[Album and MV Review] NCT 127 - 'Limitless'

Once again, the amazing boys of NCT 127 are back to rock the show and own the dance floor with their new song "Limitless" off their 2nd mini album of the same name. With a strong concept, powerful dance moves and witty lyrics, NCT 127 are ready to wow K-Pop fans.

Tracklist:

1. Limitless

2. Good Thing

3. Back 2 U

4. Heartbreaker

5. Baby Don't Like It

6. Angel

"Limitless" is a bass heavy song that emphasis a string of unique sounds backed up by a hip-hop instrumental. While the MV may be plan for some, I found myself impressed by the simple approach as their wow factor.�

Their style goes hard and the boys offer up a unique blend of K-beauty fused with hip hop fashion. You won't see American rappers wearing pink-tinted lipstick any time soon unless that rapper is Nicki Minaj. Get a glimpse�of the action in the MV below.

The open space enhances the rigorous dance routine and makes for great filming to boot. The bits of colors, smoke effects and camera angles add to the MV's style rather than becoming distracting. I do think "Limitless" would make for a great one shot MV as well!

Although the lyrics are unique, I'm not moved by them one bit. Perhaps they are more thought provoking in Korean, but their way of describing love and the deep emotions that come along with it are not holding my attention.

The chorus isn't addicting with lyrics like "Ho, ho, wake me up, Thirsty, thirsty for love. Wake me, wake me up, Thirsty, thirsty." The rest of the lines such as, "It's only the beginning, the limitless me. From the start of the East to the end of the West, The light gets stronger as it spreads through the darkness," continue to make no sense. I feel it is scattered and telling a story that is harder to understand if anything. Try again next time, boys.

The rest of the 'Limitless' album offers up some variety - some tracks more appealing than others but overall it is a real winner.

I was completely won over by "Good Thing" from the get go! The song is jazzy, fun and lively. I like the snaps, rise and sudden stops in the instrumental and the repetition of "Good Thing" isn't over bombarding as one might think.

The catchy "Oh, oh ooh" during the chorus is a great way to make this track even more addicting. There is also a lot of English used throughout the lyrics that blends nicely. The song picks up the pace and gets more creative during the raps and makes it energetic for such a mid-tempo dance track. "Good Thing" easily becomes any fan's favorite track!

Then there is "Back 2 U," the moody, sentimental track that will tug at your heartstrings. Having a rather mystical-vibe, the song opens up with a mysterious, enchanting sound with lots of synthetic noises, echoing sounds, and deep vocals with faint auto tuned harmonizing. The song changes the pace a bit towards the refrain and for their rap verses - but the song doesn't lose its distinct sound. It continues to mesmerize all listeners and highlights NCT 127's vocals nicely, despite the EXO-like feeling.

I was absolutely blown away by the fun and futuristic sounds of "Heartbreaker." The whimsical sounds completely won me over and make me feel alive. The song has an effortless way of grabbing the listener's attention and, despite the chaotic and noisy instrumental, the song is balanced without being overdone or messy. The bubble-pop, industrial influenced instrumental rushes alongside the smooth lyrics and blares loudly here and there - which is like a boost of vitamin C.

"Baby Don't Like It" is another wild track! If deep vocals and hardcore raps are what you are all about, prepare yourself - "Baby Don't Like It" steals the show and will forever be on repeat for me. The song opens up with a somewhat holy atmosphere with the organ playing in the background alongside faint whistling and hard drum beats.

It kills me that they made a squeaking bed a part of the instrumental because it somehow works SO well. Mark and Taeyong definitely made this track marvelous as their rap vocals stand out among the rest. However, I appreciated the well-executed refrain as the other members have voices like an angel. It is a shame the song is so short.

Speaking of angels, NCT 127 decided to end things on a light and airy note with their final track "Angel." The song is pure and wholesome as the boys harmonize alongside a rough, acoustic guitar strumming and steady instrumental. "Angel" is less chaotic and free of overwhelming raps in comparison to the previous tracks and makes for a great finale. Like a dessert at the end of any meal, the boys end the 'Limitless' album with something nice and sweet.

The 'Limitless' album truly lives up to its name as the boys showcased a wide variety of talent, styles and sounds that really made me an even bigger fan of them. I didn't know what to expect but the album had many layers and easily appeals to anyone and everyone who listens. It built up my anticipation for their future releases and I can't wait to see what is in store for us fans in 2017 and beyond!