic, piano-heavy R&B ballad.
The lyrics are an endless stream of poetic, heartfelt words of affirmation. In his love life, he’s not seeking true perfection, because what he’s already found is “picture-perfect.” Jaehyun tells his beloved that the “love [she] bring[s] is everything to [him].” There’s nothing more he can ask of her because she’s everything he’s ever wanted, and that’s more than enough. Their love may not be 100 degrees, but they’ve “still got all [they] need.”
The ballad sits you down in front of a fire and wraps you in a warm embrace, and Jaehyun’s vocals are the cozy blanket layered on top. The tenor’s voice is rich with emotion throughout the song.
Instrumentally and melodically, every bit of “99 Degrees” seems to build up to its peak: the bridge. The combined energies of the piano, guitar, and drums paired with Jaehyun’s soulful tone and the equally soulful choir create a feeling similar to one evoked from a classic 90s R&B ballad.
Once again, Jaehyun demonstrates exactly why he is an integral and well-respected vocalist within NCT 127 and, of course, in his own right. If this love ballad marks the beginning of a new era of Jaehyun, then we have plenty of good music to look forward to.
Take a listen to Jaehyun’s new single “99 Degrees” and check out the music video.
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