#e liveblogs nct

[oneletterelliot]

Phantom (WayV) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: While I usually try to hold off on listening to songs until I can sit down and do a full reaction here with my freshest thoughts, I was simply too excited about new WayV music, so I have listened to all the songs at least once already. That being said, I am also going to skip bonus tracks “Back to You” and “Low Low” because they’ve been around for a while now.

Phantom – I love this humming instrumental. The lower tone raps from Yangyang, Hendery, and Winwin is super interesting and new; I like it a lot! This song is so cinematic and dramatic, and I love it. Vocal trio’s harmonies in the chorus are fire. Yangyang’s rap after the first chorus is awesome with the lower whispery tone. Xiaojun sounds great at 1:42. I’m really excited to see the choreography for this. Harmony at 2:10 (mostly Kun?) very nice. “You can say uh-uh.” Bridge build from Kun to Ten to Xiaojun with the stringed (cello?) instrumental behind it is fantastic. So WayV. I think it’s Ten at 3:13 with that texture in his voice! Stunning! I love this.

Diamonds Only – This song makes me want to dance. Very good beat. Xiaojun at 0:29; his voice is so strong, wow. This chorus has me jamming out in my chair. Is this Winwin at 1:08? (Edit: Yes.) I like it. Overlapping voices at 1:17 to 1:21 (Ten and Hendery, I think) is a great arrangement choice. (Edit: Ten and Hendery and Yangyang!) Harmony between Kun and Ten at 1:43! Hello! Sounds so good. I wasn’t sold on this song when the track video was first released, but it’s so danceable, and listening to it more closely reveals some very fun vocal choices. I’m not fabulously keen on the Hendery then Yangyang raps starting at 2:38, but the chorus is so catchy, so I think this song overall wins good marks in my book. I also don’t love the “diamonds” and “icy” spoken bits, but still!

Good Life – A bit softer now. Feels like it sits at the same table as “Good Time.”  I’m really digging this instrumental. “I want to know what that’s like / No problems, good life.” I bet you do! Winwin at 1:08? (Edit: Yep!) It’s fun to hear him get more lines, especially rap lines. He has a pretty distinctive voice and I think it lends itself well to this lower rap tone this mini seems to be exploring more. While I preferred the chorus over the verses of “Diamond Only,” I think I definitely prefer the verses over the chorus in this song. I’ve definitely been really feeling layered vocals recently, and the sung lines over the more shouty rap at 2:17 is no exception. Ten over Hendery, maybe? (Edit: Yes, it is.) Instrumental melody at 2:42 very fun! Oh, Yangyang. This final bit is definitely something they’d give Johnny were this an NCT 127 song.

Broken Love – Ballad time, baby! A bit jazzy. As much as I adore the vocal trio, I like that they decided to bring the whole group in for this ballad, just because it’s new. Funky and fresh. Ten sounds so good at 0:49. (Edit: The lyrics video I looked up says that’s Xiaojun there, but I’m not sure I believe it...) I feel like they’re definitely pushing Winwin into the low tone parts that historically might have gone to Lucas. His voice gives it a very different effect, but I’m not complaining! Rap in ballad-style songs is always a risk, imo, but Yangyang at 1:50 pulls it off beautifully. He suits so many styles. The combination of vocals starting around 2:24 is lovely—I think Xiaojun is leading? Kun sounds great at 2:39. Xiaojun’s voice is so emotive and beautiful. Ah, that key change. I wonder if this “mei hao” repeated lyric is 美好 (beautiful) or 没好 (not good)? (Edit: It’s 美好.)

Bounce Back – Oh, this is funky. Dancing in the club vibes. Is this Ten at 0:14? (Edit: Yes.) Sounds great. Followed by Kun? Also great! “I fall down / I rise up” at 0:25 Winwin? Or Hendery? (Edit: It’s Winwin.) Yeah, this chorus supremely makes me want to dance, and the lyrics feel so spot-on on for WayV right now. Bounce back! Come back! Yeah! I don’t love Hendery’s rap tone, but I think he balances Yangyang really well. I think Ten is carrying this song so far. Oh, here comes Xiaojun, always so strong. “Whoo!” Vocal trio ad libbing over Winwin’s then Hendery’s raps at 2:16 is a great arrangement. Harmony in this building bridge is 🔥🔥🔥 I’m enjoying this piano. Is this a Kun and Ten harmony for the high note? (Edit: Hm, might be Ten and Xiaojun actually.) Something about this song also reminds me of “Good Time” too actually. Final voice (Ten?) was a good ender for this song. 

Try My Luck – BACK TO THE CINEMATIC DRAMA! This feels like the perfect bookends with title track “Phantom.” I like this beat a lot. Xiaojun at 0:45, then with the harmony coming in, is fantastic. So good. Who is this rapping immediately after the first chorus? (Edit: Winwin.) Who is this at 1:34? (Edit: Winwin again!) I usually think I’m pretty good at recognizing WayV’s voices, but they’re all exploring new areas with this comeback, which I love. Composition at 2:24 with the powerful voices then the softer rap response is very fun.  2:45 Xiaojun!!!!!!!!!!!!! This song is soooooo fun. Would make such a great life performance imo. “Hit the jackpot!” It sure did!

Final thoughts: I am biased by how much I love WayV and how long it’s been since their last mini. But. But! I loved this. I think my favorite song is “Try My Luck,” but I really enjoyed them all! (“Broken Love” was a little less interesting to me, but that’s par for the course for ballads tbh.) Ignoring the two bonus tracks, the bookmarks of “Phantom” to “Try My Luck” really tied this mini album up together well.

#e has thoughts #e liveblogs nct #nct #wayv #phantom

[mainrappernajaemin]

let this flop idc

listen

they need to let my international fan ass live

so i’m gonna liveblog my reaction to limitless (nct 127′s second album and a work of art whatever u wanna call it)

under a read more bc i dont wanna choke yall unless ur into that (yes im lookin at u thalia)

aight we fuckin wit limitless

ive heard this before but it’s the Ultimate Bop so

YES BOIS DA HEAVY BASS

MBOY TAEYONG

FRICK YEA

BOTTOM UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHP 

JAEHYUNNIE

YES MY BOYS’ VOCALS ARE KILLIN IT

IM

YES

MARK

LEE

RAPPINH

FUCK

IM HONESTLY SO

IM NOT

I JUST

NO

WEEEEEEEEN WEEEEEEEEEEEEEN

MY BOI UPGRADED FROM WHOOP WHOOP

glo up

BABY I DNT WANT NOBODY BUT U

AIGHT ITS HT EINSGING IM READY TO BE SNCATHCED

taEIIIIIIIIIIL

BABY ITS U

IJASGEJSJAME IN ANKS

me singing in korean right there

appreciate it aight whats the next song

fuck

its good thing

ITS THE FULL VERSION IM

IM GONNA

YEAH BOI

I JUST WANNT FEEL GOOD

ALLNIT E LONG

INSUGA NI GOODTHNG

WOOOOOO

toarere wo OAHAHAHA

uri BAMsomethin

wAI T IST HAT DONG HYCUKS INGHING

M

IM

IM SNATCHETS

HELL YEAH RAP MAN SPACESHIP

STO P I FU CANT KEEP UP

yeah me in pe class tbh

jk im actually fit why do i say those things

listen im an intl fan

WAIT THE FUCK

IS THAT TAEIL

FUCK YEAH U GON FELE GOPD

WHAT IS THIS ELECTRIC THINGIE

LIKE

UH

bass drop yeah man good thing yeah rap man,,,,, cool

im going to listen to this song till i die you hear me

till 

i 

die oh fucc ITS BACK TO U

listen i kno mboy taeyong had a part in this

im ready

my body is ready

*pressing play*

ok phone call

piano

phone call + piano

OH FUCC IT ALREADY SOUNDS SAD

NANANANANANA WOOOOAH NA

IM NOT GOIN BACK???? WHY BB

WHTA HAPPENED WHY DO YALL SOUND SP SAD

OK BUT TBH

the drums(?) are givin me hawaiian vibes

like imagine em on a beach hula dancin to it

IM NOT GOING BACKBACKBAKCBAKCBKACBLABCL

I AINT RUNNING BACK U BINCH

HOW THE FUCK DOD THEY SEAMLESSLY JUST

PUT A RAP INOT THIS

IM

TAEYONG ND MORK SOUND 100000000000/10

TAEIL

OH MY GOD

HYUCK

IM FUCKING SNATCHES

IM

IM

IM

IM

IM NT GOJNG BACK

IM NOT GNF X BACK

I WANTTO

THROW MYSELFODFF A CLIFF

my foot is numb but im doin this 4 em

im p sure its jaehyun

he sounds great heartbreaker just like jaemin :-)

yeah man techno vibes 

yeah yeah cool

yall im vibin

IS THAT HYCUK

WHAT

THE 

FUCL

TAIEL

IM

YES

jaehuNY NJNRHHHDN

im gonna yell

HEARTBREAKAAAAAAAAAA

this could be abt something sad but elts

HYUCK

lets leave the tears to when eng subs come out

im fucking

listem

yall need t appreciate vocal line more

jaehyun is fucking amazing and lets not even mention taeil’s honey vocals

and fucking

lee

dong

hyuck

wait is this a vocal line song like without u????

wahat

im

listne its 12.18 am here im not ready for school 

MY FOOT IS NUMB

im

i cant move

eerything is

ow ok next up

baby dont like it

aight im ready

oh fuck

did mark just say baby

i want to

scream

he sounds so fucking good im

like it wheN WE GET CLOSER WHEN IT GETS RISKY UM

BOI

BOI

LEAVE ROOM 4 JISOOS CHRIST

unless its wit me boi

when im with you danger seems like a good thing

im 

so

attacked

im going to call the fucking police

juts

im so

im just

my back hurts

so does my heart

u what now for me girl

taeil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YO WHAT THE FUCK DO U MEAN BY MY BABY DONT LIKE IT WHEN YOU COME AROUND

BOI

I AINT GON BE THE THIRD PARTY

GET RID OF YO BABY OR ME BINCH

dangyunhaji is the only thing i understood

TAEYONG!!!

FRIKIN HONEST

HEARTBEAT

DID HE SAY MAMI???

I LOVE IT LOVE IT TOO

oh MY GOD HE SAID BEACH VOLLEYBALL

IM

YEAH

I PLAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL

YEAH

hit me up

I LVOE IT LOVE IT LOV RE I T

WHOOP WHOOP

im

deceased angel

time 2 cleanse myself of my sins

oh god this is so pure and cute

they could literally be singing about fucking each other in the ass and i wouldnt know

#intlfanstruggles

“open my eyes till you see me”

JOYONGHI OPNE RUR EEYES

WHS THE FUK IS SINGING IS IT JAEHYUN???

TAEIL’S HONEY VOCLS IM

areum da wooo ji

ill be your morning star

and you are my angel

youARE MY ANGELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

IM

HECK YEAH

gurl HAY

WHAT MY NAME???

