This isn’t a political blog, but I must briefly acknowledge the absurdity of the whiplash I’m feeling from watching the wonderful Kamala Harris accept the Presidential nomination at the DNC and then immediately logging in to write about NCT Dream’s first English-language single. I can’t say I ever expected these two events to occur back to back, but I guess that’s what multitasking is for! At any rate, I’m a little surprised Dream haven’t released an international single until now (not counting their duet with HRVY). They’re consistently one of the best-selling NCT units and slot nicely into a radio-friendly pop template. Rains In Heaven fulfills this brief, casting an evocative synth soundscape.
Regardless of the song itself, it’s so satisfying to hear the group’s vocals prominently driving their music. There’s no silly “smoothie, smoothie” here, as the track chooses instead to focus on tight harmonies and layers of wistful, airy melodies. We’ve never heard Dream perform quite this way on a single, and Rains In Heaven proves they should do so more often. Haechan — in particular — is one of SM Entertainment’s sharpest vocal weapons. I wish he took an even greater role in driving Heaven‘s emotional charge.
But while this track feels like a comfortable hug, it misses the opportunity to push beyond and become something truly special. It captivates most strongly during its first half while its musical recipe is still fresh and notable. Four minutes of chill, blissed-out energy is nothing to scoff at, and Heaven‘s lush vocal texture goes a long way toward maintaining interest. However, I’d be thrilled to hear a weightier climax or sense of growth to warrant the track’s relatively long running time.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8