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| Photo Cr: SM Entertainment |
After releasing their full-length album, Go Back To The Future, K-pop boy group NCT Dream is back with their latest Mini-Album, Beat It Up on November 17. The album showcases the group's confidence and witnessing each member's journey from childhood to the present. The six-track album stays true to the group's sound, with four group tracks and two unit tracks.
Their title track, “Beat It Up”, is about breaking free from hardships set by others, and going through life at their own pace. NCT DREAM showcases this message lyrically, through the chorus: “Show you how we beat it up (Beat it, it, it up, beat it, it, it up)/부숴 다음 벽 우린 challenger.” Referencing the wall, they are going to break down against all those who place challenges in their way. The music video is a metaphor, using boxing to represent fighting those challenges head-on. As you watch the video, you see glimpses of the choreography, which also has notes of sparring poses and stances. This mix of hip-hop and pop genres creates a high-energy track that has fans excited.
"Beat It Up" Music Video
Rush:NCT DREAM 'Rush' (Official Audio)
‘Rush” is the second track on their mini album, pushing past one’s limits. Even if it’s unfamiliar, it’s the rush and adrenaline that makes you want to continue. Even though there is no music video for this track, you feel the members’ emotions and excitement through their lyrics. In the chorus and post-bridge, they highlight words like “rush,” “energy,” and “going higher” to convey these emotions of overcoming barriers that are in front of you. This hip-hop and R&B pop track highlights each member's skills, creating an energetic song to listen to.
Cold Coffee: NCT DREAM 'Cold Coffee' (Official Audio)
“Cold Coffee” explores the meaning of love. Comparing love to coffee, from the feelings in the beginning that once burned to the scent it leaves once it's cooled. This message is sung beautifully in the chorus with the lyrics: “Tell me why/There was a warmth/Lingering somewhere in my heart/I need to see you (My heart burns in this moment).” This refers to the lingering feelings one has and endured throughout loving someone endlessly . NCT Dream shares an R&B pop ballad that has a refreshing and heartfelt message.
Butterflies: NCT DREAM 'Butterflies' (Official Audio)
“Butterflies” marks a first for NCT DREAM as it is the group’s first official subunit song composed of members Renjun, Haechan, and Chenle. The acoustic pop ballad creates an emotional track that questions the person they love, if “...I still give you butterflies?” Filled with pure emotions and a sentimental meaning, the heartfelt confession in this song shines through. The soft and powerful vocals of each member creates a memorable song that is refreshing with each listen.
Tempo: NCT DREAM 'Tempo (0에서 100)' (Official Audio)
“Tempo” also marks a first for the group as it’s the other official subunit song composed of members Mark, Jeno, Jaemin, and Jisung. A hip-hop track with ‘90-inspired elements creates a confident sound. The track tells the story of having an unbeatable spirit and confidence with lyrics like “No reds, all green.” The rap line coming together creates a bold and energetic track that shows their commitment to creating a performance to remember with their reference to “0 to 100.”
TRICKY: NCT DREAM 'TRICKY' (Official Audio)
“TRICKY” marks the final track on NCT DREAM’s mini-album. “Tricky” tells the story of confusing feelings towards another, but instead of running away, they stay attracted to them. With the lyrics “Can’t figure it out/You making, making me/ TRICKY TRICKY TRICKY…” references the confusing feeling one has when faced with a dilemma. The song continues this feeling through its lyrics, making its message clear. With captivating vocals and powerful rap, this song shows NCT DREAM’s talents in an intense and versatile way.
“Beat It Up” is out now wherever you stream music.