{"id":2110622,"date":"2026-08-24T09:01:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T06:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110622"},"modified":"2026-08-24T09:01:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T06:01:46","slug":"nct-127-blingy-review-down-a-few-members-but-definitely-not-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110622","title":{"rendered":"NCT 127 \u2013 \u2018Blingy\u2019 review: down a few members but definitely not out"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/NCT-127-Blingy-Credit-SM-Entertainment.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"template-id-3332206\" class=\"post-3332206 tdb_templates type-tdb_templates status-publish post\">\n<div id=\"tdi_65\" class=\"tdc-zone\">\n<div class=\"tdc_zone tdi_66  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div id=\"tdi_67\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_68  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_70  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_71 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_71\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"696\" height=\"442\" class=\"entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/NCT-127-Blingy-Credit-SM-Entertainment-696x442.jpg\" alt=\"NCT 127 Blingy Review\" title=\"NCT 127 Blingy Credit SM Entertainment\"><figcaption class=\"tdb-caption-text\">NCT 127. Credit: SM Entertainment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_72\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_73  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_75  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_breadcrumbs tdi_76 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-breadcrumbs \" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_76\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span>Reviews<\/span><span>Album Reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_title tdi_77 tdb-single-title td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_77\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">NCT 127 \u2013 \u2018Blingy\u2019 review: down a few members but definitely not out<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_subtitle tdi_78 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_78\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Ten years deep and five members strong, the K-pop boyband celebrate beating the odds with a hip-hop-heavy victory lap<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_review_overall tdi_79 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_79\">\n<table class=\"td-review td-fix-index\">\n<tr class=\"td-review-footer rate_stars\">\n<td class=\"td-review-score\">\n<div class=\"td-review-overall\">\n<div class=\"td-review-final-score\">4<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_author tdi_80 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_80\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-author-name-wrap\"><span class=\"tdb-author-by\">By<\/span> Carmen Chin<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_date tdi_81 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_81\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><time class=\"entry-date updated td-module-date\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T10:01:46+01:00\">24th August 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_82\" class=\"tdc-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_83  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_85  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>NCT 127 have experienced substantial changes since their last album, 2024\u2019s \u2018Walk\u2019. Originally a group of nine, the boyband are now down to just five. Some are gone for good \u2013 disgraced former member Taeil was cut from the group in 2024 following a sexual assault case, while core member Mark Lee left earlier this year \u2013 while others are away temporarily (Doyoung and Jungwoo are fulfilling their military service). Despite running at reduced strength, the remaining NCT 127 members \u2013 Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun and Haechan \u2013 are showing that they\u2019re down but not out.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>READ MORE: Madra Salach are remoulding traditional Irish folk to their own blistering tune<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Where past records leaned into R&amp;B, the boyband step decisively toward hip-hop on \u2018Blingy\u2019. \u2018Pi\u00f1ata\u2019, a buzzy cocktail of rock and hip-hop is brimming with the energy of a band with something to prove \u2013 it\u2019s all snarl and swagger through electric guitar riffs and breakbeat drums. A frenetic blend of dubstep with distorted synths, hard-hitting drums and chanted hooks, title track \u2018Blingy\u2019 is a feisty showcase that NCT 127 understand the larger-than-life world they\u2019ve created and how to build upon it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<p>This album\u2019s experiments yield the best results on \u2018IKR\u2019 and \u2018Legacy\u2019. The former is a percussion-forward spin on upbeat hip-hop that employs a xylophone-like timbre that undulates and ripples across the track. \u2018Legacy\u2019, on the other hand, is the boyband\u2019s maximalist nature firing on all cylinders. It\u2019s a dauntless, multidimensional soundscape packed with layers of rap, rhythmic vocal harmonies and a warped bass. A brilliant reminder that the formula endures because it works \u2013 fitting on an album designed to celebrate what makes NCT 127 tick.<\/p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"NCT 127 \uc5d4\uc2dc\ud2f0 127 'BLINGY' Highlight Medley\" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dw0XyMHaQh0?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<p>On the two occasions where the boyband go more pop, it becomes very hit and miss. Sun-drenched tropical house confection \u2018Getaway\u2019 is one of the record\u2019s strongest, thanks in no small part to producer dwilly, whose catalogue boasts other exemplary house-pop tracks (RIIZE\u2019s \u2018Impossible\u2019, Hearts2Hearts\u2019 \u2018Focus\u2019). Meanwhile, piano-led pop rock number \u2018127 Million Miles\u2019 is the obligatory sentimental entry on the album. The surprise inclusion of Doyoung and Jungwoo is welcome, especially considering their absence elsewhere, but its production is so safe that it brings \u2018Blingy\u2019 to a lull.<\/p>\n<p>With a rapper gone and the group\u2019s usual main vocalists sidelined, the most predictable outcome for \u2018Blingy\u2019 would have been to sound like a band operating with both hands tied. Yet, the quintet overcome these challenges with previously overshadowed members like Yuta and Johnny stepping up to the plate. \u2018Blingy\u2019 is proof that NCT 127 remain clear-eyed about who they are. Whatever comes next for them, however many members answer that call, this is not where their story ends.