From when NCT first announced the creation of their NCT JNJM subunit to the actual release of their mini album “Both Sides” on Feb. 23, fans have undergone a rollercoaster of emotions.
The letters “JNJM” stand for “Jeno Jaemin,” the names of the two subunit members. NCT is a K-pop group divided into further sub-groups, with the popular duo hailing from the NCT Dream subunit. Because NCT Dream’s music is not rap-heavy but both members are rappers, some fans were unsure of what music styles this EP would present.
The album concept photos promoting the debut also created some confusion over what to expect from the duo. While the “Side A” concept photos presented a striking, Vogue-esque photoshoot with Jeno and Jaemin clad in fur and leather against a generic white backdrop, the “Side B” photos of the pair on a road trip felt more carefree and casual. “Both Sides” may be about duality, but the unrelated styles and moods of the photosets felt incongruent and slightly jarring.
Upon finally listening to this mini album, I mainly found influences from pop and hip-hop which the duo seems well-suited for. However, it also made me wish the tracks were longer, because every song is under three minutes long and some would feel less incomplete with an extension.
From the beginning of the title track “Both Sides,” Jaemin’s intro to the song was fitting for his playful personality and set the tone which was evident throughout the song: fun. It’s a lively pop song with exciting instrumental additions following the second and third choruses, notably the “Jump, jump right up on it” lyric in the second verse. At the same time, the song just feels too busy—it’s already fast-paced, and the multiple instrumental changes aren’t given enough time to fully develop, minimizing the impact of each section on the listener.
In my opinion, my favorite track, “I.D.O.L.,” was a strong contender for the title track. The chorus of the track is hard to forget, and both members’ vocals were quite pleasant in the pre-choruses despite their usual roles as rappers in NCT Dream. “I.D.O.L.” is also one of a few songs in the album with lyrics repeatedly indicating directions like “East side” and “West side” to express duality. The bold lyrics and heavy contrasts make this track ideal for enjoying in a concert setting.
While I liked some songs immediately after my first listen, a few others took another listen to grow on me. At first, “What It Is” felt a bit lackluster because I didn’t notice any outstanding vocal or rap parts, but I later came to love the intensity of the hard-hitting chorus. The members’ deep voices in the refrain of “Hashtag”—a rap-heavy hip-hop track—initially felt off putting for an otherwise fantastic instrumental backing, but on second listen, the depth felt fitting for the song’s intention.
“Wind Up” references the baseball show of the same name that Jeno and Jaemin had starred in together, explaining why the lyrics contain baseball metaphors like “adjust your aim” and “a mound full of luck.” Jeno’s singing in the chorus was especially perfect for the song’s relaxing mood. With its uplifting message of confidently chasing one’s dreams, the track holds a uniquely emotional touch.
Some might find “sexier” boring with its repetitive chorus and largely unvaried instrumental. While the song is energetic and catchy with clear influences of hyperpop, it was the only track in the album that definitely felt like it didn’t need to be much longer.
All in all, “Both Sides” turned out to be a playful album filled with addictive songs. None of the songs are automatic skips, but the EP could’ve been even better if most of the tracks were lengthened to further develop the tensions that reinforce the theme of duality. If NCT JNJM releases more songs in the future, hopefully they’ll continue to expand and showcase their dynamic vocal capabilities.
