Beloved boy group NCT Dream has been booked and busy this year. In March, the 7-piece group, composed of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung, released their sixth mini-album, Dream()scape. The EP sold over 1.3 million copies on its first day according to Hanteo Chart, beating their own first-day sales record of 1.1 million copies for ISTJ, the group’s third album. Since May they have been on The Dream Show 3: Dream()scape world tour, which recently concluded its European leg. NCT Dream is keeping the momentum going with DREAMSCAPE, their highly anticipated fourth studio album.
DREAMSCAPE sees NCT Dream, affectionately called the Dreamies by fans, write a new chapter in their artistry throughout their eight-year career. It continues the story that began with Dream()scape and explores the themes of dreams versus reality. Dream()scape, which is pronounced “dream escape” and shouldn’t be confused with this latest release, addressed growing pains and the harsh realities of life. But in DREAMSCAPE, the group has created a vibrant reality of their own – a haven from the real world. The album’s bright and dream-like concept visuals compared to Dream()scape’s dark prison-break storyline in the ()scape promotional mini-films tell viewers that NCT Dream has indeed made it out of their cells.
The album kicks off with “INTRO: DREAMSCAPE,” a melodic hyper-pop track expressing a newfound feeling of freedom. It’s a fascinating contrast to Dream()scape’s bass-heavy intro track, “icantfeelanything,” which touched upon the desire to overcome insecurity, fear and confusion. However, while “INTRO: DREAMSCAPE” starts off with the sounds of chirping birds and airy guitars, the sound glitches and distortions placed throughout the song signal that perhaps this new world isn’t all it seems.
Next on the album is the album’s lead single, “When I’m With You.” The house-based, electro-pop track is an upbeat ode to puppy love and the complicated feelings of having a crush. The track’s accompanying music video sees the Dreamies create a small-scale model of their whimsical dream world – but get sucked into it. With a little help from their friends, they navigate everything from a Snowpiercer-esque train, to a sinking ship, and giant puzzle pieces falling from the sky.
The romantic vibes continue with, “Flying Kiss,” which the members teased during The Dream Show 3 tour by performing a flying kiss gesture during ments. The song’s smitten lyrics about falling in love were written entirely by Haechan and each member’s passionate vocals shine through. The accompanying music video also features another contrasting moment in the DREAMSCAPE/Dream()scape universe. In Jeno’s dark ()scape film, he is seen at a shooting range firing a pistol with realistic bullets at a human-shaped target. At the halfway point of the “Flying Kiss” video, he shoots a rifle decorated with flowers. However, instead of bullets, the gun discharges flower petals upon pulling the trigger.
DREAMSCAPE’s next track, “i hate fruits,” is a standout on the album with its addicting melody and hyper-pop-inspired beat. The saccharine lyrics, penned by Mark, are about finding unexpected love. It feels like modern Shakespeare, but this is no Sonnet 18. Shall NCT Dream compare thee to a summer’s day? No, but they shall compare thee to a sour and sweet taste of berries.
The bright facade of the group’s DREAMSCAPE begins to crack as dreams turn into nightmares on “No Escape.” The heavier hip-hop beat and creative distortions serve as a foundation for the group to dive into darker themes of anxiety, pain, and loneliness. “Best of Me” maintains the dark interlude. The lyrics, written by Haechan, explore relationship insecurities against an 80s pop and EDM backdrop. The love-hate, push-and-pull lyrics and the song’s rap outro portray the desperation of being on the cusp of breaking up and staying together.
“You” marks a turning point on the album as the Dreamies rediscover love and find light in the darkness. Similarly to “Best of Me,” this song is backed by an 80s-inspired synth. Jeno in particular shines vocally, demonstrating a strong vibrato that typically remains hidden as a member of NCT Dream’s rap line. The song also features a few unique switch-ups that keep the song interesting while retaining its retro vibe. A change in key and tempo gives the bridge a jazzy, seductive vibe before switching to a softer ballad.
The Dreamies seem to find their footing and heal their inner children on the hopeful track, “Heavenly.” The song features harmonies and ad-libs courtesy of Renjun, Haechan, and Chenle that are, for lack of a better word, heavenly.
When the members teased an upcoming album on The Dream Show 3 tour, Mark conducted a “survey” with the audience to see if they preferred Dream’s concepts to be cute, sexy, or similar to “Hello Future.” After gauging the responses, Mark noted that the new album would contain all three. Throughout DREAMSCAPE, songs like “When I’m With You” checked off the “cute” box. The colorful vibes of “Flying Kiss” and the hopeful message of “Heavenly” could be compared to “Hello Future.” But where exactly does “sexy” make its appearance?
The answer comes with “Night Poem,” a lowkey and seductive R&B track. The intimate and evocative lyrics explore themes of desire and intensifying love. It’s sexy and sensual without being graphic and leaves just enough to the listener’s imagination.
While NCT Dream takes on a more mature sound on “Night Poem,” the following track, “Off the Wall,” serves as a reminder that the group is still young. The disco-funk vibes of “Off the Wall” are reminiscent of “Better Than Gold” and “Dream Run” and take the listeners back to their youthful, high-energy roots.
Rounding out the album is “Rains in Heaven,” the Dreamies’ first English-language single which was released in August. The song’s message of empathy and friendship in the face of pain serves as a fitting close to DREAMSCAPE’s story of self-discovery.
Overall, DREAMSCAPE is unapologetic, complex, and confident. NCT Dream has grown up in the public eye – Jisung, the group’s youngest member, was just 14 years old when they debuted in 2016. Through DREAMSCAPE, the members are experiencing the ups and downs that come with being in their early twenties. It also feels like a significant bookmark in their careers to date.
NCT Dream’s schedules are packed between the conclusion of The Dream Show 3 in Seoul, making their U.S. return to iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball Tour in December, and Mark’s upcoming solo project. DREAMSCAPE shows a new side of NCT Dream and reminds listeners that even when things get busy, we should all leave room for some healthy escapism.