NCT’s newest subunit “DOJAEJUNG” has made their debut with their first mini album “Perfume”. This unit has been anticipated by many, as it is compromised by arguably the most vocally strong members Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo. Let us see how this new sub-units music compares to previous NCT projects!

“Perfume”

The first song and title track on the mini album is, “Perfume”. This is a modern R&B track, that is on the more “laid back” side of NCT title tracks. The production is smooth and polished, with some really nice harmonies and vocal layering, which is typical on an SM production. The grooves are nice on this track, but feel all too familiar. Overall, its a good title track but feels predictable and a bit boring for NCT’s standards.

Rating: 6.5/10

“Kiss”

Next up on the mini album we have the track “Kiss”, which follows the same genre as the title track. Off the bat, I enjoy this song a lot better than the previous, as the progression feel more creative here. I particularly enjoy the fullness in the chorus and the overall richness of the track. However, still nothing too exciting going on here, but it is a nice little song for a night drive.

Rating: 6.5/10

“Drive”

Next up we have the third track, “Drive” which feels the weakest of the three thus far. The production on this track feels very dry and not mixed properly. The backing track feels far away from the vocals. If I were to guess this song has been in the vaults for some time, as it sounds like it could have been on one of NCT’s earlier projects circa 2018-2019. Again, not necessarily a bad song, just underwhelming in terms of production a modernity.

Rating: 6/10

“Strawberry Sundae”

Picking up the pace a bit, we have the next track “Strawberry Sundae”. I really enjoy the playfulness and progression of this track, and the punchiness of the “strawberry sunday” in the chorus is just so fun and satisfying! The instrumental break up adds a nice flair to the track as well! Still a little dry in terms of the instrumental production, but overall the strongest song so far!

Rating: 7/10

“Can We Go Back”

The next track “Can We Go Back”, goes back to the similar vibe of the first three tracks on the mini album, except this one feels a little more forgettable. I will say that the production is stronger here in terms of richness and mixing, but its lacking in terms of creativity. The progression is a little too predicable and interchangeable with the other songs on the album. Again, not a bad song by any means, but is lacking pizzaz.

Rating: 6/10

“Ordinary”

I’mc not sure how many times i’m going to have to say this on this blog, but it’s not a k-pop album unless there is a ballad to close out the project! This one sadly, might be one of the most boring ones I have heard in some time… I can appreciate the light jazz influence that the second half of the track incorporates, but the song is so painfully slow and sleepy that it will induce narcolepsy on most who listen…

5/10

Overall Rating

All in all, an average project from the new NCT sub unit. As someone who typically enjoys many NCT projects, this one just felt very vanilla and unforgettable. Although there were some nice moments sprinkled throughout it, and the vocals were stellar (as always), the project just left a lot to be desired.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Best song: “Strawberry Sundae”

Worst song: “Ordinary”