[Album Review] SOAR (2nd Studio Album) – DOYOUNG (NCT)

One of DOYOUNG’s last activities prior to enlisting in the military was releasing his second studio album, SOAR. Released in June 2025, it follows on from his first studio album, YOUTH, released in 2024. That album already set a high bar (in my opinion, one of the best of 2024), and SOAR has a tough job ahead indeed. But trust DOYOUNG and this 10-track album (led by the strong 10/10 title track, Memory). The album has plenty of hidden gems, and SOAR has already been recognised as one of the best albums of 2025, with my nomination for it in the Best Album category of the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Following SOAR and a day after his military enlistment. DOYOUNG also released the single Promise. SOAR album cover 1. Wake From The Dark (깊은 잠) – DOYOUNG starts off the album with such a formidable track. Wake From The Dark showcases DOYOUNG’s powerhouse vocals over a powerful band instrumental. Fitting for an album titled SOAR, DOYOUNG himself does just that with his vocals, and I really enjoyed how the instrumental developed and built itself up. A definite strong start for the album. (10/10) 2. Memory (안녕, 우주) (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Memory. (10/10) 3. Be My Light...