A Review of NCT's Album, RESONANCE Pt. 1 | Resonating Brilliance

Back in 2020, as a NCTzen, I witnessed the emergence of a phenomenon in the K-pop universe. NCT, renowned for their groundbreaking concept of ever-expanding members and diverse subunits, embarked on a colossal project known as NCT2020. This thrilling endeavour saw all 23 members come together, including new additions from that year, Sungchan and Shotaro.

"RESONANCE Pt. 1" made its grand entrance on October 12, 2020, and it marked the commencement of an epic musical journey. It was a jubilant celebration of NCT's diverse musical palette, spanning across a vibrant spectrum of genres, from the rhythmic beats of hip-hop to the infectious melodies of pop and the soulful rhythms of R&B.

For those not yet acquainted with NCT's unique concept, let me break it down. NCT's modus operandi revolves around the fascinating idea of having an ever-evolving cast of members grouped into subunits. These subunits include NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV. NCT U operates with a revolving door of members, keeping the lineup fresh while the other subunits maintain a consistent set of talents.

Within this musical mosaic, "RESONANCE Pt. 1" boasts a tracklist of 11 amazing songs. Two of these tracks receive a linguistic makeover, bringing the grand total to 13. It's noteworthy that all but three tracks belong to NCT U, each with its own unique lineup.

Here is the complete tracklist of RESONANCE Pt. 1:

1. Make A Wish (Birthday Song)
2. Misfit
3. Volcano
4. Light Bulb
5. Dancing in the Rain
6. Interlude: Past to Present
7. Deja Vu
8. Nectar
9. Music, Dance
10. Faded in my Last Song
11. From Home (English Ver.)
12. From Home (Korean Ver.)
13. Make A Wish (Birthday Song) (English Ver.)

The album presents itself as a diverse collection of standalone musical gems. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at each of these gems, before we wrap up this captivating musical journey with our overall verdict.

"Make A Wish (Birthday Song)" by NCT U is a musical delight that will make you burst with energy. Released on October 12, 2020, as part of NCT 2020's "RESONANCE Pt. 1," this track is a celebratory anthem perfect for any occasion. It featured a stellar performance by Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Lucas, Xiaojun, Jaemin, and Shotaro.

Imagine hitting play, and right from the start, you're nodding along. It's got this cool mix of hip-hop and pop that's just plain infectious. And the chorus? It's the kind that'll get stuck in your head for days. Honestly, this song pushes you to follow your dreams and aim high. It's like a pep talk wrapped in a pop song. 

I really liked the distinctive tone in Jaemin and Shotaro's part just before the first chorus, and the alternating sections with Taeyong and Jaehyun were especially noteworthy. All in all, it's a very solid track; I'd rate it 8 out of 10.

NCT U, the boundary-pushing subunit of the mega K-pop group NCT, delivers a hard-hitting rap powerhouse with "Misfit." Released as part of NCT 2020's "RESONANCE Pt. 1," "Misfit" immediately grabbed my attention. Johnny, Taeyong, Mark, Hendery, Jeno, Yangyang, and Sungchan performed well for this single. 

What makes "Misfit" good is the dynamic rap duo: Mark and Taeyong. These two are K-pop rap royalty, and in this track, they showcase their unmatched skills. Their verses are rapid-fire, filled with wordplay and attitude, making it impossible to look away.

Behind Mark and Taeyong's electrifying delivery is a powerful beat. The production is nothing short of stellar, with a blend of trap and hip-hop elements that create a gritty, urban atmosphere.

However, for me, this song primarily serves as a platform to showcase their impressive rap skills and that's where its impact ends. It's an enjoyable listen for a few minutes, but it's unlikely to leave a lasting impression - a 6 out of 10 rating seems fitting.

When I first listened to "Volcano" by NCT U, it was like a musical explosion in my ears. It features Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Lucas, and Mark. Its fiery fusion of trap and hip-hop sounds is what sets it apart. There is an unavoidable sense of urgency brought about by the rhythm's relentlessness.

NCT U is known for their rap game, and "Volcano" is a prime example. Mark, Taeyong, and Taeyong bring the heat with their slick verses. Their wordplay and confidence add an extra layer of intensity to the track. While "Volcano" is all about the musical thrill, it also carries a message of unstoppable force.

 The lyrics speak to the determination to conquer challenges and keep pushing forward. The comparable hip-hop rhythm of Volcano, one of NCT's best-known songs, has led to speculation that it is a sequel to Boss. I'll give it 8 out of 10.

"Light Bulb" is truly a standout on the album. This track is performed by four out of the 23 members, including Taeyong, Kun, Doyoung, and Sungchan, and it's personally one of my absolute favourites.

 What sets "Light Bulb" apart is its calming instrumental and slower tempo, courtesy of a lovely piano melody. But don't let that fool you—there's also some percussion in the mix, giving the song an R&B vibe with just the right kick for some slick rapping. Taeyong and Sungchan truly shine with their mature and impressive rap skills.

And here's the cool part: it follows a similar pattern as the other side tracks, giving off a nostalgic feel. Doyoung and Kun deliver some seriously captivating and breathy vocals. This one definitely deserves a spot on your playlist, with a rating of 10 out of 10.

