Over the years, K-pop agencies have found ways to keep content coming even as male idols serve their mandatory military enlistment. NCT’s Taeyong won’t be discharged until later this year, but he pre-recorded a video for “new” track 501 and surprise-released it for fans eagerly awaiting his return.
I can’t say I’ve been a big fan of Taeyong’s music in the past, so this release isn’t targeted toward me in the first place. However, absence makes the heart grow fonder and I’m open to a killer Taeyong enlistment-era banger. In another world, 501 might have been just that. I appreciate some of its electronic textures and the fact that the song just goes full bore into claustrophobic, apocalyptic bombast. I hold that appreciation in one hand as I eagerly make my escape from the song itself.
I… don’t ever want to hear this again. Its sound seems to be intentionally designed to repulse, choosing the most confrontational textures possible. Taeyong’s performance is equally irritating to these ears. He has such an affected “rap voice” that’s never worked for me and his growling throughout 501 is more annoying than camp. I’d love to understand what all the fuss is about, but this is not for me at all.
| Hooks | 5 |
| Production | 5 |
| Longevity | 4 |
| Bias | 2 |
| RATING | 4 |
