2 Baddies
| NCT 127
2 Baddies
2 Baddies (Korean: 질주; RR: Jilju; lit. Speeding) is the fourth Korean-language studio album (fifth overall) by South Korean boy band NCT 127. It was released on September 16, 2022 by SM Entertainment, and contains 12 tracks in a variety of genres, including the lead single of the same name The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised the versatility of the tracks that range from hip hop to R&B. -Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
Show All-
NME
The SM Entertainment boyband offer more unpredictable sonic collisions but also tap into slow-burning, sexy R&B on their fourth Korean album.
-
The Bias List
I don’t think I’m the target audience, but even on a technical level the sound of NCT shouting in a monotonous tone doesn’t make for a pleasant listen. It’s an obnoxious little earworm, wasting the potential of 2 Baddies’ cool production with a bare-bones catchphrase. Hip-hop hype songs can be so fun, but they need to have levels. You can’t just shout and bluster all the way through. The noisiness loses its potency and becomes dull.
-
Rolling Stone India
Fronted by a sub-par, gimmicky title release, the B-side tracks are once again the real MVPs, allowing the nonet to save face from an otherwise disastrous return.
-
AllMusic
Through it all, they make it look easy. Without as much typically "K-pop"-sounding material, NCT 127 have matured and delivered a cohesive, confident vision of where they might be headed.
-
The Review Geek
2 Baddies is proof that 127 have finally found the perfect recipe for their albums – rough edges are smoothly offset by more chill RnB, and the pizzazz of their more experimental tracks is nicely balanced by easy-listening tunes. It’s audience-friendly and enjoyable while still not sacrificing the group’s signature zing. It’s interesting without being divisive, and that is exactly why NCT 127 hit the jackpot with 2 Baddies.
-
Sputnik Music
Their bad boy swagger is justified here even if it’s made in a factory. I didn’t get tired of the rapping and even the solo singing moments didn’t feel obnoxious. The music is catchy from beginning to end with songs that won’t leave you and the gorgeous vocal performances never bore. If you’re a fan of K-pop you won’t want to miss this album.
-
K Pop Reviewed
Overall, 2 Baddies was appreciable for a NCT 127 track and an energetic listen. But it also doesn’t bring anything new to the table.
-
KBopped
Personally however, 2 Baddies continues to peddle my general disinterest in NCT as a whole. The song honestly had the potential to be great but is unfortunately let down by the same issues that have plagued so many of the NCT brands recent efforts. A sense of inconsistency that unfortunately leads to a final product that’s a much worse than the sum of its parts.
-
Seoulbeats
Like the majority of NCT 127’s MVs, “2 Baddies” does not have an overall theme or plot, rendering it quite unmemorable. With some of the outfits and effects leaving a rather tacky impression, this might be NCT 127’s least impressive MV release. Unfortunately, the song isn’t particularly enjoyable either. The vocal mixing during the chorus is too abrasive, likely to deter listeners.
Rate This Album and Leave Your Comments