#and i’ve known the besties for 5 years…… dude that’s insane

[wistrea]

i was just hit with the realization that in like a few months, that means i’ve been writing kira for five whole years 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♀️🧍‍♀️

[sprinklesandshatters]

A Review on NCT 127′s 3rd Album <Sticker>

So NCT 127 just came back with their 3rd Full Album <Sticker> and this is my first 127 comeback since I became a fan last year! Neozone is such a special album for me as it was their first album that I explored entirely. I've known NCT as the group who never fails any expectations so I've kept mine up although I know they'll exceed it anyway. And guess what, they did! I absolutely love their new album hence this review~

This isn't a technical music review—as I am not a musician myself—but rather a listener's honest takes, goofy notes, and interpretation on each of the tracks in the album. I admit I've also struggled to build my own opinions on some of the tracks until I listened to them over and over again.

I have also heard there are mixed opinions on the title track <Sticker> and a lot says it's another acquired taste. But I think it's not just that, as it can be a grower, just like how most of NCT's songs were for me. Maybe after a few listens and a right passage of time, it will grow on those people. The bottom line here is, I like it a lot! 😛

So I listed down the songs according to their respective track numbers and followed each with a bulleted list of my opinions and interpretations.

(Viewer/reader discretion: before you continue, minors, do not interact as there are few 18+ contents under the cut. Thank you.)

1. Sticker

THEY DIDN'T JUST PUNCH A NEW NOTCH ON THE BELT LIKE THAT

THIS SONG SLAPS, LITERALLY SLAPS… AND WHIPS 

The recorder at the intro boyyyy I thought something was wrong but then I remember it’s NCT lmao

It already stuck in my head from my first listen from the Instagram audio.

With Taeyong opening the verse with his divine rapping, I knew I'm in for a new ride.

STICK-UH STICK-UGH STICK-UGHGHGH

To those complaining it sounding like noise music, imagine it sounding generic. I don't think it would fit as the title track. Not a b-track or in their repertoire, even. They are called NCT because they define the NEO in the music culture and music technology!

It honestly was an unorthodox, just like all of their title tracks, which I’m inherently here for.

Literally, no one does it like them!

The growls and the vocal flexes and adlibs! (You can tell it has Yoo Youngjin's brand.)

The crisp metronome sound that’s consistently ticking except for the pre-chorus and the dance break adds depth to the soundscape. I love how it’s used instead of the usual snaps.

The production quality blew my mind. Like how can someone think those melodies would sound so exquisite? CAN I CALL THEM GENIUS?

The piano at the back, oh my God—Yes! It adds this mystifying element to the song.

I'm not sure if it's a midi violin at the pre-chorus, but it added thrill to the song. It was a great transition from the bass line in the verses to the combination of the flawless harmony with the same instrumental.

"You treat me like a boy, like a grown-up child chasing a dream" JUNGWOO BABY NO MORE HUH

Taeil, Doyoung, and Haechan—the bridge vocal trinity!

But why the heck are they cowboys? I dig the concept, but why? LMAO

BTW GUNSLINGER MARK I’M ON MY KNEES YEEHAW

This is easily one of my favorite tracks from NCT 127's entire discography 💚

2. Lemonade

(⌐■_■)

Jaehyun starting off this song with his deep voice eee

The song opens to a verse oozing with chill confidence. They're like, yeah you're lurking because we’re cool.

This is such a huge slap to their haters. NCT's not chillin' like a villain, nah they're the main characters!

Well maybe they’re villains, but still ya not cooler than them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Funny enough how they could have just referred haters as simply lemons whose sour/bitter to the taste, but 127 squad's success is sweeter than all the haters' spiteful remarks so yeah, SIPPY SIPPY LEMONADE 🧃

"WOOF"

I might have just barked too wOW

Yuta’s vocals hooooO his voice just sounds so glamorous mhmm

Also Mark referencing their previous title tracks such as: Firetruck, Cherry Bomb, and Regular (it's Irregular in the lyrics) in his rap part 👌💅

I just love Mark's energy when he raps. HE RESOLUTELY BITES AND STRAIGHT UP EATS EVERY TIME HE DOES.

3. Breakfast

Now breakfast time, oh jeez!

AAAHAHFU—

Summer 127's bestie!

If Summer 127 talks about dancing all night long, Breakfast is the morning after.

You know what it is.

