Regular-Irregular
| Regular-Irregular | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by NCT 127 | ||||
| Released | October 12, 2018 | |||
| Recorded | 2018 | |||
| Studio | SM Studios, Seoul, South Korea | |||
| Language |
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| Label | ||||
| Producer | Lee Soo-man (exec.) | |||
| NCT 127 chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Regular-Irregular | ||||
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Regular-Irregular is the first studio album by South Korean boy band NCT 127, the second sub-unit of the South Korean boy group NCT. It was released by SM Entertainment on October 12, 2018 and distributed by IRIVER. The album includes a total of eleven tracks. This is the first Korean major release in a year and four months by NCT 127 since their previous EP, Cherry Bomb, which was released in June 2017.[1]
It marks their first release as a ten-member group, since the addition of Jungwoo in September 2018.[2][3]
Background and release
On September 17, a teaser video was released on the group's twitter account which shows flashes of the words “regular” and “irregular”, as well as a new NCT 127 logo. Later that day, SM Entertainment announced the addition of Jungwoo to the group and that NCT 127 would release its first full-length album Regular-Irregular on October 12.[4] Following the announcement, NCT 127 entered the Billboard’s Social 50 at number five for the week of September 29.[5] Photo and video teasers were released from September 18 up to October 11.[6]
On October 8, NCT 127 released the music video of the English version of their new single "Regular", which marks the group’s first English language song.[7] The music video for the Korean version of "Regular" was released on October 11, 2018.[8] The album was released on October 12, 2018.[9]
Composition
The album's theme revolves around the exploration reality and dreams. The album incorporates several genres; such as pop, dance, R&B, ballad and hip-hop.[9]
"Regular" is described as a high-energy dance track with sensual Latin vibes that incorporates Spanish lyrics.[7] Billboard noted that unlike many Korean songs re-released by K-pop bands in other languages, the English version of "Regular" differentiates itself from the Korean version through the content of their lyrics.[9] The Korean one addresses their current state as a group trying to make its way in the world, in contrast to the hopeful, goal-oriented swagger expressed in the English alternative. While both versions focus on money, the Korean addresses the reality of their world versus the luxurious lifestyle expressed in the English.[9][10]
Promotion
NCT 127 kick-started promotions for the album in the U.S. with television promotions and a partnership with Apple Music.[11][12]
They performed their new single "Regular" as well as "Cherry Bomb" on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! outdoor concert series stage on October 8, marking their U.S. television debut;[13][14] The group also appeared at the 2018 American Music Awards.[15] They are also set to perform at the Mickey’s 90th Spectacular TV special, which will air on ABC on November 4.[16]
NCT 127 was also announced as Apple Music's 'Up Next' Artist; the group was featured on Apple-based platforms, including with a short film exploring the band and their music, an Apple Music–only choreography video and a Beats 1 interview.[17][18]
Critical reception
In a positive review, Billboard praised the album for showcasing both the group’s artistry and skill through its diversity of sounds and experimental approach towards an album concept, helping to solidify their style.[9]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "지금 우리 (City 127)" |
|
| 3:19 |
| 2. | "Regular" (Korean version) |
|
| 3:37 |
| 3. | "Replay (PM 01:27)" | Bang Hye-hyun |
| 3:39 |
| 4. | "Knock On" |
|
| 3:25 |
| 5. | "나의 모든 순간 (No Longer)" | Hwang Hyun |
| 4:57 |
| 6. | "Interlude: Regular to Irregular" |
| 3:10 | |
| 7. | "내 Van (My Van)" |
|
| 3:26 |
| 8. | "악몽 (Come Back)" |
|
| 3:25 |
| 9. | "신기루 (Fly Away with Me)" |
|
| 3:32 |
| 10. | "Regular" (English version) |
|
| 3:39 |
| 11. | "Run Back 2 U" |
|
| 3:39 |
| Total length: | 40:02 | |||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | October 12, 2018 |
|
|
| Various |
|
References
- ↑ "NCT 127's 1st full album draws wide attention". Kpop Herald. October 14, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 Announces Debut LP 'Regular-Irregular' and First English-Language Song, Adds a Member". Billboard.
- ↑ "NCT 127, 10월12일 첫 정규앨범 컴백 확정..새 멤버 정우 합류[공식입]". OSEN (in Korean). September 17, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 Releases Comeback Teasers and News Of A New Member". Mwave. September 17, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 New Member & Album Announcement Spark Social 50 Chart Peak". Billboard. September 27, 2018.
- ↑ "Update: NCT 127 Takes Over The Town In Teaser For Korean MV For "Regular"". Soompi. September 16, 2018.
- 1 2 "NCT 127 Premieres First-Ever English-Language Song 'Regular': Watch the Music Video". Billboard. October 8, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 Release Korean-Language Music Video for 'Regular': Watch". Billboard. October 12, 2018.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "NCT 127 Explores the Depths of Reality on 'Regular-Irregular' Album". Billboard. October 12, 2018.
- ↑ "How Are NCT 127's English & Korean Versions of "Regular" Different?". Mwave. October 11, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 pushes hard for American dream". Kpop Herald. October 4, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 Set Their Sights On America With Ambitious Stateside Promotions". Forbes. October 1, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 to perform on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'". Kpop Herald. September 26, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 Perform 'Regular' & 'Cherry Bomb' For U.S. TV Debut on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'". Billboard. October 9, 2018.
- ↑ "Watch NCT 127 Live on The American Music Awards Red Carpet". Mwave. October 9, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 to perform at Disney special on ABC". Kpop Herald. September 30, 2018.
- ↑ "NCT 127 Is Apple Music's Latest 'Up Next' Artist: Exclusive". Billboard. October 1, 2018.
- ↑ "Apple Music Releases 'Up Next with NCT 127' Introductory Video". Billboard. October 9, 2018.