Review

Song Review: NCT 127 – Walk

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NCT 127 - WalkWith member enlistments and debuts of younger artists in the agency, NCT 127 are now in an interesting place as respected seniors at SM Entertainment. This transition offers plenty of possibility for shifts in sound and approach. New single Walk (삐그덕) feels quintessentially NCT yet softens the tone for a more straightforward, digestible package.

Walk draws inspiration from many eras of hip-hop but reminds me most strongly of the bouncy, early-2000’s sound that favored bombastic synth accents and steady, car shaking beats. The song’s percussion is laced with orchestral stabs, giving the production a commanding energy. This sense of fullness is very satisfying and elevates an otherwise simple track. I especially enjoy the choral vocal flourishes. They add another layer of drama to an already showy arrangement.

Without this production, I’m not sure how I would feel about Walk. The chorus isn’t really chorusing for me, but in the context of the instrumental its repetition comes across quite well. The verses are smooth and performed beautifully, though none of the melodies feel very inspired. Walk really heats up during its climax. The vocals finally match the drama of the production as they twist and soar to craft a cathartic finale. It’s a great mix of NCT’s diverse appeal and proof that the group still has some tricks up its sleeve.

Hooks 8
 Production 9
 Longevity 9
 Bias 8
 RATING 8.5

Grade: B

28 thoughts on “Song Review: NCT 127 – Walk”

  2. I like the production here, it’s pretty groovy and almost reminded me of Younite’s Geekin (makes sense since both take inspo from old school hip hop), esp with the production and melodic verses (+ sing-talk chorus).

    Well, I’m giving it an 8.25 (7, 9, 9, 8) for now, but well, let’s see how it ages :p

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  3. Yeah, no. This does almost absolutely nothing for me. What has happened to 127’s A&R team? It’s seriously frustrating. First time listening I was so confused, because I got to the 1:30 minute mark and I was asking: ‘where’s the chorus?’, I then realized I had it entirely missed it. It’s not a bad song, but the [few] vocal moments make it more palatable to me. I mean honestly, you have more singers than rappers in your group, and one of the best vocal arsenals in K-pop, and you just don’t use them??? Like Doyoung, Taeil, Haechan, and Jaehyun are right there. Hoping for a standout b-side on the album. I’ll give it an 8/10, but not the biggest fan. Also, lately I’ve noticed SM has being having an affinity of including gospel-like adlibs/vocal flourishes on NCT’s newer material (Dream’s Stupid Cupid, WayV’s She a Wolf), it certainly adds a nice touch.

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  4. It’s solid and fun. I liked the album, too. Have to listen again, it has a nice flow to it so it feels like one piece – in a cohesive way, not like an EXO Exist all-the-songs-sound-alike way (sorry lad-back EXO is still better than most K-pop, but I said what I said).I miss a ballad like the intricate Time Lapse or Misty here, but it’s a nice summer album on first listen.

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  5. It might be my favorite NCT 127 title track in a while (sorry Fact Check). I love how it’s groovy and nostalgic.

    Much of their new album follows a similar territory to the title track although chiller. A lot of the b-sides there are a big throwback to 90s hip-hop music.

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  6. I think the title track is nice and surprisingly normal but the album is actually such a nice surprise. Everything is so groovy and fun this is by far my favorite album from them. It’s not for everyone but for me I loved all the sounds they explored with on this one and it’s surprisingly cohesive too!

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  7. The song is missing tension. Usually in the SM canon, the one note or few note songs exist to exploit sudden explosions and implosions in and out of weird chords which create a vital tension. Think “Lucifer” “Sorry Sorry” “Bonamano” … … “Red Light” or “nuABO” or several other f(x) songs. “Fire Alarm” by NCT Dream. There are probably EXO examples too, like “Growl” might be here too.

    It just sounds like they cycle around the same five notes going nowhere. No destination for the journey. No drive, just a lazy walk around the block.

    Also, as a “Baby Don’t Stop” forever fan, the rhythm in the chorus here reminds me of the same in there. Stop, baby don’t stop, something-something something-something something-SOME.

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  8. Not disappointingly generic like Fact Check, and the typical sm formula isn’t present(no rnb breakdown or bridge) but it lacks the scope to soar into true greatness. There’s a compelling start and the neos body that oldschool hip-hop sound but lack of dynamics and a memorable killing point/hook is what prevents the track from taking icon status. A more realized vision would give this the grip present in say, Ay-Yo, or even Limitless.

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  11. It’s a fun listen! Definitely an improvement from “Fact Check”.

    Even if the melodies are a little repetitive, one aspect I like is how each member delivers their lines with such a different flavor and tone. A good example of this is “Lemonade” where the repeated chorus had a different feel each time depending on who was rapping it. NCT 127’s many distinct voices can keep repetitive lines interesting.

    Also I love that Johnny and Yuta are getting more lines! I love Taeyong but he’s definitely favored as the face of the group, so it’s nice to see other members shining.

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