NCT’s Chinese sub-unit is finally back with their sixth mini album Frequency and title song of the same name.
WayV are here! If you’ve been following our blog, I’m sure you know that we really love WayV and that they’ve been our favourite unit from the start. I definitely think they’ve evolved a lot musically and that they’ve managed to create a specific style that suits them and makes you recognize them. I think the group also had a great run of excellent back-to-back title tracks, and this new pre-release we’ve got only confirmed one thing for me – WayV are amazing when they are given a good melody and enough space to showcase their vocalists. I’m really interested to see what this new album brings as well as the new title track so let’s dive right into the review.
Frequency starts off strong – it offers a solid melody, a nice blend of vocal and rap sections intertwining, and a stunning pre-chorus getting you ready for that WayV magic. However, this is definitely a more hard-hitting chorus than I initially expected. I don’t know why but I didn’t expect Frequency to be leaning so heavily into hip-hop elements throughout its entire run, especially during the chorus, so I’d have to agree with what Lina will say as well – Frequency is WayV’s title that reminds me the most of NCT and their intense sound, from the instrumental to the song structure. Of course, this isn’t a bad thing at all – I think WayV lean nicely into this style and manage to deliver a solid track in the end. I definitely enjoy the vocal moments of Frequency more and think that short but lovely bridge is its highlight, but I’d lie if I said that I’m not a big YangYang fan – I will always love his tone, delivery, and flow. There is just something about his entire performance these last two years that really speaks to me and I think it only got intensified after On My Youth. Frequency is, however, rather short. It is barely over 2 and a half minutes long and I felt like it was over just as I started playing it. Of course, this is more on the k-pop’s current song structure side of things where we like to pretend good intros and bridges aren’t a thing, but I think Frequency would’ve benefited from a longer run either way. Frequency isn’t my favourite WayV title as I tend to connect more with their dramatic, melodic ones, but it’s a solid comeback and I think it will grow on me as well. The music video is rather dark in its colours but I think it fits the intense hip-hop sound the song has. Everyone looks stunning – black hair enthusiast over here.
I always look forward to WayV’s albums because they have hidden gems on there worth checking out. The new mini isn’t an exception and I knew it from the moment I heard Filthy Rich. I really enjoy WayV’s English releases and this one definitely takes the cake as my favourite one of theirs this year. The melody, the instrumental, the vocals, the harmonization? Oh, Filthy Rich is going to be on repeat because I’m a bit in love with the whole atmosphere it creates – the slight acoustic, r&b vibe it has near the end specifically? Stunning. I also love the way the finale of the song actually has a proper outro and switches the tempo of the song a bit. Another stand-out track for me is Twist which brings upbeat energy, recognizable WayV flirty charm, and a strong hook that will get stuck in your head. Thankfully, that’s Lina’s choice for the b-side this time around so we covered the two best b-sides on Frequency.
WayV always have a special place in our hearts and while Frequency might not be my favourite title of theirs, the new album makes sure I get the songs I’ll be absolutely obsessed with by giving us Twist and Filthy Rich.
What’s this? Our favorite NCT sub unit finally making their comeback? Yes, that’s right! the pre-release for this album had me already excited because these boys don’t miss and I love them so much for real. WayV is insanely dear to me and they can’t do wrong in my mind because it’s another one of those K-pop groups that feel especially dear to me when it comes to Una and my friendship. Either way, let me not say 6 times that Kun is absolutely gorgeous and let’s get into the review shall we?
I have to admit I was a bit bamboozled by the length of Frequency or better… the shortness of it. Just a measly 2:35? C’mon SM, you can do better than this but honestly complaining about short songs these days is like arguing with a wall, it will fall on deaf ears. Frequency is certainly the most NCT sounding song in WayV’s discography I have ever heard, WayV really try to put as much melody as they can with the pre-chorus and that little bridge? (Man, I miss proper bridges) towards the end of Frequency and those parts carry the song for me. But it is undeniable that Frequency is a very hip-hop/rap heavy song and I am having a bit of a hard time to connect with it. Kun, Xiaojun and Ten are really selling the hell out of their vocal parts but I am not sure it will be enough to make me truly enjoy Frequency in the long run.
As much as I am struggling with Frequency I can’t say the same about Frequency‘s b-sides because… this is definitely where it is at. Twist? Filthy Rich? Call Me? Oh heck yes, this is the WayV I know and love so much. These three songs together with pre-release High Five give us all the good and lovable sides to WayV with Twist probably sticking out as my favorite song on the album. What a banger and bop! WayV might have given me a title track that I am a bit disconnected from but the album as a whole definitely delivered.