It’s become a tradition for at least one SM Entertainment artist to release winter-themed material each year. Sometimes, the whole agency gets in on the fun, but this year it’s NCT 127’s turn to deliver the holiday cheer. Be There For Me is broad enough to work as a “normal” single, but its cozy video makes it perfect for December.
There are no sleigh bells to be found here, but the song’s mid-tempo bounce and brass accents feel festive. Be There For Me‘s strongest asset is its layered vocal performance, which takes advantage of the members’ compelling tones to craft a satisfying texture. A standout bridge further leverages this asset, though it could have done with a couple great power notes. The song itself is not as strong as this execution, waffling between forgettable rap verses and melodies that don’t quite capture the upbeat swing a track like this requires.
The song will certainly make my (quite extensive) K-pop winter playlist, but it won’t be a centerpiece. However, this time of year is known for its extensive side dishes and I’m sure Be There For Me will be someone’s holiday highlight of choice.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I enjoyed this song, and I think this is a great send-off to NCT’s 2023.
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I think I have to be in the mood to listen to this song but from the first listen I got, it’s cute but as you said it would probably pass as a normal song and that’s how I felt when watching the mv . I realised that most of the verses were just rapping or rap singing and the only singing verse I remember is when Taeil started the last verse, it makes me which that they could have started the song with some vocals , it would have been a nice welcome into the winter song but that’s okay .
I still wish to see Mark and Taeyong sing in these kind of songs , this was also my main problem in some of their songs in their Fact Check album . Seeing a different side of them also in the group work would be nice to see how they are more than just rappers in the group than only experiencing their lovely vocals in the solo work and in Dreams discography, for Mark .
At some point I felt like they were demanding my love than it being a wishful expression or an ensuring action , I don’t know why I felt this way 😅😅 that’s why I need to listen to this song and the the other two tracks when I’m in the mood to hear warm , winter songs which will hopefully be before the Christmas holidays are over or else the TikTok algorithm better do its job to help me get familiar with the song and hopefully after my second or third or 127 (😏😏😂😂) listen , I can finally say I like it or it’s just there for me . But for now it’s cute
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After my 3rd listen including the album , Be There For Me is my favourite followed by Home Alone although I felt like the bsides were meh to me . Too Christmas focused making them a bit forgettable. This time it didn’t feel like they were demanding my love so that good 😂😂and it was the only song that truly got me moving .
I don’t know , maybe I’m so used to how amazing their bsides are in their albums , I was lowkey expecting the same , it felt like any other artist could have done the songs if they had received. I’m not disappointed but I was expecting the best from their A&R team .
Also is it just me or there weren’t any pre choruses ? Like it would go from a rap section then straight into the chorus, that was a bit jarring for me but overall Be There For Me was a nice groovy song for Christmas 👍🏾
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I really enjoyed this, I am a fan of their vocals.
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Same here!
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I don’t know why, but this song makes me think of Jay Chow’s ‘Big Ben’. It’s catchy & addictive enough to be on my playlist. I like its grooves.
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