For years, fans have known Haechan as one of NCT’s top vocalists. The one who could belt, croon, and blend seamlessly across sub-units NCT 127, NCT DREAM and NCT U. Now he’s ready to step out on his own with his first full-length album TASTE, released on September 8, 2025.
Tracklist:
- CRZY (title track)
- Camera Lights
- ADRENALINE
- Love Beyond
- Roll With Me
- WYN? (feat. HAON)
- Should Be
- Intermission (Interlude)
- Talented
- Grey Rain
- Outro (Back In The Studio)
Across 11 tracks, Haechan dives into R&B, pop, and hip hop, exploring attraction and vulnerability. It taps into the kind of self-discovery that only happens once you step out of the shadows.
A Throwback With Bite
The title track CRZY is high-energy as it blends R&B with dance-pop. The song feels like a time capsule from the early 2000s with its funky guitar riffs and a groove that nods to the heyday of Justin Timberlake and Usher.
What makes CRZY work is balance. The song is sensual without overly sexualizing Haechan. It highlights his vocal range from the grounded runs to how he can make a chorus soar. The lyrics tell a story of being driven “crazy” by an attraction that’s as thrilling as it is irritating.
“The moment I steal your gaze
You, for no reason
Switch crossed legs, acting all casual
Girl, I’m gonna go insane here
A split second when our eyes are meet, that smile is wild (stop)
Cosmic void, that’s you and me
But between us, there’s gravity
When the distance is closing in
And my whisper reaches your ear
It’s still too far for our breaths to touch
Hold on, I’m gonna get it done
To you, who wants me”
“Baby, I’m crazy (I can’t control, hoh)
I think I’m sick, do you feel me? Yeah
Lock me up in your eyes, yeah
Baby, you drive me crazy tonight
All night long, our silhouette will be crazy”
Desire in a Museum
The CRZY music video is set in an art museum. Haechan spots a mysterious woman who captures his attention as she’s gazing at a painting of the sun. He wrestles with the push and pull of attraction. Should he approach her, or let the fantasy live only in his head? Paintings, golden hues, and props frame desire as both an art and an obsession.
The twist comes when he finally gathers the courage to reach out, only to find she’s gone. For an extra kick in the gut, the painting she admired was removed from the wall. The fire sprinkler goes off at that moment, symbolizing Haechan’s pain. Sometimes attraction burns brightest when it’s a fantasy playing out in your head.
The video also has a lot of scenes of Haechan dancing, allowing him to showcase his skills. I’ve always felt like Haechan was one of NCT’s best dancers but was overshadowed by Taeyong, Mark and Ten. Nice to see him use his solo debut to show off a bit.
A Taste That Lasts
CRZY may be the centerpiece, but TASTE is a surprisingly strong debut. Tracks like “Camera Lights” and “Adrenaline” bring sleek, uptempo energy. “Love Beyond” and “Grey Rain” dive into more vulnerable territory. “WYN?” featuring HAON is a fun hip hop track, while the interlude and outro ground the album in the process of creating itself. It feels like a genuine attempt at defining Haechan outside of NCT. He’s playful, confident, and most importantly, distinct. While the album borrows from nostalgia, it never loses its modern edge. If this is a “taste” of what’s to come, then fans should be excited to see what the future holds.
