I’ve written about NCT Wish nearly every week in September. Their first mini album has been preceded by two pre-releases and now we’re finally hearing the official title track. Steady is co-written by longtime SM Entertainment talent Kenzie and sees the group tackling their trendiest material yet.
Both UK garage and Jersey Club have become favorites of 2023-24 K-pop and are at the point of feeling overused. However, a strong song can make even the most passé trends feel fresh. Steady has its moments, but doesn’t quite hit the highs necessary to make its muted production work. The song spends too much time slowed to a crawl, with verses that often feel like they’re trudging through syrup.
Meanwhile, the chorus harnesses a bouncy energy that fits the group much more snugly. The problem here is a repetitive hook that quickly exhausts itself. “Let’s go steady” is an odd reversion to 1950’s slang but works as cute nonsense in the context of NCT Wish’s performance. Despite some interesting twists of rhythm and phrasing, the chorus is ultimately too one-note and sickly sweet to be satisfying. It’s catchy, but not in a way that begs for repeat plays. Dunk Shot remains the strongest track to come out of these promotions.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75