It has been over 2 years since NCT 127’s last release, WALK (the title of NCT 127’s lead single from their 6th studio album). A lot has happened since then, including military enlistments and members’ departures for various reasons. Currently active in the group are TAEYONG, JOHNNY, JAEHYUN, YUTA, and HAECHAN. This current lineup returned earlier this week with their 7th studio album and its title track, Blingy.

Blingy is loud and intense, thanks to the electronic hip-hop and its shouty chorus. It definitely sounds like something we would expect from NCT 127. But I find it interesting that Blingy somehow also feels monotonous and plain. No matter how many times I have listened to the song since its release, it just doesn’t stick. This leaves me disappointed, especially considering the energy the 5 members put into Blingy‘s chorus and how much it comes across. Blingy‘s shouty delivery in the chorus does nothing to grab your attention or make the song memorable. This leaves the verses as the more interesting parts of the song, but there just isn’t enough in them to save the song. The most promising aspects of the song are HAECHAN and YUTA’s vocals during the verses and the amped-up background towards the end. But they are not enough to keep Blingy from falling into lacklustre territory.

The music video sees NCT 127 searching for blingy items and going after old men with gold statues, amid some cool, serious choreography shots you would definitely associate with NCT 127. The plotline of tracking down these blingy items adds a bit of humour to the video, giving it a lighthearted tinge and contrasting with the intense sound. HAECHAN stood out in particular for shining during these humorous moments, like when the gold ball hits him in the chest (ouch) and he questions a young girl about the blingy items.

The choreography is intense and features the members confidently showing off a cool side in the routine. It was nice to see TAEYONG back with the group, with the focus on him at the end during the dance break being a very prime example of this. But all their chemistry with the camera is on point. I also really liked the very start of the routine, with each member becoming the centre as they wave from side to side.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 7.1/10