Review
NCT WISH, the Japanese–Korean subunit of SM Entertainment’s boy group NCT, released their first full-length album, Ode to Love, on April 20, 2026.
The title track “Ode to Love” is infused with 90s UK-garage–based textures and a high-energy dance-pop influence, highlighting the familiar “du-du-du-du” humming motif reminiscent of “Ode to My Family” by The Cranberries.
Through this full-length album, we see NCT WISH evolve from the playful “Cupid” concept of their debut into a deeper exploration of the Greek mythology twins Eros and Anteros. Eros, the god of love, represents passionate and romantic love, while Anteros, the god of requited love, represents a mature and mutual form of affection.
The album radiates a warm and sincere message of kindness in a world that is often cold. This warm message is especially prominent in the title track “Ode to Love.” Lyrically, the song expresses emotional healing through a shared voice, tying directly into the symbolism of Eros and Anteros.
[ENG]
Having lost the light, I hide
Not in my, not in my
Not in my mind, oh
A heart gone cold
[…]
Listen up, all the kindness in the world
Overflowing in this song
(We sing for love) Now it’s filling between us
Raise your voice, touch the sky
The lyrics shift from “having lost the light” to “listen to the kindness in the world,” serving as a reminder that, even during difficult times, shared kindness and encouragement make it easier to find hope in a cold world through mutual support.
[ENG]
Oh (Yeah), even days that make you cry
Will pass you by
Life is bitter but we’re getting sweeter
Your shining smile is beautiful
This reflects a bitter-sweet realism acknowledging that tears are a natural part of life, but human connection makes those moments easier to endure, fostering sweeter memories through difficult experiences.
The accompanying music video reinforces this warm and angelic atmosphere through soft lighting, glowing visual effects, and natural imagery. The video draws heavily from nature, from the wooded background where choreography shines through beams of light to symbolic elements like butterflies and sheep.
NCT WISH interacting with nature acts as a visual metaphor for rediscovering light and hope together as a group.
The B-side track “Sticky” showcases NCT WISH’s musical diversity by infusing Bossa Nova-style guitar chords with subtle jazz influences, giving the song a “warm coffee shop” ambiance. These elements, combined with hip-hop-inspired production, foster a unique, tropical, and authentic sound.
“Sticky” utilizes tactile imagery like “sticky rice” to create a vivid understanding of the inseparable connection between two people. Meanwhile, the “honey” reference serves as a lyrical metaphor for how messy, sweet, and all-consuming falling in love can be.
[ENG]
I’m sticky and you stickin', sometimes too much
Honey drips from our juicy eyes at each other (Oh, oh)
It’s warm, this thirsty feeling
I can’t hide even my reddening earlobes (Na, na, na)
Sticking together like sticky rice
Overall, NCT WISH’s first full-length album provides a cozy experience for fans, successfully evolving their “angelic” and dreamy identity through mythological themes and a rich, warm soundscape.