I. Introduction
Favorite is a repackage of the album Sticker from the permanent NCT sub-unit, NCT 127. It was released on October 25, 2021, featuring the lead track "Favorite (Vampire)."
II. Background & Release
It was announced on June 28, 2021 as part of the SM Congress 2021 that NCT 127 would have a new full album and repackage in October. During an online fan meeting, the timing was later amended to September.
The album, Sticker, was NCT 127's first full studio album since 2020's Neo Zone and its repackage. The album set records, reaching over 2 million in sales and becoming only 3 other K-pop groups in the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart.
The repackage album, Favorite, was announced just three weeks after Sticker's release, while promotions for Sticker were wrapping up.
The album had two versions: Catharsis and Classic. Teasers and mood samplers for the specific versions were released, as well as a multi-part Instagram story, "The Story of Favorite" to support the lead single and its vampire-themed music video.
The album featured the 11 tracks from Sticker and three new tracks, "Favorite," "Love on the Floor" and "Pilot." During the teaser period, a new name was announced for the lead track, "Favorite (Vampire)." The song was written and produced by SM's successful songwriter and producer Kenzie and American songwriter and producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who wrote and produced hits for American R&B artists like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé.
The vampire theme was continued in the limited music show performances where the group performed only one song with an additional prologue. It was also continued through social content, including special YouTube shows and a fan meeting.
III. Tracklist
New songs are bolded.
| Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Favorite (Vampire)" | Kenzie | Kenzie, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Rodnae "Chikk" Bell | Kenzie, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins | 3:36 |
| "Sticker" | Yoo Young-jin, Taeyong, Mark | Ryan S. Jhun, Prince Chapelle, Calixte, Dem Jointz, Yoo Young-jin | Ryan S. Jhun, Dem Jointz, Yoo Young-jin | 3:47 |
| "Love On The Floor" | Ku Tae-woo | Michael Jiminez, Jeremy "Tay" Jasper, Dylan Huling, Timothy "BOS" Bullock, Hautboi Rich | Timothy "BOS" Bullock | 3:38 |
| "Lemonade" | Han Yeorume (153/Joombas), tru(153/Joombas) | Benji Bae, Rokman | Rokman | 3:10 |
| "Breakfast" | Jeong Ha Ri | Ninos Hanna, Andreas Öberg, Simon Petrén | Simon Petrén | 3:32 |
| "Pilot" | minGtion, JUNNY | minGtion, JUNNY | minGtion | 3:29 |
| "같은 시선 (Focus)" | Lee Chang Hyuk | Ryan S. Jhun, Otha "Vakseen" Davis III, Darius Michael Bryant, Oluwayeomi Oredein, Jaicko Lawrence | Ryan S. Jhun, Droyd | 3:24 |
| "The Rainy Night" | Jeong Yoon Hwa, Seo Hyeri (Jam Factory) | Ryan S. Jhun, Hwang Yang, SQVARE, SOFTSERVEBOY | Ryan S. Jhun, Hwang Yang | 3:19 |
| "Far" | Sahara | NESE, JeL (Alexander Karlsson and Alexei Viktorvitch) | JeL (Alexander Karlsson and Alexei Viktorvitch) | 3:36 |
| "Bring the Noize" | Kim Boo-min, Sokodomo | John Fulford, Ava King, Kim Bu Min, Hitchhiker, Sokodomo | Hitchhiker | 3:42 |
| "Magic Carpet Ride" | Jo Yoon-kyung | Demain Whitmore, Britt Burton, Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Harvey Mason Jr. | Harvey Mason Jr. | 3:38 |
| "Road Trip" | Le'mon (153/Joombas), SAN (VENDORS), Ellie Suh | Erik Lidbom, MLC | Erik Lidbom | 3:35 |
| "Dreamer" | Baek Keum Min | Asia Whiteacre, Boy Matthews, Peter Wallevik, Daniel Davidsen, Cutfather | Cutfather, PhD | 3:29 |
| "다시 만나는 날 (Promise You)" | ZNEE, Rick Bridges | Ryan Linvill, Tony Ferrari, Rollo Spreckley, Noah Conrad | Ryan Linvill, Noah Conrad | 3:31 |
IV. Spotify Playlist
V. Videos
Favorite MV:
Favorite MV Teaser:
Mood Sampler - Classic:
Mood Sampler - Catharsis:
VI. Concept Photos
There were four concepts: Classic, Catharsis, Poetic and Tragic. The latter two concepts were reflected in the MV for the title track.
Classic
Catharsis
Poetic
Tragic
VII. Reception
Despite being released only 5 weeks after Sticker, Favorite reached over 1 million in pre-order sales. Favorite reached #2 on the Gaon charts and debuted at #4 on the Apple iTunes Worldwide Chart. Within 1 week, SM reported it had 1.1 million in sales. As of November 13, 2021, Hanteo reported 650,000 in sales. The lead single "Favorite (Vampire)" earned the group its biggest Gaon chart debut at #2. It also reached #8 on US Billboard World Digital Songs, as well as charting in Global 200 and Hot Trending charts. As with Sticker, all three songs on the repackage charted in Korea, as well as on the US Billboard World Digital song charts: "Pilot" at #131 in Korea and #23 in the US and "Love on the Floor" at #114 and #17.
Favorite finished the year 13th on the Gaon sales chart and 14th on the Hanteo chart. Its sales were combined with Sticker's on the United World Chart and earned 9th place. It was also nominated for a pair of Gaon Chart Music Awards - Album of the Year (competing against Sticker) and Song of the Year - October.
