Song Review:: Doyoung (NCT): The Story

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  •  Release date: 2024 November 06

  • Album tracklist: The Story

  • Album runtime: 3 minutes

 He apparently made his solo debut earlier this year! Congrats! That's awesome! And considering what year he was born, it's probably a good thing that he debuted as a soloist this year rather than waiting until next year, because that would be an emotional one-two punch for the fans. I don't know if he planned this kindness on purpose or if it was an accident, but I'm choosing to believe it was on purpose and a gift for the fans.

These instrumentals are absolutely lovely and gorgeously cinematic. Seriously, where is the movie that these instrumentals belong in? Opening with just the guitar gives the song a gentle roughness that smooths out leading into the first verse, and while the guitar does remain the dominant sound throughout most of the song, the bridge with its introductory piano coaxes the listener into settling before one last explosion. The only thing I don't like about the instrumentals is how abruptly the song ends, but if that's the only thing I don't like, I'd say that the song does well for itself. And, out of curiosity because I had a feeling, I decided to check the credits on this song. Kenzie as lyricist, and Doyoung composed it with Seo Donghwan, which means that how much I love the instrumentals? I get to blame him for it and give him the kudos he so richly deserves. He has to share the kudos, but y'all should still know that he had a hand in the song. 

I think I've decided one of my favorite things about when idols start to go a little solo from their group. They get to flex skills they don't always get to show off when they're with their groups, and they get music that they may not necessarily have to do, but rather want to do, unless they have a really good relationship with their main producer(s) and lyricists (or are a producer/composer/lyricist) and can suggest things. Put those two things together, and we get songs like this one. His voice so perfectly matches the vibe of the instrumentals that it's actually the reason why I went looking for the credits. It felt personal, and it turns out that it is. His voice is simply amazing. Again, I don't like how abruptly the song ends, but it's something minor for me. 

The poetic lyricism of the song is incredible. Okay, carry on.

So not only are the instrumentals very cinematic, but so is the music video. This could actually be a music video for an OST, although I'm feeling more movie than TV show with this one. And I'd definitely argue that the theme of the music video is "Sometimes, fear holds us to our past experiences. And sometimes, we have to let go of the past and that fear in order to chase after the things we want." It's a very heartwarming message.



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