Aespa - Dreams Come True (era)

aespa has made waves with their rendition of "Dreams Come True," a beloved classic originally performed by S.E.S. This remake has captured the attention of both long-time K-pop enthusiasts and new fans alike, sparking conversations about the intersection of nostalgia and modern pop sensibilities. Aespa's version of "Dreams Come True" showcases their unique style while paying homage to the original, making it a significant release in their growing discography.

The song's revival by Aespa brings a fresh perspective to a timeless melody, blending cutting-edge production techniques with the group's distinctive vocals. Their interpretation has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting the enduring appeal of the original composition while introducing it to a new generation of listeners. This article delves into various aspects of Aespa's "Dreams Come True," including its production, visual aesthetics, choreography, and the impact it's had on the group's career trajectory in the competitive world of K-pop.

Artist

aespa

Released

December 20, 2021

Format(s)

Download, streaming

Recorded

2021

Genre

Dance pop

Length

6:50

Label(s)

SM Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Dreamus

Writer(s)

Bada, Yoo Young Jin, BoA

Composer(s)

Risto Armas Asikainen, Yoo Young Jin, BoA

Arranger(s)

Yoo Young Jin, BoA, Shaun Kim, BXN

Producer(s)

Lee Soo Man (exec.)

Track list

"Dreams Come True" - 3:25

"Dreams Come True (Inst.)" - 3:25

The journey of "Dreams Come True" began in 1996 with the Finnish pop duo Nylon Beat's song "Like a Fool". SM Entertainment, recognizing the potential of this melody, licensed the track from its original composers. The company then transformed it into "Dreams Come True" by adding Korean vocals, sound fills, and newly arranged parts in the final third of the song. Despite these additions, the instrumental track remained largely identical to the original, preserving its melodic and harmonic structure.

In a bold move to bridge generations of K-pop, SM Entertainment launched the Remastering Project in collaboration with YouTube. This initiative aims to breathe new life into K-pop music videos from the '90s and 2000s, introducing them to a global audience of K-pop enthusiasts. As part of this project, SM announced on November 4, 2021, that Aespa would release a cover of "Dreams Come True" in December of that year.

The remastering of "Dreams Come True" was a collaborative effort, with BoA, a renowned singer-songwriter and producer, playing an active role in the rearrangement. This new version showcases Aespa's performance, offering a fresh interpretation by SM's newest female group since their debut in 2020. The project extends beyond the music, as Aespa was also set to remake the "Dream Comes True" music video, further cementing the connection between K-pop's past and present.

The production of Aespa's remake of "Dreams Come True" benefited significantly from the involvement of BoA, a renowned figure in K-pop. BoA took on the role of producer for the track, bringing her expertise and experience to the project. Her participation extended beyond the recording studio, as she was featured prominently in a special YouTube episode dedicated to showcasing the behind-the-scenes process of creating the remake.

BoA's collaboration with Aespa was not limited to this single project. She has been a recurring presence in Aespa's career, making an appearance in their "Black Mamba" music video and participating in two GOT The Beat releases alongside the group. Most recently, BoA was featured in Aespa's SMCU (SM Culture Universe) episode, further solidifying her connection to the group and their projects.

While the provided factual keypoints do not offer specific information about the retro-modern fusion aspect of Aespa's remake, it's worth noting that the project was part of SM Entertainment's Remastering Project. This initiative aims to breathe new life into classic K-pop tracks, suggesting that Aespa's version likely incorporated modern production techniques while preserving elements of the original song's retro charm.

The involvement of an established artist like BoA in the production process indicates a careful balance between honoring the original track and infusing it with Aespa's contemporary style. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the Remastering Project, which seeks to introduce beloved classics to a new generation of K-pop fans while appealing to long-time enthusiasts.

Aespa's rendition of "Dreams Come True" showcases the group's impressive vocal range and versatility. Each member brings a unique contribution to the track, demonstrating their individual strengths and collective harmony.

Ningning's performance stands out with her exceptional vocal range. Her ability to hit a D3 note, an unusually low note for girl group songs, demonstrates her versatility as a vocalist. This showcases her as a potential "queen of range" in the K-pop industry.

Karina's part in the song has been described as "angelic," with her quiet yet beautiful delivery of A4 notes. This performance highlights her ability to bring a softer, more ethereal quality to the track.

Giselle's vocal performance has shown significant improvement, with her G4 notes receiving praise for their supported delivery. Her performance in "Dreams Come True" has been noted as particularly emotional and impactful.

Winter's contribution to the song includes an impressive G5 belt, possibly the highest note she has sung in her career so far. While some listeners noted that her high notes sounded tight, the overall execution was still considered impressive.

The rap sections in Aespa's version of "Dreams Come True" have received mixed reactions. Some listeners found the rap parts confusing, noting that they didn't always match the on-screen lyrics. This could be due to the creative liberties taken in adapting the original song.

Interestingly, Winter and Ningning, who are primarily known for their vocal performances, were given rap lines in this rendition. Their flow was well-received, suggesting potential for more rap lines in future tracks.

Karina's rap performance was particularly praised, with listeners expressing surprise and admiration for her delivery . However, the decision to pitch Giselle's rap higher was questioned by some fans, who felt it was unnecessary and potentially detracted from her natural rap style.