VIVIENNE

ITS VIVIENNE

VIVIENNE LEE

U COULD B MY MOONLIGHT TOO BITHC

AND SUNSHINE

wait,,,, 

i gotta stay loyal 2 jae

how do u feel about polygamy mark

lets fly ah ah EYYYY

he kinda did the taeyogn thing

my back huRts

HYUCKIEEEEEEE

boi if ya saw an angel you should probably get sum help

unless ur talkin bout me then hell yea i gon be angel

hyuckekkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

im so soft for hyuck ITS RIDICULOUS

MARK

YEAH

RAP MAN RAP

SHALALALALA

IM i’m so weak over hyuck

#nct 127 #limitless #nct u #nct dream

[oneletterelliot]

2 Baddies (NCT 127) - liveblog reaction

I haven't heard any of the songs or teasers for this album. This is my first time listening through to any of it.

Faster - Bird call intro. This opening makes me think of "New Axis" a bit. Didn't love that "My wayyyy," but this instrumental is interesting. Mark my favorite NCT 127 rapper. 0:47 Jaehyun rapper? (Edit: yes!) Who is this at the one-minute mark? (Edit: It's Yuta.) A very fitting song for the concept of the comeback. Is this Johnny rapping at 1:53 after Taeyong? (Edit: Yes, it is.) Who is this at 2:06? Yuta? Ah, I just remembered how Sticker had Jungwoo rapping, maybe him? (Edit: IT WAS DOYOUNG?!?!?!?!?!?!!? WHOA!) I'm vaguely enjoying this song, but I don't think it's interesting enough for 2:50s of it.

2 Baddies - Ok, title track, let's go. Car go vroom. "TWO BADDIES TWO BADDIES ONE PORSCHE?" Uhhhhhhh. Wait omg, is this Jaehyun rapping after Mark at 0:36? He's fast. (Edit: Yes, its' Jaehyun.) "Blue's clues." Thank you, Johnny. Is this Jungwoo at 0:53 after Haechan? 0:59 Doyoung? (Edit: Yes, and yes.) Is the chorus going to be shouting every time? I do like the old timey car horn in the background. Ok, I'm kind of digging this rap at 1:32, which I think might be Jaehyun again? (Edit: Sure is.) 1:57 finally some singing. (Edit: Hello, Yuta!) These first two songs have both been very rap-heavy. I hope the choreography is interesting. This song didn't do it for me. It felt like it should've been a rap unit song, rather than the title track, despite the obligatory Taeil high note in the background of the bridge. I do like the the "na-na-na-na-na" at 3:25 but it's kind too little, too late for me.

Time Lapse - More very techy instrumental. INCOMING! (That's got to be a producer tag, right?) I wish the instrumental, especially the bass, was mixed a little louder compared to the voices. The harmonies on this "Can we fix it?" section do sound very NCT 127. I feel like this style showed up a lot on the NEO ZONE b-sides. Jaehyun at 1:20? I'm kind of digging his tone here. 1:35 Yuta? I like this lower register. (Edit: Yes and yes.) Who is this at 1:42? I think a quick series of voices maybe? I do like. (Edit: Johnny followed Jungwoo.) 1:57 high tone was nice. (Edit: still Jungwoo.) "And now, the weather." Omg. I like this harmony at 2:39, Haechan and uh, Doyoung maybe? (Edit: Haechan and Jaehyun actually!) This is such a classic Taeil bridge high note lol. Okay, I can vibe with this song. I quite like the outro instrumental.

Crash Landing - Ok, this is kind of funky (positive). Stop giving Johnny spoken word parts, SM, I am begging you. This Haechan to Doyoung opener is nice. Is this Jungwoo (maybe??) at 0:30? (Edit: No, it's Taeyong! Wow!) 0:41 sounds really nice. I wanna say Yuta? Oh, who is this at 1:06? Really nice. (Edit: Taeil, of course. Always so strong.) "All up, all up into my love." Wow, Mark is branching out his rap style at 1:21. I'm not sure I like it, but I do love the experimentation. 1:44 Taeil? Really strong sounding. (Edit: Yuta actually! I definitely have a history of occasionally mistaking his voice for Taeil's.) This song sounds like (I hope) the album transitioning into more vocal-focused songs. The bridge is doing it for me, I think, especially with the instrumental. Oh, the ending felt so abrupt?

Designer - This beat is very promising. Wow, this harmonized vocals were not what I was expecting off this opener. But I think I like it. Digging the steel drum sound. 0:40 Mark rapping in his low tone is nice, followed by Jaehyun rap? Both sound good. Is this Johnny next? (Edit: It sure is.) Taeyong's "classic" at 1:08, I did like it. This song is pretty lowkey, so far, but I'm enjoying it. Is 1:40 Yuta? Doyoung? (Edit: It's actually Jungwoo!) Is this Jaehyun doing call-and-answer with Mark at 2:09? (Edit: yes.) If my ear has been right, Jaehyun is doing a lot of rap this album. Haechan is sounding good. The feeling of this song changes a lot, but I'm not mad about it. High note closeout on the bridge, classic and strong. Is Doyoung the one doing the ad libs in this closing section? (Edit: Absolutely, yes, it's Doyoung.) I do like it.

Gold Dust - This sounds like Doyoung's breathy tone. I bet this is going to be a slow, smooth song, if not a ballad. Yo, who is this at 0:22? (Edit: it's Taeil!) Ahhhh, Jaehyun's low singing voice, I love youuuuuu. 0:41 really nice harmony. (Edit: Taeil and Johnny, ah, I like this combo a lot!) Is 1:09 Yuta? (Edit: yes, it is.) This song feels like being underwater. I like it. Interesting distortion on the backing vocals. Mark's rap is nice. Is this Jungwoo singing after him? (Edit: yeah, it's Jungwoo.) I know I've said this a lot in my recent NCT liveblogs, but I'm really enjoying how Haechan's voice has matured this past year. These main vocal ad libs over top of this soft harmony is very pleasing to my ear. Was this final line Jungwoo? (Edit: Yes, it was.)

Black Clouds - Another soft song? I vibe with this acoustic guitar. Oh, hello, this beat with Jaehyun's vocals? I really like this! Then Yuta? (Edit: yes! He sounds so good!) Something about this instrumental makes me feel nostalgic for the music I was into in, like, 10th grade. Mark's voice at 1:10 with Haechan's ad libs? Really nice. Jungwoo at 1:26? (Edit: yes.) The bit at 1:49 in to the high note, I like it a lot. (Edit: Taeil of course.) This instrumental feels so sentimental but I do like it! Jaehyun's, Mark's, and Haechan's voices suit it very well. Whoa, who is this at 3:24? I wanted to say Taeyong, but I'm not sure? (Edit: It was Taeyong.)

Playback - This instrumental is giving me "Elevator (127F)" vibes. The first three songs on this album were so committed to the concept of the comeback, and then a slew of softer, smoother songs? I'm not complaining, but I am surprised. 1:15-ish that "ooh!" was very fun. (Edit: Maybe Taeyong? It comes right before his lines/) Whoever is leading the chorus at 1:51 really like the tone. My guess is Mark maybe? This bridge is vocally really interesting and I like it as a bridge, though I'm not sure if I like it as the bridge of this song. I don't hate any of the songs so far, but I've also yet to hear a song that really really made me go, "Oh hell yeah, I love this!"

Tasty - Are we getting back to the 2 Baddies vibe? "We're savage, outlaws / Rock solid, no flaws" – is this Johnny and Mark overlapped? (Edit: just Johnny, I guess.) I'm strangely into it. Whose voice is this at 0:28? (Edit: Taeil? Wow!) Whisper rap, I can dig it. This... might be my favorite song so far? Wild. Now why is this song titled "Tasty?" I just really liked this beat, wow. Taeyong's rap tone suits this song. Was this Jungwoo after Haechan during the bridge? (Edit: yes, it was.) This laser tag sounding instrumental after the bridge, I'm weirdly into it! This shouty bit reminds me of a lot of NCT Dream's recent music actually. I liked this one.

Vitamin - Bring the funk back! What the hell is this cringy English line for Johnny? "I'll be the therapist for the day?" I'm in tears. Stop that. Doyoung at 0:37, nice. Oh, I do like this chorus. I'm jamming out in my chair. "A-woo." Yeah, a lot of Jaehyun rap this album. The voice at 1:30 caught my attention. I really want to say it's Yuta, but maybe Taeil? Sometimes I mix their voices up, I know. (Edit: Nah, I was right. it was Yuta!) Are the lyrics "vitamin me" because lol. This Haechan to Doyoung bridge HELLO I like it a lot. Great ad libs. I can hear Doyoung and Jaehyun for sure. Okay, this is definitely my favorite song so far. I love the "a-woos."

LOL (Laugh-Out-Loud) - What a title, first of all. I hope the lyrics are funny. I like the way this sounds so far. Voice following Doyoung at 0:41 catches my attention; I like the tone. (Edit: It's Yuta!) This chorus feels a little cheesy, but I do like it. Gosh, this instrumental with Jaehyun's voice following the first chorus? Really nice. Okay, the beat and chord progression at 1:44 was so pleasing to my ear. 1:59 Jungwoo maybe? (Edit: yes.) This song sits at the same table as WayV's "Dream Launch" and "Stand By Me." The lyrics sound like they're singing "laugh it off" rather than "laugh out loud" tbh. "Laugh it off" is a sentiment I can get behind. (Edit: Apparently, it's "laugh it up" actually haha.)

1, 2, 7 (Time Stops) - I love counting: 1, 2, 7. Voice at 0:30 is light and pretty. I wanna say Jungwoo? (Edit: yep!) But, like, in the style of Doyoung. Funky instrumental. This is pretty easy listening. I'm vibing. Vocals are shining. Haechan at 2:35, then Taeil at 2:45? Have they ever considered doing a musical? (Edit: I had Haechan right, but 2:45 was actually Doyoung, not Taeil, and he has done a musical, so.) Oh hello key change. "Girl, you..." is always such a choice for lyrics lol. Interesting ending for the album! I think I liked this song.

Final thoughts: Given the title track and concept of the comeback, this album contained a lot more soft / slow songs than I had anticipated. The flow from song to song was strangely cohesive though. Jaehyun really shone in this album, then Haechan, Yuta, and Jungwoo. (Mark is consistently good, so it feels silly to call him out specifically.) I don't think I was really feeling this album until the last third, though I did like "Designer" and "Gold Dust" well enough. My favorite song is definitely "Vitamin." A-woo!

#e has thoughts #nct #nct 127 #2 baddies #e liveblogs nct

[oneletterelliot]

Beatbox (NCT Dream) - liveblog reaction

I’m just listening to the new songs off the repack. I reacted to the original Glitch Mode album here. I didn’t listen to any teasers ahead of time.

Beatbox - Fun opener. Okay, I like this beat. You’d hope for a song called “Beatbox” that it’d have a solid beat. And it does! I haven’t been super enjoying the direction Jeno’s been taking his rap recently. This is a fun song. I’m digging what I assume is the chorus. Who is this at 0:54? Chenle? I like. (Edit: Yep, it’s Chenle.) Huge fan of the production on this song, wow. Is this Chenle at 1:17? (Edit: It’s Chenle and Jisung together!) I know I’ve said it before, but I think Chenle has become my new favorite voice in NCT Dream. This bridge is great; the progression of Haechan to Renjun to Chenle is the inverse of their bridge order, I feel. Gosh, I’m already to watch the music video and dance practice video for this song. I bet the choreography is awesome. Haechan’s sounding good. His voice has matured so nicely in the past year.

