Another NCT related review, once again. This time around, the review is for NCT 127’s 5th studio album, Fact Check, which was released in October 2023. The album features the title track of the same name as the album and an additional 8 songs. Since the release and promotion of Fact Check (both the title track and studio album), NCT 127 had an additional comeback in December 2023 with a special Winter single Be There For Me and began their 3rd world tour – Neo City – The Unity. Anyhow, onto the review aspect of this post for Fact Check. There are a number of good songs to check out below!

1. Fact Check (불가사의; 不可思議) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Fact Check. (8.5/10)

2. Space (무중력) – After the tightness from Fact Check, Space provides us with some relief with a much looser track. From the get go, I find it to be an ‘oh so dreamy’ track listen to and I am totally digging that. The vocals add to this by adopting a raspier and breathy output. I also have to draw your attention to the punchy ‘Space’ repetition in the choruses, with each coming at the most ideal times. The synths give Space a modern profile and rhythm, but the saxophone in the background ultimately steals the spotlight as it fades in and out for the chorus and gives off a classy vibe. Everything felt balanced and perfect. As a whole, Space felt very chill and relaxing. (10/10)

3. Parade (행진) – NCT 127 switches back to their usual energetic style and intensity with Parade. And they really make sure that we know by amplifying a lot of the components in the track. Parade features a shouty-like delivery, in some parts, allowing the rapping to become more dynamic and richer. Parade opts down the hip-hop direction, which also contributes to the amplification of the song and builds a very solid foundation for the song. As for the vocals, they did a really good job of contrasting with the rest of the song, keeping it from going too crazy and grounding it. (9/10)  

4. Angel Eyes – Click here for the review of Angel Eyes. (10/10)

5. Yacht – Yacht takes a more laid-back approach. The energy is all there, but things feel a lot less intense in Yacht. I have to admit that I find that brass-like synth in the chorus to be a little too scratchy for my liking. I wished that was toned down a bit, as it does have its charming point. But I felt like it overpowered the chorus a tad. The rest of the retro approach to Yacht was appreciable. I really liked the idea of the vocalists and rappers harmonising with each other, which adds depth to the song. However. I wished the melodies were a little more polished, especially as we lead into the chorus, to really get the full effect of that. (8/10)

6. Je Ne Sais Quoi – Je Ne Sais Quoi takes us back to NCT 127 territory with a hip-hop track. There is a lot going on in this track, especially with the contrast between the rapping and vocals. Moments of Je Ne Sais Quoi had me doing that slight bounce you do when you listen to a bop hip-hop track. Other parts saw the song smooth right out for the vocals to be showcased. It all makes for an interesting track. Nothing really sticks out as a sore thumb and the different parts all come out together quite cohesively. If you want to hear multiple facets of NCT 127, Je Ne Sais Quoi is a good example of that. (8/10)

7. Love Is Beauty (별의 시) – As one of the longer tracks released in the KPOP industry this year, Love Is Beauty is a captivating number to listen to. For me, the most amazing aspect of this track has to be the stunning vocals that the members showcase. It is really hard to pinpoint a member who did exceptionally well when everyone did a spectacular job in Love Is Beauty. We do get some rapping in the song, but they were tweaked in a way that fits the mid-tempo nature of Love Is Beauty. The twinkling synths and instrumentation was a really nice touch to what easily could have been a more typical R&B release. (9/10)

8. Misty (소나기) – Again, amazing vocals are on full display in Misty. But that is something the members have already done a few times on this album. What really sets Misty apart from the rest is the abundance of harmonies throughout the track, as well as the really atmospheric and dreamy instrumentation. I found it extremely hard to put the song down or skip it once it started, knowing that the whole almost 4-minute track needs to be experienced in full to really experience Misty and that it should not be missed. (10/10)

9. Real Life – Finally, the end of Fact Check (the album) features the softer pop track Real Life. The instrumentation actually gives the track a lot of life and colour. I particularly like the orchestral-like approach to the backing, which helps give the track a slight epic feel. The vocals and rapping were well done, as well as the melodies, which I find myself swaying to. The repetition of “Real Real Real … Real Life’ was actually quite hooky and catchy. Overall, a neat song to end off the album on. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10