NCT DREAM's 'DREAMSCAPE': All 11 songs ranked

Like DREAM( )SCAPENCT DREAM's latest release begins with an experimental mix of sounds to set the sonic backdrop for the LP. Blending elements of catchy hyper- and bubblegum-pop, the intro immerses listeners into NCT DREAM's latest musical universe.

Towards the end of the 2:17 track, Mark and Renjun tell listeners, “Welcome to my new world,” creating a sense of curiosity about the twists and turns the album might take next. Another excellent and exciting intro track from DREAM — our only complaint about “INTRODUCTION – DREAM” is that it is no more!

About halfway through it DREAMthe LP takes a darker tone with “No Escape”, reminiscent of the intense, unconventional production that has become a staple for NCT units. With lyrics that examine deception and anxiety, the track reconnects with its reflective themes DREAM( )SCAPE and acts as a bridge between these two disks. While it fits the world of NCT DREAM, the song seems like the group should have used it for a different album.

With a piercing beat with clear 80s inspirations, “Best of Me” sees Haechan writing another of the album's darker tracks to discuss lovelorn frustration for a layered, bittersweet listen. Throbbing synths and haunting harmonies give the song a hypnotic appeal, while Haechan steps up with impressive, charming ad-libs throughout the track. While “Best of Me” boasts an intensely complex production, we wish Haechan's extra riffs could be heard more prominently on the track as they sound somewhat muffled in the final chorus.

Underscoring the album's nostalgic appeal, the disco-pop track brings fun and funk to emphasize the importance of letting go. The feel-good tune has all the makings of a great pop song – and sounds like it could easily be nominated for a new English single if NCT DREAM decided to re-record it – but the mix of the track leaves something to be desired with a somewhat hollow chorus compared to the other songs on the album. However, it's a throwback-inspired anthem that encourages listeners to embrace freedom and joy, reminding them that sometimes, simplicity can be redemptive. a great message to almost close the album.

An upbeat yet introspective cut kicked off with layered harmonies, “Night Poem” marks another of the album's most serene moments. There's a subtle progression from playful lyrics about a night together to more serious thinking when you want to wake up next to that person every day, reflecting how love can deepen over time.

With eight years under their belt now, our DREAM boys have become sensitive, poetic masters — and they sound more mature than ever.

Turning point within DREAM LANDSCAPE After the darker tracks “No Escape” and “Best of Me”, gurgling synths provide a soothing, dreamy R&B sound for “YOU” that could almost rock the listener to sleep — until the production segues into what sounds like a Gang Starr-inspired hip-hop break that DJ Premier could have cut. For the final minute of the track, members Jisung, Mark, Chenle, and Renjun deliver some of the record's best vocal runs, along with Jaemin's powerful rap, for a truly dynamic ending.

Rounding out the album, “Rains in Heaven” is the English-language ballad that feels like a tribute to emotional singles from '90s bands like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and 98 Degrees. Co-written by Mark with pop songwriters Adrian McKinnon and Bryn Christopher (who have credits on tracks for fellow men such as SHINee, The Vamps, Tomorrow X Together and SuperM), the track combines a classic synth-pop sound with an emotionally charged charged interpretation. with adorably touching lyrics (“We're all the same but hurt different/ I heard when you cry, it's raining in heaven/ I won't let you fall unless you're in my arms”).

As one of NCT DREAM's few original English tracks, the sweet sounds of “Rains in Heaven” mark a rare moment when a K-pop group delivers a crossover single in line with their concept and style. Plus, it's a perfect, heartfelt ending to DREAMSCAPE, embodying the album's balance of innocence and nostalgia.

Another track written solely by Haechan, “Flying Kiss” opens with a rhythmic pop production that boasts just a hint of Afrobeat before soaring into what is quite possibly the most complex chorus of NCT DREAM's career.

The catchy, slightly chaotic chorus is a bite and can be challenging for the listener at first, but the rocking energy quickly becomes undeniable to capture the dizzying, thrill of love. Featuring a series of clever metaphors of flowers and nature in the lyrics, the catchy track was shared a few days ago by DREAMS release with an accompanying, fantasy music video where the members dance in a flower shop and sleep among the stars, setting the stage for the eventual full-length album. Watch above.

The most unique track on the album, “I hate fruit” it was a surprise when its title appeared on the tracklist, given NCT DREAM's penchant for sweet song titles like “Smoothie,” “Tangerine Love,” and “Yogurt Shake.” But starting with an acoustic intro, the song builds to an emotional, hyper-pop inspired chorus reminiscent of Billie Eilish's atypical singing style. Written entirely by Mark, the lyrics weave beautifully into the complexities of love: “You know, I hate fruit/ But your smile is so sweet, I've got this feeling in my heart, exciting berry, taste, taste, taste / Tryna' hat you, I fell in love with you/ Girl, I need a doctor, fruit is gonna make me break, break, break.”

Equal parts catchy and bittersweet, the song's unique sound and confessional lyrics make it stand out adding layers of depth and introspection DREAM.

The album's lead single, “When I'm With You,” blends house music with electro-pop to express the joyous but often confusing feelings that come with love. Co-produced by SM Entertainment DJ and producer IMLAY (who worked on NCT DREAM's previous single “Beatbox” and member Chenle on 2021 single “Too Good”), the song is layered and expansive thanks to contributions from Mark who wrote a rap verse for an added raw authenticity, while contributions from Korean R&B singer Dvwn add a smoothness that balances the track's high energy.

Throbbing with passion, “When I'm With You” is the perfect single to center an album like DREAM with an upbeat production standing out among slower, seasonal songs while delivering the accessible, nostalgic groove that encapsulates much of the LP.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more euphoric moment DREAM than up “Heavenly.” Reminiscent of '90s and '00s K-pop classics like HOT's “Candy” or Girls' Generation's “Into the New World,” the track captures childlike wonder in both its lyrics and uplifting vocals performance.

As evidenced by the success of their cover of NCT DREAM's 2023 “Candy” (which landed on the Billboard Global 200 chart), these seven members have a unique penchant for capturing classic boy band antics to bring something to fans of all of ages. The epitome of escapism, transporting listeners to a pure and innocent wonderland, “Heavenly” is a perfect example of the kind of track that's as ready to be played in 2025 as it would be in 1995.