To My First - Okay. I guess a slower song makes sense for this title. Is this Renjun following Mark at the start? (Edit: No, it’s Chenle! Wow, Chenle!!) Oh, the moment at 0:27 is so nice. Jaemin’s and Chenle’s voices layered together, I think? (Edit: It’s definitely Jaemin, not sure about the vocalist backing him but it sounds like Chenle to me.) Digging this harmony. I like the instrumental too. Solid. Renjun acapella moment at 1:06 sounds great. The follow call-and-answer section? Jeno and Jisung, I think. (Edit: Yep.) Nice nice nice. 1:23, Renjun’s high notes backing over Jisung – great arrangement. Mark’s voice at 1:27 sounds very good. Slow songs are never my favorite, but I do quite like this one a lot. “You know, sometimes in life, things just aren’t to be.” Ohh, Mark with the cringy spoken English lines.

Sorry, Heart - This is a very interesting title to me. Seems like it’s going to have a similar vibe to “To My First.” Renjun sounds nice, good little vibrato. I like the guitar, and then the bass coming in really subtly. Oh, might this be a vocal subunit song? Sounds like it, since I’m 1:30 into it and have only heard the vocal trio. This isn’t my style of song, but I can’t deny that all three of them sound great. They harmonize so well. Chenle’s voice is really stunning. Wow, who has the highest note at 2:21? I don’t think it’s Haechan, who often gets the highest notes in NCT Dream songs. I want to say Chenle, but I’m not sure. (Edit: Yes, it’s Chenle!) Wow, Renjun’s section at 2:45 sounds so good, with Haechan backing. I like the ending.

On the Way - Oh this sounds sappy. Get out your phones and lighters sappy. Classic NCT Dream though, especially for an album-closer. I was just thinking about how much I like getting to hear Jisung’s low voice in the mix and then he came on at 0:26 lol. This song is a little boring to me, to be honest. The instrumental is nice, though not very interesting. Voice at 2:18 stood out to me. Chenle, maybe? Just because his voice has been standing out to me a lot recently. (Edit: yes, it’s Chenle.) This song is fine, but doesn’t do much for me personally.

Final thoughts: “Beatbox” is a great song. I think I like it more than “Glitch Mode.” (Interestingly, I also liked “Hello Future” more than “Hot Sauce.”) It’s a great title track, in my opinion. “To My First” was also very enjoyable! Lots of excellent harmonies in these four songs. I feel this definitely solidified Chenle as my new favorite voice in NCT Dream haha.

#e has thoughts #e liveblogs nct #nct #nct dream #beatbox

[oneletterelliot]

Sticker (NCT  127) - liveblog reaction

No disclaimer because this is my first time listening to anything off the album. I  didn’t even watch any of the teasers. I’ll take a look at the MV for “Sticker” later.

Sticker - Interesting instrumental opening. A little grating on the ears. Oh no, autotone? Stop that. Get some help. I’m... not loving this. I like the I backing vocal harmonies at 0:56, but this song sounds so disjointed? The voice at 1:14 is appealing – Taeil, I think. (Edit: oh good, I was right for once.) I don’t mind Mark’s rap, but I think I just really don’t care for this instrumental which really kills my ability to enjoy this song. Plus the vocal editing efforts are not to my taste. I mean, it’s possible that it will grow on me like “Punch” did, but... This is hard to listen to. Vocals at 2:04 (Doyoung, I think) are kind of nice. (Edit: yes, it’s Doyoung.) The bridge is really the only tolerable part to me. I like the repeated melody of the synth flute, but I don’t like the synth flute itself. Haechan and Doyoung (at least I think it’s them) demonstrating that growly sort of Broadway / jazz vocals in a few parts is pretty cool, I’ll admit. (Edit: yes, it is them.) Oof. (Side note: when I went to look at the lyrics, I was stunned to learn that 1:59 is Jungwoo??? Wow.)

Lemonade - Intro like a motorcycle starting. I like this instrumental better already. Haechan’s voice is smooth here. Yeah, I’m digging this bassline with the percussion. Did they just say, “Woof?” This is groovy. I like Taeyong’s rap and then oh my god that vocal harmony overlaying him at 0:59? (Edit: apparently, the vocal harmony is overlaying Johnny not Taeyong.) Wow, I like it a lot. “Cherry Bomb” shout out. “Regular” shout out. Already I wish this were the title track lol. This song makes me want to dance. Normally I prefer Mark’s rapping over Taeyong’s, but I think this song suits Taeyong better actually. Fun combination of vocals for this bridge. “Sip it, sip it down.” Oh Jaehyun? God, these backing vocal harmonies are so good.

Breakfast - Continuing the food theme, I see. This is a club beat. “I want you baby, don’t stop.” Baby, don’t stop. The “day and night” harmony at 0:47 really caught my attention wow. I was about to say this song feels a little boring to me, which I still think, but that harmony was nice. Is 1:07 Yuta? (Edit: yes.) I like his voice. This percussion sounds like the built-in backing track on my synthesizer keyboard lol. This feels like the type of song that will grow on me the more I listen to it. I wish NCT 127 got more variety in the bridges. Like, I feel like bridges always follow the same formula, which is fine, but like... there’s so much more they could be doing than just the slowing down and the instrumental gets a little less and the vocals all sing loud and high and long. Similar sort of ending to “Lemonade.”

Focus - Is this album’s slower/softer song? Is 0:13 Yuta? (Edit: no, it’s Taeil.) There’s an interesting sort of underlying tone to his voice. The section starting at 0:38 is appealing. Is this the chorus? Aw, I thought Johnny was about to start rapping at 1:03. I think it’s a shame that this song is back-to-back with “Breakfast,” because they’re both a little flat / boring. I bet this was a fun song to arrange vocally. Like, I can tell there’s a lot going on there, but the end result isn’t that interesting to the ear, in my opinion. Jaehyun sounds good at 2:25. Doyoung sounds good in the following section too. Is this Yuta again at 2:48 after Haechan’s little interjection? (Edit: yes, this time it is Yuta.) It’s gonna be real embarrassing when I look up all these parts I’ve guessed are Yuta and it’s someone else, knowing my recent track record. I feel like this song should’ve been named “Chill.”

The Rainy Night - Piano opening makes a lot of sense for this title. I am immediately reminded of “Dancing in the Rain,” and it’s not just because of the title, I promise! Is this cello I hear? Wait, is this a v waltz? It certainly makes me want to v waltz. I don’t have a lot of thoughts on this song, but I’m enjoying it. I think it’s a nice change of pace, and the instrumental is really lovely. Haechan would kill a solo ballad album, I feel. Pretty harmonies. I love the flow of this. Very pretty piano.

Far - Aw man, I really liked the instrumental opening, but I don’t love this opening rap. Actually, the vibe of this is kind of in the same vein as “Sticker” I think (similar sort of disjointedness and grittiness), but done better. Not interesting enough to be a title track though. Is the “roll up, roll up, do what, do what” at 1:42 Jungwoo? Or maybe him and Haechan passing lines? (Edit: nope, just Jungwoo.) I like this song well enough, not going to be a favorite though. The “na na na na” is kinda catchy.

Bring the Noize - Living up to its name right off the bat. Honestly, I’m still waiting for a song that makes me go “oh wow, Mark sounds great,” because I normally have that moment a few times when listening to NCT 127′s music, but it hasn’t really happened yet here. Now that I’ve reached the chorus of this song, I’m submitting it for being the “MAD DOG” of this album (I find the instrumental unbearably scratchy originally but then listen to it a few more times and fall in love and want to choreograph a dance to it). Disjointedness is really the theme for this album, huh? “Come on, come on, come on” at 2:41, Taeil? Is  this Johnny rapping after that? (Edit: yes, and yes.) I... don’t like it. I think I like Johnny singing more than I like Johnny rapping. Something in this background instrumental sounds like a built-in Garageband sound effect. This rap is very Taeyong. 

Magic Carpet Ride - Soft song again? International rumba. I worry this is going to unbear ably cheesy. Yep. Okay, it’s not unbearably cheesy, but it is cheesy, but as far as cheesy songs go, I’m kind of digging it. Jaehyun sounds nice.

Road Trip - This title makes me think “coming-of-age,” which makes me think NCT Dream. Starting the song with Haechan doesn’t help lol. Oh, who is singing after him? I can’t tell. This instrumental does feel really NCT Dream to me. Other than the fact that I think this should’ve been an NCT Dream song, I have no strong feelings about this song. It’s fine, kind of smooth, not terribly vocally interesting / diverse. Honestly, this song would’ve been great on Hot Sauce.

Dreamer - Deeply into this instrumental. I think my mom would like. It has that disco / funk vibe. I was kinda expecting a ballad based off this title. Am pleasantly surprised. “Time stops.” I like this. “Show me a smile.” The backing vocals are delightful in this. I feel like this album has a TON of lyrical shout outs to previous NCT songs, which is really interesting. Like the kind of thing you’d find on a farewell album lol. This is a very fun song, and I like it a lot.

Promise You - Okay, final song. Who has this opening line? Taeil? Yuta? (Edit: Taeil. Interesting how I’ve really sort gotten their voices all similar this album.) This feels very cinematic. Like the final scene of the movie when the gang’s all gathered back together after the Big Confrontation. I like the driving beat. The section at 1:51 with Jaehyun leading and Doyoung backing is nice. It’s a nice song.

Final thoughts: I was expecting more Jungwoo, based off the teaser images I’d seen. I also expected Mark to wow more than he did. Jaehyun’s voice really stood out to me. This album was an interesting mix of smooth harmony songs and songs that sounded deeply disjointed. I think “Lemonade” is my favorite song at first listen through. 

#nct #nct 127 #e liveblogs nct #e has thoughts

[oneletterelliot]

Hot Sauce (NCT Dream) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: I did listen to this album once through already, plus the previews and whatnot, so this is not quite a first impression reaction.

Hot Sauce - Is it just me or do the opening shouty vocals not sound like any of the dreamies? Chenle’s line. I was NOT ready for how low his voice was? It sounds so good. The mumbly nonsense bit sounds kinda like that one song that gets memed a bunch, doesn’t it? The vocal quality to Jeno’s rapping here really reminds me of how he sounded in “Misfit.” I think I like it. Lots of good harmony moments. Renjun’s voice is lovely as always. I’m digging his and Chenle’s harmonizing in the bridge. Haechan’s high note. Yes. I like the beat of this song. Definitely makes me want to dance. Mark going, “I’m the one!” I’m a fan. More “Hot Sauce” thoughts here.

Diggity - Okay, so based of the dreamverse (that’s what it’s called, right?) video, I said here that I didn’t love the song but I liked the choreography a lot. Not loving the song is holding up for now, but it definitely has the vibe of one of those NCT songs that I don’t originally care for but the more I listen to it, the more I like it (see also “Punch”). It is pretty catchy. Renjun’s voice is swaying me, I’ll admit. Also I do really like the instrumental. I think it’s the rap I’m not sold on (yet). Is that Jisung’s low voice at 2:49 underneath the higher harmonies? I’m kind of into it. God, I didn’t even watch the dreamverse video that much but I can so clearly picture the choreo while listening to this song, it’s that good.

