[Review] Flying Kiss – NCT DREAM

I am bouncing around time at the moment. Reviews for songs last week, newer releases from this week, and now 2024 releases I have yet to review. In the lead up to the release of their 4th studio album, Dream()scape, in November 2024, NCT DREAM pre-releaed the single Flying Kiss. This preceded the single When I’m With You, which served as the title track for Dream()scape.

Flying Kiss is an alright song. It is quite a pleasant track overall, but also rather plain. I am glad it wasn’t the title track for the album. I blame the trap elements and hollow synths in the instrumental for that, as well as the verses. There were soft beats and a harp at the start. But these weren’t enough to make Flying Kiss compelling to me. Similarly, the verses were also not compelling and rather forgettable. Flying Kiss does get better when we reach the choruses. The relatively fast-paced delivery is actually charming and gives Flying Kiss a uniqueness. It also picks up Flying Kiss, which was much needed after the plain verses. The bridge also fairs better than the verses, with a strong velvety and dreamy flair exuded by the vocals. I also enjoyed the abruptly pierce change in momentum with the “I Just Wanna” change up. JENO and CHENLE’s delivery was awesome and gave impact, and it was a great way to get back to the chorus. Finally, the spoken ending line to Flying Kiss by JAEMIN stands out. Somehow it feels bold and distinct from the rest of the song, thus ending the song on a memorable note.

Like the song, Flying Kiss‘ music video was also alright. Some of it was shot using the same set as the train’s inside we saw in When I’m With You. But there was also other scenes that gave off a noticeable dreamy vibe to match the song. I liked their styling and how sweet it made them look, on brand for a group known for their youthful and bubbly charms when they first started. Definitely a nice throwback there. But there wasn’t anything exactly memorable that really makes me want to go back and revisit the video often.

The dance for this release opts for a softer and more pleasant vibe, which works well with Flying Kiss‘ instrumental. I liked how they gave the routine a kick during the chorus, which is also when the song picks up. But nothing memorable, once again. NCT DREAM themselves did look very sweet on stage and appear to really enjoy the performance, so that is something.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.5/10