NCT DREAM “DREAMSCAPE” album review: All 11 songs ranked

like dream()landscapeNCT DREAM’s latest release begins with an experimental sound mix that sets the sonic scene for the LP. Mixing elements of glitchy super pop and bubblegum pop, the intro immerses listeners into NCT DREAM’s latest musical universe.

At the end of the track at 2 minutes and 17 seconds, Mark and Renjun tell the listener, “Welcome to my new world,” leaving the listener curious as to what might come next for the album. Another excellent and fun intro track from DREAM – Our only complaint about “INTRO – DREAMSCAPE” is that it’s not long!

around the midpoint dreamLP presents a darker tone “No escape” It’s reminiscent of the intense, unconventional productions that have become a staple of NCT units. With lyrics examining deception and anxiety, the song returns to themes of reflection dream()landscape and act as a bridge between these two records. While it fits into the world of NCT DREAM, this song feels like the band should have used it for another album.

“Best of Me” has a distinctly ’80s-inspired beat as Haechan creates another of the album’s darker songs, discussing the disillusionment of obsession, making for a layered, bittersweet listen. Pulsating synths and haunting harmonies give the song a hypnotic appeal, while Haechan adds impressive, goosebump-inducing adlibs throughout the song. While “Best of Me” has an extremely complex production, we wish Haechan’s extra riffs were more noticeable in the song, as they sound a bit muffled in the final chorus.

The disco-pop song emphasizes the nostalgic appeal of the album, bringing fun and funk that emphasizes the importance of letting go. The feel-good track has all the makings of a great pop song—it feels like it could easily be a contender for a new English single if NCT DREAM decided to re-record it—but the song’s remix remains It leaves a few to be desired, the chorus is a bit hollow compared to other album songs. Nonetheless, it’s a retro-style anthem that encourages listeners to embrace freedom and joy, reminding them that sometimes, simplicity can be liberating; a great message to close the album on.

“Night Poem” is an upbeat yet introspective song that kicks off with layered harmonies and marks another of the album’s calmer moments. There’s a subtle progression from playful lyrics about a night together to more serious musings, reflecting on how love deepens over time.

Eight years on, our dream boy has become a sensitive, poetic gentleman and sounds more mature than ever.

a turning point dream After dark tracks “No Escape” and “Best of Me,” gurgling synths bring a cozy, dreamy R&B sound to “YOU,” almost Putting the listener to sleep – until the production switches to what sounds like Gang Starr-inspired hip-hop that DJ Premier might have cut. In the final minute of the song, members Jisung, Mark, Chenle, and Renjun deliver some of the best vocals on the record, coupled with Jaemin’s energetic rapping, for a truly energetic ending.

The album’s final English ballad, “Rains in Heaven,” feels like a nod to sentimental singles from ’90s boy bands like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and 98 Degrees. Co-written by Mark with pop songwriters Adrian McKinnon and Bryn Christopher (who have written for male bands including SHINee, The Vamps, Tomorrow For One’s lovely and touching lyrics (“We’re all the same, but hurt in different ways/I hear it raining from heaven when you cry/I won’t let you fall, not until you’re in my arms”).

As one of NCT DREAM’s few original English songs, the sweet sound of “Rains in Heaven” marks a rare moment when a K-pop group releases a crossover single that fits their philosophy and style. Additionally, it provides a perfect, heartfelt conclusion to “DREAMSCAPE,” embodying the album’s balance of innocence and nostalgia.

“Flying Kiss,” another song written solely by Haechan, opens with a rhythmic pop sound with a hint of Afrobeat before rocketing into what may be the most complex chorus of NCT DREAM’s career.

The catchy, slightly chaotic chorus sounds difficult to pronounce and may be a challenge for listeners at first, but the swinging energy soon becomes undeniable and captures the dizzying thrill of love. Filled with clever floral and nature metaphors in its lyrics, the uplifting song was shared just days ahead of its release dreamlike The release was accompanied by a dreamy music video featuring the members dancing in a flower shop and sleeping under the stars, setting the stage for the eventual full-length album. Watch above.

The most unique track on the album, “I hate fruit” Given NCT DREAM’s penchant for sweet songs like “Smoothie,” “Tangerine Love,” and “Yogurt Shake,” we were surprised when its title appeared on the track list. But starting with the acoustic intro, the song builds into an emotional, ultra-pop-inspired chorus that’s reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s atypical songwriting style. The lyrics, written entirely by Mark, deftly weave into the complexities of love: “You know, I hate fruit/But your smile is so sweet, I got that feeling in my heart, exciting berries, taste, taste, taste/ Try hating you, I’m in love with you/girl, I need a doctor, fruit will make me crash, crash, crash.

The song is equally lovely and bittersweet, with a unique sound and confessional lyrics that make it stand out, adding depth and introspection to the song. dream.

The album’s lead single “When I’m With You” combines house music with electronic pop to express the joyful but often confusing feelings of love. Co-produced by SM Entertainment DJ and producer IMLAY (who worked on NCT DREAM’s previous single “Beatbox” and featured member Chenle on his 2021 single “Too Good”), the song feels Layered and expansive, thanks to Mark’s contribution writing the rap verse adding a raw authenticity, while Korean R&B singer Dvwn’s contribution adds a smoothness balancing the track’s high energy.

The passionate “When I’m With You” is a perfect single for an album like this dream Its upbeat production stands out among the slower seasonal songs while providing the accessible, nostalgic grooves that comprise much of the LP.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more exhilarating moment dream More than “Paradise.” Reminiscent of ’90s and ’00s K-pop classics like HOT’s “Candy” or Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World,” the song captures the wonder of childlike wonder in both its lyrics and uplifting vocal performance.

As evidenced by the success of NCT DREAM’s 2023 cover of “Candy” (which charted on the Billboard Global 200), the seven members have a unique penchant for capturing the retro vibe of classic boy bands for fans of all ages. something. The epitome of escapism, transporting the listener into a world of pure and innocent wonder, “Heavenly” is the perfect example of a track like this that’s as ready to play in 2025 as it is 1995.