Dive Into You - I love this opening arpeggio instrumental. Thinking about Jisung’s voice again. I always forget how much I it. I really like the chorus, nice harmony and fun melody. Renjun’s and Haechan’s ad libs (I think it’s them at least) make me happy. 2:07, Jisung’s voice again? (Edit: I looked it up and yes, of course, it’s Jisung. It’s just that for a second I thought it could be Chenle because...) Tbh my brain has been rattled by Chenle’s lower register he displayed in “Hot Sauce.” I want more of it. Is that Renjun who closes the song? Sounds good. (Edit: It’s CHENLE actually. Uh-oh, Renjun, look out, he might be coming for your crown as my favorite NCT Dream vocalist lmao.)

My Youth - This song sounds SO coming-of-age movie. Of course it’s called “My Youth.” I know I keep gushing about Renjun’s voice, but he always sounds so good holy shit. Jisung’s voice again! I guess I’m gonna keep gushing about him too. Oh, Mark, you sound amazing too. Whoever is rapping at the 2 minute mark (Jaemin?), the cadence of this bit really reminds of the “baby, it’s 4:35 / maybe I’m barely alive” part of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” lmao. Mashup, when? The “ooh-ooh-ooh”s over the chorus sound amazing. Oh my god, the harmony in the bridge is SO GOOD. My brain couldn’t even focus on thinking about which of the Dream vocal trio was singing it, but damn, it was so good. (Edit: According to the lyric video I looked it, it was Renjun/Chenle harmony I was reacting to, and then a Chenle/Jisung harmony! Jisung’s harmonies this album have been really nice!!)

Rocket - Funky start. Supremely makes me want to dance. I think this would be a cha cha, but there is something a little samba-y about the beat. I know I, like, haven’t said anything about the vocals—I do like them—I’m just enjoying this beat / instrumental so much. No thoughts, only vibing. Digging the vocal mixing of the chorus. I’m shoulder-dancing in my seat as I listen to this. “Yeah, yeah!” Strong contender for my favorite song off the album. Shit, maybe it is a samba? Man, it’s been so long since I’ve gotten to ballroom dance :(

Countdown (3, 2, 1) - Oh, what time is it? IS THAT CHENLE’S ICONIC DOLPHIN LAUGH UNDER MARK’S VOICE? Renjun’s voice here reminds me a bit of “Ridin’,” so you know I like it because I believe in Renjun “Ridin’” supremacy. This also might end up being a song that I don’t really like until I listen to it a several more times. You know that thing in the instrumental that sounds like “90s Love?” Yeah. Mark sounds good in this song. I bet this song samples something. Not clue what. But I just Feel™ it does. Haechan’s high note at the end of the bridge did not do it for me, sorry bud :( Oh, I guess I like Mark’s “tick tick tock” bit.

ANL - Intro feels VERY similar to “Dive Into You,” doesn’t it? Same kind of feeling with the arpeggios, yeah? Like “My Youth,” it would feel right at home in a coming-of-age movie. 1:12, did they just say, “Yeah, we can bang all day?” “YEAH, I GIVE IT TO YOU EVERY NIGHT” ?!?!?!?!?!??! IS THIS A SONG ABOUT SEX? IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MIGHT BE A SONG ABOUT SEX? (No comment on the fact that “ANL” looks like............. well, you know.) (Edit: So apparently it’s “we can PAINT all day,” but the other line is actually “I give it to you every night,” which is, hmm, well.) 1:51, is this Jaemin? I like it a surprisingly large amount. (Edit: Yes, it’s Jaemin. Is this the comeback that makes me fall in love with his rapping? Hmm.) This song also makes me want to dance, but in a different way than “Hot Sauce” or “Rocket.” RENJUN IN THE BRIDGE?! THE HARMONY?! VERY NICE HONESTLY. Is this Jisung after the bridge at 2:53? Wow, I really do like his voice, huh? (Edit: yes, it’s Jisung, so jk, Jaemin, the rapper I’m falling in love with this come back is him and not you.) The line “I want to be your sunshine, girl” makes me cringe. The type of English line they’d give to Johnny in an NCT 127 song.

Irreplaceable - This song is SO funky, and I love it. I’ve said before that Haechan’s voice isn’t my favorite (I acknowledge he’s a very good singer; the tonal quality of it just doesn’t appeal to me personally), but it does fit this song very well. Kind of has a Motown, Jackson 5 vibe, which I really dig. Another song that makes me want to dance. Another contender for — did Jaemin just say “climax” (1:31)? I’m sorry? (Edit: Look, I know that’s not an inherently sex-related word, and that’s obviously not how it’s being used here, but it’s just a funny word to be used for the one random English word in the middle of the song, you know?) — my favorite song off the album. “Yeah, we about to hug and kiss,” okay, Mark. I don’t know why, but I really want to do the “Touch” dance with the arms to this song?

Be There For You - It makes sense to put the ballad after the bop that was “Irreplaceable.” I haven’t really been following all the promotional material for this album, but this is a vocal trio unit song, right? It kind of reminds of “My Everything.” Like, there’s a range of type of NCT ballad, and I think this and “My Everything” fall into the same category. 1:22, god, Renjun, your voice is so good. (I know my favoritism is showing so hard but whatever, I don’t care. I love his voice.) I like the backing harmonies. Very soft. I probably won’t listen to this song much, simply because I don’t listen to ballads much (Chinese ballads notwithstanding) but I do like it.

Rainbow - Back to the coming-of-age vibes like in “Dive Into You” and “ANL.” I can’t decide if I like the similar vibes for cohesiveness of the album or if I dislike it because I think they’re too similar. Wow, this is really a “get your lighter and/or cellphone out and wave in the air” kind of song, huh. Rap at 1:40 (Jisung?), I like it. (Sorry, the title “Rainbow” is just reminding me of how I recently told my parents, “oh, I think this guy I went to high school with is queer because he has the rainbow flag emoji in his insta bio,” and my dad said, “maybe he just really likes colors.” PLEASE.) The harmonies are nice. Renjun’s ad libs towards the end (3:05-3:17 ish), yes. I like the song, it won’t be a favorite, but this is a nice note to end the album on.

Over all thoughts: It’s a good album. Really enjoyable and definitely feels cohesive. I love the mix of peppy, dancey energy and this kind of soft yearning coming-of-age feeling. It makes a lot of sense for NCT Dream’s first full album. Chenle and Jisung are both pleasantly surprising me, and I’m looking forward to seeing how their voices continue to develop in the future. (Side note: SM, please let Chenle sing in his lower register more! His high voice is lovely, but so is his low voice!) Favorite songs currently are “Rocket” and “Irreplaceable.” 

#nct dream #hot sauce #nct #e liveblogs nct #e has thoughts

[oneletterelliot]

Regulate (NCT 127) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: I’m familiar with the big tracks off this album: “Regular” (though WayV’s version more than NCT 127′s), “Simon Says,” and “Chain,” as well as WayV’s version of “Come Back.” As per usual, I’ll be skipping different language variations of the same song, so now thoughts on the English version of “Regular,” though I’ll say that “walking with the cheese, that’s the queso” is truly an incredible piece of lyrical songwriting.

City 127 - Starting off smooth. I feel like NCT albums usually open with a hard-hitting song or two before transitioning into this style of softer, easy-listening song, so this is an interesting change of pace. I like the instrumental, especially the whistling. I don’t have strong feelings on this song. It’s nice, though I don’t know how much I’ll be coming back to listen to it. Taeil sounding really nice towards the end. Yes, I’m quite fond of the whistling.

Regular - As always, I am thrown for a loop by this not being WayV’s version lol. The rhythm of this song is so interesting to me. The clapping sort of percussion in the pre-chorus buildup is subtle but I think it adds a lot. The doubled up rapping at 1:19 caught my attention—Johnny and someone else? (Edit: it’s definitely Johnny, but unclear whose voice is layering with his, if it’s someone else’s.) Does WayV’s version have it doubled up like this? (Edit: No, it doesn’t. It’s just Kun in that version.) Haechan’s voice is so unique. This song was definitely the one that made me first notice how distinct his tone is the first time I heard it. I like the “ooh”s backing vocals during the chorus. I know I’m biased because of a) familiarity, and b) Chinese, but I just really prefer WayV’s style of rapping for this song over Taeyong’s at the section around the 2:38 time mark. Really interesting vocal layering throughout this song.

Reply (PM 01:27) - Is this going to be a club song? It’s either gonna be a club song or a ballad, and I can’t tell which one. Either way, I’m digging it thus far. Kind of makes me want to choreograph something to it. Okay, I think it’s going club song. The instrumental sounds very club song. Oh yes, here we go. “I just want to be loved.” Boy, don’t we all. I really like this. Is this Jungwoo at 1:25? (Edit: Yes.) He sounds good, clear and strong. 2:26 Doyoung? (Edit: Huh, according the lyric video I looked up, it’s him and Yuta.) I’m feeling it. 2021 the year I finally admit to myself how much I LOVE club beats lol. Jaehyun opening the bridge? Then Haechan, Doyoung, Taeil? (Edit: Yes on all counts.) Solid vocal lineup really. (Edit: So, I didn’t realize this was a unit song, by which I mean it’s everyone except Taeyong and Mark.)

Welcome to My Playground - Right off the bat, what a hilarious title. Oh, I like the birdsong background audio. Jungwoo opening line? Did they just sing, “Why you trippin’?” lmao??? This song is interesting, but I don’t love it. “Welcome to my playground.” No, I do appreciate how varied this song sounds, but it just isn’t doing much for me. Jaehyun at 1:42 sounds quite nice though. Will be interested to see where this buildup that starts at 2:23 is going. Oh, just back to the chorus? A little anti-climatic, imo. Jungwoo bridge? (Edit: Yes.) I think he’s really shining in this song, which is nice, since this was his first release with NCT 127, right? “Shawty, that’s you!” Mark omg. Okay I like this ending. Best part of the song. (Wait, that sounds so bitchy, but I didn’t mean it that way.)

Knock On - This is such an intriguing title. Was kind expecting something hard and grungy from it, but this is interesting. Something about the synth makes me think 70s disco. Digging the overlapping vocals at 0:56. I wish there was more of that. Something about listening to this and looking at the Regulate cover photo is making me imagine NCT 127 as a college acapella group, and it’s making me giggle. Haechan sounds good at 2:03. I think his tone here really meshes well with the instrumental. Jaehyun solid throughout this song.

No Longer - The title gave me ballad vibes, but I wasn’t sure if there would be another softer song after “Knock On,” but yes. Sometimes Doyoung’s voice gets a little too breathy for my tastes, and it’s certainly breathy in this opening, but it fits with the feeling of the song I feel. This sounds like the sort of song that would play in romantic movie. “She no longer needs me.” Aw man. One of THOSE vibes, huh? Even though this isn’t really my favorite type of song, I do think everyone sounds good, especially Doyoung. Ballad king or something. Oh, is this a unit song? (Edit: It is! Taeil, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan.) The piano is quite nice.

