Review: NCT embrace their Golden Age with the release of a full-length album

Following the news of their large-scale concert, NCT has returned with a full-length album, Golden Age (2023).

They dropped their fourth album last Monday (28 Aug), along with the new music video of their title number Baggy Jeans (2023).

For those unaware, NCT is quite unlike any other K-pop group. They are termed as the industry’s most experimental boy band as the band can have “limitless members”. That is, to say that members will come and leave. Or they might be funnelled into other sub-units in the supergroup.

Some of these sub-units include NCT 127, NCT U, NCT Dream, WayV and the more recently formed NCT Tokyo.

Read more: Show Review: One member down, but NCT Dream promise to come back with full strength

NCT’s Golden Age

This might just be the supergroup’s golden age with this album, backed by a full-group concert titled NCT Nation: To The World, taking place in both Seoul and Osaka.

But they are not at their peak, just yet, as the boys have so much more to explore and uncover.

Baggy Jeans

Fronting their fourth album this time is title number Baggy Jeans (2023), a tune infused with hip-hop dance beats. Affirming their status as one of the frontrunners of music trends, they cleverly included trendy terms like drip and slay in the lyrics.

The track’s pre-chorus is also an effective hook to transition listeners to the pretty repetitive, but addictive, chorus. The boys chant “baggy jeans” throughout the chorus as they work through groovy moves.

The BAT

The Bat delves into a dark and hyper-pop soundscape, drawing inspiration from Batman’s Batcave.

In the track’s archiving video, we see Jeno, Johnny, Yuta, Jungwoo, Hendery, and Jisung donning leather ensembles. While the track is mostly loud and  bass-driven, members get their chance to show off their vocals, which makes for a seamless integration between intense beats and their vocals.

Kangaroo

On the other hand, Kangaroo presents a medium-tempo pop song, showcasing witty lyrics that liken the unrestrained life to that of a Kangaroo.

The music video performed by Jisung, Chenle, Renjun, Kun, Yangyang and Taeil takes an upbeat approach to life. Members embrace a carefree getaway, savouring quality time together as friends.

Golden Age

Golden Age opens quite unlike the usual NCT tunes. There are no bombastic sounds just yet as it samples Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique”.

But we know that’s not quite NCT’s style. And so we’re greeted with Mark’s opening rap verses accompanied by track beats.

Now, I’m not sure if it’s wise to reinterpret a classic like this. But it’s apparent that NCT is executing it well as it gives a modern and different spin to the musical piece.

The other vocalists have ample time to shine in the pre-chorus and choruses too. And there’s no striking clash between their more sultry vocal parts and the potent rap verses.

Well, from dark and intense to light and rhythmic, Golden Age, has something for every music enthusiast.