‘STUNNER’ Is Next-Level—NCT Ten’s New Era Has Officially Begun
NCT and WAYV member Ten refines his musical identity in his second EP.
“It's only you, baby I'm a stunner.” And true to these words, NCT's Ten has once again captivated the world with his highly anticipated second mini-album, STUNNER. Following his successful solo debut with TEN last year, the multitalented artist is now back, pushing his creativity to the limits and taking his musical journey in new directions.
With his first album, Ten is about the exploration of his musical identity – experimenting and stepping outside his comfort zone. But with STUNNER, he now tries to refine his artistry, owning his sound and being more confident with his music. This seven-track record showcases his versatility as a performer, expanding his musicality from groovy, dynamic dance anthems to a stripped-down ballad at the end.
The album starts with the hypnotic title track, Stunner, an R&B-pop song that blends funky rhythms with synth sounds, highlighting Ten’s vocal range – from his delicate singing tone to smooth-toned raps. Lyrically, the track also has two versions: the Korean version tells a story of one’s growing fascination with someone of an unexpected allure, while the English version talks in a first-person POV about embracing self-confidence. The title track is also accompanied by a music video that not only showcased Ten’s insane dancing skills, but also his artistic vision and storytelling.
Each track that follows builds on this energy and brings more layers to Ten’s sound. Enough For Me brought on the cool vibes with its minimalistic yet addictive beat and repetitive lyrics that capture the moment of being confident and carefree. Meanwhile, Sweet As Sin gives off a darker, more seductive tension with its heavy bass and rhythmic progression. The lyrics also stayed true to its dichotomy of being both desired and dangerous.
Another song from the album is BAMBOLA, a dance-pop track that fuses electronic melodies with trippy pulses, particularly in the chorus where it breaks down to a glitchy dance break. The title, an Italian word meaning “doll”, represents the rap-heavy lyrics’ theme of control and manipulation. As a pre-release track, it was also dropped with a music video with psychedelic visuals and isolated choreography.
In the album’s final stretch, the mood shifts to a calmer, more relaxed flow, especially with Waves, an R&B record with vibrant rhythm and Afrobeat elements – displaying Ten’s mermaid-like vocals. This record was also written and produced by the Young Royal star and singer Omar Rudberg, sparking excitement among fans of both artists. Finally, it ends with Butterfly, a full-Korean emotional ballad, delivering sentimental lyrics that express the deep yearning for lost memories.
Through this new album, Ten defines his new era – one of living in the moment and going beyond boundaries. With every beat and lyric, STUNNER isn’t just only an album; it’s the soundtrack of his ever-evolving artistry.