My Van  - We welcomed you to my playground, now welcome to my van. What an interesting intro. I’m kinda into this instrumental. I can’t hear Taeyong rap “long riding” without thinking about Mark’s “long-ass ride.” Oh, if the last song was a unit song, is this one too? (Edit: Yes, it’s Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun,  Jungwoo, and Mark.) 1:26 Johnny? (Edit: So clearly not, since he isn’t even in this song. It’s Jaehyun.) Okay, this isn’t really my type of song, but it’s so interesting to me, so I predict it will grow on me a lot.

Interlude: Regular to Irregular - NCT interludes are always musically interesting. Wait, this is the NCT 2018 year party (or whatever that video was called) background song. Gorgeous gorgeous cello. I don’t love the spoken parts, but the instrumental is lovely. Cello, my darling. Shout out to “Dream within a Dream?” Okay, the way it changes at 1:55 has my attention! I’m into it! Different from the other NCT interludes I’ve heard, but I like it.

Simon Says - I didn’t love this song the first time I heard it, but it’s really grown on me. About a year ago, I began a vampire drawing with the phrase “real vibe-killer” scrawled across the back. Maybe I should go back and try to finish it up. “Bless me, achoo” is such a fucking funny line. This would be a fun song to learn the choreography to. Really interesting harmonies in the backing vocals. Such a good bridge. The musicbox style instrumental under Taeil’s high note is a great little touch.

Come Back - Once again, I am the surprised pikachu meme at this not being WayV’s version lol. I like this song a lot. When I was first getting into NCT beyond WayV, I watched a video comparing the two choreographies for this song, and it was so good and so interesting the changes between NCT 127 and WayV. I don’t think the vocal distortion effect at 1:04 is in the WayV version? (Edit: No, it’s there too, but it’s a little less intense.) I think there are more layers in the harmonies in this version, which makes sense there are more members in NCT 127 than in WayV. Has there been an NCT U with Mark and Yangyang both? I would love to hear their raps flow off each other. (Edit: Oh my god, “90s  Love” of course! How could I forget? AND “Misfit!” Silly of me.)

Fly Away with Me - Expecting an easy-listening sort of song based off the title. Ooh, the instrumental is a little more driving than I was expecting, but I like it. I like this song well enough, but I doubt it’ll ever be a favorite. Unless the bridge is really different, I think this song is little bland? Like it’s not varied enough. It’s too easy-listening? Not really sure how to describe it. Yeah, this bridge is about what I expected. I do like it, but… the song as a whole just isn’t that interesting to me. Everyone sounds good though.

Chain - Okay, I really like this song—or at least the Japanese version. (Awaken is my favorite NCT 127 release.) I don’t know if I’ve ever heard the Korean version before. It’s impossible not to think of the choreography while listening to this, and I love the choreography. Jaehyun at 1:22, nice. I think the instrumental is really interesting and good. I like Mark’s rap. I like Taeyong’s rap too, and I am not always partial to his rapping. The harmony at 2:10 is soooo good. Taeil, Haechan, Doyoung, back to Taeil for the bridge? (Edit: It’s Jaehyun not Taeil for the first line.) Just an all around fun song!

Run Back 2 U - Interestingggggg instrumental opening. “Can’t do without you girl.” I hate the way they always give Johnny cringy spoken English lines lol. I feel like the mixing isn’t great, like the vocals are way overpowering the instrumental. I like the driving beat. And whoever is singing “I always love you” (Doyoung?) sounds great. (Edit: Yes, it’s Doyoung.) Oh, this is interesting. Reminds me of some DJ Snake song I’ve heard, but I can’t think of which one. Wow, this song just keeps changing. It’s really interesting! Who is this at 1:53? Yuta? Then Johnny? (Edit: Nope, it’s Taeil then Winwin lol. I feel like I’ve mixed up Taeil’s and Yuta’s voices a bunch recently.) “I love you like this beat drop.” Mark’s rap with the “I always love you” backing vocals is nice. Ohhhh, this acoustic guitar is nice. This song is fun. It does feel very bonus tracky to me, though.

Final thoughts: “Come Back” and “Chain” were already faves of mine, but among the songs that were new to me, “Replay (PM 01:27)” is definitely my favorite.

#e has thoughts #e liveblogs nct #nct #nct 127 #regulate

[oneletterelliot]

LOVEHOLIC (NCT 127) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: I’ve listened to “Gimme Gimme,” “First Love,” and obviously “Kick It” before. Everything else, this is my first time listen.

Gimme Gimme - God, this song just really reminds me of “Sit Down” off of Neozone. I wasn’t sure about it based off the teaser, but I’ve quite been enjoying it. I really hope they release a dance practice video for this song, because the choreography in the MV looked very interesting to me. Oh, Johnny, always with the cringiest lines: “dead clowns!” Haechan’s vocal tone isn’t usually my favorite, but I think it’s been growing on me recently, especially in this song. I can’t decide if I like or hate the line, “Imma keep on walking.” Taeil’s high notes never fail to blow me away. This type of song doesn’t usually scream Doyoung to me, but I feel like his voice sounded really good in it.

Lipstick - Right off the bat, I am reminded of “Prelude” off of Neozone. Maybe I’ve been listening to too much Neozone recently haha. Ooh, starting off with rap. I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve heard that. Lots of rhythmic harmony happening in this song. I think I like it. Huh, this song is much more rap-heavy than I was expecting based off the title (for whatever reason). I like this call-and-response section--not sure who’s singing it. Maybe Haechan and someone else? (Edit: I looked it up and it’s Taeil and Haechan, then Doyoung, though I didn’t recognize the switch from Taeil to Doyoung.) Digging the instrumental. Oh, soft bridge? Pretty. “Your red lipstick.” Yeah, it’s a classic. Hmm, I did NOT like the ending lol.

First Love - So I thought this song was boring the first time I heard it, but it’s grown on me. It has a kinda funky vibe. I like the way they sing “Cinderella” haha. The background “heys” and “hos” sound like they like might the same one as in “90s Love.” This song’s softness and funkiness after “Gimme Gimme” and “Lipstick” is appreciated and also really makes me wonder what the next song is gonna be like. The line “beautiful princess” gives me secondhand embarrassment; I’m sorry. I think Jaehyun’s voice fits this song’s vibes so well.

Chica Bom Bom - IS THAT AUTOTUNE I HEAR? I mean, I’m liking it so far, but why the autotune? In the year of our lord 2021? I SHOULD’VE FUCKING KNOWN THAT A SONG CALLED “CHICA BOM BOM” WOULD HAVE A SAMBA BEAT!!!!! “Eeny meeny miney moe.” Ok. Oh, Yuta, I love your voice. Oh, Jaehyun, I love your voice too. Did they just sing “be aggressive?” Yes, I am always a sucker for a samba, but this song is a strong contender to be my favorite off the album. Who’s high note was that? It didn’t sound like Taeil. (Edit: Looked it up and it was Haechan!)

Kick It - God, I am so burned out on this song lmao. I was so excited at first, because I thought we were getting a Japanese version of it, but no. Well, I sort of did this to myself by deciding to teach myself the choreography to this. Hmm, I’ve definitely mostly forgotten the choreography for the point part with Haechan and Jungwoo early in the song. I can’t believe I got accidentally got this song stuck in my mom’s head. We love and support Bruce Lee in this household. Okay, I objectively do think this is a good song and I enjoy it, and when I hear it, I still want to dance to it. I’ve just listened to it too much recently. I need to take a break from it, so I can later listen to it again and like it again haha. Johnny owned this song is all I will say.

Right Now - Yes, we were due for another softer song. Oh. Wow. Unexpected. I don’t know how I feel about this. I like the vocal layering. Oh, this has a very... hmm, early 2010s(?) club feeling in the instrumental. Really digging this bassline under Taeyong’s rap. Are these 5 chords in the synth? I don’t know why I feel like they might be, but I do. Oh no, this is probably going to be my least favorite song off the album. There are sections that I really do like, but there are also sections that I feel really bleh towards, so I don’t know how I feel about the song as a whole. Whoever is singing the clear “right nows” at the end, I love you. (Edit: Of course, it’s Taeil. Vocal king.)

#e has thoughts #e liveblogs nct #nct #nct 127

[oneletterelliot]

NCT 127′s “Cherry Bomb” EP - liveblog reactions

Disclaimer: I’ve actually already heard most of these songs. Only “Running 2 U” and “Sun & Moon” are new. Also I will be leaving the longer performance version of “Cherry Bomb” out of this reaction, because it seems silly to talk about the same song twice, even if it is a longer version.

Cherry Bomb - I have to admit that I mostly listen to the English version of “Cherry Bomb” because I’m a fake fan or something (joke). This was the first NCT 127 song I heard after “Regular” and “Touch,” and wow, its vibe really took me by surprise. It took me a bit to warm up to it, but I like it quite a lot. Probably in part because I love the choreography for it so much. The siren-like instrumental is really interesting I think, and pairs pretty nicely with the whole “cherry bomb” concept. Mark is such a good rapper, wow. “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands,” is not my favorite line (sorry Johnny). The Jaehyun and Doyoung vocal combos in this song are so nice. Taeil sounding so strong as always. I’m vibing in my seat, imagining the choreography and dancing my shoulders along to it haha. “I’m the biggest hit on this stage.” Oh, the confidence. “Na na na na na na.” What a classic lyric. (I’m not even kidding. What is it about “nas” that make so many people put it into songs?)

Running 2 U - Oh, hmm, this intro sounds a little familiar. JK, I’ve never heard this song, before this opening raps from Mark and Taeyong are not ringing any bells. Jaehyun’s voice is so smooth. Oh, this instrumental is so interesting. I wish I had the words to describe this sound. I think this song is going to grow on me a lot. Very interesting contrast between the driving verses and the smooth choruses. Good dance beat. I like the section at 1:51, just before the bridge, I think. Very driving. Jaehyun sounds really good at 2:12. I feel like I’ve been big on his vocals a lot lately. It’s the lower register, I think! Just feeling very fond of that these days. Kind of an abrupt ending.

0 Mile - This is one of my favorite NCT 127 songs. It always makes me think of Yuta’s smile from that one fan cam? Also has a great dance beat. I’m jamming out in my chair. This is just such a fun song. The instrumental is *Haechan voice* a bop! And the vocals are all very solid. The harmony at 1:53 (and the whole bit leading up to it actually) makes my ears happy. Wow, I feel like I’d forgotten how Mark’s rap sounds in this song. It’s just less familiar to me than the rest of the song haha. I just like this song a lot. Super fun.

Sun & Moon - Okay, is this gonna be the softer song on the mini album? It’s got to be. Very dreamy, almost. Slow-moving. Who is singing at 0:29? Taeil? Sounds so good. (Edit: Looking it up, it was Doyoung actually! Also I didn’t realize that this song doesn’t feature all of NCT 127; no Winwin, Mark, or Haechan according the lyrics I’m looking at.) “You and I, you and I, you and I.” I like this. Oh, I’m big into the instrumental line at 0:53. I don’t usually go for NCT’s slower songs (as you probably know if you’ve read my other liveblog reactions haha) but I’m digging this one. I like the call & repeat of the vocals with the instrumental. The bridge at 2:06? Jaehyun sound good. Followed by Taeil? Then back to Doyoung for the chorus? (Edit: yes, that’s the order of the vocals.) I like the dreamy quality of this. Very evocative. 

