Awaken cover

Awaken

NCT 127 · 2019

42 min · 12 tracks · K-pop

A vibrant blend of K-pop and hip-hop, pulsing with energy and intricate choreography.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Regular (English Ver.) — As a standout track from the album, it showcases NCT 127's ability to cross language barriers while maintaining their energetic sound and intricate production.
  • →
    Cherry Bomb — This song combines a catchy hook with bold beats, representing the group's signature style and highlighting their flair for performance.
  • →
    Wakey Wakey — With its lively tempo and infectious chorus, this track encapsulates the album's upbeat vibe and enhances the overall energy of the listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic K-pop with hip-hop elements, showcasing vocal versatility but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Lips', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing slower songs like 'Long Slow Distance'.
  • The inclusion of multiple language versions of songs, such as 'Touch' and 'Limitless', highlights the group's international appeal and adaptability.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • vibrant energy for group listening
  • uplifting tracks for daily motivation
  • dance-friendly beats for parties

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Awaken is NCT 127's first album in 2019, following their successful release, Regular-Irregular in late 2018. At this point in their career, NCT 127 was solidifying their status as a leading force in the K-pop scene, expanding their global reach through strategic English and Japanese versions of tracks.
Stylistic neighbors
Ateez· Stray Kids· Monsta X
New to NCT 127? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Cherry Bomb

    The transition into the chorus dramatically shifts the tone, introducing a powerful anthem-like quality that invites participation.

    This shift not only energizes listeners but also establishes an engaging call-and-response dynamic that enhances live performances.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Lips 3:05
  • 2 Wakey Wakey 3:02
  • 3 Chain 3:42
  • 4 Regular (English Ver.) 3:39
  • 5 Touch (Japanese Ver.) 3:09
  • 6 Blow My Mind 3:47
  • 7 Limitless (Japanese Ver.) 4:07
  • 8 Long Slow Distance 4:24
  • 9 Kitchen Beat 3:29
  • 10 Cherry Bomb 3:56
  • 11 소방차 (Fire Truck) 2:58
  • 12 End to Start 3:29

What to play next

Neo Zone
Listen next

Neo Zone

2020
Regular-Irregular
Go back to

Regular-Irregular

2018
Full NCT 127 discography Where to start with NCT 127 Artists like NCT 127
K-pop hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata