NCT DOJAEJUNG is the latest unit to debut under the NCT group and consists of Doyoung, Jaehyun and Jungwoo. They released PERFUME back in April of this year, the shared title of both the title track and mini-album. Alongside the title track, the mini-album also features an additional five side tracks. Following this unit debut, the trio rejoined the rest of NCT for their 2023 full group comeback with Golden Age/Baggy Jeans (in the case of Doyoung) and the trio are also set to join the rest of NCT 127 in another comeback later this year.

PERFUME is a R&B centric mini-album, with the trio exploring the genre in all but one track. And their exploration of the genre is super engaging. I enjoyed all the tracks on this mini-album and each track got a high rating from me. This, overall, contributed to the higher end rating for an album release on my blog. I would recommend it to you if you are into the R&B genre or like the songs with the same effect or aspects of the R&B genre. Or if you are an NCT fan, especially if you find yourself overwhelmed with their more synth-heavy releases.

1. Perfume (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Perfume. (9/10)

2. Kiss – The unit’s exploration of R&B continues in Kiss. This track has such a cool layered and rhythmic instrumentation that pulls you in. I liked the brass and jazzy elements that features in this song. The vocal work from the trio is on point and encapsulates what you expect from the R&B genre. The harmonies in the chorus also work extremely well. I particularly enjoyed the more jaggered approach Doyoung and Jaehyun took in the post-chorus sections that follows the first and last choruses. It was an interesting texture in this otherwise smooth number. (8/10)

3. Dive – Dive slows down the mini-album with a paced and atmospheric number. The instrumentation features short, sharp yet hefty beats, and a dotty but prevalent synth line. The trio takes a softer approach with their vocals, with Jungwoo and Doyoung really standing out in this song. Altogether, it is a very interesting mix. But it somehow works cohesively and is an extremely palatable track. (8/10) 

4. Strawberry Sunday – Just as sweet as the title suggests, Strawberry Sunday is a sweet track. It is also the most upbeat number of the mini-album and I appreciate this infusion of energy. I really like the funkiness the instrumental had and the synthesizer was a really nice touch. The dreamy instrumentation to the bridge was also a highlight. The chanty moments in Strawberry Sunday gives some punch to the song. I also enjoyed Jungwoo’s part in the second chorus, where he breaks up the title (by syllables) between the beats. It made for a cool ad-lib in the track. Doyoung and Jaehyun also provide some ad-libs and these sounded amazing, as well. As you can tell by my long breakdown of Strawberry Sunday, there is a lot to like. And it all enough to earn it a 10/10 rating. (10/10)

5. Can We Go Back (후유증) – Signs of the trio forming a unit emerged many months ahead of this album release, with Can We Go Back being previously performed at the MBC Gayo Daejejeon. Can We Go Back features some smooth melodies, guitar riffs and rhythmic beat – all of which feels synonymous to the R&B genre. The vocal work from the trio is impeccable, especially in those memorable “Oooh, Oooh, Oooh” melodies. Each member had standout moments, with Jungwoo standing out in the second verse, and Doyoung and Jaehyun shining the most in the bridge of the song. (9/10)

6. Ordinary (안녕) – The final track on the mini-album is Ordinary and it departs from the R&B centric exploration. Instead, the final track is a ballad, which was expected somewhere along the way from the trio, given vocals is what comes to mind first when you put together the names Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo. The vocals are showcased well in the song, with the trio given another opportunity to convey emotions to the audience (which they do successfully). The piano centric instrumental does seem to have a tinge of R&B to it, which does help make it relevant and fit in with the rest of the mini-album. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.7/10