A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
True to NCT form, Glitch Mode is not even close my favorite song on NCT Dream’s new album. Once they’re able to get past the expectations of a typical NCT single, the guys display much greater versatility. Knowing my taste, I imagine most would think I’d pick the funky Better Than Gold for my buried treasure. And, that song comes a very close second. But right now, it’s all about another hip-hop heavy offering: Saturday Drip.
I love that this song is just dumb fun. “Dumb fun” is underrated, and these kind of hype tracks are at their best when they embrace their ridiculousness. The guys sound like they’re having fun, and the various tones of the members are utilized to their full potential. The chorus has a droning quality (in a good way) that brings unexpected texture to the song. More importantly, the beat is incredibly addictive. It’s got real kick to it, ornamented with fun video game samples (love the Mario coin sounds!). In fact, Saturday Drip feels more suited to an arcade concept than Glitch Mode did!
When it comes down to it, I just love how playful this is. I think a lot of recent NCT title tracks have put me off because they feel like they’re trying to impress with their attitude and ‘experimental’ sounds. There’s something to be said for a bouncy party track like Saturday Drip, especially when it comes to a younger unit like Dream.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I was just thinking about whether or not I was the only one who really loved this. It stays stuck in my head. The music, the tones of the vocals, the overall fun swag…its addictive.
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yesssss my favorite song on the album, it’s dumb, stupid, has a touch of miami bass if not in production per say (though I do believe 2LiveCrew could ride this beat but that’s just me) then in energy and is basically Birthday Party (one of my favourite b-sides from the Universe album) if it was less openly flawed and had constant energy and didn’t bother with shoehorning in pretty singing parts that doesn’t fit with anything (though no single moment here is better than Jaemin’s elongated wow on the previous song).
you’re forgiven for your slander of nct these past couple of years and your liking of lame funk songs (just kidding).
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question what do u think of fire alarm (bc imo its far better title track material than glitch mode)
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I like it a lot! It’s probably my third favorite on the album and would have made a much better title.
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This is…my favorite song in the entire album. Its mature compared to their other songs but still sounds extremely youthful and FUN. And its a hype song but also chill? at the same time? Bc the rap is kind of calm like “droning” like you said. And the prechorus is really energetic while the chorus kind of the opposite. And all the different tones each member takes really keeps the song interesting with like a variety of textures. It is just the right combo of oddness and swag lol. I think the reason the tone and raps work is because they kind of all took on their default tone lol. Jaemin’s rap sounds…like Jaemin. He doesn’t sound like he’s trying to emulate any rap style in particular. Mark’s rap is so good lol.
This is the def the kinda song i want to listen to while getting ready to go out.
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