NCT has come together once again as a full group just in time for the holiday season! The various NCT sub-units, made up of NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT U, and WayV have released their third full-length record Universe under the NCT umbrella. The group already released the first title track “Universe” by sub-unit NCT U last week, and have now followed it up with the track “Beautiful.”
“Beautiful” is a track that fits well into the hopeful nature of the holiday season. Lyrically, the song is all about loving yourself and embracing what makes you unique. It’s a common trope in music, and the lyrics opt to be more straightforward with that message. “You are good enough the way you are / Beautiful, beautiful you are” the members declare in the chorus. The arrangement for the song keeps it simple, with sweeping strings and a steady piano.
It may seem like it would be a challenge arranging a song for 21 vocalists/rappers (members Lucas and Winwin are notably absent from the whole album, with SM Entertertainment yet to make a statement regarding their absence), but the track does well at showing the group’s vocal prowess as a whole. While there are definitely members who lead certain sections, this song was clearly meant to be a showcase for the group.
The accompanying music video for “Beautiful” sticks with the easy-going nature of the song and just focuses on continuing the good vibes. The members are seen dancing with backup dancers, creating scenes reminiscent of a stage musical. Snowfall appears throughout, further emphasizing the holiday mood. It’s sweet and lovely, with the choreography flowing well as to not juxtapose the mood of the song.
Overall, “Beautiful” is a modest and enchanting song perfect for this time of year. While it’s not so much a stand-out track for the group, it’s a solid effort that will be sure to bring listeners some comfort.
