NCT Dream's new Japanese single Moonlight has been kicking around for a few weeks now. In fact, I first wrote about it as part of my weekly J-pop series. At that point, we were unsure whether it would receive a music video or not, but I'm glad the track has gotten the promotion it deserves.
While I'm still pretending March's Smoothie doesn't exist, Moonlight feels like the refined, pop-infused style the group should be chasing at this point in their career. These are no longer the kids who gave us Chewing Gum or My First And Last, but that doesn't mean they can't still enjoy a great melody. And unlike catchphrase hooks like Smoothie, Moonlight lives or dies on its melodies.
The song's verses are relatively reserved and don't amount to much more than a set-up for the chorus, but Moonlight is pretty much a 'chorus delivery system' anyway. A large chunk of the track is devoted to this centerpiece, spinning off several distinct melodies that grow organically. A series of powerful vocals further tease out the drama, turning Moonlight into a real showcase. It's the best springboard for NCT Dream's talents since last year's bombastic Broken Melodies.
Hooks | 9 |
Production | 8 |
Longevity | 9 |
Bias | 9 |
RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
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