NCT Dream - ISTJ


  • I. Introduction

    ISTJ is the third full studio album from the NCT sub-unit, NCT Dream. It was released on July 17, 2023 with the lead single "ISTJ."


    II. Background & Release

    Following the success of NCT Dream's blockbuster second album Glitch Mode in 2022, million-selling repackage Beatbox and double million selling winter album Candy, SM announced in February 2023 the group would have a full-length album later in the year.


    The group structure of NCT is unique among K-Pop groups due to the fact that the concept of NCT is an ever expanding group with "unlimited" members and it is comprised of several individual subunits. Currently there are 27 members in NCT, making up six individual subunits, including NCT Dream. The sub-units combine to create an all-unit project in select years that features all NCT members, debuts new ones, releases albums, appears on TV shows, web and social content.


    The album was officially announced on June 13, 2023. Like the previous album, this album would feature all 7 members, after the elimination of the graduation system in late 2020. During the build-up to release, a prerelease single "Broken Melodies" was released on June 19 and promoted on music shows. The remaining schedule also includes teasers, photos, live countdowns and performances until the album's launch on July 17. After the regular batch of promotions ended, an additional week was announced to promote the b-side "Yogurt Shake," which was also the subject of TikTok challenges.


    The album's title played on the concept of MBTIs was released in four versions: Introvert, Extrovert, Vending and QR. Additionally, the album was released in a SMINI, NEMO and digipack version, as well as a special version for the American chain, Target.


    All of the members participated in writing the song "Like We Just Met."


    III. Track List

    TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
    "ISTJ"KenzieKenzie, Ronny Svendsen, Adrian Thesen, Anne Judith Wik, Bobii LewisKenzie, Ronny Svendsen, Pizzapunk3:05
    "Broken Melodies"Bang Hye-hyun (Jam Factory), Park Tae-won, Anne Judith Wik, Sevn DaysRonny Svendsen, Adrian Thesen, Anne Judith Wik, Sevn DayzRonny Svendsen, Pizzapunk3:46
    "Yogurt Shake"WutanJayrah Gibson, Adrian McKinnon, John Fulford, JT Roach, Timothy 'Bos' BullockTimothy 'Bos' Bullock3:17
    "Skateboard"Suan (153/Joombas)Sebastian Thott, Alex Karlsson, Didrik ThottSebastian Thott3:06
    "Blue Wave" (파랑; Palang ['Blue'])Jo Yoon-kyungBrandon Arrreaga, Edwin Honoret, Gino the GhostBrandon Arrreaga3:10
    "Poison" (모래성; Molaeseong ['Sand Castle'])Jang Jung-won (Jam Factory)Ludvig Evers, Jonatan Gusmark, Bobii Lews, Parker IghileMoonshine3:32
    "SOS"Rick Bridges1-800-Rudeboy, Je'Juan Antonio, Jordain Johnson, Hautboi Rich1-800-Rudeboy2:59
    "Pretzel (♡)"Jang Yeon-JungLudwig Lindell, Chris Meyer, Pontus "Oneye" KalmLudwig Lindell, Pontus "Oneye" Kalm3:25
    "Starry Night" (제자리 걸음; Jejali Geol-eum [ 'Walking in Place'])Jang Yeon-JungHRDR, Jusin ReinsteinHRDR3:10
    "Like We Just Met"Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, JisungAllegro, Dan Johnson, Robbie Jay, Mark, Jeno, JaeminAllegro3:29



    IV. Spotify

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    V. Videos

    ISTJ MV

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    Broken Melodies MV

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    Poison Track video

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    VI. Concept Photos


    VII. Reception

    The album passed 4.2 million preorders, a record for NCT Dream and SM Entertainment. It became the third highest selling album in its first week in South Korea, selling 3.6 million copies. It debuted at #1 in the Korean Circle charts. It also became NCT Dream's highest charting album in the Billboard 200 chart at #28 and longest charting at 3 weeks. It debuted at #3 in the US World albums charts and #2 on the Japanese Oricon charts. It was certified 3X Million, while the NEMO version was certified 2x Platinum (550K) and the SMC Platinum (250K).


    NCT Dream topped the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart, charted all the songs off ISTJ on the Circle charts and maintained multiple songs on the chart for months after release. "ISTJ" peaked at #21 on the Circle Charts, "Broken Melodies" at #40 and "Yogurt Shake" at #89.

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