Thoughts on The Firstfruit by MARK of NCT π
Toronto's Window - chill, moving, and very explanatory of just Mark as a person imo. he's a storyteller through and through.
1999 - such a vibe omg, really showcases Mark's versatility as an artist, a different take on the more nostalgic sound we've been getting from kpop recently
Flight to NYC - really helps create the storytelling element Mark and his group mates have all been saying he'd do for years, sick production
Righteous - so fucking cool holy shit, love the heavier more electronic influence in the production, very neo but still very mark's brand of neo
Fraktsiya - still such a banger I'll never get over this track omg, "I'm NCT", love the variety in the production it adds great texture without being overstimulating, Lee Young Ji is a queen love her, Mark really does carry so much of modern sm on his back atp and props to him honestly for putting out such a good album
Raincouver - very chill very light but still very much a vibe I can understand Mark going for, play on words omg I love it, every person just has that one sing that reminds them of home and I think mark really made his own to express that feeling better
Loser - ooh acoustic?? fun, another play on words ok ok, oh no it's sad longing, but it still sounds so pretty and chill if you ignore the lyrics π, love hearing all the different tones and textures in his voice it's so satisfying to the ear, definitely very well executes the feeling of not wanting to let go of someone or something
Watching TV - a fun and chill bop with lots of variety in sound, crush and mark sound great together, the use of auto tune really helps emphasize the kinda vibe mark was going for, oh shit it's still sad boy but party boy but chill this is confusing but I love it
+82 Pressin' - eyyyy haechan feat. mark (line distribution goes wilddd), honestly this was such a good pre release, the lore and storytelling in the mv too??, hyuk sounds great as always, loved the choreo for this, Mark just has a way with writing lyrics like just randomly being able to fit in "dolphin" of all things is such a testament to his writing honestly, Mark sounded great too obv
200 - glad to see it on the full album honestly π, I don't think I've listened to this song enough considering how much I love everything about it, Mark really worked hard on this album for so long I'm glad he's getting his moment (I also know exactly what playlist of mine this fits on have to go add it now why didn't I do that earlier??)
Journey Mercies - all the little details in the track production holy shit, this is so dynamic??, ok vocals I see u mark, oh shit this hits you right on the heart, Mark bro I'll be your everything ok, sounds like a good hanging out in the park on a spring night at the beginning of summer when the sky is just clear enough and there's a slight breeze but it's still warm out song, but yeah loved the production on this!
Mom's Interlude - I honestly really liked that Mark added in so many bits like this that drew you back to reality with production that suited the mood of each break, I don't speak Korean but I bet Mark's mom is speaking facts
Too Much - starting off stripped back is such a statement in contrast to the title, also tying it all back to 1999? mark truly is a storyteller, what a great way to end the album, the production switch ok???!!?!?, this is probably the most someone could hear all the different sides of Mark in one song holy shit, this is a masterpiece omg
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honestly this album is a whole experience, so props to Mark for working so hard on it! I definitely get the vibe that it wasn't just creative expression for him but also his chance to show nctzens all the sides of him (that's really putting yourself in a vulnerable position and as an artist I can relate a LOT)
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albums I'd recommend to people who liked The Firstfruit: Indigo and RPWP by RM of BTS (immediately these were the kind of vibes and impact I personally felt), 19.99 by BOYNEXTDOOR (there's a similar pattern so far of albums with songs that just feel like entering a new chapter of life idk why)
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congrats on the release, Mark! it turned out really well and I'm sure everyone will say their praises, but know that putting out music like this reaches your fans in a way that makes a difference π
