This business of finally releasing your solo debut days before you enlist in the military is kind of frustrating, right? It’s like, “Here’s all this potential. Now, buh-bye!” NCT’s Jungwoo was a late addition to the group, yet his age (and of course, nationality), means he’s next in line for an enlistment hiatus. Before that, he’s dropped solo track Sugar — a sweet mid-tempo that highlights his overall vibe.

This feels more like a bouncy summer track, though I wish it would bounce with a bit more purpose and excitement. The production feels on constant verge of becoming something bigger and more addictive but largely just stays out of the way. The sound palette is muted, draining much of the brightness from the track. There’s little differentiation between the arrangement in the verses and chorus and without exciting melodies to break the monotony, Sugar stays on one level throughout its run time.

Jungwoo has a pleasant voice and an even more compelling stage charisma, but Sugar doesn’t let that personality poke through as often as it should. It almost feels like an early NCT Dream song refashioned for a more mature performance. What we end up getting is a pleasant but forgettable and unnecessarily hamstringing by its own musical choices.

Grade: C