With member enlistments and debuts of younger artists in the agency, NCT 127 are now in an interesting place as respected seniors at SM Entertainment. This transition offers plenty of possibility for shifts in sound and approach. New single Walk (μκ·Έλ) feels quintessentially NCT yet softens the tone for a more straightforward, digestible package.
Walk draws inspiration from many eras of hip-hop but reminds me most strongly of the bouncy, early-2000's sound that favored bombastic synth accents and steady, car shaking beats. The song's percussion is laced with orchestral stabs, giving the production a commanding energy. This sense of fullness is very satisfying and elevates an otherwise simple track. I especially enjoy the choral vocal flourishes. They add another layer of drama to an already showy arrangement.
Without this production, I'm not sure how I would feel about Walk. The chorus isn't really chorusing for me, but in the context of the instrumental its repetition comes across quite well. The verses are smooth and performed beautifully, though none of the melodies feel very inspired. Walk really heats up during its climax. The vocals finally match the drama of the production as they twist and soar to craft a cathartic finale. It's a great mix of NCT's diverse appeal and proof that the group still has some tricks up its sleeve.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
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