WayV, the youngest sub-unit of NCT, finally got to release their first full album Awaken The World. The only Chinese unit formed under Label V has already created a name for themselves in a year and have become a well received septet in the industry. And with their latest release, the group did not aim any lower.

The Single

“Turn Back Time” is a heavy urban trap track rich in bass and electro instrumentals. The group is known for their distinguished SM Entertainment archival sounds and once again bring forth the essence of their seniors like TVXQ.

The song begins with a haunting intro along with the clock ticking behind, indicating the theme of time. Like most of their previous releases, the title track weighs much on rap, as much of the song is delivered in rap verses. Surprisingly, the song is not all about the quick verses, as the singers Kun and Xiaojun take their moment in bringing out various vocal bridges and bring together the distinguished segments with their mellow vocals.

It is not an overstatement to say that fans would be waiting for the heroic chorus to drop any second. As expected, the chorus sounds pompous with both bass beats and high hitting notes blending together as one. Despite its grandeur, the listeners might get a little startled with the chorus arrangements as the post chorus follows with the song’s iconic tagline, “Stop, Rewind, Turn Back Time,” which sounds catchy and addictive in an instant.

“Oh start the ego again minute by minute. The path to the future wouldn’t be repeated,” sings the chorus as the septet emphasizes swiftly moving forward towards the goal without leaving behind any regrets. The lyrics also address the hurdles we tend to meet during the run as Kun sings, “Like a kaleidoscope, temptation is everywhere. We’re hovering over the chaotic earth,” yet it is all about winning the game.

As the song reaches the climax, the brief guitar riffs are performed as it has become one of the signature instrumentals of the group since the “Take Off” days. The climax is carried out by featuring the incomparable high notes of Kun, Ten, and Xiaojun making the listener’s mouth drop. With Lucas concluding the track, the song sounds more profound and complete.

The Music Video

Fans of Marvel and sci-fi themes could enjoy this music video more as it has so much to deliver along with the song and choreography. The members become imprisoned mutants who are contained for their super powers. The music video begins with the sound alarm, as Ten makes his way out of his prison while the others are still stuck in their own cells. Every WayV member has a different power and are trapped in customized prisons.

Lucas appears shirtless, showing off his cut off wings. The reference is quite similar to the representation of Angel (also known as Archangel) from the X-Men series. The same scene takes place in the movie X-Men: The Last Stand as Angel’s wings are taken away by a group of scientists but eventually he regains his wings and remains as one of the mutants on the squad. Likewise, Lucas flashes off his wings in the end. Does that mean he still has his super powers?

Next is Winwin, who is tied up with heavy chains that keep him in place. Before him are a few pills with a glass of water, which once again can be a reference to X-Men as the government sets up a laboratory and finds a cure to disable the powers of the mutants. The members are probably forced to take the pills to no longer be mutants as the pills are also set before the other members when they sit together at a table. The members are also marked with a “V” tattoo which might be their identifying mark for being homosuperiors or prisoners. As for Hendery, he is placed amidst plants and is always found in water. Though his powers aren’t specified, he can be seen being tortured under water as he might be used for various tests. The youngest member, Yang Yang, is shown locked within walls crowded with his own write-ups and figures while Xiao is found in a hot environment to control his ice powers.

Kun on the other hand is found in a messy prison as he is surrounded with shattered glass pieces and hanging lights. Huge claw prints are found all over the room, which might indicate that Kun has the ability to change into a beast, which can once again be a reference to X-Men as the team has a similar character called Beast. The Beast is blue, matching Kun's hair color. In the end, the members are finally released with the help of Ten, as the chains break off and the members run out of the building together.

Adding up to the cinematic plot, the video also features powerful choreography performed by the members. In the choreography comes the viewer’s favorite neck move, which has got much attention since the teaser release. They also show off their dance moves in individual shots and finally perform a hefty dance break during the climax to end it on a high note. With a maze of theories yet to be unraveled, the intriguing storyline and heavy choreography is sure to keep the viewers on their toes throughout the music video.

The Album

Awaken The World is a bundle of ten unique tracks including the title. The full album is indeed a treat to the fans who have been waiting for a full album since the septet’s debut.

The album begins with the title track as the grand opener and is followed by “Bad Alive.” The song has a similar sound as the single with electro-synths and rap verses. The rhythm is comparatively calm and brings out a swagger in WayV. Like many other NCT songs that boast about the members’ riches and their bold colors, “Bad Alive” proudly proclaims about the group’s success. The chorus, “I’m alive here to slay it all. I’m alive on the mountain top,” is just one of the many notable English lyrics we get to enjoy during the listen.

“Unbreakable” brings a shift in the album’s genre as the song opens with a softer tone. The song sings about the unbreakable bond as lovers as the members enchant the listeners with their vocals. As main vocalists, Kun and Xiao get to have the limelight in showcasing their vocal abilities while the rest of the members contribute with slow paced rap verses. The song sounds its best when the members unite together to harmonize during the chorus, making it a blissful listen for the fans.

“After Midnight” is a breezy track with a mild touch of tropical beats to add to the rhythm. The mild tune accompanied with the members honeyed vocals sounds wholesome and gratifying. As for the lyrics, the penned lines can very well excite the fans sounding more similar to its famous cousin, “Love Talk.”

With a similar sound to Neo Zone’s interlude, “Interlude: Awaken The World” starts playing and later follows with its unique instrumental sound. With the next track, “Only Human,” there is not only a shift in the album’s sound but also the narration, as the members lay low reflecting upon their inferiorities. “Don’t you know I’m only human,” sings the chorus, as the feeling of distress is quite common during the monotonous run. The mild keyboard notes and empathetic lyrics can comfort the listeners by letting them know they are not alone while feeling low.

“Domino” is more of a melancholic melody. The imagery of comparing the desperate feelings with domino pieces falling over is unique as it sings, “Domino, you decide my downfall. I can feel it in my bones.” Despite the gloomy mood, the song sounds more pleasing and aesthetic during the listen, making it a fan favorite on the album. “Up From Here” is a light track with peppy beats confessing the protagonist’s love and concern to their lover. The sweet sounding vocals and harmonizing chorus can instantly bring a smile to the listener’s face.

“Electric Hearts” is a much lighter and peppy song which would make the listeners want to enjoy the music and dance along. The kings of WayZenNi’s hearts (fans of WayV) are here to send electric hearts in order to be accepted by their loved one. The mood of the song is quite similar to “Let Me Love” from their first album and fans would be very happy to receive a self-made video for the latest song as well.

“Stand By Me” is a perfect b-side to end the album as the song sings about being there for each other. “Stand, stand by me. Stand by me, will you just stand?” the members sweetly ask their fans, cherishing the beautiful bond they’ve formed over the years. The group also sends an eternal promise to stay there for their fans as they sing, “I will be the rope in the middle of the night skies, grabbing your hand through the darkness,” which is irresistibly sweet and comforting.

Final Thoughts

Personally I have always been happy with the content from WayV since their debut and this album is no exception. Getting to see the members contribute equally in accordance to their strength and also experiment with new styles is a plus. And yes, I would definitely want you to give a listen to the album.

"Turn Back Time" Title Score: 9/10

"Turn Back Time" Music Video Score: 9.5/10

Awaken The World Album Score: 8.5/10

Final Score: 9/10

Did you get to listen to WayV’s new album? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Listen to the album here!

Lyrics Translation: https://lyricskpop.net/