Today sees NCT launch a new unit (their 7th to date!) featuring members JENO and JAEMIN. Dubbed NCT JNJM, the pair debuts with their mini-album and title track of the same name BOTH SIDES. Both JENO and JAEMIN also form part of NCT DREAM, who most recently was promoting Beat It Up late last year.
BOTH SIDES playfully portrays confidence, with the pair singing and rapping about their good looks. The opening commentary was so cringy. But it suited the upbeat and bright tone that the song opts for, which gives BOTH SIDES an undeniably fun and lighthearted sound and vibe. Their delivery gears towards the hip-hop genre, and I feel the pair do a decent job with making their take on the genre enjoyable. BOTH SIDES also feels very polished and features smoothness that works well with the bright tone I already mentioned. This helps glide us through the song. But with its short span below 3 minutes, BOTH SIDES was over before you know it. However, I find this to be quite disappointing. I honestly thought we were shortchanged as I was expecting something a little more substantial to follow through based on the trajectory the song was going. Perhaps an instrumental break to enable the pair to show off more of a performance side, or something that just ended the song more on a strong note and not have it fizzle/mellow out.
With a song that highlights their visuals, it makes complete sense to show the pair’s strong visual game and have everyone swoon over them. That whole bar scene with JENO making a drink and JAEMIN picking up said drink highlighted their visuals in such stunning manner. Aside from looks, the music video does feature a small plot line, with the pair chasing after a female character and trying to get her attention. But it all fails, especially at the end where they flat on the ground and the female character overlooks them as she opens the door to peer into the hallway. I also appreciated the comedic moments of the video, such as the window cleaner falling for JAEMIN and then JENO.
From what I can see in the music video, the performance goes for an easygoing and casual routine. Despite not liking the end of the song for reasons mentioned above, I actually liked the dance that accompanies it. The swing and the lighthearted nature reflected well with that aspect of BOTH SIDES.
Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.3/10
KPOPREVIEWED 