“WITHOUT YOU” is a stadium dance-style EDM rock song performed by NCT’s debuting main vocalists, TAEIL, JAEHYUN, and DOYOUNG. The track features an intense electric guitar sound, a unique vocal tone delivered by the members, and powerful singing that strikes high keys.

Released as a digital single alongside “일곱 번째 감각 (The 7th Sense),” the song counts as part of NCT U’s debut and the beginning of the NCT brand. The release of “WITHOUT YOU” included a Chinese version of the song, which counted with the additional participation of SMROOKIES' KUN, who would debut in 2018 as a member of NCT.

The lyrics describe feeling out-casted, isolated, and somewhat worthless, as it also recognizes that all it takes is one person to turn your life around and help you see the greater side of things. On the other hand, the music video of the song incorporated fellow NCT member WINWIN, who didn’t make his debut with the group until July of 2016, with the sub-unit NCT 127.