Neo Got My Back
“Neo got my back. Culture things. Tech, tech on my mind.” This line is from the iconic track “INTRO: Neo Got My Back” by sub-unit NCT U. SM Entertainment mega boy group NCT has taken the world by storm since their debut in 2016. NCT is comprised of six sub-units that all have their unique sound but stick to the NCT concept of hard-hitting tracks with majestic vocals. The sub-units are NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, their recent sub-unit NCT WISH, and NCT DOJAEJUNG. Today, let's talk about some B-sides that show that signature NCT sound, though no two are the same.
NCT U - “Round&Round”
NCT U is a unit that doesn’t have a permanent lineup of members and doesn’t have a certain amount of members. NCT U can be any NCT member, and that’s what makes this unit so unique. “Round&Round” is a B-side off their collective album and features all of NCT, Universe - The 3rd Album. This track features members Taeil, Ten, Xiaojun, Jaehyun, Haechan, and former member Sungchan. This track showcases NCT's awesome vocal skills and togetherness. In this song, we get to hear six strong vocalists harmonizing over a hard-hitting, bass-induced beat. The ad libs are spot on, and the high notes make you feel like you are floating. “Round&Round” is a track that you play over and over again and sing word for word.
NCT 127 - “Love is a beauty”
Recently, NCT 127 released their fifth album, Fact Check, and on the album is a B-side called “Love is a beauty.” And well, this track is a beauty. It is the type of song you grip your chest to and sing at the top of your lungs. NCT 127 is a unit with nine members total that gives us R&B and hip-hop mixtures. Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan put their all into this song. Something I love about this song is that we get to hear each member's singing skills. “Love is a beauty” is an R&B B-side that talks about the love the members have for their significant other. When I first heard this song, I had to rewind it. The track is soulful, with a catchy, laid-back beat that makes you sway.
NCT Dream - “Teddy Bear”
If I had to say what my favorite NCT Dream song is, I would most definitely say “Teddy Bear.” NCT Dream is a sub-unit with seven members in total. The members are Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. “Teddy Bear” is an R&B/pop fusion track from their second album, Glitch Mode. This track is calming and gives each member time to showcase his vocals. “Teddy Bear” is a breathtaking track with soothing vocals and talented harmonizing and adlibs. Each member's vocal tones fit this song perfectly. It is a track I would recommend to everyone if they are trying to get into NCT Dream.
WayV - “Poppin’ Love”
On November 1, 2023, WayV released their fantastic album, On My Youth - The 2nd Album. WayV’s skilled vocal, rap, and dancing abilities are on full display. Kun, Ten, Winwin, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Yangyang are all members of NCT’s Chinese sub-unit, WayV. On their album, there is a track called “Poppin Love.” This track is upbeat, with a catchy beat that makes you want to get up and bust a move. “When you looking at me, I’m so off my face” is a lyric stuck in everyone’s mind. The bridge is so addictive. The repetitive “Ain’t it poppin’ love, poppin’ love, poppin’ love, yeah” line would get any listener hype. The song not only incorporates a fun beat but also high notes that will blow your mind. It’s a fun song I think everyone should listen to.
Edited by Cara Musashi