NCT 127 took a break from music in order to focus on their individual activities. They released their fourth studio album, 2 Baddies, in August.
After being stranded with no new music for nearly a year, fans were beaming with expectations, wondering how the comeback was going to measure up to its predecessor. Were they satisfied? Let’s find out.
2 Baddies 1 Porsche 1 Banger
The lead single from NCT’s upcoming album is sure to be a hit, but it also has some weaknesses. For one, the song is very slow and boring. Additionally, it doesn’t have much of a melody or hook.
NCT 127 is a noisy, exuberant and energetic hip hop group that is all about pushing boundaries. After opening with a nasty pots-and-pans kind of intro, the song goes straight into its hip hop dance identity, which is pretty much the wheelhouse of the group. The rappers bounce with dynamism over the rubbery beat, while the vocalists showcase their talents once again, thus creating a contrast of melody and potency that blends well in their discography. Given its noisy appeal, NCT 127 is precisely within the bounds of 127’s safe-zone, but for a group as inventive and experimental as NCT, that accounts for a very large area.
NCT’s latest album, Baddies, doesn’t quite sound like anything that the group has released before, but it has that flamboyant and polarising quality that is characteristic of NCT. That’s why though you will like the song if you’re a fan of their sound, you may not like it if you’re not a fan of their sound.
2 Baddies is an energetic and dissonant band from the start, with thrilling melodies and a catchy chorus. Their bare-bone yet crowded production makes this track feel like a dentist drill to the skull, but if that’s not something you usually enjoy, this song is not for you. ..
B-sides – the love triangle between RnB, hip hop and pop
The two baddies in the group play around with the group’s preferred genres – namely, RnB, hip hop, and pop.
The album’s opener, “Faster,” is a hip hop dance track with a strong baseline and a powerful yet minimal hook. This song is simply-put the perfect choice for the album’s opener, as it is representative of 127’s musical identity and eases listeners into the racer concept of the title track that follows.
The group experiments with different sounds on their latest album, “B-Sides”. These sounds include RnB and hip hop. The group also uses UK drill-style beats and 90’s-reminiscent sounds on some tracks.
The three songs of the album “Playback” are different in sound, with Gold Dust being a slow and sentimental R&B song, Black Clouds being a mid-tempo R&B song, and Playback being an up-tempo pop song. ..
The album has a fun, upbeat vibe with catchy guitar riffs and a funky 90’s groove.
NCT 127’s fifth track on the album, “Designer,” is a hip-hop/R&B song with captivating vocals and conversational rap on a bouncy beat. ..
2 Baddies… too goodies!
NCT 127’s discography is full of great work, both in and out of the context of their own music. This album is no exception.
The album showcases the group’s harmonization skills and mastery of the R&B genre. Hip-hop is present, but it favors groove and melody over hard-hitting beats and tones. This makes for a cohesive album, but the fusion of different styles ensures that there is enough freshness for it to not sound bland. ..
2 Baddies manages to stand out from its predecessor by having a more solid identity sound-wise.
The album could use a more diverse tracklist. The opening and closing tracks are great, but the rest of the album feels a bit too similar.
This album has a strong identity, and greatly encapsulates the sound that 127 have built over the years. It is a bit more safe compared to its predecessor, as it steers a bit away from the cornucopia formula that characterised the previous record. But in hindsight, that safer approach is what makes it read as more cohesive and straightforward.
NCT 127’s sophomore album 2 Baddies is a mix of rough edges and smooth RnB, with the zing of their more experimental tracks balanced by easy-listening tunes. It’s audience-friendly and enjoyable while still not sacrificing the group’s signature zing. It’s interesting without being divisive, and that is exactly why NCT 127 hit the jackpot with 2 Baddies.
