K-pop idol group NCT DREAM released their fourth full-length album “Dreamscape” on Nov. 11.
The physical album will be available in stores starting Nov. 15. NCT Dream also unveiled the music video for the lead single, "When I’m With You."
The 11-track album marked the next chapter in their storytelling from the earlier “DREAM( )SCAPE” mini-album, released in March, demonstrating the group’s continued artistic growth and exploration of reality versus dream-like fantasy through their music and visuals.
NCT Dream (SM Entertainment)
Where “DREAM( )SCAPE” bristled with darker realities and themes of growing pains, the new “Dreamscape” showcases vibrant and emotive fresh songs that blend pop, hyper-pop, house, and R&B.
The album was released just weeks after wrapping up the successful US leg of their third world tour, “The Dream Show 3: Dream( )Scape.”
NCT Dream will return to the US in December, joining select dates of iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball Tour including Los Angeles on Dec. 6, Chicago on Dec. 9, Detroit on Dec. 10, and New York City on Dec. 13.
Spanning 36 shows across Asia, South America, North America, and Europe, the world tour is one more milestone for NCT Dream.
“DREAM( )SCAPE” beat their own first-day sales record set by their third studio album, 2023’s “ISTJ”, which went on to sell 4.32 million copies, becoming the sixth best-selling album globally in 2023 (according to the IFPI Global Charts).
“DREAM( )SCAPE” also marked the group’s fifth consecutive release to sell over two million copies, building huge anticipation for the keenly awaited new album.
“DREAMSCAPE” tracklist
1. INTRO : DREAMSCAPE: a hyper-pop exploration of NCT DREAM’s alternate dream-like reality, or “dreamscape.” The bright, bubbly melody is interrupted by sound distortions and glitches, an intriguing preview to the album’s journey.
2. When I’m With You: The lead single is a house-based electro-pop track exploring the complexities and realities of falling in love. Featuring a rap verse written by member Mark, the euphoric tune is a tailspin of joy and confusion that personifies the overwhelming feeling that comes with love and dreaming.
3. Flying Kiss: Written by member Haechan, the track is a mix of rhythmic pop and rock that paints a dreamy picture of falling in love.
‘4. i hate fruits: The theme of dreamy acts of falling in love continues with ‘i hate fruits’, using hyper-pop synths to examine the ups and downs of love. Written by Mark, the lyrics compare love to an addictive sweet fruit you adore so much you almost want to hate it.
5. No Escape: Further into “Dreamscape,” the group delves into darker themes with this song, which explores a nightmarish reality filled with lies.
6. Best of Me: The 80s pop-infused banger is another Haechan-penned song. It delves into the deception and allure of a dark reality.
7. You (숲): ‘You (숲)’ represents a turning point in the album, where they begin to seek light in this darkness, with newfound determination.
8. 하늘을 나는 꿈 (Heavenly): The seven members come closer to their dream world with evocative lyrics that capture the child-like dream of flying in the sky in this hopeful song.
9. 밤 (Night Poem): The previous track flows smoothly into this song- the music evoking visuals of a deepening night sky similar to a darker growing love.
10. Off The Wall’: The payoff of such an emotional labyrinth is the album’s penultimate song, a disco-funk flavored pop record that conveys the importance of letting go and having fun.
11. Rains in Heaven’: The concluding track is NCT DREAM’s English single released in August, co-written by Mark with Adrian McKinnon and British pop songwriter Bryn Christopher (who has worked with the likes of Sigala and Louis Tomlinson).