Recommend tracks: Legacy, Getaway, 127 Million Miles
Artists You May Like: SHINee, TVXQ, aespa
If you’ve been waiting for new NCT 127 releases, stay in line! With members Doyoung and Jungwoo entrenched in their mandatory enlistment period, the group returns to the K-pop music scene for the first time in 2 years as a quintet with Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Haechan.
Their 7th album takes off with the high energy and very “Neo” title track “Blingy.” With fast-paced yet satisfying choreography, sleek outfits, and sparkling, Y2K visuals, “Blingy” sets the exciting tone for the album of the same name.
“Legacy” is the second song on the project, and has 127 digging deeper into that “Neo” sound fans know and love. It’s an intense, electro-hip-hop banger with choir vocals expertly woven throughout. The lyrics exude 127’s brand of scintillating confidence. They’re the “neon sign in the blackout” lighting the way for fans, the K-pop industry, and the world. Taeyong tells it like it is in the bridge: “When we appear, we change the whole game.”
At its core, “Legacy” is a promise. NCT 127 is telling the world that they’re not done yet. There’s still more to come, more to change, and an even stronger legacy left to build. They’re 10 years in, and they’re still hungry.
Midway through the album comes “Getaway.” It’s an easy-listening, late-summer track that inspires you to go cruise down a seaside highway at sunset. The song is a fun-loving anthem dedicated to spontaneity, with the chorus mirroring the carefree nature of the melody with the lyrics, closing every time with: “It’s a joyride with no GPS.” 127’s message is to let your hair down every once in a while. Clear your calendar, get in the car, take a ride somewhere, and see where the day takes you.
The penultimate track, “127 Million Miles,” is the most heart-warming song on the project. It’s also the only one with all seven members participating. The track is a love letter to fans but, more importantly, it’s a love letter from each of the members to each other. Johnny’s line “You became my seven” captures the very essence of “127 Million Miles.” After grappling with years of uncertainty and hardship, this song is each member’s promise to the rest that 127 is where their heart is. “127 Million Miles” is beautiful, hopeful, and a testament to the seven members’ love for NCT 127.
In the last few years, the group has faced significant changes to their lineup. Two have permanently departed while others have begun their mandatory enlistment periods, so those that remain have been asked to step up in ways they may not have expected. All seven contracts were renewed, yes, but there was still a distinct sense of nervous anticipation in the air. Thankfully, the cloud of doubt that hung over their future had a neon-green lining.
Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Haechan took the adversity in stride. What they have brought to the world is a new version of NCT 127 that remains authentic to their original, timeless “Neo” sound. Even as a temporary quintet, their titles as “Gods of Performance” continues to be an apt descriptor of the group. After two years away, they’re back just like they never left.
Welcome back, NCT 127. We are beyond happy to have you.
Stream NCT 127’s new album BLINGY now anywhere you listen to music.
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