NCT DREAM Makes A Roaring Return To The Spotlight With ‘Glitch Mode’

Following an engaging pre-release phase, packed with concept photos, teaser videos and a highlight medley, NCT DREAM makes their highly anticipated comeback with “Glitch Mode.” Leading the group’s second full-length album of the same title, the single follows their June 2021 repackaged album Hello Future. 

Produced by Benjamin 55 and Alony 55, “Glitch Mode” is a chill hip-hop dance track, layered with 808 base, giving it a groovy and sonically mature spin. The refreshed sonic identity spotlights the group’s growth over the years, ushering them from a bubblegum teen pop soundscape into a sonic space that supports their matured vocal ranges. 

Written by Alony 55, Benjamin 55, Sam SZND Yoo Jae Eun and MARK who wrote the rap portions, the track talks about not knowing how to act in front of your crush. Describing the situation as if one were glitching, the group sings “Glitch Mode/ My entire body is faulty, reload/ I’m dizzy dizzy dizzy, headache/ I spin and spin/ I’m in Glitch Mode.” Notably, vocalist RENJUN’s sweet, melodious vocalization stands out, instantly becoming one of the most memorable parts of the single. 

Surrounded by a lush setting of his birth flowers (daffodils) and butterflies, RENJUN transfixes listeners with a breathy and delicate vocal performance as he sings; “A sweet rain shower that you’re bringing/ These little sprouts soon become the forest.” Rappers JENO and MARK seed equally impactful rap performances in the pre-chorus, paving a solid segway to an addictive chorus. 

Existing in a dual universe, the septet plays two different roles in the music video. In one universe, NCT DREAM plays the role of gaming store employees, while in the other, they take up a slightly more exciting role, playing seven cupids dripping in stylish ensembles.

Composed of 11-tracks titled “Fire Alarm,” “Arcade,” “It’s Yours,” “Teddy Bear,” “Replay,” “Saturday Drip,” “Better Than Gold,” “Drive,” “Never Goodbye”, “Rewind” and the title track “Glitch Mode,” NCT DREAM’s sophomore LP demonstrates the group’s sonic versatility with tracks stemming from pop, R&B, hip-hop, R&B ballad spaces. Members MARK, JAEMIN, JENO and JISUNG have also participated in penning down the lyrics for four tracks (“It’s Yours,” “Replay,” “Saturday Drip,” and “Never Goodbye”). 

As of March 27th, SM Entertainment confirmed that GLITCH MODE is the group’s most-pre-ordered album to date (2,030,539 copies-ordered) generating an 18% increase from their first LP HOT SAUCE (1,716,571 copies). The latest numbers makes NCT DREAM the second act within SM Entertainment with the highest pre-orders for a Korean album (all time). The leading spot is currently held by NCT 127 for their 2021 LP STICKER (2,200,000 pre-orders) while the third spot is occupied by NCT DREAM’s HOT SAUCE.