Throwback Thursday: NCT U Edition
Photo: SM Entertainment
Since 2016, SM Entertainment's mega boy group NCT has been releasing hit after hit. With a grand total of 25 members, the group is divided into six subunits: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT DOJAEJUNG, WayV, and NCT WISH. Today, we are going to talk about the subunit NCT U specifically. The really cool thing about this unit is how it isn’t a fixed group. The members change every song, and that is something that makes it so unique. So, let’s take it back and talk about some NCT U tracks.
NCT U - “OK!”
On December 14, 2021, NCT released their collective album Universe - The 3rd Album. On this album, all of the NCT members are featured, each being mixed into smaller groups to create bangers. One song that many NCTzens love from that album is the fourth song, “OK!” Featuring a mixture of NCT 127, WAYV, and NCT Dream, this R&B track has a rap-heavy focus and smooth vocals. Taeyong, Ten, Yuta, Mark, Hendery, Jeno, and Yangyang sound amazing on this song, and each time a new member says, “My baby says she wanna dance with a ghost. She wants to leave me, uh,” it is as different as the last. Each rapper's flow is distinct, and Ten and Yuta bring a more sensual sound to the track with their smooth vocals. It’s understandable why this is a favorite amongst fans and will forever be one.
NCT U - “Work It”
On November 22, 2020, the NCT album NCT RESONANCE, Pt. 2 - The 2nd Album. Jam-packed with upbeat tracks, one dance track stands out the moment it starts. The 18th song on the album is a groovy, retro, and electric track, “Work It.” Featuring the members Johnny, Yuta, Ten, Jungwoo, Hendery, Jaemin, and Jisung, this was a unit we didn’t know we needed until we got it. Reminding you of that party music from 2009 through 2012, with some ‘80s synth dance music, and LMFAO-inspo, “Work It” is full of energy, and the members will have you up on your feet, ready to dance along with them. It’s such a fun song, and while listening to this track, you can’t help but smile and jump around your room.
NCT U - “Vroom”
On the Universe - The 3rd Album, there was a track on there that, the moment it started, you couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. With a bright and bubbly sound, this track will have you swaying along to the beat. “Vroom” is an upbeat track with an exciting beat and feel-good aura. The members Kun, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Hendery, Chenle, Jisung, and former member Shotaro sing this song with a cheerful tone. In this song, we get to hear members like Jisung and Hendery not only rap but also sing. Every member sings with smooth vocals, making this a relaxing track for every listener. There are falsettos, harmonies, and runs in this song that you can’t help but sing along to.
NCT U - “PADO”
On August 27, 2023, NCT released their stellar album Golden Age - The 4th Album. With an outstanding list of songs on this album, it’s always hard to pick one that stands out the most. One that NCTzens talk about a lot is the third track on the album, “PADO.” This track is wholesome and showcases a retro concept that fits the members perfectly. With a cheerful beat, this track features a strong arrangement of instruments, like the drums, horns, piano, and bass guitar. With a jazz influence, the members —Johnny, Taeyong, Jaehyun, Mark, Xiaojun, Hendery, and Haechan —create a lively experience with this track. Even when performed live, the members are full of energy, and give us such strong vocals that you can’t help but rewind it to the beginning.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne