Six years ago, NCT left their mark on the world as they debuted with their singles โThe 7th Senseโ and โWITHOUT YOU.โ The boy groupโs acronym stands for Neo Culture Technology, which has continued to grow with a total of three fixed sub-units and one sub-unit where the members continuously change.
Debut With NCT U
NCT Uโthe โUโ meaning โunitedโโwere the first subunit to debut that also prided themselves on their versatility. The members were split into two groups to cover both singles. The original debut lineup included the members Taeyong (who would eventually be best recognized as NCTโs leader), Taeil, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, and Mark.
โThe 7th Senseโ showcased the choreography skills, vocals, and rap skills of Taeyong, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, and Mark in the brooding, electronic hip-hop-influenced single. However, โWITHOUT YOUโ emphasized NCTโs versatility sonically with the heavenly vocal trio of Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun.
Without You
โWITHOUT YOUโ is an electronic and rock-influenced pop ballad. Itโs worthy of being played in films as the main characters chase their dreams or even be blasted in the car while driving down the highway. Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun are all main vocalists within NCT and prove they deserve the title with their vocals as they belt out the chorus and harmonize with one another throughout the track.
With heartfelt lyrics such as, โEnduring life together is making me a little bit happier / Weโll be connected without end, canโt live without you,โ it is no wonder why โWITHOUT YOUโ is still a fan-favorite to this day.
Yoo Young-jin, a songwriter and producer under SM Entertainment who has written for many of the labelโs groups such as EXO, Red Velvet, and SHINee, is credited as the lyricist behind the debut single. He is also credited as a producer for the track along with Ki Fitzgerald, John Reid, and Matt Schwartz.
From the lyrics to the composition of the song, โWITHOUT YOUโ was a success to debut with and became a staple for NCTzensโthe fans of NCT. All of these elements being tied together with Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyunโs vocals ended up being a recipe for success. In fact, โWITHOUT YOUโ even went on to peak at the number three spot on Billboardโs โWorld Digital Song Salesโ chart. The song spent a total of three weeks on the chart.
Familiar Faces
As one of NCTโs debut singles, of course โWITHOUT YOUโ was accompanied by a music video. Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun are the stars of what appears to be a dreamy and painful love story. The video follows the trio as they yearn for a girl.
While the music video is visually stunning with the dreamlike blurred vision, there is a familiar face that many NCTzens may recognize as a cameo within the video. Before officially debuting as part of NCT 127 and WayV, WinWin starred in the โWITHOUT YOUโ music video.
Another familiar voice NCTzens may recognize can be found on the Chinese version of the track. WayVโs KUN offers his vocals to an alternate version of โWITHOUT YOUโ while also proving why he also carries the title of main vocalist. His strong vocals add a beautiful twist to the beloved NCT debut track.
A Song Worth Remembering
โWITHOUT YOUโ is a striking track that highlights NCTโs main vocalists and serves as a reminder that the supergroup is filled with talent. Right from the start of NCTโs career, they proved their versatility with the singles โThe 7th Senseโ and โWITHOUT YOU.โ
โThe 7th Senseโ introduces NCT with thought-provoking lyrics and a darker theme. The introspective track contrasts greatly to the hopeful and somewhat romantic ballad โWITHOUT YOU.โ Despite the great difference, both singles encompass NCTโs abilities as artists perfectly.
Throughout the years, NCT has continued to explore different sounds as they embrace their concept of Neo Culture Technology with their subunits. However, NCT Uโs unique nature allows all of the members to join together on new projects and pursue their creative endeavors โ creating an environment unlike the rest. With a group as diverse and talented as NCT, whatever they may release in the years to come will surely be brilliant.
Celebrate NCTโs sixth anniversary with our coverage of NCT Uโs other debut single, โThe 7th Sense,โ here.
