Dream Wired
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Dream Wired
No Result
View All Result
Home Music

NCT DREAM’s ‘DREAMSCAPE’ Album Review: All 11 Songs Ranked

rmtsa by rmtsa
November 12, 2024
in Music
0
NCT DREAM’s ‘DREAMSCAPE’ Album Review: All 11 Songs Ranked
74
SHARES
1.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


You might also like

Sully E. – Godsmack Are Taking Year-Long Rest After European Tour

Drake Announces Return of OVO Fest in Summer 2025 at Toronto Show

Justin Bieber Makes Onstage Return With SZA In Los Angeles

Earlier this year, NCT DREAM opened up to Billboard exclusively about how DREAM( )SCAPE — the group’s March EP that’s pronounced as “Dream Escape” — represented some of the darker, more mature topics the septet was eager to tackle in their music.

From pushing past anxiety, yearning for freedom, and turning hardship into encouragement, the EP included “the message that we’ve always wanted to deliver to our audiences,” leader Mark explained. Facing the dark side head-on ultimately paved the way for the just-released, euphoric full-length DREAMSCAPE.

NCT DREAM’s new LP invites listeners into an expansive soundscape that’s nostalgic, escapist, and emotionally charged. Taking the introspective narrative of DREAM( )SCAPE, these 11 songs embody a generally lighter, more peaceful musical world. Seamlessly melding pop, house music, hyper-pop, R&B, and throwback hip-hop, NCT DREAM uses DREAMSCAPE to explore themes of love, dreams and childlike wonder, giving fans fresh and familiar sounds that sound specifically catered to Mark, Jeno, Renjun, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung.

Joining DREAM’s previously released English single “Rains in Heaven” from August and the pre-released buzz track “Flying Kiss,” the album centers around the uplifting, vintage synthesizer–driven single “When I’m With You.” NCT DREAM will likely bring the new singles to life during their upcoming performances on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and New York, alongside the likes of Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, Twenty-One Pilots, SZA, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie and more.

From the singles “Rains in Heaven,” “Flying Kiss,” and “When I’m With You” to the tracks written entirely by the members, as well as the soon-to-become-fan-favorite album cuts, here is our ranking of the 11 songs on NCT DREAM’s fourth full-length album, DREAMSCAPE.

“INTRO – DREAMSCAPE”

Like DREAM( )SCAPE, NCT DREAM’s latest release opens with an experimental blend of sounds to set the sonic scene for the LP. Mixing elements of glitchy hyper- and bubblegum-pop, the introduction plunges listeners into NCT DREAM’s latest musical universe.

Towards the 2:17 track’s end, Mark and Renjun tell listeners, “Welcome to my new world,” creating a sense of curiosity about what twists the album may take next. Another excellent and intriguing intro track from DREAM — our only complaint for “INTRO – DREAMSCAPE” is that it isn’t longer!

“No Escape”

Around the halfway point of DREAMSCAPE, the LP takes on a darker tone with “No Escape,” which recalls the intense, unconventional production that has become a staple for the NCT units. With lyrics examining deception and anxiety, the track connects back to the reflective themes of DREAM( )SCAPE and acts as a bridge between these two records. While it fits inside the NCT DREAM world, the song feels like the group should have used it for a different album.

“Best of Me”

With a percolating beat boasting clear ’80s inspirations, “Best of Me” sees Haechan penning another of the album’s darker tracks to discuss infatuated disillusionment for a layered, bittersweet listen. The pulsing synthesizers and haunting harmonies give the song a hypnotic pull while Haechan steps up with impressive, goosebump-inducing ad-libs throughout the track. While “Best of Me” boasts an intensely complex production, we wish Haechan’s extra riffs were more prominently heard in the track as they sound somewhat muffled in the final chorus.

“Off the Wall”

Underscoring the album’s nostalgia appeal, the disco-pop track brings fun and funk to emphasize the importance of letting go. The feel-good tune has all the makings of an excellent pop song — and feels like it could easily be a contender for a new English single if NCT DREAM decided to re-record it — but the track’s mixing leaves something to be desired with a somewhat hollow chorus compared to the other album songs. Nevertheless, it’s a throwback-inspired anthem that encourages listeners to embrace freedom and joy, reminding them that sometimes, simplicity can be liberating; a great message to nearly close the album.

“Night Poem”

An upbeat yet introspective cut kicked off with layered harmonies, “Night Poem” marks another of the album’s more serene moments. There’s a subtle progression from playful lyrics about a night together to more serious contemplation when you want to wake up next to this person daily, mirroring how love can deepen over time.

With eight years under their belts now, our DREAM boys have become sensitive, poetic gentlemen — and sound more mature than ever.

“YOU”

A turning point in DREAMSCAPE after darker tracks “No Escape” and “Best of Me,” purring synthesizers deliver a comforting, dreamy R&B sound for “YOU” that could almost rock the listener to sleep — until the production switches up to what sounds like a Gang Starr-inspired, hip-hop break that DJ Premier could have chopped up. For the track’s final minute, members Jisung, Mark, Chenle, and Renjun deliver some of the best vocal runs of the record, joined by Jaemin’s vigorous rap, for a genuinely dynamic ending.

“Rains in Heaven”

NCT DREAM
Image Credit: Korea Pool/Getty Images

Concluding the album, “Rains in Heaven” is the English-language ballad that feels like a tribute to sentimental singles by ’90s boy bands like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and 98 Degrees. Co-written by Mark with pop songwriters Adrian McKinnon and Bryn Christopher (who have credits on tracks for fellow male groups like SHINee, The Vamps, Tomorrow X Together and SuperM), the track blends a classic synth-pop sound with an emotionally charged performance of adorably touching lyrics (“We are all the same but hurt different/ I heard when you cry, it rains in heaven/ I won’t let you fall down unless you’re in my arms”).

