“Ay-Yo — The 4th Album Repackage” NCT127 (SM Entertainment)
NCT127 should be credited as inventors of a new genre: neo-chill hop.
Their upcoming repackage “Ay-Yo” of their fourth studio album “2 Baddies” comes with three extra tracks that move the needle in the too cool direction. The titular “Ay-Yo” goes hard on an industrial trip hop sound, “DJ” finds a funky jazzy beat embracing the ’70s, while “Skyscraper” pins its hopes on a straightforward hip-hop line.
The triptych rounds up the tracks to a total of 15 in a cohesive record that nevertheless has its ebbs and flows in terms of catchy hooks. Sometimes NCT127 deliver an epic melody with outstanding vocals like “2 Baddies," or a sexy smooth “Gold Dust” or an R&B groove with Caribbean undertones such as “Designer,” but you also get a low energy “Black Clouds” from time to time.
The nine-member K-pop group is known for its more experimental sound and they prove yet again you can do people pleasing with a twist.
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Cristina Jaleru, The Associated Press
