Seven NCT 127 Tracks You Can Unwind To This Weekend

“Paradise” 

Kick-start your weekend on a soaring note with NCT 127’s electronic dance track “Paradise.” Celebrating a sweet love affair, the fifth track off the group’s self-titled debut EP paints a picture of a serene spot that earns the title of ‘paradise’ only after it’s graced with the presence of two lovestruck individuals. Brimming with rhythmic finger clicks, bright guitar chords and summery bass synth, the track employs several summer references to dial up the breezy mood of the track: “Holding your small hand that’s prettier than the ocean/ This place where/ We’re dreaming the same dream/ Is paradise, paradise.”

“Baby Don’t Like It”

Performed by Doyoung, Haechan, Taeil, Mark and NCT’s leader Taeyong, “Baby Don’t Like It” is a groovy hip-hop/dance single, which exhibits NCT 127’s sensual, risqué side; a prominent thematic in their varied discography. Dark, sultry and driven by carnal desires, “Baby Don’t Like It” is a passionate confession of love, lust and everything in-between; “You have to be afraid of me, I want that/ To hit and smack me, I want you to ruin me/ I’ll give you the role of painting me, I’m freaking honest/ My body is just reacting, I’m not satisfied yet.”

“Sun&Moon”

Straight from NCT 127’s third EP Cherry Bomb comes the R&B-electronic number “Sun&Moon.” Serving as a delicious appetizer to the group’s vocal capabilities. “Sun&Moon” sees the group mesh soft instrumentalization with mellow, breathy vocal performances, allowing listeners to savor the easy-to-listen ambiance of the track. Exploring romance and longing, the track beautifully elucidates an unbreakable relationship between two individuals; “You and I, you and I, you and I/ Our own secrets/ You and I, you and I, you and I/ We are like one.”

“No Longer”

Hailed as NCT 127’s first R&B pop ballad, “No Longer” is a treasure chest overflowing with distinct vocal styles, harmonies and a stripped-down composition of rich, mellow piano and percussion sounds with dreamy synth. Lyrically, “No Longer” brands itself as one of NCT 127’s pensive musings, chronicling the melancholic events after a break-up: “She no longer needs me, the more I want you/ My reality becomes difficult to face/ I fear that my hasty confession will make everything difficult.” As the track concludes, the rising sonic structure blends with Taeil, Haechan and Doyoung soaring vocal techniques like a dream, closing “No Longer” on a bitter-sweet note. 

“Jet Lag”

Co-written by MARK, “Jet Lag” shows the group’s romantic side, as they dissect the beauty in everyday events. From wanting to know about the other person’s day to finding comfort in knowing they’ve got a shoulder to rest their head on, NCT 127’s “Jet Lag” is a kind, thoughtful love note dedicated to their fans; “Let’s not be too disappointed even if we’re apart, we’re together/ We got each other/Together/ Got each other/ Beautiful.” The record wholly embodies the group’s stylistic shift from experimental to pop-funk- an overarching thematic experienced in their fourth EP We Are Superhuman. While the track opens with a mellow piano (almost ballad-like) melody, the gradual introduction of jazzy percussion elevates the pop quotient of the track.

“Elevator(127F)”

Opening the group’s sophomore album NCT #127 Neo Zone is the pop-funk track “Elevator (127F).” While NCT 127 is often credited for being trailblazers in the experimental music space, “Elevator (127F)’s” retro-pop dance soundscape acts as a breath of fresh air, exhibiting the group’s ability to flourish with any sonic style by making it their own. The track’s cheerful melody centered on a rhythmic bass line, elevates the group’s impressive vocal performance, notably Doyoung, Jaehyun and Taeyong, each bringing a different degree of ardor to a primarily cheeky, sensual track: “Oh, the first time I met you/ Your shyness was still noticeable/ Ooh, you were nervous for the first time.” 

“Magic Carpet Ride”

Exuding feelings of love and romance, NCT 127 blends euphonious vocals with soft raps on the slow-jam, R&B number “Magic Carpet Ride.” Listed as the eighth track on their third album Sticker (which earned the nine-member group their first Daesang), “Magic Carpet Ride” transports you to a magical realm replete with comfort and warmth. Powered by passionate lyricism, the track draws a contrast between a romance-ridden night with the mesmerizing experience of flying on a magic carpet: “Until the dawn (Oh) where the light has fallen asleep/ We can fly tonight, fly tonight (Oh)/ Veiled with this miracle-like night/ Everything comes true.” Notably, Jaehyun’s deep, emotive vocals dials up the track’s romantic aura, making it even more magical and heartfelt. 

Bonus

“Highway To Heaven (English Version)”

Arguably, one of the best English releases by a K-pop group, NCT 127’s “Highway To Heaven” can best be described as a pop-galore with a side of the nostalgic boyband allure we’ve grown fond of. Produced by the American pop duo Social House (Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” “7 Rings”), NCT 127 weaves a fresh, upbeat soundscape with house-inspired beats and summery bass synths. Relying on the track’s breezy lyrical arrangement, “Highway To Heaven” is a quintessential summer release, elucidating a heated romantic encounter between two strangers; “They know we got the chemistry/ Love how your body feels on me/ When you get back, let me get that.” Further supported by the intoxicating mix of breathy vocal performances and melodic rap verses, the single inches closer to the ‘timeless hit’ stamp with every passing year.