Whiplash - This was one of early NCT 127 song I heard. So I have a soft spot for it. I like the feel of the instrumental. I like the style of Mark’s rap. Oh, his “long ass ride” line haha. Always makes me laugh (both here and in “The 7th Sense”). Fun chorus. Taeyong’s “killing the (k)night line.” Which (k)night is it? I never know! I feel like all the lyric videos I’ve seen have said, it’s “knight,” but wouldn’t “night” make more sense? Idk. I like the delivery of the “whip-whiplash” in the choruses. Taeil’s bridge, very nice. I’m thinking about the dance break from K-con or wherever Taeyong, Mark, and Jaehyun preformed this. I love that choreography.

Summer127 - Honestly, I’m suddenly realizing that a lot of the first NCT 127 songs I heard were off this mini album, because this one too. It’s also a fun song! It sits at the same table as “0 Mile” and “Good Thing” in my mind. “I just wanna dance with you!” An eternal mood. Once again, I am dancing in my chair. The chorus is just so catchy, with the long high vocals and then the lower shorter vocals. I’m so terrible at describing music lol. God, I love these instrumentals. “Shake that ass!” This line cracks me up. Once again, I am praising Mark’s rapping. No, but this song is such a bop. I’m jamming out. “Get it on, get-get-get it on, dance.”

Final thoughts: This mini album is in the running for being my favorite NCT 127 release, I think.

#e liveblogs nct #E has thoughts #nct #nct 127

[oneletterelliot]

NCT Dream’s We Young - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: Once again, I am familiar with the Chinese version of “We Young” (and will be skipping it in this liveblog) but otherwise every song is new on this mini album.

We Young - I like the marimba-y synth chords in the beginning of this. “We just wanna have fun / Because we hot and we young” is actually the funniest lyric ever.  There’s a lot of nice harmony in this song. I take it back; “So what? We hot. We young” is the actual funniest lyric. No, this is a fun song. Very youthful and summery, which tracks for NCT Dream. Is this Jaemin at 2:04? I rather like it. (Edit: Wow, I totally forgot that Jaemin was on hiatus for this song lmao. It’s Jisung.) Mark always sounds so good, in every song, really. Is 2:59 Chenle? He sounds nice. (Edit: it’s Renjun!) Haechan’s background ad libs right before the end are quite lovely.

La La Love - Ooh a funky vibe. This sits at the same table as “Irresistible.” (I don’t like it as much though.) I was NOT READY for the background spoken woman’s voice that begins at 0:58 omg. Very silly. I enjoy the instrumental a lot. Was this bridge (if it was the bridge lol) Renjun then Chenle? I’m not sure, but that was my knee-jerk reaction. (Edit: the whole thing was Chenle.) The part after Mark’s rap where the instrumental kind of disappears and there’s some acapella is really nice actually. Helps shake the song up a little bit. Oh, this very ending instrumental sounds familiar.

Walk You Home - Oh, this very opening instrumental sounds familiar too. I don’t think I’ve heard it before. I think it just reminds me of an NCT 127 song. Something about this guitar and percussion combination feels very, like, 2008 indie music to me? I don’t know why. Maybe earlier than 2008. I really like Renjun’s 1:09 part into Mark’s 1:14 “yeah yeah yeah” thing. It has a great flow. This song makes me want to rumba, I will admit. Is this Jeno at 1:53? Or at 1:58? (I can’t tell if it’s the same person or if the rap passes.) Whoever it is sounds so good! (Edit: it was Jeno at 1:53 and Jisung at 1:58.) Chenle’s lower register at 2:22! Love it!

My Page - I’m digging this opening. Funky lil synth line. “Na na na na na na.” This is fun. I thought the person singing at 0:06 was Renjun, but now I’m second-guessing myself and wondering if it’s Chenle. Sounds really good, whoever it is. (Edit: my first thought was right, it WAS Renjun.) I’m liking this. Something about it makes me think of, like, hanging out at an arcade. Haechan’s sounding good. This whole rap section in the second half isn’t all Mark, is it? (Edit: oh, I guess it is.) My ability to discern voices in this mini album isn’t so good haha. I like this instrumental a lot!

Trigger the Fever - I’ve heard of this song. A lot of people like it, I think? This opening instrumental sounds like a coming of age movie soundtrack. I was expecting a samba beat from this title. This is very different. Oh interesting more techno-y instrumental coming in on the chorus. Still really sounds like a soundtrack for a coming of age movie. This is a fine song, but not my favorite. I do rather like the way Chenle, I think it is, sings “trigger the fever” at 1:29. (Edit: no, it was Renjun.) I hear those high notes, wow. Okay, I think this song could grow on me. I’m enjoying the harmonies. Oh, this section starting at 2:34 is interesting. Makes the whole song more interesting in a way, the way it changes.

Final thoughts: This will never be my favorite NCT Dream release, but it’s solid.

#e liveblogs nct #e has thoughts #nct #nct dream

[oneletterelliot]

Glitch Mode (NCT Dream) - liveblog reaction

As per usual, I didn’t listen to any of the teasers or anything, so this is entirely fresh, my first take on everything.

Fire Alarm - I guess this intro makes sense for the start of an album called Glitch Mode. I wish the bass was a little more present in the mixing. I’m enjoying the quick passing off between the rappers. Who is this at 0:46? Chenle? Jisung?? Interesting tone, not what you usually hear from NCT Dream, which makes it fun to me. (Edit: it was Chenle. Fun to hear this different tone from him.) Okay, I’m digging the instrumental under the chorus. Is this Renjun opening the second verse? Sounds nice. (Edit: yep!) I’m pretty sure it’s Jisung at 1:40. (Edit: it is.) This song matches the album art imo. Feels very video gamey to me. Hello 2:19? Who was that? (Edit: Renjun! Wow!) This song is fine, but probably never going to be a favorite of mine. I think it’s a good opener for this album; I’m really expecting it to set the tone for the rest of the songs.

Glitch Mode - Okay, title track, let’s go. Fun intro. I’m liking this rap and vocals back-and-forth. Mark and Renjun? (Edit: The lyric videos I’ve looked at have put everyone on the “glitch mode” part of it, but it sounds like Renjun is leading to to me.) Chenle sounds good at 0:43. I think this is Jeno rapping after him, really leaning into his camouflaging abilities. (Edit: it is Jeno, yes.) I keep waiting for this song to build into something bigger and punchier, but now I’m sorta suspecting that it won’t. All of the voices passing off quickly starting at 1:49 is fun. (Edit: oh, I guess, it’s mostly just Mark and Jisung. They sound good together.) Haechan sounds good in the bridge. Oh, okay, here’s the big change up feeling that I was sorta expecting. This guitar is super fun. I think this song is going to grow on me. I’m enjoying the vocal harmonies in the chorus.

Arcade - Staying on tone. Is this Renjun at 0:27? His and Jisung’s voice have really been playing off of each other’s well since Hot Sauce. (Edit: yes, it’s time. A good duo!) I like this song’s instrumental. Chenle at 1:01, I think? (Edit: yep!) His voice has gotten so appealing over the past year. Jaemin’s rap tone suits this song I think. I really like how this song is softer than the first two (typical for an album’s third song) but still matches their energy / mood well. Hot Sauce also did a great job of keeping a cohesive theme across the entire album.

It’s Yours - Fun guitar intro. I hope this is a dance song. Right off the bat, it’s giving me summer of 2018 vibes; I think a lot of songs released then had this sort of sound. It’s building well, adding more instruments with each stanza. The style of the chorus with the vocalists singing over the repeated “it’s yours, yours, yours” isn’t something you hear a lot from NCT, but I’m digging it. I do think this song gets a little boring—it’s very repetitive—unless there’s a particularly standout bridge coming up. “It’s yours, yours, yours” is pretty catchy though, I’ll give them that. These Mark ad libs at the end are very Mark.

Teddy Bear - Ooh, smooth song? Kind of reminding me of some of the smoother songs off of Neozone. Haechan’s voice has really settled well this past year. More Renjun and Jisung vocal pairing. I’m a fan of this development. Ohhhhh, I really like the pizzicato strings. This song feels like a dream sequence. Mark’s singing voice at 1:49 is quite nice. I tend to prefer NCT’s punchier songs over their softer ones, but I’m really enjoying this. Lovely instrumental and harmonies.

Replay - Continuing the smoother Neozone vibes. I’ll be interested to see when the album gets back to the glitch theme. This section at 0:48 is really classic Jaemin; he often gets this style of moments. I don’t love them. I don’t think they showcase the best of his rap style. Chenle’s voice singing in the chorus. This song’s instrumental really does remind me of some Neozone song, can’t think of which one though. Section at 2:04 with the harmony and layered voices sounds good. Putting Jisung’s rap between Jeno’s and Mark’s was a good choice, since Jeno’s rap style has really been leaning towards Mark’s recently. Breaking it up with Jisung’s more distinctive voice helps keep it interesting. Variety, the spice of life, or whatever.

Saturday Drip - This title makes me think of coffee. Okay, this instrumental brings us back to the glitch theme. This is a better showcasing of Jaemin’s rap style imo. Jisung at 0:33, I like it! Wait, is this a rap line unit song? (Edit: yes, yes, it is.) I’m digging this song a lot actually. I know I usually tends towards the vocalists, but this song feels like a contender for my favorite on the album. We love a good Jackson Pollock shoutout lmao. Does that mean this song is about painting?? The low tone of the voices with the higher synthy instrumental line is really doing it for me. Is Jisung the one carrying every chorus? (Edit: Jaemin carries the first chorus and Jeno the last, so that’s my bad.) This song is a bop.

Better Than Gold - Jazzy? FUNKY! This feels in the vein of “Irreplaceable” – a sort of old school motown vibe. 0:39-0:47 steps away from that vibe for a moment, before returning. I think my mom would like this. She liked “Irreplaceable.” I’m bouncing in my chair listening to this. Love the baseline. Are they singing “cash, cash, cash?” (Edit: yes, they are.) Renjun starting the bridge at 2:07? (Edit: yeah, that’s him, with some underlay from Jaemin.) God, these harmonies are niiiiiiiice. NCT Dream does this funk vibe well. Always enjoyable. I bet Haechan had a lot of fun with this song. I hope he did.

Drive - How many of the dreamies can drive, I wonder? This acoustic guitar feels like the type of music I was into in middle school. Kind of Jason Mraz in his We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. era. This song isn’t doing much for me. Some nice harmonies. The guitar is quite lovely. But overall doesn’t make a super interesting song to my ear. The car locking sound effect is a nice touch though haha. This feels like concert-ending-everyone-take-out-your-phones-and-lighters song, which historically have not my favorites. Chenle at 2:32 with the piano is nice. He would kill a ballad album (I say as someone who doesn’t love ballads).

