Buried Treasure: NCT Dream – I Like It

A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.

SM Entertainment has been on a roll with their albums lately, and NCT Dream’s Go Back To The Future is another strong addition. I really, really like this album — and this is coming from someone who has gone off the NCT brand in recent years. The fact that even I enjoy Go Back To The Future so much is a testament to its quality. After the double punch of synth-influenced title tracks (both of which have proven to be big growers), the album softens into a more classic SM sound. In fact, it often feels more like a SHINee project.

I love the punchy pop rock of Dream Team and boppy new jack swing of That Summer, but I’ve chosen to write about I Like It because it scratches that SHINee itch with its ultra-smooth chorus and upbeat dance beat. The song opens with a few summery instrumental loops that remind me of K-pop’s late-2010’s tropical trend. From here, the song gradually climbs to its propulsive chorus. I would have loved hearing this brisk energy continued throughout I Like It‘s entire runtime (no more slowdowns in dance tracks, please!), but the highs on this are so great that I’m happy to wade through the lulls.

Grade: B+