NCT Dream Create a New DREAMSCAPE in Fourth Studio Album
You’re not seeing double; on November 11, NCT Dream released their fourth album DREAMSCAPE eight months after their sixth EP DREAM( )SCAPE. This album offers an escape from the negative thoughts that often plague early adulthood. Its predecessor’s title track, “Smoothie,” hoped to break from such mentalities by grinding up those anxieties into a blend of positive energy. In their latest title track, “When I’m With You,” NCT Dream finds love that catapults them out of that darkness. “When I’m With You” comes accompanied by 10 other tracks that exemplify the album’s brighter outlook.
TRACKLIST:
“INTRO : DREAMSCAPE”
“When I’m With You”
“Flying Kiss”
“i hate fruits”
“No Escape”
“Best of Me”
“YOU”
“Heavenly”
“Night Poem”
“Off The Wall”
“Rains in Heaven”
The Pre-Release: “Flying Kiss”
Initially released on November 8, “Flying Kiss” gave a preview of DREAMSCAPE’s direction. In lyrics written by Haechan, the song discusses a “dreamlike story” of lovers. NCT Dream compares this overflowing affection to flower petals scattering in the wind. The poppy instrumental, composed by Ronny Svendsen, Adrian Thesen, Hendrik Heaven, and Louise Lindberg, captures the song’s sweet and endearing energy.*
Its music video unsurprisingly focuses on flowery imagery. Its hazy quality makes it look like viewers find themselves sucked inside a dream. One can even say NCT Dream appears with “flower boy” visuals: the soft aesthetic paired with this cute song could make anyone swoon.
The Title Track: “When I’m With You”
As foreshadowed in “Smoothie” and “Flying Kiss,” “When I’m With You” takes listeners for a ride to a more optimistic place. Its lyrics, written by Mark and 153/Joombas Publishing lyricists Lee Eunhwa (이은화) and Jiwon (지원), tells of the strength one’s love grants. NCT Dream compares this love interest to a “rainbow” that helps them “shine” after a dreary period. Together with Shift K3Y, Shae Jacobs, IMLAY, and Dvwn, Mark also helped compose the song’s house instrumental. These components combine to create a lovely escape into a new world.*
NCT Dream puts these thoughts into action through the “When I’m With You” music video. This silly and creative music video focuses on the group acting as train engineers, who enact an escape route. However, this ride is anything but smooth: an apple, puzzle pieces, and torrential weather threaten to stop NCT Dream’s plans in their tracks. The group keeps chugging along, and eventually reach the safe haven they wished for.
Diving into the DREAMSCAPE: More Music and Performances
The B-sides on DREAMSCAPE continue the good vibes. They contain many pop songs that explore genres such as disco, R&B, and funk. Mark and Haechan gained more songwriting credits on “i hate fruits” and “Best of Me,” respectively. The album ends with the English track “Rains in Heaven,” which originally came out on August 23.
DREAMSCAPE arrived at a busy time for NCT Dream, who have spent half of the year touring the world. The group just played the tour’s final international show in London, England on November 12. They will head back to Seoul for three encore performances between November 29 and December 1. No doubt will their fans enjoy the likely addition of new songs to the setlist.
*Note: lyrics taken from the English captions in the official music videos.
Edited by Joi Berry