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3782516 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/NCT-127-Blingy-Artwork-V2.jpg\" alt=\"nct 127 blingy review\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Record label:<\/strong> SM Entertainment<\/li>\n<li><strong>Release date:<\/strong> August 24, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_tags tdi_87 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_87\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<ul class=\"tdb-tags\">\n<li><span>Related Topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li>K-pop<\/li>\n<li>NCT<\/li>\n<li>NCT 127<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_88\" class=\"tdc-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_89  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_91  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_row_inner tdi_93  vc_row vc_inner wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_95  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_97 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>More Stories<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap td_flex_block_1 tdi_98 td-pb-border-top td_module_flex_1--card td_module_flex_1--card--highlight td_block_template_2 tdc-no-posts td_flex_block\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_98\">\n<div id=\"tdi_98\" class=\"td_block_inner td-mc1-wrap\">\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Madonna leads MTV VMAs 2026 nominations \u2013 check out the full list<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Grammys may reconsider Asian Pop Award after BTS\u2019 boycott: \u201cSome artists feel this category isn\u2019t representing the music they create\u201d<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">BTS\u2019 V reveals hearing loss issues amid world tour<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">KATSEYE\u2019s Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus to focus on \u201cmental health\u201d<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Film News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">\u2018KPop Demon Hunters\u2019 bumper art book to offer a deep-dive on the hit musical<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Grammys CEO reacts to BTS\u2019 backing out in protest to Asian pop category<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_99\" class=\"tdc-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_100  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_102  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_104 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>You May Also Like<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><\/article>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>NCT 127 have experienced substantial changes since their last album, 2024\u2019s \u2018Walk\u2019. Originally a group of nine, the boyband are now down to just five. Some are gone for good \u2013 disgraced former member Taeil was cut from the group in 2024 following a sexual assault case, while core member Mark Lee left earlier this year \u2013 while others are away temporarily (Doyoung and Jungwoo are fulfilling their military service). Despite running at reduced strength, the remaining NCT 127 members \u2013 Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun and Haechan \u2013 are showing that they\u2019re down but not out.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>READ MORE: Madra Salach are remoulding traditional Irish folk to their own blistering tune<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Where past records leaned into R&amp;B, the boyband step decisively toward hip-hop on \u2018Blingy\u2019. \u2018Pi\u00f1ata\u2019, a buzzy cocktail of rock and hip-hop is brimming with the energy of a band with something to prove \u2013 it\u2019s all snarl and swagger through electric guitar riffs and breakbeat drums. A frenetic blend of dubstep with distorted synths, hard-hitting drums and chanted hooks, title track \u2018Blingy\u2019 is a feisty showcase that NCT 127 understand the larger-than-life world they\u2019ve created and how to build upon it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span><\/div>\n<p>This album\u2019s experiments yield the best results on \u2018IKR\u2019 and \u2018Legacy\u2019. The former is a percussion-forward spin on upbeat hip-hop that employs a xylophone-like timbre that undulates and ripples across the track. \u2018Legacy\u2019, on the other hand, is the boyband\u2019s maximalist nature firing on all cylinders. It\u2019s a dauntless, multidimensional soundscape packed with layers of rap, rhythmic vocal harmonies and a warped bass. A brilliant reminder that the formula endures because it works \u2013 fitting on an album designed to celebrate what makes NCT 127 tick.<\/p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"NCT 127 \uc5d4\uc2dc\ud2f0 127 'BLINGY' Highlight Medley\" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dw0XyMHaQh0?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<p>On the two occasions where the boyband go more pop, it becomes very hit and miss. Sun-drenched tropical house confection \u2018Getaway\u2019 is one of the record\u2019s strongest, thanks in no small part to producer dwilly, whose catalogue boasts other exemplary house-pop tracks (RIIZE\u2019s \u2018Impossible\u2019, Hearts2Hearts\u2019 \u2018Focus\u2019). Meanwhile, piano-led pop rock number \u2018127 Million Miles\u2019 is the obligatory sentimental entry on the album. The surprise inclusion of Doyoung and Jungwoo is welcome, especially considering their absence elsewhere, but its production is so safe that it brings \u2018Blingy\u2019 to a lull.<\/p>\n<p>With a rapper gone and the group\u2019s usual main vocalists sidelined, the most predictable outcome for \u2018Blingy\u2019 would have been to sound like a band operating with both hands tied. Yet, the quintet overcome these challenges with previously overshadowed members like Yuta and Johnny stepping up to the plate. \u2018Blingy\u2019 is proof that NCT 127 remain clear-eyed about who they are. Whatever comes next for them, however many members answer that call, this is not where their story ends.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3782516 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/NCT-127-Blingy-Artwork-V2.jpg\" alt=\"nct 127 blingy review\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Record label:<\/strong> SM Entertainment<\/li>\n<li><strong>Release date:<\/strong> August 24, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/reviews\/album\/nct-127-blingy-review-3964289&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/NCT-127-Blingy-Credit-SM-Entertainment.jpg&#8221;] NCT 127. Credit: SM Entertainment ReviewsAlbum Reviews NCT 127 \u2013 \u2018Blingy\u2019 review: down a few members but definitely not out Ten years deep and five members strong, the K-pop boyband celebrate beating the odds with a hip-hop-heavy victory lap 4 By Carmen Chin 24th August 2026 NCT 127 have experienced substantial changes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,78],"class_list":["post-2110622","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-nme-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2110622","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2110622"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2110622\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2110622"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2110622"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2110622"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}