"Even if I gulp and drink you, it's not enough for me." oho Taeyong no you ha—STOP

Sexual innuendos aside, isn't it just sweet if someone tells you they'd want to have breakfast with you every day?  Okay maybe I'm melting at the thought 😩🙈💞

And I can see myself dancing to this song as I make breakfast (in the afternoon or at midnight bc I’m crazy)

This was an okay b-track for me at the first skim on the album, but boy it grew on me wildly.

Honestly one of my favorite tracks in this album.

4. Focus

Did I just invade a private call? LMAO

The analog voice filters make it like so.

Dude, this feels intimate in the level of eavesdropping a phone call between seasoned lovers. Then you realize you hear them whispering their kinks over the line and you're ooh, that's sexy! hfgklhfhf

My first listen to this, I almost went feral because,

"I can't wait to eat you…" when it's actually "I can't wait 'til we chill…" aahaha

"Baby call me when you want me." OKAY!

This sounds relaxing and chill. I'd love to play this on a late night drive or just before bed time along with Fly Away With Me, Sun & Moon, My Youth, and Long Flight.

Belongs to ‘make out session’ playlist  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

That was lowkey a playlist recommendation, huh?

I'd be kidding if I don't say I could touch myself while listening to this song AHAHAFGHFJFJ

I didn't know this would grow on me this much lol I love love LOVE THIS!

5. The Rainy Night

Ooh, the holy melancholy!

Piano at the intro—I knew I'd cry to this.

This song isn't just about break-up, but the heartbreak after one.

The yearning; the remnant pieces from the shattering of what was once there.

I think I crumbled from this one.

This hit so hard I felt like I fit in the shoes with the lyrics throughout the entire song.

What’s fascinating is I clearly forgot the title when I mentally said this sounds like a sad rainy day song from the first listen.

Something I’d turn up when it suddenly rains, just because I want to feel the blues.

Taeil and Haechan singing in lower register? I wanna cry :( they’re just one of the best vocalists in K-music industry right now.

Could have been also nice if they added Yuta to the vocals.

"My selfish heart who waits for you to come back," OKAY WHO HURT THEM?

And the fact that they sang it so good that it translated every ounce of the emotions well even before I looked up for English translations is the reason why I love this song too.

6. Far

Hmm… What the hell?! Do I like this? Wait...

Alright!

The jumpy vibe from the first verse to the pre-chorus set the mood for this song. It sounds merry and heavy. It was honestly too much to take until I’ve reached the chorus part.

Honestly, I think this song could fit NCT Dream better, as it gives off a vibe similar to Hello Future's b-tracks. If some credible source say this could have made HF’s track list, I might believe you too fast.

Also Dream’s Deja Vu where they go na nananananana na na na~

Playful yet confident! That’s what I mean!

As usual, the vocals are insane! Vocal flex from left to right!

I swear Jungwoo sounded a bit like Taemin at the second verse that I had to replay it hahaha

I love hearing Johnny as a vocalist! SM, how many signs do you need until you utilize his vocal talent???

Taeil's part where he sings, "go nuts, go nuts, 'til we go bust, go bust" IDEK BUT I SNORTED A LAUGH AT FIRST LISTEN HFCAHKFHK

Not my favorite, but still great though!

But wait it’s actually stuck in my head???

7. Bring The Noize

Yes, they never beat those noise music allegations

HERE'S SOME NOIZE, BITCHES

I love me some noisy percussions. AND THE BASS YO

This screams so much confidence!

The build up from the pre-chorus to the chorus—FIRE!

This song reminds me a lot of SuperM's Super Car, especially with the engine roar samples and the battle cry-like singing at the chorus.

JAEHYUN RAPPING? You mean Jaehyun the visual, the vocalist, the actor, the model, the funny dude, aka my everything?! (markie bb look pls look away for a moment)

THEY DELIVERED IT STRAIGHT FROM NEOCITY THAT'S SOME NCT MUSIC RIGHT THERE NO ONE DOES IT LIKE THEM

When I said I'd play Focus on a late night drive, and if I add this in the playlist, VROOM VROOM SPEED LIMIT WHAT

OUTTA MY WAY

“We got no shame” ouh TAEYONG’S FLOW IS JUST VERY HIM AND HE’S IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN

You know what's so clever about this song? It's how it ended with Mark's final rap without any instrumental, leaving you  standing there with a doppler effect-like post experience.

A super car on a super speed just whooshed past you and you look its way as it zips through the road. It's gone in an instant but you're floored dumbfounded at a sidewalk. That's how I describe this song.

8. Magic Carpet Ride

This song… Wow. Oh gosh it's so beautiful.

Their harmony in the chorus—it makes me want to kiss someone so passionately that I'd cry.

