[ALBUM REVIEW] NCT DREAM - We Boom - The 3rd Mini Album

Hello to everyone reading this post! The album I've chosen to review today is NCT DREAM's 'We Boom'. Though this mini album was released almost a month ago, on July 26th, I chose it as my first review since it has been quite different from the dreamie's usual style. It has sounded more and more refreshing with each play in my opinion. This album is also the group's first release since Mark graduated at the end of last year leaving Chenle, Jeno, Jaemin, Jisung, Renjun & Haechan to carry on as a sextet.

It is safe to say that once Mark left the group, NCT Dream completely disappeared for a moment. SM Entertainment's focus went to promoting NCT 127 during 2019 leaving some fans of the subunit a little disappointed. However, it all changed when NCT DREAM (minus Haechan) collaborated with the British singer HRVY for a track titled "Don't Need Your Love" which dropped via SM Station. The track was received well from both NCTzen and international fans due to its highly catchy melody and the brilliant visuals of the boys.

When SM released the teasers for 'Boom', a lot of fans were enraptured by how mysterious and suspenseful it was. The highly suspenseful video teaser that appeared out of nowhere really led us fans to have high expectations, which were definitely fullfilled by the group once the teasers came to and end with the music video.

We Boom Album Cover

1. BOOM (Title Track)

I recall the last time we got an edgy sound from NCT DREAM; their 'Go' era. It was edgy alright, but to my ears it wasn't that catchy enough to completely fangirl over it. 'Boom', however, has a more polished quality that was easy on the ears. It reminded me alot of their 'We Go Up' era due to its easy hip-hop style. What really sealed the deal for me was the chorus of 'Boom'. The repeated "We got that Boom Boom Boom" was insanely catchy and showcased a lot of their....acapella sound? (I think?) Anyways, I was blown away by it and that's the tea.

The instrumentation was minimal and left their vocals shine quite a lot through the track which was a plus. In a way, I expected a lot more of a booming sound with the title, as many of you might have. Something with a high bass gear and alot of synth, maybe. But instead we got a low bass lead track with the Dreamies' slick raps and vocals. Regardless of all that, it still dominates my playlists, taking up the spot of 'We Go Up' and replacing it with its refreshing sound.

The music video lived up to the edge of the music, strolling far away from the carefreeness of 'We Go Up'. NCT DREAM usually have this quality of youthfulness in their music and concepts that this time around, it was really refreshing to both the eyes and the ears. To me, the video was kind of out of place if you take the different sets into account. They didn't go with each other well enough, and I doubt that it was mainly because it was probably tight trying to shoot it with Haechan still busy with NCT 127's overseas promotions. Majority of the video didn't contain him, especially during the choreography parts, but he did join in towards the end, thankfully. At least SM didn't omit him completely, though they could have taken up an extra few weeks enough so that Haechan's schedule was free to film with the entire group. The standalone shots of Haechan really reminded me of the scenes from 'We Go Up' where Mark watched the other members, leading me to wonder whether it was part of the plot since Haechan is the next to graduate....maybe.

The choreography, in my eyes, was brilliant, and matched up very well to the smooth quality of the track, especially during the chorus. Their energy kicked up towards the end after the bridge, which really amped up the feel of the entire song and ending it on a high note.

Song – 8/10 Music Video – 7/10 Performance – 8/10 Overall Rating – 8.5/10

2. Stronger

We can confidently state that the group's edgy sound continued from 'Boom' to 'Stronger'. It is indeed, a strong track. And once again, the track lacked high instrumentals, leaving the vocals and raps to showcase the strength along with the strong bassline. The almost chant-like repetition of the word "Stronger" during the chorus that sounded like a powerful growl really stood out alot. What really had my head bobbing was that intense instrumental during the prechorus that built up high enough, but dropped back to the minimalistic chorus. Overall, it lead out from 'Boom' quite smoothly. (8/10)

3. 119

'119' really brought out the edgy vibe from their concept, so much so that the boys sounded tough through the equally strong lyrics, which was really appealing considering how its the direct opposite of their usual concepts, being a little more darker and edgier. The chorus was absolutely a banger, which lead me to believe that this is the underrated B-Side track of the entire album. The haunting melody of the chorus was insanely catchy, and the track's strong instrumentals really had me going with the brilliant flow of the raps. However, the parts with the "Na Na Na" sounded a little off to me...like it didn't fit well with the overall vibe of the song. I think they went a little too far with that part. This song deserves its own stage in my opinion. SM, what are you doing not promoting these underrated gems of B-Sides? (8.5/10)

4. 사랑이 좀 어려워 (Bye My First…)

I really thought this was gonna be ballad when I first saw the tracklist. Like, a ballad that fit an OST of a K-Drama. But nope, I was fooled, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who thought it was going to be a dramatic track but instead met with an upbeat pop track that really allowed the vocalists to shine after the last three rap-lead tracks. The raps in this flew well along with the vibe and music, and reminded me alot of their youthful side. It's lyrics really had my heart going, talking about their inexpiriences with love mainly focusing on one's first love. I loved how easy and reminiscent the track was, and once I really followed the lyrics it made me reflect on my own first love. (8.5/10)

5. Best Friend

And we got yet another easygoing youthful track. 'Best Friend' really reminded me a lot of....western boyband tracks? Like the whole situation with everyone singing along with the chorus and with the fun backing vocals have been consistent with their other tracks but this one really stood out more. This has a more mainstream quality to it of which I think if were in English it would do great overseas. (Much like NCT 127's 'Highway to Heaven') The raps flew well with the vocals once again, and the playful vibe really was a breath of fresh air after the strong and much more mature sound of the first three tracks of the album. (9/10)

6. Dream Run

NCT DREAM kicked off the final track with a smooth guitar line. It's everything I love about a song. It was bright, upbeat, happy, energetic, playful and had a brilliant rhythm & melody. I really enjoyed the vocalists showing off their vocal skills with the harmonies and the rappers did a great job with their flow. I also really loved the fact that they added brass instrumentals that amped up the track to be super funky and groovy. However the latter part of the song slowly got confusing with the overwhelming sounds, but it ended with a clean finish which I enjoyed. (8/10)

Overall Rating – 8.5/10