NCT Dream on Instagram
When I first got into K-culture, I was amazed by the sheer talent that so many groups and solo artists showcased in their music. Now, almost five years into exploring K-pop, I find myself pleasantly surprised by NCT Dream and their brand-new album. I had the chance to listen to DREAMSCAPE before its release and was hit by an album that’s diverse, dreamy, and full of fun.
As someone already familiar with K-pop, I definitely knew who NCT Dream were and often caught glimpses of their performances on TV shows during their comebacks. So, I decided to listen to DREAMSCAPE with an open heart, from the first track to the last. My first impression? ‘Wow, great vocals.’ These guys are truly skilled. I never doubted that, but it’s amazing to realize just how many talented artists are out there, making music with voices as beautiful as those of these seven.
Now, let me share my thoughts on the album:
I never expected such a delicate and dreamy album from NCT Dream. In my mind, NCT was always associated with heavy beats and intense tracks. So, I was pleasantly surprised by an album that feels like it transports you straight to a dreamland. The track INTRO DREAMSCAPE has a light, almost nostalgic 2010s boyband vibe, reminiscent of groups like One Direction or The Vamps, but it also carries a distinctive sound that perfectly ties into the “Dream” in their name.
Most of the tracks give off the vibe of a love confession to a long-time crush, which is something I wasn’t expecting but really appreciated. When I’m With You is an upbeat, danceable electropop tune, irresistibly fun to listen to.
Similarly, Flying Kiss offers a more laid-back feel compared to the previous track, but still maintains that lively, upbeat energy.
What surprised me the most was how much some of the songs reminded me of One Direction’s music. The light R&B vibe of i hate fruits took me on a nostalgic trip back to when I first heard 1D’s debut album. And once again, the vocals amazed me—there’s an impressive range in their voices, and they complement each other so well.
No Escape is the kind of track I expected to hear from an NCT subunit. It brings a heavier vibe compared to the rest of the album, more aligned with the image I had of NCT. It’s definitely one of my favorites on the album.
Best of Me feels like a throwback to the boyband era, with influences from groups like the Backstreet Boys and NSync. This track gives the feeling of trying to wake up from a dream, struggling to leave behind a fantastical world, and it’s exactly the kind of sound I anticipated from NCT.
Starting from track seven, we’re once again immersed in the dreamy, love-confession theme, which blends beautifully with the boys’ voices. YOU, Heavenly, and Night Poem all have that irresistible “boy crush” charm, and each track is so distinct from the others, adding a wonderful layer of diversity to the album.
OFF The Wall feels like it could belong to the Jonas Brothers, and for me, it highlights how K-pop is tapping into the nostalgia of those who were once fangirls of boybands. I totally support this movement. Rains in Heaven wraps up the album with a perfect closing track, blending all the boyband influences into a heartfelt and beautiful final touch.
Well, that’s that! I hope you’re all pleasently surprised by DREAMSCAPE just like I was and give it a lot of streams, those guys deserve it! NCT Dream new album DREAMSCAPE is out today!