An Essential Listening Guide: NCT Dream

Considered by a very passionate portion of fans as the superior NCT unit, this graduation-based unit consisting of teen, underage members (the lineup, in descending age order, currently consists of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung) is distinctive for their very different style of music compared to the older members. Here are the NCT Dream essentials:

1. “My First and Last” (2017)
Known as the song that saw NCT as a whole win their first music show award, "My First and Last" is undeniably catchy, pleasant, and mainstream, even as it is sonically interesting (the production is truly something). The choreography is insane (keep in mind that the oldest member was only 17 years old when they promoted it), and the vocal performances are incredible (another fact to make you feel worse: the youngest member was around fifteen when they promoted this). It'll go down as one of NCT's milestone songs, and I think it's NCT Dream's best song.

2. “Go” (2018)
As a part of NCT's larger 2018 project, "Go" saw the Dreamies switch up their soft, bubblegum-pop image for something much more rebellious, mature, and experimental. As acknowledged by the members of NCT, it does seem like NCT 127 and NCT Dream switched concepts for their 2018 project. "Go" is an anthem, literally screamed by the members of Dream as they declare their teenage rebelliousness. This comeback also marks the return of member Jaemin, who went on hiatus due to health reasons for around 1.5 years after debuting with the group in 2016. It's refreshing to see Dream play a concept that's more in-line with their age, and the song is a bit of an earworm.

3. “My Page” (2017)
A B-side track from their first mini-album, "My Page" showcases Dream's exceptionally well-developed vocal talents. The chorus is infectious and bright, and the song is just extremely underrated. It's truly a hidden gem in NCT discography as a whole.

4. “We Young” (2017)
It is a very summer song, and Dream leans well into that concept with their nautical outfits. Like all NCT Dream songs, the song is catchy and has infectious hooks.

5. “Chewing Gum” (2016)
NCT Dream's iconic debut song, "Chewing Gum" is definitely not for everyone, but it is still incredibly addicting (the hook is catchy; you can't deny it). It secures NCT Dream's image well enough, and the choreography (with hover boards) is incredible. There's no denying that even as they play up their cutesy boy concept, NCT Dream is incredibly talented and only have room to grow.