NCT 127 - Regular-Irregular

Cover of Regular-Irregular

I. Introduction

Regular-Irregular is the first studio album by the permanent NCT sub-unit, NCT 127. It was released on October 12, 2018 with the lead single "Regular."

II. Background and Release

NCT 127 released its first Japanese EP earlier in the year; however, it marked 16 months since the group's last Korean release. On Sept. 17, SM released the first teaser video promoting the upcoming release, as well as announcing the addition of Jungwoo, who had debuted earlier in the year as part of the all-unit project NCT 2018 Empathy. Photo and video teasers build up the album's release, including NCT 127's first English song, a version of the lead single "Regular."

The album revolves around the exploration of reality and dreams, while incorporating a range of genres including pop, dance, R&B, ballad, and hip-hop. The lead single is described as a high energy hip hop track with sensual Latin vibes, with subtle changes to language and themes in its Korean and English versions. Interludes are a frequent feature on NCT albums, and "Interlude: Regular to Irregular" contains the music used in NCT 2018 Yearbook #1, and a rearranged version of The 7th Sense, which was performed at the 2017 MAMA Awards. It contains narrations in Korean by Jungwoo, Japanese by Yuta, and Mandarin by Winwin, as well as a verse from Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Dream Within a Dream” by Johnny. The track "Come Back" is a Korean version of the song which was originally released in their Japanese EP Chain. The bonus track, "Run Back 2 U" is a complete version of a demo song originally called Bassbot that the subunit performed during SM Rookies project in 2015.

NCT 127 began an active round of promotions in the United States to support the album, making their American television debut on the late night Jimmy Kimmel Live show and appearing in a special celebration show for Mickey Mouse's 90th anniversary. They also attended the American Music Awards and were announced as Apple Music's "Up Next" Artist, the first Korean group to be selected.

III. Tracklist

IV. Spotify Playlist

V. Videos

Regular Dream Teaser

Irregular Office Teaser

Regular MV - Korean

Regular MV - English

VI. Concept Photos

VII. Reception

The album debuted atop the South Korean Gaon Album Chart and became one of the few releases to stay longer than a week at number 1 in 2018. It was also certified Platinum by the KMCA. It debuted at #86 on the US Billboard 200, becoming NCT 127’s first entry on the chart. It also reached #2 on the World Albums chart and #5 on Independent Albums. It also reached #6 on the Japanese Oricon charts. It is also the group’s highest charting release on the UK and France download albums charts and their first entry on the Australian Digital Albums chart.

The album was praised by Billboard for showcasing the group’s artistry and skill through a variety of sounds and an experimental approach towards an album concept, helping to solidify their style.

The lead single "Regular" reached #2 on the US World Digital Songs chart and #92 on Gaon.