JMusic: NCT U 'Boss'

Jen's Juicy Jams

Hello Hello Hello! What's up my beautiful readers? For those that celebrated it, I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day whether, through treating yourself, spending the day with a special someone or through feeling the love with family and friends.

If you didn't that's ok! because I'm here to treat you with this week's Juicy Jam, NCT U 'BOSS'!

Courtesy Photo: NCT U 

Before I get into the juicy track, let's break down NCT. NCT, which stands for Neo Culture Technology is a group of units: NCT U, NCT 127 and NCT Dream, all managed by SM Entertainment. Each group has their own target demographic and sound with NCT U and 127 focusing on more "mature" genres such as hip-hop, rap and R&B, and Dream focusing on feel-good pop with a youthful, innocent flair. 

NCT U is a special group that represents all the NCT units by rotating its members, meaning that members from different units come and go. The debut members were Ten, Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun and Mark, who were in the group's first release, 'The 7th Sense'. Since debut, Ten was out of commission due to a knee injury (but he will return!) and NCT 127's Taeil was rotated in for the vocal line's singles, 'Without You' and 'Radio Romance'. For this comeback, Taeil was rotated out and fellow NCT 127 member, WinWin was added along with new members to NCT, Jungwoo and Lucas, who will make their official debut to the kpop world with this comeback. 

This comeback also kicks off NCT's special project, "NCT 2018". 'BOSS', is one of the tracks on the upcoming NCT 2018 album, which will drop in March and consist of tracks from all NCT units.

Current NCT U members. Courtesy NCT U. 

The MV

The MV, filmed in Ukraine was quite simple, as are most of NCT U's music videos, but the simplicity draws focus to the group's intense choreo and strong performance presence. Throughout the MV, there was discord between the younger and the older members, the fight culminating with Mark and Taeyong, the respective representatives of each group jumping on a table and actively charging at each other. These two charging at the other is interesting because Mark is in all three NCT units and the leader in Dream and whereas Taeyong is in NCT 127 and U but he is the leader in both. Perhaps Mark is using this fight as a chance to beat Taeyong and show us all who the real boss is.

We were served LEWKS the whole time as members showcased their confidence and charisma with aggressive, fierce and in your face choreography paired with the occasional body roll. The alternating wardrobe between stylish logo bearing athleisure outfits and black military uniforms (swoon) which could be a play on the battle between the older and younger members did not disappoint either. It was visuals, visuals, visuals. 

EXCUSE ME JAEHYUN??? (the one in the grey blazer)

THE SONG

The song is a powerful electro, hip-hop dance track, in line with their usual sound. 'BOSS' is like a melodic version of 'Cherry Bomb' infused with the grungy bass synth riffs featured in 'Firetruck'.  The honeyed harmonic tones of the vocal line offset the swag-filled, punchy verses of the rap line and the assertive chants in the chorus, which made the song even more badass. I have to say the two new members did not disappoint. Lucas shocked me because with his cute, elfin features who knew he would have that deep voice and verse flow. AND JUNGWOO. Let's talk about Jungwoo. 

When I first heard his vocals

That boy can sing! He might have to fight Taeil for best vocals in NCT because his sweet tenor voice during that bridge and Doyoung coming through with that high note at the end of it... That is talent right there! I had to bring it back and listen a few times. IT'S THAT GOOD.

There you have it! NCT came back and graced us with robust choreography, beautiful vocals, and charismatic showmanship. It was a perfect start to their year and an excellent introduction to NCT 2018. I'm high-key excited to see what the other units have in store and how well their sounds will blend together on this collaborative album. I recommend checking out NCT U's 'The 7th Sense' if you haven't already. The track, cinematography and the color correction in the MV are A1. Also, check out NCT 127's previous releases. They feature similar uptempo, hip-hop tracks; a couple of my faves are 'Back 2 U' and 'Cherry Bomb'. For those who prefer a more innocent and sprightly sound, NCT Dream's debut single 'Chewing Gum' might be your cup of tea. Though be careful, it's super catchy!

I hope you enjoyed this post. I hope you enjoyed the song and I hope that you are looking forward to new music from NCT! 

Thanks for reading! Till next time! :)

Jen M.