NCT Dream return with album Dreamscape and title song When I’m With You.
I really enjoyed Dream’s Flying Kiss which we covered in last week’s round-up so I was interested to see what this new album would sound like. NCT Dream have been one of our favourite units since their debut and I think it’s nice to see them develop as artists and establish their own sound and style. Personally, their My First and Last is forever going to be one of the best k-pop songs of this past decade and I really wish we would again get such groove and melody going on in k-pop. However, let me not rant in another direction, and let’s focus on Dream’s comeback today. Let’s dive deeper into When I’m With You and review their newest album which I’m sure is hiding some serious gems.
When I’m With You is really lovely. It’s melodic and nostalgic – it really brings a very unique, laid-back sound to the table. I think NCT Dream excel at delivering bottled nostalgia and I love it when they turn to this type of music because I feel like they’re amazing at it. I love their more upbeat, experimental tracks but it’s the songs with such an overwhelming amount of melody that really showcase what NCT Dream are capable of. When I’m With You‘s instrumental reminds me a bit of their ISTJ, which is probably my favourite Dream title out of their recent albums, but combined with their vocals and the main hook of the song, it really complements When I’m With You‘s wistful energy. Pre-chorus might be my favourite element of this song and that doesn’t happen that often. However, all the sections work well together and bring a great groove along the way. The music video is also very aesthetically pleasing and suits the song well. NCT Dream continue doing their own thing and keeping their own style – you have to respect that.
No matter which unit of NCT we’re talking about, they’re always delivering fantastic b-sides. NCT Dream often have such great hidden gems on their albums that it’s impossible not to feel excited about this new album. On the first listen I’d say that Off the Wall, Best of Me & You are contenders for the best b-side on this album. I’m a sucker for big melody and emotion you can genuinely feel in the song so these three really stood out to me. Off the Wall and You continue the nostalgic, old-school energy the title track set with Off The Wall bringing the much-needed groove, and You bringing all the emotions. On the other hand, Best of Me delivers a very mysterious, almost eerie melody paired with stunning lyrics. It’s darker than any other song on the album and I think it suits them a lot. I can easily hear this track being the title as well because it’s just fantastic and has great potential.
NCT Dream brought us such a nice, pleasant title track, and an even better album full of hidden gems you shouldn’t be missing out on.