10 Thoughts That I Have About NCT's Latest Comeback
10 Thoughts That I Have About NCT's Latest Comeback
It’s me, hi, the NCTzen with tepid takes on almost everything.
In all honesty, being a NCTzen feels like a big rollercoaster ride. On one end, you’re excited about a unit comeback, member interactions, sketches, or even behind-the-scenes content. On the other hand, member shakeups, members’ health issues, and “controversies” can be a source of stress for many NCTzens. Not to mention, dealing with akgaes and the infighting between units can derail one’s experience within the fandom.
This comeback by NCT is not without its joys, stressors, and everything else in between. Allow me to break it down by sharing my 10 thoughts about NCT’s Golden Age (and more):
It finally sunk in that NCT is currently a 20-member group. As an OT23 enjoyer during the Resonance era, it was quite an adjustment without Shotaro, Sungchan, and Lucas in this comeback, but I know that they’re off to better places. I’m excited for the debut of Riize though.
To be honest, I tried to hide my enthusiasm about this comeback, but the release of “Golden Age” changed things. The genre switch kept things interesting. Everyone had their moment, plus the styling and set design for the music video is *chef’s kiss.*
It’s quite interesting that the release of NCT 127’s documentary happened on the same week as the Golden Age album. I feel like I’m going to be an emotional mess during this comeback, especially without Taeil in the picture.
Remember the NCT Year Party Livestreams? I miss those. I know the Neos have bonded enough over the past 5-7 years, but it would be fun to see them in one room again, interacting with one another. I’m pretty sure NCTzens will have a field day on social media again, releasing video edits that give pandodogshow levels.
The term “archiving videos” for the new tracks for this era felt confusing to me. If these were “archiving videos,” they must have been videos of the Neos from their rookies era, with the new tracks in the background, right? BUT I WAS WRONG. They were actually mini music videos for the new songs.
A 2023 version of Switch (the unofficial NCTzen / SM Rookies anthem) was released during the NCT Nation concert. We need an official release of the video, just like how they released a new video for the rearranged version of “From Home.”
Now on to the actual album review! I enjoyed the member combinations for each track in Golden Age. The album opened with “Baggy Jeans,” which is a playful banger. I liked the combination of hard-hitting raps of Taeyong and Mark with the smooth and ethereal vocals of Jaehyun, Ten, and Doyoung. As the album progressed, the songs just kept giving. My favorite B-sides from the album are “Call D,” “PADO,” “Alley Oop,” and “The BAT.” It also felt extremely fitting that they closed the album with “Golden Age,” which showcased everyone’s capabilities.
Speaking of “Baggy Jeans,” I think that the song is related to Red Velvet’s “Zimzalabim,” especially with the music video. They pulled off manananggal chic in that music video, which gave the video a whimsical, yet gritty vibe.
“Alley Oop” was definitely made with NCT’s baller line in mind. I hope Mark and Chenle get the chance to see a Warriors game live. But then again, I’ve also been thinking about their Heart over Height sketch.
I am definitely in this NCT shit for life. Even if the fandom can be chaotic, it can be fun and inclusive too. I have met so many amazing people in this fandom.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my brain dump about NCT! Till the next comeback, I guess?