NCT WISH, the last unit in NCT’s once infinite universe, find their footing in the “NEO” soundscape in their fourth mini album, I SPY. The colorful six-track project released on October 12 and became NCT WISH’s fourth consecutive album to sell over a million copies. Members SION, RIKU, YUSHI, JAEHEE, RYO and SAKUYA have risen the ranks from one of 2024’s hottest new acts to trendmakers capturing the world’s attention. I SPY retains the bright image NCT WISH has grown synonymous with but adds a layer of maturity as they venture into a more experimental sound and look.
“I SPY” A New Era
The title track and album namesake, “I SPY,” is an electronic dance-pop song that embodies NCT WISH’s refreshing charm with a “NEO” edge. “I SPY” is composed and produced by RIAA Platinum-awarded multi-instrumentalist dwilly who is no stranger to the NCT universe; his work is attached to units NCT U, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, and NCT DOJAEJUNG. Dwilly’s masterful use of synths — which can be heard in previous credits like Tinashe’s “Bouncin’” and ILLIT’s “jellyous” — perfectly coincide with NCT WISH’s internet-driven aesthetic of this era.
The track feels like if Mario Kart’s “Rainbow Road” was adapted to the modern K-pop scene thanks to its pixel-esque synths, otherworldly ambiance, and fast BPM. The violin that seamlessly weaves into the post-chorus adds dimensionality to the heavy electronic elements, as well as a sentimental touch as the members repeat the lines “I see you / I need you / I feel you.” The song’s title refers to how NCT WISH want to discover and appreciate every detail about the one they love, just like finding each hidden object in a game of “I Spy.”
Come Into WISH’s World
A key point of I SPY is how it conceptually portrays 2000s nostalgia. The visuals in this era are primarily influenced by the Frutiger aesthetic and its subgenres Frutiger Aero and Frutiger Metro (also known as Vectordelia). Frutiger is a utopian perspective on futurism created by visual artists during the early ages of the internet. The creative choice to use a nostalgic aesthetic rooted in hope and optimism perfectly aligns with NCT WISH’s mission to inspire positivity. I SPY’s concept allows NCT WISH to naturally tap into the maximalism of the “NEO” spirit in a way audiences have not yet seen or heard from the youngest unit.
The music video is a full-blown virtual fantasy that expands on the aforementioned aesthetics with an added emphasis on Frutiger Aero. NCT WISH gradually adapts to new emotions of love, which is thematically represented through a computing system upgrade. They perform across various digital landscapes before “upgrading” into a renewed version of themselves. The six members are also represented through animated characters reminiscent of designer Takeuchi Ko’s work for Nintendo. NCT WISH’s maximalist “Swag Era” streetwear decked with BAPE, Evisu, and Paul Frank also reflects the style worn by artists of the aughts like New Boyz.
The intricate effects — crafted by trending nostalgia-based visual artists Various Trash Xperience and Tori — allow audiences to “spy” something new upon each rewatch. The music video is chock full of chronically online references that are globally resonant, including tons of Easter eggs for NCTzens to enjoy. The video and song ends on a true “NEO” core breakdown, complete with NCT’s signature neon green color and an experimental sonic shift. This more mature tone seems designed to leave audiences wondering if this is the thread NCT WISH’s subsequent comeback will pick up from.
Colored with Confidence
The three successive b-sides are all about NCT WISH honing their confidence and motivating audiences to do the same. “We Own This Street” is an EDM track with a drum pattern that adds a touch of UK Garage. The song is like a natural successor to the electronic tunes of SM Entertainment’s heyday, such as f(x)’s “Airplane.” As the song’s title implies, NCT WISH encourage audiences to take ownership of their mundane lives and live life to the fullest.
“UPGRADE” resumes the high energy from “We Own This Street” with a quintessential “WISH-core” performance track. The song’s adrenaline-inducing beats are perfect for showcasing NCT WISH’s duality, just like in “Videohood” and “Everglow.” Just like the “I SPY” music video, NCT WISH convey their desire to “upgrade” themselves by using digital references like “code” and even “alt tab.”
NCT WISH add a spoonful of sugar in the playful pop beats of “Super Major.” The saccharine song is about how you can overcome anything when you have the support of someone special by your side. They assure listeners that “There’s nothing difficult at all, Easy Peasy / Throw away all your heavy worries.” This track is yet another prime example of their team mantra, “WISH for Our WISH,” in full force — emphasizing the importance of human and musical connection to make our wishes come true.
Neo City Lineage
It is essentially a prerequisite as an NCTzen to know who multi-platinum and Grammy award winning American producer DEM JOINTZ is. Apart from penning classics for musical legends like Janet Jackson and Rihanna, his iconic producer tag can be heard in some of NCT’s biggest hits (no pun intended). It is almost a rite of passage for NCT WISH to finally have a DEM JOINTZ track in their catalogue — and “Hubble Time” proves it was well worth the wait. “Hubble Time” is an alternative R&B joint with a deep house influence that describes a love that transcends the universe. The romantic lyrics from K-pop hitmaker KENZIE also make “Hubble Time” the first collaboration between DEM JOINTZ and KENZIE since the cultural phenomenon that was aespa’s “Supernova.”
The slow groove of “Hubble Time” eases into I SPY’s closer, “Like A Dream.” This track adds onto NCT WISH’s streak of interpolating classics after their previous title track, “Ode to Love,” which sampled The Cranberries’ “Ode To My Family.” This heartfelt pop ballad reinterprets one of the greatest folk love songs, “(They Long to Be) Close To You” by The Carpenters. It is the perfect outro to this dynamic project, tapping into another era and softer side of fantasy-driven nostalgia that is timelessly resonant.
I SPY is now available to stream on music platforms. “Sail Away” with NCT WISH and follow them on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube!
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