This enterprise of lastly releasing your solo debut days earlier than you enlist within the navy is sort of irritating, proper? It’s like, “Right here’s all this potential. Now, buh-bye!” NCT’s Jungwoo was a late addition to the group, but his age (and naturally, nationality), means he’s subsequent in line for an enlistment hiatus. Earlier than that, he’s dropped solo monitor Sugar — a candy mid-tempo that highlights his total vibe.
This feels extra like a bouncy summer time monitor, although I want it will bounce with a bit extra goal and pleasure. The manufacturing feels on fixed verge of changing into one thing larger and extra addictive however largely simply stays out of the best way. The sound palette is muted, draining a lot of the brightness from the monitor. There’s little differentiation between the association within the verses and refrain and with out thrilling melodies to interrupt the monotony, Sugar stays on one degree all through its run time.
Jungwoo has a pleasing voice and an much more compelling stage charisma, however Sugar doesn’t let that persona poke via as typically because it ought to. It virtually appears like an early NCT Dream tune refashioned for a extra mature efficiency. What we find yourself getting is a pleasing however forgettable and unnecessarily hamstringing by its personal musical decisions.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C