This makes me want to feel love that transcends the universe. Literally, just please take me on a magic carpet ride :(

The background harmonies too oh my goodness—HEAVENLY.

Jaehyun's voice is so warm and soulful it fits perfectly with songs of this genre.

Okay alright Doyoung Grande!

And Taeil makes me feel like I'm listening to old school R&B.

The first time I heard this from the track video, I can't stop replaying because it's just that great.

This makes me want to love. I think that sums it up.

9. Road Trip

This is such a soothing song for me, especially how I easily become nostalgic thinking about the road trips I've had.

Whenever I listen to this, my brain immediately conjures up thoughts of my ideal getaways. Gazing at the sky through the car window, stirring up from a nap in the middle of the ride, and   eventually reaching your destination.

Oh, to travel around anywhere... (curse you covid-19)

Okay that's it. I'M PACKING UP.

But where do I go—

I could also imagine Mark playing this on the guitar and the other members sing along together, something like that.

Just Wholesome™ vibes.

I love how it evokes such a nice emotion within me effortlessly.

This isn't my favorite, but I still love this.

10. Dreamer

Eyyyy such a refreshing song!

This song is so bright it makes me want to dance. I play this first in the shower!

It reminds me so much of Elevator (from Neozone)

The horns make it more lively I think!

Yuta and Jungwoo's voice suits lively songs like this.

The background vocal in low register in Taeyong's part in the first verse is so good ahhfhf

Taeil, the R&B vocal king you are...

There's this part where Doyoung and Johnny harmonized, that at first listen they seemed to clash, but it sounded actually fine after a few listens. Maybe it's just that I've never heard them do it before.

And I think it's Doyoung's laugh at the end of the bridge? Oh my goodness I really love this too!

11. Promise You

MY FIRST LOVE AND MOST FAVORITE SONG IN THE ALBUM!!!

The first time I heard this from their NCIT Sharehouse Sitcom, I fell in love with the song already.

It sounds like something you'd feel from a warm, welcoming hug.

The lyrics are so beautiful and endearing. It's definitely a be-there-for-you type of song that will touch your heart.

It definitely sounds like a promise.

A song about platonic intimacy.

This really fits to be the closing song of the album. It's like the end of it but holds a promise that says “see you soon.”

Because they cherish their fans like that.

It's also like I've watched a movie with a happy ending, where the camera pans up to the clear sky and this song starts playing.

Speaking of ending, I would love to hear them sing this as an encore stage in their concert. You know, that moment just before the stage lights die down at the end of the concert where they send final blows of flying kisses to NCTzens. Then you come home smiling and crying.

This wasn't supposed to be this long since I originally planned to write this with just simple phrases and emojis but I got too engrossed lol. I also meant to include my own ratings but I figured it’s pointless since I can’t really decide about them hahaha

I really enjoyed the whole album and I love how they're progressively defining what NEO means by breaking through standards. It's not NCT music if it doesn't make you say "WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?" But then you realize it’s stuck in your head and you’re enjoying it already.

✨ OVERALL RATING: 127/10 💚

if you’ve reached until here, thank you for letting me share you a braincell or two 💞

[fairytales-magic]

85 Questions Tag

Yowza that’s a lot! 

I’m posting this so incredibly late but still thanks for the tag @theragamuffininitiative! :))

Rules: Answer the questions and tag whoever you want (originally 20 people but like… that’s also a lot)

The last: 1. drink: RC (Royal Crown soda) 2. phone call: Mother dearest 3. text message: Best friend 4. song: “Fire” by BTS  5. time you cried: About a week or two ago, had a very intense conversation with The Dad. 

Have you ever: 6. dated someone twice: I’ve never dated before soooo…nope.  7. kissed someone and regretted it: See question #6. :P 8. been cheated on: And yet another no. 9. lost someone special: Yes, my grandpa.  10. been depressed: I think we all have been at some point in time. So yes. 11. gotten drunk and thrown up: I don’t drink so that’s another solid no. 

Favorite colors: 12. Purple  13. Pine/Spruce Green 14. Jade 15: Wine purple  16: Dark crimson red

In the last year have you: 17. laughed until you cried: Oh yes! 18. found out someone was talking about you: Not to my knowledge.  19. met someone who changed you: I don’t believe so… 20. found out who your friends are: Yes? 21. kissed someone on your facebook list: That’d be a no (people have FB lists for kissing someone??). 22. made friends: Yes indeed.  23. fallen out of love: I’ve never fallen IN love, but i have crushed on a guy before and eventually gotten over it (truth be told i think i’m scared of falling in love, yet it’s still something i wish for).

