[Album Review] YOUTH (1st Studio Album) – DOYOUNG (NCT)

3 weeks ago 14

Another album review today (standard transmission of song reviews will resume tomorrow and into the weekend). This time, it is for DOYOUNG’s debut solo album, titled 청춘의 포말 or YOUTH. This was released in April and features 10 songs, including the title track Little Light. DOYOUNG is the 3rd member to have an official solo release in NCT, following TAEYONG and MARK.

YOUTH is a remarkable album that shows us a few styles of music, all intersecting with one another through DOYOUNG’s heavenly and stunning vocals. There are literally no bad songs on this album, making it one of the highest-ranked albums of the year thus far. A definite recommend to anyone who is looking for a new artist to delve into.

1. Beginning (새봄의 노래) – Beginning (not an exact reference to the song) the album is a stunner. Beginning (the song) is a beautiful track that starts soft and delicate. As it progresses, it builds into a powerful track that captivates you. The piano is the song’s best part, with the recurring riff being so lovely. DOYOUNG vocals follow the same trajectory as the instrumental and add to that captivation, making it hard to skip this opening song. (10/10)

2. Little Light (반딧불) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Little Light. (9.5/10)

3. From Little Wave (나의 바다에게) – Rock infuses into the album through From Little Wave. From the start, I liked how DOYOUNG controlled From Little Wave, turning what arguably sounded like strong rock elements into a soft song with his vocals. However, as the song progresses, the rock takes over. But it doesn’t overwhelm DOYOUNG’s vocals, which remain the song’s focal point. Another great song with a strong trajectory. (9/10)

4. Time Machine (ft. TAEYEON (SNSD) & MARK (NCT)) – Of all the tracks on the album aside from the title track, there was a lot of anticipation of Time Machine. After all, it features DOYOUNG, TAEYEON and MARK – all big names from SM Entertainment. I love how dreamy the track was, with beautiful acoustics as part of its mid-tempo instrumentation. All three members sound amazing, but it was best at the end with their harmonies and DOYOUNG and TAEYEON’s ad-libs. (9/10)

5. Serenade (내가 됐으면 해) – Another dreamy vocal track from DOYOUNG. This one taps into R&B and has this jazzy vibe to it. I love how soothing his vocals are on this track at times and how warm the track sounds. However, this song is on more of the typical side than the others on the album. But it still liked how Serenade sounds nonetheless. (8/10)

6. Rewind (끝에서 다시) – Rewind is the type of ballad you must close your eyes to and just let DOYOUNG take you away. I don’t think there is any other plausible way to appreciate the song. The best way I can describe Rewind is using a painting analogy – the piano-only instrumental would serve as a blank and smooth canvas that makes paint easy. In contrast, DOYOUNG vocals (which were so raw and emotive) would serve as the brush strokes that make up the painting on the canvas. Rewind was truly a beautiful listen. (10/10)

7. Warmth (온기) – Ironically, I get chills listening to Warmth, from DOYOUNG’s vocals which are breathtaking in Warmth. He is a lot breathier in the song, making his vocals feel silky and smooth. I also enjoyed how his vocals build in the song. The classical instrumental is really beautiful itself. Another amazing ballad to earn a 10/10. (10/10)

8. Lost In California – Lost in California plays with dynamics, which makes it an interesting song. Lost In California goes almost grungy in the choruses, but the verses are much softer. The bridge takes a balladry turn. DOYOUNG perfected the transitions between each, ensuring the song stays cohesive despite each section being distinct. The launch between verse and chorus was impactful, while he tapers the end of the grungier choruses with a wispy, memorable tone. I also love how he delivers the “Dream in” and the “Leave here” in the outro. (10/10)

9. Rest (쉼표) – Rest is quite likeable thanks to its pop melodies and the overall energy exuded from the song. The band instrumental is quite refreshing and upbeat, while the electric guitars help give the song some zing. I find it a bit standard compared to the string of songs preceding it, but still a good listen. (8/10)

10. Dallas Love Field – Closing out YOUTH is Dallas Love Field, which delves into the pop rock subgenre. I liked how passionate and vibrant DOYOUNG’s vocals were throughout Dallas Love Field. At times, I thought DOYOUNG slipped into a dreamy demeanour, which was an intriguing direction for an upbeat pop-rock track like Dallas Love Field. I loved it when the backing vocals came into play, and DOYOUNG moved into ad-libs territory. I just wished he finished the song by easing out and not being abrupt as it was. But it’s a wonderful end to the album nonetheless. (9/10)