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 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s a cute serotonin boost! Definitely better than Smoothie, and you’re right, the melodies is the highlight of the song. Just wish the production was much stronger, but hey, at least the melodies is good, right? 😅
Ratings is fair!
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You giving 9.25, 9 and 8.75 in the span of 2 days was not on my June bingo list 😀
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That chorus is seriously some magical moonlight-infused sweetness. Really wish they’d drop stuff like this more consistently!
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This feels like an amazing continuation of Best Friend Ever (which I also adore). We’re eating good today.
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If you are free , could you listen to Stupid Cupid off the Moonlight single album ? I would like to hear your thoughts on it too 😌
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I did listen to it yesterday. I like it, but boy do I wish the whole thing sounded more like those first ten seconds. I love that wall of sound vocal stacking.
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I get what you mean . I like how the bridge continued the grandness of the intro
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