This isn’t a political weblog, however I have to briefly acknowledge the absurdity of the whiplash I’m feeling from watching the fantastic Kamala Harris settle for the Presidential nomination on the DNC after which instantly logging in to put in writing about NCT Dream’s first English-language single. I can’t say I ever anticipated these two occasions to happen again to again, however I assume that’s what multitasking is for! At any price, I’m somewhat stunned Dream haven’t launched a world single till now (not counting their duet with HRVY). They’re constantly one of many best-selling NCT models and slot properly right into a radio-friendly pop template. Rains In Heaven fulfills this temporary, casting an evocative synth soundscape.

Whatever the track itself, it’s so satisfying to listen to the group’s vocals prominently driving their music. There’s no foolish “smoothie, smoothie” right here, because the observe chooses as an alternative to give attention to tight harmonies and layers of wistful, ethereal melodies. We’ve by no means heard Dream carry out fairly this manner on a single, and Rains In Heaven proves they need to achieve this extra usually. Haechan — particularly — is certainly one of SM Leisure’s sharpest vocal weapons. I want he took a good better function in driving Heaven‘s emotional cost.

However whereas this observe looks like a snug hug, it misses the chance to push past and turn out to be one thing really particular. It captivates most strongly throughout its first half whereas its musical recipe remains to be recent and notable. 4 minutes of chill, blissed-out power is nothing to scoff at, and Heaven‘s lush vocal texture goes a great distance towards sustaining curiosity. Nevertheless, I’d be thrilled to listen to a weightier climax or sense of progress to warrant the observe’s comparatively lengthy operating time.

Grade: B-