NCT is coming back as a whole after a year and 8 months. During this hiatus, NCT and their agency SM Entertainment underwent various changes. Expectations are already high on the “Neo” music that NCT will showcase this time.
NCT is set to release their 4th full album “Golden Age” on August 28th. The album involves all 20 members from NCT 127, NCT DREAM and WayV. This marks their first full-group release since the 3rd full album “UNIVERSE” on December 14th, 2021.
“Golden Age” comprises 10 tracks, including double title tracks “Golden Age” and “Baggy Jeans”. The latter is a collaboration among members Taeyong, Ten, Doyoung, Jaehyun and Mark, who were part of NCT U’s unique debut track “The 7th Sense” in 2016. This song, with its “Neo” sound and departure from traditional idol debut songs, represented NCT’s distinct musical style.
The long-awaited “The 7th Sense” members have grown individually over the years through various experiences. Comparing the youthful 2016 version to the more mature 2023 version is expected to bring a new perspective.
Other combinations are anticipated as well. Revealed so far are tracks like “Interlude: Oasis” involving Yuta, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jaemin and Chenle; “The BAT” including Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Jungwoo, Hendery, Jeno and Jisung; and “Kangaroo” with Taeil, Kun, Renjun, Yangyang, Chenle and Jisung. Other tracks also promise unique combinations and diverse music.
Unlike their previous 3rd full album promotion where only 21 out of 23 members participated, this time all 20 members are involved, marking a true full-group comeback. Lucas left the group due to personal issues, while Shotaro and Sungchan joined SM’s new boy group RIIZE.
Outside the group, changes occurred in SM Entertainment’s vision (SM 3.0), with Kakao Entertainment becoming the major shareholder. The departure of former executive producer Lee Soo Man, who conceptualized NCT’s unique “infinite openness” concept, led to the conclusion of this concept with the debut of NCT Tokyo.
Despite these changes, NCT’s signature “Neo” music remains unchanged. The distinctiveness of NCT’s music is a defining characteristic. As SM Entertainment transitions to a multi-label system in the SM 3.0 era, NCT’s “Neo” style is expected to expand further.
NCT is gearing up for their album release with various teasing content. They plan to pre-release “Golden Age” and its music video on August 23rd, followed by the group concert “NCT NATION: To The World” on August 26th. Fans are eagerly awaiting NCT’s return with their anticipated “Neo” style in the SM 3.0 era.
Source: Daum
