NCT’s ‘Beautiful’ Celebrates Individuality and Self-Love
The fresh single, which leads the NCT’s third album Universe, features all 21 members
Brimming with silver-toned vocals and cardinal rules of self-love and individuality, NCT makes a heartening comeback with their latest release “Beautiful” .
Foraying the group’s third album Universe, “Beautiful” reopens an important discussion around self-love, reminding listeners the world shines brighter when individuality is celebrated: “You’re the most important person in your life/ So be yourself/ Be beautiful.”
Self-love is just one aspect the group discusses, and NCT’s latest single is an early Christmas presents for fans looking for some words of encouragement to follows their dreams, no matter how rocky their journey gets: “This time you can face the rain/ Next time you can beat the pain/ No more tears will come again/ Smiling laughing to the end”.
With the rap segments penned down by members Johnny, Taeyong, Mark and Hendery, the selection of thematics are extremely fitting for the holiday season where many experience stress and anxiety induced by an imbalance in family dynamics, while others could benefit from a little nudge and comfort to complete their year-end goals. Considering the times we are in, NCT’s comforting and inspirational single could be a guiding light in the lives of their listeners.
Sonically, “Beautiful” is a coming-of-age pop-ballad that gracefully blends sweet yet rich piano sounds with an uplifting percussion arrangement, giving the track just the right amount of freshness and sanguinity. Contrary to “Resonance” (the booming synth-trap record released last year), “Beautiful” is mellow and the fruity soundscape turns an exciting new chapter in the group’s discography, morphing almost as an attestation to NCT’s artistry.
The music video mirrors the heartening lyrics, exhibits the trials and tribulations youngsters face from different walks of life. From the pressure students face to the hardships athletes need to overcome, or the workload that never stops piling, the cross-section of montages tells a tale of bright hustlers chasing the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Beautiful” is the second lead single off NCT’s 13-track album, Universe. While the earlier release, “Universe (Let’s Play Ball)” featured nine members, the latest release has all 21 confirmed members (except Lucas and WinWin who took a backseat on this project).
