NCT DREAM returns with their eagerly anticipated fifth full-length album “Go Back To The Future” today on all digital and streaming platforms, via SM Entertainment and Virgin Music, featuring double title tracks ‘BTTF’ and ‘CHILLER’.
The nine-track album follows the K-Pop stars as they narratively embark on a time-travel journey to visit their past, present, and future – exploring their nine years as a group, and the even brighter years ahead of them. Listen to the album HERE.
Last year, NCT DREAM earned acclaim by expressing the common struggles, aspirations, and dreams of youth through their albums “DREAM( )SCAPE” and “DREAMSCAPE”. Once more they reflect on their own experiences, this time to impart a message about living fully in the present moment without regrets.
The story begins with title track ‘BTTF’ (short for ‘back to the future’), a hip-hop-inspired dance track encapsulates the quintessential ‘NCT sound’ with a signature synth bass and dynamic verse transitions. The lyrics chronicle NCT DREAM gaining the power to change the future through time travel. As they reflect on the path they’ve taken, they realise the value of a past with no regrets – and boldly declare ‘We are the future’, announcing their ambition to travel the road ahead with conviction. Watch the music video here.
The second title track ‘CHILLER’ experiments with genres overtop a foundation of French house. Its distinctive textures and unpredictable chord progressions are a fitting base for a song highlighting the group’s success, serving as both a prequel and sequel to ‘BTTF’. Watch the video here.
‘I LIKE IT’, a funky dance-pop marked by its striking electric guitar, explores unexpectedly meeting another version of oneself through a rift in time, and using that alternate version as a motivator to forge fearlessly ahead. The equally infectious ‘DREAM TEAM’ blends bouncing guitar riffs, jangly piano, and anthemic harmonies to share an encouraging message about bouncing back after facing setbacks.
The fast-paced, upbeat nature of the album takes a reflective pause with ‘Interlude : Back To Our Paradise’, a dreamy track with ethereal sounds and rich choral layers. The lyrics express setting off on a journey through time and memories in search of a once-loved person. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in NCT DREAM’s ‘First Love’ series, a collection of songs across their discography that explores the theme of one’s first love.
‘‘Bout You’ is an acoustic pop ballad comparing the unexpected arrival of ‘you’ to a passing rain shower, portraying how a fateful meeting can paint the world in colour, much like raindrops colour all that they touch. The nostalgic atmosphere continues with ‘That Summer’, a pop song which pulls from New Jack Swing to portray the clumsy memories of first love.
The penultimate track ‘Miss Me’ blends ’90s pop and R&B, fittingly describing the bittersweet moment of parting with someone and the anticipation of meeting again in the future. The album closes with the stunning mid-tempo pop tune ‘Beautiful Sailing’. NCT DREAM reflects on their storied path – from taking their first steps toward their dreams, up to the present – comparing their trials and tribulations to crossing an expansive sea. It brings “Go Back To The Future”to a hopeful close, with the seven-piece embracing the rough waves and gentle currents, knowing that both are carrying them toward even greater seas.
Alongside the release of the new album, NCT DREAM will embark on their fourth tour, ‘The Dream Show 4: Dream the Future’, which kicked off in Seoul, Korea this month and will continue across Asia through the rest of the year. With 2024 marking the group’s ninth consecutive release to sell over one million copies – achieved via their November album “DREAMSCAPE” – the anticipation is high for “Go Back To The Future” and its whimsically charming storytelling as NCT DREAM explore their already legendary past, thriving present, and limitless future.
Photo Credit: SM Entertainment | Download artwork/press images HERE
“Go Back To The Future” Tracklist
BTTF
CHILLER
I LIKE IT
DREAM TEAM
Interlude : Back to Our Paradise
나의 소나기 (‘Bout You)
여름 바람이 불어오면 (That Summer)
새벽별 (Miss Me)
항해 (Beautiful Sailing)
