DREAMSCAPE Album Review: Ranking All 11 NCT DREAM Songs

Just like DREAM( )SCAPE, NCT DREAM’s latest project opens with an innovative blend of sounds designed to transport listeners into the sonic universe of the album. This introductory track combines elements of glitchy hyper-pop and bubblegum-pop, guiding the audience into NCT DREAM’s artistic realm.

As the track nears its conclusion around the 2:17 mark, Mark and Renjun warmly invite listeners with the phrase, “Welcome to my new world,” stirring curiosity about the intriguing journeys that the album may unfold. While it serves as an excellent and enticing introduction, our only critique for “INTRO – DREAMSCAPE” is that it feels too short; we yearn for more of this captivating experience!

Around the midpoint of DREAMSCAPE, the album shifts to a darker narrative with “No Escape,” which recalls the intense and unconventional production that has become synonymous with the NCT units. The lyrics delve into themes of deception and anxiety, creating a connection back to the introspective themes of DREAM( )SCAPE and acting as a bridge between these two significant projects. While it fits within the NCT DREAM universe, the track has a distinct feel that suggests it may have been better suited for a different album context.

With a catchy beat that showcases clear ‘80s influences, “Best of Me” features Haechan crafting another of the album’s more somber tracks, exploring the theme of infatuation and the disillusionment that can accompany it. The pulsating synthesizers combined with haunting harmonies create a hypnotic effect, while Haechan delivers impressive and spine-tingling ad-libs throughout the track. Despite the song’s complex production, we hope Haechan’s additional vocal flourishes could be more pronounced in the final chorus, as they seem slightly overshadowed.

Highlighting the album’s nostalgic appeal, this disco-pop track infuses a sense of fun and energy that emphasizes the importance of letting go. With all the elements of an excellent pop anthem, “Off the Wall” has the potential to be a strong contender for a new English single if NCT DREAM were to consider a re-recording. However, the mixing leaves the chorus feeling somewhat hollow compared to other songs on the album. Still, it’s an anthem that encourages listeners to embrace joy and freedom, delivering a powerful reminder that sometimes simplicity can be liberating; a great message as the album approaches its climax.

“Night Poem” offers an upbeat yet introspective listening experience, commencing with layered harmonies that create a serene atmosphere. The lyrics transition from playful reflections about a shared night to deeper contemplations about the desire to wake up beside that special someone every day, capturing how love can evolve and deepen over time.

After eight years in the industry, the members of DREAM have matured into sensitive and poetic artists, showcasing a level of sophistication and depth that resonates throughout this track.

As a pivotal track in DREAMSCAPE, following the darker themes explored in “No Escape” and “Best of Me,” “YOU” envelops listeners in soothing synthesizers that create a comforting R&B sound. This track could almost lull the listener to sleep, but a sudden shift in production introduces a hip-hop break reminiscent of classic Gang Starr, showcasing DJ Premier’s influence. In the final minute, members Jisung, Mark, Chenle, and Renjun deliver some of the album’s finest vocal performances, complemented by Jaemin’s vigorous rap, culminating in a truly dynamic and powerful conclusion.

Concluding the album, “Rains in Heaven” serves as a heartfelt English-language ballad reminiscent of the sentimental hits from ’90s boy bands like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and 98 Degrees. Co-written by Mark alongside renowned pop songwriters Adrian McKinnon and Bryn Christopher (who have collaborated with other male groups such as SHINee, The Vamps, Tomorrow X Together, and SuperM), this track beautifully merges classic synth-pop sounds with emotionally resonant lyrics. The touching lines, “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,” create a profound connection.

As one of NCT DREAM’s few original English tracks, the enchanting melody of “Rains in Heaven” stands out as a rare moment where a K-pop group successfully delivers a crossover single that aligns perfectly with their overall concept and style. This heartfelt anthem wraps up DREAMSCAPE beautifully, encapsulating the album’s essence of innocence and nostalgia.

Written solely by Haechan, “Flying Kiss” begins with a rhythmic pop production infused with a hint of Afrobeat, progressing into what could be considered the most intricate chorus in NCT DREAM’s discography.

The catchy, slightly chaotic chorus presents a mouthful that may challenge listeners initially, yet the infectious energy quickly captivates, embodying the exhilarating rush of love. Rich with clever floral and nature metaphors, this exhilarating track was shared just days before DREAMSCAPE’s release, accompanied by a whimsical music video featuring the members dancing in a flower shop and dreaming among the stars, perfectly setting the stage for the album. Watch above.

Among the most unique tracks on the album, “i hate fruits” stands out, especially considering NCT DREAM’s usual penchant for sweetly themed song titles like “Smoothie,” “Tangerine Love,” and “Yogurt Shake.” Beginning with an acoustic intro, the song builds to an emotional, hyper-pop-inspired chorus that echoes the atypical style of Billie Eilish. Mark penned the lyrics, weaving together the complexities of love with lines like, “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.”

The song’s endearing yet bittersweet essence, combined with its distinctive sound and confessional lyrics, makes it a standout track, infusing DREAMSCAPE with layers of depth and introspection.