He’s reaching for our souls–Ten crawls back into the solo-scene with his second mini-album, Stunner, released on March 25.
Ten, a member of NCT’s China-based unit WayV and the South Korean supergroup SuperM, has returned to deliver an album full of heat, focusing on 90s-esque production and airy vocals, a stark contrast from his first mini-album, “TEN.”
By the morning of March 25, “STUNNER” had reached number one on iTunes Top Albums charts in at least 13 different regions, including Poland, New Zealand, India, Chile, Peru, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos and the Philippines.
Additionally, “STUNNER” topped QQ Music’s digital album sales chart in China, while its title track topped Bugs’ real-time chart in Korea.
Although Stunner is only 21 minutes long, Ten wastes no time showcasing his potential to take Lee Taeyong’s crown of “King of Neo”, as the album consists of seven extraordinary tracks that depict a different layer of Ten’s musical pursuits.
“BAMBOLA,” the album’s pre-release track, takes an unconventional approach that is not unheard of by members of NCT. With Ten’s staple ethereal vocals, so well-known to those who listen to NCT or WayV, it seems his voice is oozing through, seeping into the ears of his listeners to infect them with a haunting yet addictive rhythm.
Even within the music video for Bambola, you can’t help but feel as though you’re there with him in the music video, mesmerized as he marches around the outside of a wealthy home, planting himself on top of various tables, personifying the concept of swagger in just a few simple, yet telling moves. He’s careless as he acts like he possesses the place while the environment around him erupts in complete and utter chaos.
If there’s one thing about Ten, he’s always in control, whether the listener believes this or not. He effortlessly grabs the listener’s attention in the title track, “STUNNER,” as he serenades his listeners with rich, crisp vocals that complement the funky, loose instrumentals that decorate his stunning vocals.
There’s something so bold about starting a music video with TEN being embraced by many gorgeous long-haired women while he locks eyes with the camera. Usually, it would be weird or at least cringy to see this happen in a music video, but it was very fitting for the situation at hand.
Like in “BAMBOLA,” Ten is wrapped up in an air of confidence, showcasing his ability to command attention and captivate audiences. His bold artistic choices and unapologetic self-expression reflect this confidence, which have become defining elements of his music and performances.
“Enough For Me”, Ten’s R&B B-side with another funky yet appropriate instrumental, embodies the “Summer Vibes” concept. The track perfectly blends smooth vocals and upbeat rhythms, capturing the essence of a carefree summer day. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it a standout piece that resonates with listeners, showcasing Ten’s versatility as an artist.
Overall, Ten’s “STUNNER” is a fantastic mini-album that did not disappoint. It was a powerful return for Ten, and fans are dying to see what he has prepared next.
Ten’s “STUNNER” is available on all streaming platforms. To keep up with Ten, you can find him on Instagram and TikTok.
