A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
In the history of The Bias List, I don’t think I’ve ever written a “buried treasure” post before an album is released. However, there’s no other way to qualify Angel Eyes. It’s not a title track, yet the entire song has been revealed early thanks to a special performance video. When listening to the sampler for NCT 127’s new album, I instantly knew this would be my highlight.
One of the reasons I get so irritated with NCT’s recent output is that it restricts the ability of the group’s vocalists to shine. I feel like people (and by “people,” I mean producers!) forget how many great singers are part of this unit. Angel Eyes includes the requisite Taeyong/Mark rap verses (not needed here, honestly), but the majority of its time is devoted to robust vocals filtered through a punchy, 80’s pop pastiche. It’s not the Without You sequel I was hoping for, but it’s been awhile since NCT have tackled this sound. I miss it!
Angel Eyes is pure fun, bursting with energy in a way that makes you want to sing along. It’s nice to see the group having a good time, absent the tough guy posturing that so often characterizes their concepts. The guitar is lively and bright and the melodies are cheesy in a heart-on-their-sleeves way that’s actually refreshing. I could do without the slowed-down bridge and I’m not sure how quickly the song’s novelty might wear off, but for now I’m loving this sonic shift.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