General: 25. what did you do for your last birthday: Went ice skating with my close friends and siblings! 26. how many of your facebook friends do you know in real life: All of them. 27. do you have any pets: One dog. 28. what time did you wake up: Like…10:30ish? 29. what were you doing at midnight last night: Trying to get a little writing done, but ended up procrastinating on here and YouTube instead. :P 30. name something you can’t wait for: The next season for literally every show of mine. 31: what are you listening to right now: She Loves Me broadway soundtrack

32: have you ever talked to a person named tom: Uuuuh no? 33: something that’s getting on your nerves: When someone opens my door that was closed and when they leave not close it once more. Drives me insane.  34. do you want to change your name: I’m quite fond of my name. And besides it’s the name my parents gave me, so why would i want to change it? 35. hair color: Brown 36. long or short hair: Medium? (not too short but not long) 37. piercings: Earrings 38. tattoos: Not a one and am perfectly happy keeping it that way. ;) 39. blood type: That is an excellent question which i do not have an answer to. I should, but i don’t. ;P 40. nicknames: Bookdragon (what i call myself in the tags cause why not), otherwise i don’t really have a nickname on here. :P 41. relationship status: as single and lonely as the number 1.  42. zodiac: Capricorn 43. pronouns: she/her/that girl over there/hey you (but i also respond to dude) 44. most visited website: It’s a toss up between Youtube and here.  45. right or left handed: Lefty! 46. surgeries: No surgeries, but i did have a tooth buzzed down and a crown put on which was by far the most terrifying 45+ minutes of my life. 47. sports: That i play? Well i did swim for a few years, and i also do dance. Sports that i enjoy watching would definitely be football. 48. favorite tv show: No way i could choose just one! Once Upon a Time was one but it’s sadly gonna kind of down hill (i don’t think i’ll even watch season 7 :/ ) but i still love the earlier seasons, Fairy Tail, Snow White With the Red Hair, Yona of the Dawn, The Flash, Voltron: Legendary Defender, to name just a measly few. ;) 49. vacations: My most memorable was recently when i went to Florida for my sisters graduation. We hit up both Universal Studios and Disneyworld. I swear i was 10 years old again. :D 50. sneakers: I like Nike.

More general: 52. eating: Cheese It 53. fave drink: Sierra Mist & Dr Pepper 54. what you’re up to: Regretting many life decisions.  55. waiting for: Opportunities to get some real driving experience under my belt finally.  56. want: To finally get out of the house and get a place of my own (sadly it probably won’t happen till after graduation :/) 57. get married: Eventually. 58. career: Studying for Culinary Arts. 

Which is better: 60. hugs or kisses: I’m a big hugger (and have never been kissed so i couldn’t say) 61. lips or eyes: eyes   62. shorter or taller: I’m partial to both.  63. older or younger: Still both.  64. nice arms or stomach: Both are impressive 65. hook up or relationship: solid relationship 66. troublemaker or hesitant:  I find men who are hesitant rather cute

Have you ever: 67. kissed a stranger: Negative  68. drank hard liquor: Not a drop 69. lost glasses/contacts: Don’t wear em so no. 70. turned someone down: Not that i’m aware of… 71. sex on the first date: No (marriage first folks!!)  72. broken someone’s heart: No, not to my knowledge (not sure that’s possible tbh) 73. had your heart broken: Not necessarily 74. been arrested: Negative 75. cried when someone died: Not yet, but I become really really sad 76. fallen for a friend: No (though i did have a crush on a guy i’ve known for years through theatre that lasted like 2 years)

Do you believe in:

77. yourself: Not nearly as much as i should, but i’m working on it. 78. miracles: Absolutely. There are things that have happened to me and family that can only be described as a God-given miracle.  79. love at first sight: I believe beauty is what captures your attention, but personality is what captures your heart.  80. santa claus: Till i was around 10. 81. kiss on the first date: Unless i’ve known him for much longer then the span of several months (like we were good friends before and only just now decided to date) no i don’t think so. 82. angels: Certainly. It goes back to the miracles cause it’s interesting how often those two go hand in hand.

Other: 83. current best friend’s name(s): real life bestie is @numericturtles, and other best friends names i won’t put on here for reasons. 84. eye color: Brown 85. favorite movie: How to Train Your Dragon.

I’ll tag: @shy-fairy-levele3, @themysteriousburrito, @leavesoflothlorien, @a-worthy-mystery, @onoheiwa, @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 

Only if y’all want to, i know its a lot, and i’m not sure who all likes to do these and who does not.