"Dancing in the Rain" by NCT U is like a dance party on a rainy day, and it adds a refreshing twist to NCT's music collection. It's part of NCT 2020's "RESONANCE Pt. 1," and it's a definite mood-lifter, even on those gloomy days. It’s sung by Yuta, Johnny, Taeil, Xiaojun, Chenle, Hendery, Jungwoo, and Kun.

What makes this track shine is its infectious rhythm. It seamlessly blends pop and hip-hop elements, creating a bouncy, feel-good vibe that's hard to resist. It practically begs you to start dancing in your living room.

NCT U showcases their vocal skills beautifully in this song. The harmonious mix of voices adds depth and a cosy touch, making it the perfect companion when you're cuddling up on a rainy day.

"Dancing in the Rain" by NCT U is a musical sunshine beam, especially on a rainy day. I give it a 10 out of 10 rating - it's a winner! 

When I listened to "Interlude: Past to Present" by NCT, I found it to be a brief yet impactful track that serves as a musical time machine, taking us on a journey through the group's evolution, and it's a crucial part of NCT's repertoire.

Positioned as an interlude in their album, this track offers a pause in the musical narrative. It's like a doorway to NCT's past and present and possibly hints at their future.

Despite its brevity, it managed to stir up my emotions. It features brief vocal snippets and melodies from previous tracks, creating a sense of nostalgia and connection for fans who have been on this musical journey with NCT from the beginning.

This song is a testament to their growth and a nod to loyal fans who've witnessed their evolution. It's like a time machine that lets you relive their past while looking forward to their future. I’d give it 7 out of 10.

What I liked about Déjà vu was its fantastic blend of pop and R&B. It's like mixing up all your favourite musical flavours into one delicious smoothie, creating a dreamy and emotional vibe that's, well, just plain delightful.

The song hints at a grander scale, suggesting exciting things on the horizon for the group. Notably, Haechan's vocal ad-lib at the reverb-soaked, epic intro adds a spine-tingling dimension that sets this track apart from previous Dream songs.

"Déjà Vu" by NCT is a total musical gem that should find its way onto your playlist. Admittedly, it might not quite match the captivation level of some NCT Dream hits, but it brings its own unique magic to the table.

I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10, and a big round of applause for keeping us entertained! 

"Nectar" by NCT is like a musical potion you can't resist. Trust me! From their "RESONANCE Pt. 1" album, this track is pure musical brilliance.

The  infectious beats and harmonious vocals are a win! It's got this sensual, grown-up feel that's hard to miss. Plus, that high note? Mind-blowing! But here's the real kicker: "Nectar" is in Chinese. It's the start of this multilingual trend on the album (check out "From Home" for some Chinese and Japanese action). 

Honestly, this track is a must-listen! It showcases NCT's talent and their knack for creating music that hits you right in the feels. I'd say it's an 8 out of 10.

"Music, Dance" by NCT is all about celebrating the magic of music and how it brings us together. From their "RESONANCE Pt. 1" album, this track is pure K-pop energy.

The moment it kicks off, "Music, Dance" grabs you with its infectious beat. It's a feel-good anthem designed to make you move. NCT's pop and hip-hop fusion is on full display, creating a sound that's impossible to resist. While the vocal sequences were extremely fantastic, I felt that the song's verses had a choppy opening approach and detracted from what could have been an overall pleasant dance music. 

In a nutshell, "Music, Dance" is a lively gem in NCT's collection. I’d give it 6 out of 10.

"Faded in My Last Song" by NCT is a deep and introspective track from their "RESONANCE Pt. 1" album, performed by Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Ten, Lucas, Renjun, Haechan and Jisung. It's a musical journey that dives into emotions and memories, hitting you right in the feels. I’m telling you!

From the get-go, the song sets a melancholic tone with its haunting melody and heartfelt vocals. NCT switches gears here, trading their usual high-energy beats for a more reflective and emotional performance.

Lyrically, it explores nostalgia, reflection, and the way time slips by. It's a reminder that even the most vibrant moments can fade away, leaving us with bittersweet memories.

In a nutshell, "Faded in my Last Song" is a standout that shows NCT's talent in hitting those emotional chords. I’d give it a 10 out of 10.

"From Home" by NCT is an emotional rollercoaster that tugs at the heartstrings. This beautiful track, featured in their "RESONANCE Pt. 1" album, is a testament to the group's versatility in delivering both energetic and heartfelt performances. It was performed by Taeil, Yuta, Kun, Doyoung, Renjun, Haechan, and Chenle.

Right from the beginning, this song captivated me with its gentle melody and heartfelt vocals. NCT showcases their ability to switch from high-energy beats to a more intimate and touching style.

The song explores themes of longing and missing loved ones, particularly when they are far away. It's a heartfelt message that many can relate to, especially in today's interconnected world where being apart from loved ones is a common experience.

"From Home" is a standout track that highlights NCT's emotional depth and musical prowess. It's a reminder of NCT's ability to create music that connects with listeners on a personal level. So, take a moment, listen to "From Home," and let it evoke those feelings of warmth and nostalgia. I’d give it a 9 out of 10.