As one of NCT DREAM’s few original English tracks, the sweet sounds of “Rains in Heaven” mark a rare moment where a K-pop group delivers a crossover single in line with their concept and style. Plus, it makes for a perfect, heartfelt end to DREAMSCAPE, encapsulating the album’s balance of innocence and nostalgia.

“Flying Kiss”

NCT DREAM
Image Credit: SM Entertainment

Another track written solely by Haechan, “Flying Kiss” opens with a rhythmic pop production that boasts just a hint of Afrobeat before soaring into what’s likely the most intricate chorus of NCT DREAM’s career.

The catchy, slightly chaotic chorus is a mouthful and may be challenging to the listener at first, but the rocking energy quickly becomes undeniable for capturing the dizzying, thrill of love. With a slew of clever flower and nature metaphors in the lyrics, the exhilarating track was shared a few days ahead of DREAMSCAPE’s release with an accompanying, fantastical music video where the members dance in a flower shop and sleep among the stars, setting the scene for the eventual full album. Watch above.

“i hate fruits”

The most unique track on the album, “i hate fruits” was a surprise when its title appeared on the tracklist given NCT DREAM’s penchant for sweet song titles like “Smoothie,” “Tangerine Love,” and “Yogurt Shake.” But starting with an acoustic intro, the song builds to an emotional, hyper-pop-inspired chorus reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s atypical song style. Written entirely by Mark, the lyrics deliciously weave into the complexities of love: “You know, I hate fruits/ But your smile too sweet, I get that feeling in my heart, thrilling berry, taste, taste, taste / Tryna’ hate you, I fell in love with you/ Girl, I need a doctor, fruit’s gonna make me break, break, break.”

Equally endearing and bittersweet, the song’s unique sound and confessional lyrics make it a standout to add layers of depth and introspection to DREAMSCAPE.

“When I’m With You”

NCT DREAM
Image Credit: SM Entertainment

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

Pulsing with passion, “When I’m With You” is the perfect single to center an album like DREAMSCAPE around with an upbeat production to stand out among slower, seasonal songs while delivering the accessible, nostalgic groove that much of the LP encapsulates.

“Heavenly”

You’d be hard-pressed to find a moment more euphoric on DREAMSCAPE than on “Heavenly.” Reminiscent of the ’90s and ’00s K-pop classics like H.O.T.’s “Candy” or Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World,” the track captures childlike wonder in both its lyrics and uplifting vocal performance.

As seen by the success of NCT DREAM’s 2023 cover of “Candy” (which landed on the Billboard Global 200 chart), these seven members have a unique penchant for capturing the throwback vibes of classic boy bands to deliver something for fans of all ages. Epitomizing escapism, bringing listeners into a pure and innocent world of wonder, “Heavenly” is a perfect example of the type of track that is as ready to be performed in 2025 as it would have been in 1995.



Source link

Tags: AlbumDreamsDREAMSCAPENCTRankedReviewSongs
Share30Tweet19
rmtsa

rmtsa

Recommended For You

Sully E. – Godsmack Are Taking Year-Long Rest After European Tour

by rmtsa
May 25, 2025
0
Sully E. – Godsmack Are Taking Year-Long Rest After European Tour

Legendary hard rock/alternative metal band Godsmack recently finished their 2025 live trek across the world, and according to frontman Sully Erna, the group will now be taking a...

Read more

Drake Announces Return of OVO Fest in Summer 2025 at Toronto Show

by rmtsa
May 25, 2025
0
Drake Announces Return of OVO Fest in Summer 2025 at Toronto Show

OVO Fest will be back in summer 2025. Drake made the announcement while making a surprise guest appearance at Central Cee‘s concert in Toronto Saturday (May 24) at...

Read more

Justin Bieber Makes Onstage Return With SZA In Los Angeles

by rmtsa
May 25, 2025
0
Justin Bieber Makes Onstage Return With SZA In Los Angeles

Justin Bieber has barely been onstage for the better part of the last three years, but he made a grand re-emergence last night (May 23) with SZA as...

Read more

Skilla Baby Survived a Hail of Over 20 Bullets in Drive-By

by rmtsa
May 25, 2025
0
Skilla Baby Survived a Hail of Over 20 Bullets in Drive-By

Skilla Baby survived being shot at over 20 times near Detroit yesterday.Skilla Baby Survives Hail of Gunfire in Drive-By ShootingOn Friday (May 23), Local 4 News Detroit reported more...

Read more

ISOKNOCK Reveal Inaugural Dates of New Curated Music Festival, Niteharts

by rmtsa
May 25, 2025
0
ISOKNOCK Reveal Inaugural Dates of New Curated Music Festival, Niteharts

If you thought ISOKNOCK's late-2024 takeover of Snapdragon Stadium was their peak, think again because they just gave fans a reason to clear their fall schedules.After igniting festivals...

Read more
Next Post
The View’s Ana Navarro Has Message for Pro-Trump Friends Worried About ‘Undocumented Nannies’

The View's Ana Navarro Has Message for Pro-Trump Friends Worried About 'Undocumented Nannies'

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Browse by Category

  • Celebrity
  • Comics
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • Music
  • TV
  • Uncategorized

CATEGORIES

  • Celebrity
  • Comics
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • Music
  • TV
  • Uncategorized
No Result
View All Result

Recent News

  • ‘Final Destination’ Comes To Life, Ceiling Crashes Down During Movie Showing
  • ‘I Have 30 Days To Leave The Country’
  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter – Season 1

Copyright © 2023 DramaWired.
DramaWired is a content aggregator and not responsible for the content of external sites.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop

Copyright © 2023 DramaWired.
DramaWired is a content aggregator and not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In