So, here are my credentials (one more time!). NCT Dream was actually one of the first reviews I wrote, back many months ago, when I was a pretty casual fan. By the end of that review, though, between reality shows and their talents, I was absolutely a DreamZen. Now, I’m rewriting this one since they’re making a comeback in a couple weeks, and I’m even seriously considering going to their concert this year. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane!

(Part One) (Part Two)

EP #6: Dream( )scape

Smoothie, as I figured from the teasers, is more similar to the darker, EDM-focused sounds and visuals of Glitch Mode and special single Poison. So, unsurprisingly, I didn’t like it. I did like the pre-chorus and more melodic verses, as well as the idea behind it, but songs like Smoothie have just never been my style. They always annoy me, because I can’t help but see potential being wasted.

From the EP, Dream( )Scape, I enjoyed the spacey instrumental and comforting lyrics of I Can’t Feel Anything, the very gentle vocals and harmonizing (!!!) of Unknown (my hidden gem), and the surprisingly catchy hook of Box. This is quite an understated EP, but I was happy with the heavy focus on R & B, since the rappers got to show their singing talents too and it was just so nice to listen to. I wish I enjoyed the title more, because I really liked it in general.

Single #5: Moonlight

I actually hadn’t had the time to listen to Moonlight before this review, and after Smoothie, I was pleasantly surprised. Though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Broken Melodies, it relies on a similar nostalgic, heart-on-the-sleeve sound that scratches the itch I have perfectly. The vocalized hook and expansive chorus really elevate the song, and turn it from a basic pop song to a worthy addition in their discography.

Single #6: Rains In Heaven

Rains In Heaven is NCT Dream’s first English single, a phrase that often fills me with trepidation when it comes to k-pop groups. You either end up with something like TWICE’s “The Feels”, which stays true to their sound while still aiming for a wider audience, or you get something like BTS’ “Permission To Dance”, which has absolutely no personality and feels like it could be made by anyone in the world. Thankfully, Rains In Heaven is the first one, going for a soothing and dreamy sound that’s a bit more understated than they’ve gone for before but still feels like them.

Like Moonlight, it’s a synthy, vocal heavy song, and every member gets a spotlight. But, and I know my bias is showing here, I couldn’t get enough of Haechan’s piercing high note. I especially loved that there wasn’t a half-hearted rap shoved in there, either. Also, it’s so, so good to hear and see Renjun again, because (at time of writing) he’s been on hiatus for months. I hope he’s doing well.

Album #4: Dreamscape

Flying Kiss is a prerelease, and, very excitingly, the first of Dream’s singles to be written by a member; in this case, Haechan. (God knows how he had the time). I was expecting something with a similar progression to Rains In Heaven from the first verse, dreamy and wandering. Instead, its choruses fully synthpop, racing forward with the best kind of lovelorn joy. The lyrics too are great, cheesy as hell and utterly unafraid of that. I also love that the song gives all of the members, even the designated rappers, a chance to sing, because one of the best things about Dream is their voices and the way they harmonize with each other. Really, this song is K-pop to a T, and I couldn’t be happier about that.

When I’m With You feels like a return to the NCT Dream I’ve loved since the start, the kind of no-holds-barred pop that they really excel at. The verses are springy and light-footed, and the chorus, despite being more on the minimal side, follows through on its build-up with a quick wit. The MV too is an appeal to childlike excitement, from its comedic elements to its ethereal visuals reminiscent of The Polar Express. My favorite part was actually the outro rap, which ratchets the energy up just that little bit higher and leads the song to a perfect finish. My one gripe would be that I wish the chorus was a bit more sprawling (perhaps with a post-chorus?), but otherwise, I really liked it!

From the album, I enjoyed the sugary rush of the song Dreamscape, the peppy beat of I Hate Fruits, and the wispy vocals of Night Poem. For my hidden gem, I couldn’t choose between the nostalgic, synthy Heavenly with its backing choir and Off The Wall with its sprawling chorus and touches of funk. So far, I think Off The Wall’s my favorite, but that may change; we’ll see.

Album #5: Back To The Future

With a name like “Back To The Future”, I confess I was hoping for something nostalgic and tongue-in-cheek in the way of Broken Melodies, with a sprawling chorus and—-nope. The song starts like a battering ram, and I don’t mean that as a compliment. It took me a second to readjust after the screaming opening, so much so that I had to start it over and steel myself. I don’t want to make it sound like the song is unredeemable; I do sincerely like the chorus, the bridge, and parts of the verses, but other than that, I would be perfectly fine never hearing this song again.

When I first listened to both of the titles, I actually expected to prefer Back To The Future, but as it turns out, Chiller is more my speed. Though I’m not usually the biggest fan of hip-hop, I liked the way the song melded genre hallmarks with pop in a similar way to how Beatbox did. The rest of the song isn’t what I expected, keeping a melody as a through line while riffing on it, and I think that the combination works very well. While I don’t think I would seek it out, I’m not mad at it; I wouldn’t skip it if it came up on shuffle.

From the album, I enjoyed the synthy rush of I Like It, the comforting warmth of ‘Bout You, and the gorgeously light, layered vocals of Beautiful Sailing. My hidden gem was, without a doubt, Dream Team, which just feels tailor-made to a feel good anime about a sports team. It’s joyful and energizing, with excellent vocals and such a great chorus that, no kidding, I sat there for a solid thirty seconds after it was over and just went, “Wow.” (Someone tell Olly from Korean Englishman, I’m coming for his crown). But seriously though, this is a very strong album, and well deserving of a place along Dream’s others.

EP #6: Beat It Up

Between the name and the various boxing inspired teaser images, I admit that Beat It Up does not exactly inspire confidence. Not that I’m going to complain about men being tastefully bloody, but I was anticipating something much more like Back To The Future than the past singles I’ve liked. And unfortunately it seems like I was right; Beat It Up sounds like a 127 song, which though not my taste, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. But the whole point of units is that they’re supposed to be distinct from each other, and this sounds (and even looks) nothing like Dream. There’s good in it, like in every 127 song, but it’s just too short-lived.

From this EP, while I enjoyed the great vocals in both Rush and Butterflies—especially courtesy of Haechan, Renjun, and Chenle—my hidden gem was easily Cold Coffee. Not only is it an excellent song in general, but the build up in the verses and the payoff in that chorus? It’s fantastic. I have no idea why this wasn’t the single. The other songs were very much not for me, for similar reasons as the single.

Verdict: TL;DR

Overall, again, I’m glad I did this! Though I was, obviously, already a fan of NCT Dream after my last deep-dive, this got me to re-examine my original thoughts about their work, get to know the members even better, and check out their several different reality shows and behind the scenes content. I also made the decision that, if Dream happens to come to my area with their world tour, I’m absolutely going to go to their concert. 

So, my Top 5 songs are Broken Melodies, Graduation, Hello Future, Dream Team, and Candle Light, with Rainbow and Like We Just Met as honorable mentions. NCT Dream gets a 9 out of 10 from me, which was a harder decision than I’d expected. Either way, NCT Dream has an overall strong discography, full of pathos, brightly encouraging pop, and understated ballads. The few places they fall down don’t really ruin the listening experience, but even their impressive talents can’t save them when they lean into sing-talk.

Next time, we’re doing a girl group! Tschüss!