NCT WISH, the newest sub-unit of the ever-expanding NCT family, made waves with the release of their debut mini album Steady on September 24, 2024. This release marks an important moment not only for the members of NCT WISH but also for fans who have been eagerly anticipating new music from this rookie unit. The group, under SM Entertainment, introduced their unique identity within the NCT universe with a collection of diverse tracks that showcase their musical versatility and youthful energy. The album Steady is spearheaded by the title track of the same name, while two of its tracks—“Dunk Shot” and “3 Minutes”—were strategically pre-released on September 9 and 16, respectively, to build anticipation for the full project. With its modern, genre-blending sound and emotionally resonant lyrics, Steady sets the stage for NCT WISH to carve out their place in the K-pop industry. The physical album comes in four special versions—I ♥ WISH, Finding Psyche, WICHU's Memory (Keyring), and QR—each designed to reflect a unique aspect of the group’s aesthetic and appeal to their diverse fanbase. These versions add a collectible element that has become a hallmark of K-pop releases, allowing fans to further connect with the group through various album concepts.
The journey leading up to the release of Steady began as early as May 8, 2024, when SM Entertainment first hinted at the arrival of NCT WISH’s mini album, slated for the third quarter of the year. Fans were left in eager anticipation as the company remained tight-lipped about further details until August 27, when news surfaced that NCT WISH would pre-release a song in early September. This was confirmed shortly after by SM Entertainment, along with the official announcement that Steady would drop on September 24. On September 2, 2024, NCT WISH formally announced their debut mini album and began rolling out teasers, concept images, and snippets from their upcoming songs. The excitement reached a fever pitch as fans flooded social media with their reactions to the pre-release singles “Dunk Shot” and “3 Minutes,” both of which quickly topped various music charts and showcased the group’s musical diversity.
Steady offers a rich sonic landscape that blends modern dance, pop, and R&B elements with cutting-edge production techniques. Each track delivers something fresh, making it a dynamic album that speaks to a wide audience.
"Steady": The album’s title track, “Steady,” is a dynamic dance song featuring a seamless fusion of house, UK garage, and Jersey Club beats. The track is characterized by its modern melodies and pulsating rhythms, designed to energize listeners from the first note. Lyrically, “Steady” taps into the pure, hopeful emotions of Gen Z, expressing a desire for a miraculous encounter that lasts forever. It captures the youthful, optimistic vibe that NCT WISH embodies.
"3 Minutes": As one of the album’s pre-releases, “3 Minutes” is a standout track that melds hyper pop with a sharp, upbeat synth riff. The song plays with contrasts, blending rough yet sophisticated sounds to create a catchy, modern pop experience. The song’s title reflects its playful message: the notion that a heartfelt confession of love doesn’t need to take more than three minutes, fitting the song's tight and concise structure. With its lighthearted, energetic feel, “3 Minutes” captures the excitement of youthful love and spontaneity.
"On & On": Taking a more laid-back approach, “On & On” is an alternative R&B dance track that offers a smooth groove with a laid-back tempo. The song features a lush, beat-driven sound that creates a dreamy, atmospheric vibe. It explores the deepening emotions between two people, with lyrics that express a desire to continue building their story together. It’s a perfect balance of sensuality and subtlety, showcasing NCT WISH’s ability to handle more mature themes while maintaining their fresh, youthful image.
"Supercute": As its name suggests, “Supercute” is a playful pop track with an irresistible blend of light, sparkling loops and powerful drums. The track’s carnival-like sound contrasts beautifully with its strong rhythmic base, creating a bright and bubbly soundscape that mirrors the group’s energetic performance style. Lyrically, the song is a fun exploration of the excitement and thrill that comes with new relationships. With its effervescent energy, “Supercute” highlights NCT WISH’s charming and vibrant personalities.
"Skate": “Skate” rounds out the album with an alternative pop sound that feels refreshing and upbeat. Featuring a lively snare and a catchy guitar riff, the song perfectly captures the carefree energy of skating through the city. The track’s acoustic elements give it a breezy, summery feel, making it a perfect anthem for youth and freedom. The lyrics reflect a desire to treasure the fleeting moments of youth while embracing the freedom that comes with it.
From the moment it was announced, Steady demonstrated immense commercial potential. On the eve of its release, SM Entertainment revealed that as of September 23, 2024, the album had already surpassed 800,000 stock pre-orders—a remarkable achievement for a debut mini album. This number underscores the massive anticipation and fan support surrounding NCT WISH, as well as the strong foundation laid by NCT as a whole. Steady is expected to continue charting strongly on both domestic and international charts, further solidifying NCT WISH’s position as one of the most promising new sub-units in the K-pop world. Their fresh sound, coupled with their vibrant image, is resonating deeply with both long-time NCTzens and new listeners alike. With Steady, NCT WISH has successfully delivered an album that not only introduces their distinct sound and style but also sets the tone for their future in the ever-competitive K-pop landscape. Each track offers something unique, allowing the members to shine individually and as a group, while the blend of genres and themes reflects their versatility and potential. As they continue to rise, NCT WISH is undoubtedly a unit to watch, and Steady is just the beginning of their exciting journey.
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