NCT 127 return with sixth full album Walk and title song.
Slicked-back Taeil driving a car, save me… Wait, that’s not how I wanted to start this review. Jokes aside, for some reason, it really feels empty without NCT 127 dropping new music and I’m happy we finally get a new album – buzzing with excitement to dive into the b-sides because they don’t miss on those. Boy groups have been trying time after time to replicate the NCT sound in their own ways but every time NCT (especially 127) drops a new song I realize just how much their sound and style is recognizable and how they’re the only ones genuinely bringing it to life the best. I guess it also comes with the experience but the group as a whole always has a very laid-back and effortless attitude and energy and I think it comes across as natural. Super excited to listen to Walk so let’s get into it and review!
Walk is a banger. I’m going to say it right away and admit I’m already on my 4th listen while writing this because it’s so addictive. 127 is the unit you can count on to bring the most party-like, bad-ass-sounding tracks your way and they don’t disappoint this time around either. I’ll forever be in love with their more vocal-oriented tracks and r&b b-sides, but you cannot deny that no one manages to bring such energy to the scene with their titles like NCT 127 does. This is their brand, their style, and their recognizable concept and melody. Walk is definitely more on the hype side of songs (some might even say a frat party music at times) but it works so well because it has the right amount of vocal and low-key r&b moments to really balance out the bad-ass energy you’re getting from it. I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like the chorus but I’m addicted – it’s so 127 but also refreshing and fun, bringing something different for the group, too. It also doesn’t hurt that the music video is extremely fun and everyone looks stunning – are we seriously seeing Taeil? Not only is he serving looks but he’s also going absolutely crazy on those adlibs. Jungwoo and Jaehyun need to calm down as well because my eyes are having a hard time devouring this visual feast. It’s also fantastic getting Yuta on that chorus because his voice suits this style so much! A hit in my household right away.
Now, a new 127 album is always a joy to go through because I’m bound to leave with at least 2 b-sides I’ll be obsessing over. It’s also a joy because the group doesn’t miss a chance to showcase their vocals through these. I can tell why TY wanted Gas to be the title because it’s definitely a hype song that would’ve suited the group just as much as Walk. The album definitely provides us with some fun clubbing songs honestly and the two songs I’m most drawn to are Pricey and Suddenly, although Time Capsule also caught my attention specifically because it sounds like their debut-era b-sides. I believe Pricey is supposed to be Haechan’s pick from this album and I totally get him – it’s groovy, sexy, and fun from start to finish. That instrumental paired with some delicious vocal moments really creates such a great atmosphere. Suddenly is my current absolute favourite though because it’s a perfect combination of old and new 127, playing around with some more harsh sound during the verses but going back to a lovely vocally full chorus to wrap things up. It sounds so, so good and I’m highlighting it this time around because I know I will replay it over and over again – so catchy.
NCT 127 did what they needed to do – reminded us what we’ve been missing.