NCT Wish’s Debut Mini Album ‘Steady’ Reflects on Memories, Success and Keeping the Dream Alive

NCT Wish, the boy group of Sion, Yushi, Riku, Sakuya, Ryo, and Jaehee—an NCT sub-unit—has unveiled its debut mini album Steady—a return after the sextet’s June release of the Japanese single “Songbird,” the Korean version of which served as the opener for its July same-titled single album.

As befitting its name, which combines the initials for Neo Culture Technology with the word “Wish,” “NCT Wish” is about nurturing goals and visions and seeing them through to realization through love and music. That manifests itself more clearly in Steady, reflecting the group’s renewed desire and neo-vibe to scale success and keep the dream alive.

The album offers seven songs, namely the lead-off track “Steady” with “3 Minutes,” “Dunk Shot,” “On & On,” “Supercute,” “Skate,” and a Korean rendition of the group’s pre-debut single, “Hands Up,” released last October.

Steady muses on the journey of NCT Wish, the friendships, the memories, and the amazing times from its debut to right now. A collaborative effort with hitmaker Kenzie, it’s replete with NCT Wish’s Gen Z charm and its resounding desire to be together and keep going longer, reiterated in “Let’s Go Steady,” the title song’s refrain. 

It’s a fun dance number with UK garage, Jersey Club, and house rhythms blended into subtle, sweet melodies. The music video, visually pleasing, has a cinematic vibe—it follows the emotions of a young, passionate teen basking in first love and the joys of camaraderie. In line with the band’s bright vocals, the lyrics enhance the song’s freshness.

Second on the record, “3 Minutes,” is an impressive sound of a hyper-pop tune with a snappy synth line and a very impressive message matching its brief length of about three minutes: “You don’t even need three minutes to express how you feel.”

The third song, “Dunk Shot,” I guess is named after the basketball scoring shot, a slam dunk, when a player slams the ball through the basket. It equates chasing dreams of success to playing the game, something that stands out in NCT Wish’s passionate singing. To that, “Dunk Shot” adds upbeat synth tones and snare drums, evocative of basketball dribbling for a distinct dance track.

Song number four, “On & On,” is an alternative R&B groove with a relaxed flow and rhythm. Its soft, fuzzy melodies express steadily building emotions for a person you get increasingly attached to.

Next comes “Supercute,” a unique pop track juxtaposing fantastic loop effects with well-defined drumbeats. The effect is made better by NCT Wish’s bright vocals and words infused with romantic thoughts.

“Skate,” the sixth song, is a more contemporary pop sound that sums up a call to take in the glory of youth and freedom and treasure the moment in question. It feels like you’re skating around city streets thanks to the lively percussion section, addictive guitars, and gorgeous musicianship.

Rounding off the album, the Korean “Hands Up” is powered by strong synths, a potent bassline, dynamic rhythm elements, and vocal prowess. Speaking to the central theme of Steady, “Hands Up” oozes hope and purpose, urging all to strive for and achieve more.