Never Goodbye - This instrumental appeals to me. Is this a vocal trio unit song to offset the rap line unit song? Chenle has been sounding so good. “It’s never goodbye.” Wow, I’ve really been digging the dream sequence songs on this album. Jk, not an vocal trio unit song, since that was definitely Jisung’s voice. I guess Hot Sauce had a vocal trio unit song, but not a rap line unit song, so it makes sense to do the reverse this time around. All of the vocalists sound great in this song.

Rewind - Funky? Not what I would’ve expected to close out this album, but I do love a good funk. A lot of music theory went into this song. Who joins in to overlay Mark’s rap at 1:39? Renjun? I like it. (Edit: no, it’s Chenle!) This song is fun, but I don’t think it’ll become a favorite. Of the two funk-esque songs on the album, I think I prefer “Better Than Gold.” I’m not sure if this is the song I would’ve chosen to end the album. I’ll be interested to see if the repack (I’m sure there will be one) changes that.

Final Thoughts: The songs on this album play well to everyone’s strengths. Has Chenle become my new favorite NCT Dream vocalist? Standout songs to me include “Teddy Bear,” “Saturday Drip,” and “Better Than Gold.” This album was less thematically cohesive than Hot Sauce, which was kind of a disappointment to me, but I enjoyed all the songs. It ended up being less glitchy than I expected. Off to see the “Glitch Mode” choreography now!

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[oneletterelliot]

NCT 2021: Universe - liveblog reaction

I very carefully held off on listening to any of the teasers or track videos because I wanted to listen to the whole album in one go, so this is my first time hearing any of the songs..

New Axis - Operatic opening. Throat clear. I’m not sure how I feel about this style of rapping (Taeyong’s style has never been my favorite), but I think the instrumental is pretty interesting. 0:57 Yangyang? (Edit: yep.) I love that they put all three main rappers together on a song. It would’ve been so cool if they had each of them rap in their native languages and just have it flow between languages and hear the differences between rap style by language. I like Mark’s delivery at 1:36. Fun.

Universe (Let’s Play Ball) - “Let’s play ball! Let’s play ball! You’re my universe.” What is this song about? Catchy beat. I’m grooving in my seat. I think Haechan’s has gotten noticeably better over the past year. Digging the harmonies at 0:54. (Edit: led by Doyoung.) I like the synth under the chorus. Who is carrying the the high vocals behind the ending of the chorus at 1:16? (Edit: it’s Xiaojun! Of course!) God, I bet the choreography for this is off the chain. 1:35 Jeno matching Mark’s rap style? (Edit: yes.) Mark’s style of rap has definitely set the standard that NCT rappers (Taeyong aside) try to mimic, I feel. 2:42 Jungwoo starting the bridge. WHERE IS XIAOJUN’S VOICE? 2:55 – “fades away,” oh there it is. Okay, I liked this. Mark carrying this song is unsurprising, ultimately.

Earthquake - This is the NCT 127 unit song, right? I hear you, Johnny. The ending to Mark’s part at the start is really interesting. Jungwoo at 0:26; they’ve been giving him more rap-adjacent bits this year I’ve noticed. The transition into the chorus took me by surprise. Hello the harmony at 1:01, I love it! Oh, I like this post-chorus. The instrumental is so cinema and the vocals sound great. Is this… Yuta at 1:42? Sounds really good. (Edit: It is Yuta! The first lyric video I looked at said it was Doyoung and all the comments were being like, “No, that’s Yuta,” lol.) I hope the track video for this included choreography, because I bet it’s also super fun. Taeil sounding stellar in the bridge as per usual. The return of rapper Jaehyun? The way they say “domino” makes this sound very Catholic lol.

OK! - Kalimba? “My baby, she said she wants to dance with a ghost?” Okay, indeed. There’s been a lot of heavy percussion in all these songs so far. Wow, I will really have to look up what all these unit lineups are. Taeyong and Mark are both definitely in this song. I think I hear Yuta? (Edit: yes, he’s in this lineup.) 1:22 is Jeno, I think. (Edit: yep.) “Yee!” 1:36 Yangyang? (Edit: it is!) Who is the voice at 1:59? (Edit: Ten!) This song started out promising, but it’s kind of boring me now; there hasn’t been enough variety. Of course, now we’ve hit the bridge, and I like the additional synth instrumental here. Wish there was more of it in the song. Yeah, this is definitely Yangyang in this song too. Yeah, this is song is kinda boring over all, sorry!

Birthday Party - Not the baby-fied voice effect! Don’t like that. I hear Jaemin rapping, though I can’t tell who’s after him. (Edit: Hendery.) I hear Jisung. Okay, Johnny. Suddenly cinematic for the chorus. Is 0:50 Jaehyun? (Edit: nope, it’s Yuta. Jaehyun isn’t in this song.) I don’t love this song immediately, but I feel like it definitely has the potential to grow on me a lot. Who has this song stretched out “wow” at 1:25, Jaemin? (Edit: yep.) Okay, I like the chorus significantly more than the verses. WHOMST said “yo, DJ, can we switch it up a bit?” at the start the bridge? (Edit: Hendery! I definitely kind of forgot about him for a bit...) Wow there are so many NCT members; I keep remembering more members who it could possibly be.

Know Now - GROOVY. Reminds me of “Elevator (127F),” which is a song I LOVE. This instrumental has me bopping. I can Mark and Jaemin and Jeno (?) and Doyoung, I think, in this song. (Edit: yes, they’re all in this song.) Is 1:09 Yangyang? (Edit: yes!) I feel like I’m going to keep guessing him in songs, simply because I think he deserves to shine. I hear Renjun! This album is just a massive game of Guess Who lol. Doyoung sounding good in the bridge. I like this song a lot! Very bouncy instrumental, and I think it’s arranged well. Jeno is really pushing that vocal fry in his rapping at 2:57, huh. This might be my favorite song so far.

Dreaming - If I’m remembering correctly, this is NCT Dream’s unit song. I like the instrumental start. It reminds me of the Johnny Lectro remix of “Dancing in the Moonlight.” Wow for a second, I thought the voice after Haechan was Jaehyun before remembering that this is NCT Dream; it’s Jisung. (Side note: I didn’t realize that the vocals at 0:25 was Mark. Wow, he sounds good.) Chenle sounds goooooood. Ooh hello club beat. NCT Dream’s vocal trio harmonizes delightfully. Yes, keep letting Jisung shine! His voice has a lovely tone. Renjun and Chenle are really nailing these pre-choruses. This song is very fun. Got me dancing in my chair.

Round&Round - This feels like the spiritual successor to “Dancing in the Rain.” Similar vibes, and Jaehyun. Again, Haechan’s voice has improved a LOT in the past year. Just like “Dancing in the Rain,” I like the song well enough, but I don’t think it’s going to end up being particularly memorable. Taeil at 2:16 sounds solid, of course. He always sounds so good. Wow, this high note at the end of this bridge? Amazing!

Miracle - WayV unit song! “Hey!” Kind of jaunty. Oh Ten, you sound lovely. Is 0:20 Kun? (Edit: yes. It’s a nice sort of style from him, fun to hear.) I’m assuming 0:34 is Hendery? (Edit: yes.) There was a very NCT Dream rapper feeling to it. Ten sounds great at 1:07. (Edit: lmfao, it’s Xiaojun actually.) The harmonies on this chorus is nice. Fun. Yangyang is a very enjoyable rapper to listen to. Wow, Ten is really carrying the vocals in this song… No hate to my boys Xiaojun and Kun. I’ve just really been noticing Ten’s voice. (Edit: well, kind of, since some of the parts that I thought were Ten were Xiaojun actually.) Wait a second… what this whole song in English? (Edit: yes, it is.) I know there’s been a lot of wondering about the future of WayV in light of what came out about Lucas, Winwin being in China for pretty much the entire year, and the pending further crackdown of foreign celebrities in China, and between this, “Low Low,” and the English version of “Back to You,” I wonder if SM is going to pivot WayV to doing songs in English rather than Chinese. I’ll be keeping an eye on that.

Vroom - Renjun opening trill? (Edit: Renjun is not in this song. I think it’s Chenle?) Oh, this ALSO feels like it could be a spiritual successor to “Dancing in the Rain.” OH, I am deeply into the way the song shifts at 0:53. I think it’s Jungwoo singing. (Edit: it is, then Kun.) Fun fast delivery with a great building instrumental. Aaaaand now we’ve pivoted away from it again. Come on, it seemed like it was going somewhere interesting! Jisung sounding great. Back to the fun section at 1:50, with Chenle I think? I’m not sure. (Edit: yes, it’s Chenle, then Kun again.) I wish more of the song sounded like that. In general, this song sounds like 3 different songs sewn together into one, which kind of is working but kind of not. I like this bit at 2:56 too. Not sure who is singing. (Edit: Kun! I’ve done a miserable job of picking his voice out, wow.) My mood this entire album lol. Fun keys for the ending.

Sweet Dream - I sense a ballad. Omg this sounds so musical theater. I hope Xiaojun and Doyoung are both in this. (Edit: Neither of them are lol.)  Oh, hi Jaehyun. Who is this at 1:24? Sounds nice. (Edit: Kun.) Was 1:57 Kun? (Edit: yes.) Note to self: look up all the vocals for the bridge, because they pass off quickly and I would like to know who is who. (Edit: Chenle to Haechan to Kun to Jaehyun, who carries it for bit, before it goes to Taeil.) I think I can hear Chenle in this?

Good Night - I sense another ballad. I like this acoustic guitar. Very soft and light. Renjun? A little breathier than I usually like him. Doyoung emotes so beautifully in his singing. Is this Xiaojun? Ohh, Taeil? I would like to dance to this song. It sounds very romantic. Oh Xiaojun, you sound lovely. Vocals so clear and strong. This song is nice, feels like the vocalists equivalent of “New Axis.” The instrumental was quiet sweet.

Beautiful - This is the other title track, right? Oh no, this sounds SO CHEESY. Coming-of-age and/or romantic drama soundtrack vibes. Wait this is such an ensemble song. Makes me think of “Season of Love” from Rent. This is very different from the usual NCT fare, so it’s interesting to me for that reason. Voice at 1:39 sounds wonderful. (Edit: Taeil, of course.) Definitely one of the leads if this were a musical. Which it totally sounds like. The vibe of this song is such a surprise to me, and I can’t say I’m hating it. I will definitely be looking at color-coded lyrics for this song to see where all the voices fit. (Edit: there’s a lot of really interesting duets between vocalists and rappers, like Renjun + Jisung and Doyoung + Shotaro.) Hi Taeyong. Hi Mark. Hi Jeno. (Edit: awkward, it was actually Jeno, then Hendery, THEN Mark I was hearing lol.) I see this is the rapper breakdown. 3:23 is either Renjun or Chenle, but I’m not sure which. (Edit: Chenle.) This is fun. Unexpected, but fun! 3:53 Xiaojun? (Edit: yep! Sing it!) I hope there’s a behind-the-scenes for the recording of this song. I bet it’d be so interesting.

