Pop

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.