Final Thoughts: I feel like this album started off with all the gritty songs, then got increasingly soft as the songs continued. There were a lot of surprises here, especially with “Beautiful,” and tbh, I like surprises from NCT. Keeps things interesting, which is what I think they do best. If they do a repack of this (and I’m assuming they will because don’t they always?), I hope they shuffle the song order so the two ballads aren’t next to each other. Keep the variety bumping. Favorite song after one listen through of the entire album is “Know Now,” but “Dreaming” and “Universe (Let’s Play Ball)” are contenders to grow into taking that title.

#e has thoughts #e liveblogs nct #nct #nct 2021

[oneletterelliot]

Reload (NCT Dream) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: I’m very familiar with “Ridin’” but all of the other songs are new to me.

Ridin’ - So I really like this song. My favorite NCT Dream title track for sure. I think the beat of it is just so catchy, and appreciate the contrast between the higher, flowier pre-chorus and the rest of the song, which is more driving. Listening to it always make me think of the choreography, which I also adore. This is Renjun’s song to me. There’s some nice harmonies in this, especially in the bridge.

Quiet Down - Okay, funky (positive) start. Oh, this is fun. Is 0:27 Renjun? (Edit: yes.) I really like this high tone with the lower voices under it. This buildup seems really promising. Wow, I like this a lot. The instrumental is quite to my taste, and the  vocals have some great harmony. Who is this at 1:05? Chenle???? (Edit: Nope, it’s Renjun.)This is a great followup to “Ridin’” imo. For a moment, I thought the voice at 2:15 was Mark, but obviously it can’t be, so I must guess Jeno since he’s the best at matching / mimicking Mark’s rap tone. (Edit: Yes, it’s Jeno.) I’m enjoying this song immensely actually.

7 Days - Betting this will be a softer song, since after two hard-hitters, NCT usually backs off a little. It’s very smooth. I’m digging it. Renjun at 1:37 sounds very good. That’s the sweetest spot of his range imo. Is this Jisung following after him??? (Edit: it is! I like it when Jisung sings.) This isn’t my favorite style of song, but as far as these types of song go, I’m enjoying it quite a bit. Is this Jeno at 3:05? (Edit: yes.) Sounds good.

Love Again - Interesting start. I like the beat. Good tempo. It’s funny, I was kinda expecting a sort of club beat summer song from the title, and I don’t know why, but this is very much not that. That high-pitched synth through the chorus reminds me another song, from like the 70s or something. I don’t have strong feelings on this song, but it’s pretty fun. Oh hey, a “My First and Last” shoutout. I liked the outro.

Puzzle Piece - Oooh, acoustic! I was expecting a ballad from this title. Is this Chenle following after Haechan’s opener? (Edit: No, it’s Renjun.) He sounds good. Then Jeno? (Edit: yes.) I like these harmonies. (Edit: wait, it’s JAEMIN at 0:37? SM should let this boy sing more!) This is really a get your lights out and wave them in the air kind of song. I’m liking it. It’s very sweet. Quite enjoying Jisung at 1:28. I like the guitar so much in this. Whoever has the high harmonies at 2:38… beautiful. (Edit: Chenle has the main and the lyric videos I’ve looked at don’t specify the backing, but it sounds like Renjun to me.) I wish Haechan sung in this tone more than his usual.

Final thoughts: Look, I love “Ridin’” a LOT, and the other songs didn’t disappoint either. This is a strong contender to be my favorite NCT Dream release.

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[oneletterelliot]

Favorite (NCT 127) - liveblog reaction

Original Sticker liveblog here.

Favorite (Vampire) - I like this whistle intro. The softer cousin to “Sticker’s” flute. There’s kind of a cheesy vibe to the vocals imo. I like the backing vocals at the start of the second verse. This song is fun but nothing’s really stood out (in either positive or negative ways) to me in it so far. Like, everything sounds solid, and I do like the whistley instrumental well enough, but ultimately I find the song kind of boring.

Love on the Floor - Promising beginning. Is this Yuta with the opening line? Doyoung sounds good, and in a slightly different style than his usual, which is fun. I’m feeling the beat. I wouldn’t call this a soft song, but it’s still softer than I was expecting from the title and the intro. I like Mark’s rap at 1:30. Is this Johnny following him? (Edit: Yes.) Oh, Jaehyun at 1:46 sounds niiiiiiiice. There’s something quite smooth about the chorus. Did Mark just sing “life is a bastard” at 2:28? Honestly, let kpop idols swear. (Idk if bastard if really considered a swear word, but you know what I mean.) Based entirely off the snippets of English lyrics, I feel like this song should’ve had the parenthetical “Vampire” in its title lol.

Pilot - Of course, a flight attended intro for this song. Of course. I’m getting “Dancing in the Rain” vibes from this. It’s interesting how soft/smooth all three songs on this repackage are, given how discordant and experimental Sticker was. 1:05 voice is nice; I must assume Taeil, but I’m not sure. (Edit: It is.) “Girl, let me take control. (Whee!)” Wow, a whole segment of English rap? I like the steel drum sounding thing in the instrumental. It’s fun enough, kind of a summery vibe. Okay, I hear the plane landing (or taking off?) noise again, nice bookmark.

Final thoughts: I didn’t LOVE any of these songs. Ironically enough, “Favorite” was probably my least favorite of the three.

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[oneletterelliot]

We Boom (NCT Dream) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: I know the title track and “119,” which is on my workout playlist haha.

BOOM - I think this instrumental opening is so interesting. Feels kind of plasticky. This style of rap isn’t my favorite, but I do like this song because I like  the chorus a lot. “We got that boom-boom-boom-boom-boom.” I’m jamming out. I think Chenle’s voice sounds really good in this song. Also I’m picturing the choreography, which I greatly enjoy. Whoever gets the post-bridge rap at 2:39 does sound quite good. Jeno, I think? (Edit: My recent inability to correctly identify NCT Dream’s voices persists! It’s Jisung.) But yeah, I like this song.

STRONGER - Hello, this is very intriguing right off the bat. Loving this bassline. This mini album was really the beginning of NCT Dream’s grittier era, huh? (“Go” notwithstanding.) Renjun’s voice is beautiful. Jisung’s voice too. I’m enjoying, primarily because of the instrumental I think. Nice harmonies on the bridge. I can’t help but wonder what this song would’ve sounded like with Mark on it; I feel like he would’ve suited this vibe really well. But it is nice to hear the other raps get to shine a little more in his absence.

119 - I love this song’s beat, as evidenced by the fact that it’s on my workout playlist. I think Jisung sounds great in it. The sections of this song are so distinct, like, there’s a very noticeable difference in the sound between the verse vs. pre-chorus vs. chorus vs. bridge. (This is another reason it makes an excellent workout song. I can portion reps by song sections lol.) “I like it like that.” The combination of voices throughout this song delights me. Haechan has a very unique vocal quality, which works better for some songs than others. I don’t think this is one that his voice sounds fabulous in.

Bye My First... - Another promising opening instrumental. Haechan’s voice works a lot better for this song than “119,” I think. Hello, these harmonies in what I’m assuming is the pre-chorus. This has a fun vibe. Jaemin also has a very unique vocal quality, which again, I like better at times than others. Really digging the bit at 2:17 with higher backing vocals behind a rap (Jeno, I’m assuming). (Edit: Yes, I finally got a voice right lol.) This is catchy. I like it a decent amount, though I don’t think it’ll be a favorite of mine.

Best Friend - Fun synth. Oh these claps lol. Is this the “ballad” song of the mini album? (I put ballad in quotes but it doesn’t really sound like a ballad, but it kind of has that vibe.) Oh, this is kinda funky (in a good way). I like these crescendoing shouty backing vocals. Is 1:15 Renjun? (Edit: yep!) Sounds really good. I like the style of rap in this song. Really like the layering of the vocals in the bridge. This is a cute song. Is that Jisung with the last line? (Edit: it is.) Sounds good.

Dream Run - I immediately get a sort of Prince vibe from this opening. I can already tell that Haechan’s voice will shine in this song. Like, it sits at the same table as “Irreplaceable,” you know? Oh, did the lyrics just shoutout to “Chewing Gum?” Fun. Wow, this is a fast rap. Oh, this is super fun. I’m into it. Makes me want to dance. Good tempo for running I think. Idk, I’m not running right now to test that theory lol. Like with “STRONGER,” I find myself thinking that Mark’s voice would’ve meshed really well with this song’s vibe. 2:25 immaculate moment of harmony. (Edit: Lyric videos aren’t really helpful here, but I think it’s a Jeno/Chenle harmony. Possibly also Renjun if there’s a third voice in there.) I like the ending.

Final thoughts: This is a really fun mini album! I didn’t dislike any of the songs. All of the instrumentals are quite strong imo.

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[oneletterelliot]

We Go Up (NCT Dream) - liveblog reaction

Disclaimer: I’m familiar with “Drippin’” and the Chinese version of “We Go Up.” All other songs are new. Once again, I’ll be skipping reacting to the Chinese version of the title track.

We Go Up - As always, I find myself taken aback by the Korean version having different lyrics in a different language than  the Chinese version lol. I don’t love the opening up until the actual vocal vocals at 0:35, Renjun, I think? (Edit: Chenle, actually.) The chorus is rather catchy though. I guess I just don’t love the raps in this song, aside from the one 1:24, which I think is Jeno. (Edit: Jisung, actually! Damn, my voice recognizing today is really off, huh.) The vocals are quite lovely for the bridge, and actually I rather like the rap part that immediately follows it. Jisung? (Edit: Mark, then immediately Jisung, which I was hearing  as one person, so I’m, like, half right.)

1, 2, 3 - Ooh, groovy percussion. Did this song just begin with Haechan singing, “Hey, shawty?” Lmao? I’m digging this vibe. Kind of smooth listening. But it’s fun, especially the instrumental. Ooh, wow, I like this acapella moment. I’m rocking out in my chair. There are some really nice harmonies in this. I feel like, given how much I’m enjoying this type of song, probably it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I like TXT’s music. Yeah, I liked this whole song a lot. (Edit: there’s a dance video! I love both the choreography and how much fun they’re having.)

Beautiful Time - Old school vibe with the guitar and the snaps. Wave your lighter and/or cellphone in the air, you know? I guess that checks out for the title of the song. Wow, the vocals sound so good in the chorus. I was about to say that I think this song is fine but probably not one that I’ll love just because it feels a little musically boring, but the chorus sounded really nice haha. I always talk about how I’m soft for WayV’s vocal trio, but maybe I am soft for NCT Dream’s vocal trio too. Renjun’s voice in the bridge! Wow!

Drippin’ - I love the clicking sort of percussive backing instrumental to this opening. Harmonies going into the pre-chorus are nice. I think this song has an appealing beat. Makes me want to dance. Have they ever performed this song live? If so, I bet the choreography is fun. I like Mark’s rap. Very fast. Very nice. This song has some really great ad libs during the last chorus.

Dear DREAM - This song sounds like it’s going to be cheesy. I like the instrumental though. The kick is very strong, and makes a nice contrast to that higher synth. I don’t have strong thoughts on this one, aside from really digging the instrumental. I would probably listen to an instrumental version of this song if it exists. Everyone is rapping at the bottom of their register, but especially Mark.

Final thoughts: This has a really interesting range in term the vibes the songs give off. It feels a little bit all over the place in a way. I liked “1, 2, 3″ a LOT!

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