Aespa's "Dreams Come True" music video successfully blends sci-fi and fairy tale elements into a dreamy visual experience. The spaceship featured in the video draws parallels to the "Black Mamba" in their "Savage" MV, hinting at a connection to the SMCU (SM Culture Universe) and Kwangya concept. This integration of futuristic and fantastical elements creates a unique aesthetic that complements the song's theme.

The set design showcases a mix of iconic CGI and carefully crafted physical elements, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The combination of these elements contributes to the otherworldly atmosphere, transporting viewers to a dreamlike realm that aligns perfectly with the song's title and concept.

The styling in "Dreams Come True" is a testament to Aespa's versatility and the creative vision of their stylists. Each member's outfit is carefully curated to balance individuality with group cohesion.

Karina's look embodies a street-punk aesthetic, featuring a customized dress with a strategic slit for improved mobility during dance sequences. Ningning's ensemble is a complex mix of textures and patterns, including a bedazzled black long-sleeved shirt layered with a corset crop-top featuring a unique garlic pattern. Her purple check skirt from Ku0 adds a pop of color, while playful accessories like a rainbow gummy bear bracelet contribute to the overall cheerful tone.

Giselle sports a sporty yet chic look, combining a white crop top from Skoot with a black cropped cutout hoodie featuring neon green details. Her outfit is completed with a green flamed black skirt and Air Jordan 1 sneakers, creating a perfect balance between athletic and fashionable.

Winter's styling ranges from fiery to ethereal. In one look, she wears a Sunday Skool top from Skoot paired with high-waisted baggy ripped jeans and Air Jordan sneakers. Another outfit features a mesh black top with silver lettering layered under a cream corset, accessorized with unique "tattooed" white sleeved gloves and pearl jewelry.

The attention to detail in the styling, from the custom-made outfits to the carefully selected accessories, demonstrates the effort put into presenting Aespa's concept through their costumes. This visual presentation marks a significant upgrade from their previous releases, further establishing Aespa's unique identity in the K-pop landscape.

The choreography for Aespa's "Dreams Come True" showcases a blend of retro and modern dance elements, creating a visually captivating performance. The dance routine incorporates a variety of movements that complement the song's dreamy and upbeat nature.

The choreography features several distinctive moves that have become iconic for this performance:

Hand overlapping: Dancers overlap their hands in a fluid motion, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The rhythm for this move follows a "single single double double" pattern.

Foot and hip movements: The routine incorporates side steps with hip swings, alternating between left and right. This creates a smooth, flowing motion that matches the song's rhythm.

Heart formation: Dancers form a heart shape in front of their chests, adding a cute and memorable element to the performance.

L-shaped foot position: This move involves forming an "L" shape with the feet while bending the knees and emphasizing hip movements.

Hand clasping and separation: Dancers clasp their hands together before separating them in an upward motion, creating an expansive gesture.

While specific formation changes are not detailed in the provided information, the choreography likely includes various transitions and spatial arrangements to keep the performance dynamic and engaging. These changes would typically involve:

Shifting between group formations and individual spotlights

Utilizing different levels (standing, kneeling, floor work)

Creating symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns on stage

The dance routine also incorporates elements that highlight each member's strengths, allowing for individual moments to shine within the group performance. Overall, the choreography for "Dreams Come True" has been designed to complement the song's nostalgic yet contemporary feel, offering a visually appealing and memorable performance for fans and new listeners alike.

The lyrics of Aespa's "Dreams Come True" evoke a sense of nostalgia, with references to "bringing back to 90's". This nostalgic element suggests a yearning for a simpler time, characterized by genuine connections and uncomplicated relationships. The song's themes resonate with listeners who long for the authenticity and innocence often associated with past decades.

While Aespa is known for their futuristic sound and incorporation of AI concepts, "Dreams Come True" takes a step back from their typical high-tech themes. Instead of focusing on their signature AI-driven narratives, the song explores more universal and timeless concepts. The lyrics center around love and dreams, themes that have a broad appeal and connect with audiences on a more emotional level.

This departure from their usual futuristic style allows Aespa to showcase their versatility as artists. By blending nostalgic elements with their modern sound, they create a unique musical experience that bridges the gap between past and present. The song's lyrics reflect a balance between Aespa's innovative image and the enduring appeal of classic pop themes, demonstrating their ability to adapt their style while maintaining their distinctive identity in the K-pop landscape.

Aespa's "Dreams Come True" achieved remarkable success on various music charts. The song ranked #1 on the 'Weekly K-Pop Radar' music video chart, demonstrating its widespread popularity. During the 52nd week of 'K-Pop Radar' (December 19 - December 25), the music video amassed an impressive 28.5 million views on YouTube. This performance was particularly noteworthy as it significantly outperformed other entries on the chart, receiving more than three times the views of the second-placed music video.

The song's success extended to streaming platforms as well. On MelOn, one of South Korea's leading music streaming services, "Dreams Come True" reached a peak of 244,926 unique listeners. This performance placed it among Aespa's top-performing tracks on the platform, alongside hits like "Next Level" and "Savage".

The reception of "Dreams Come True" among fans and viewers was generally positive, with many appreciating the song's blend of nostalgia and modern elements. Fans praised the visual aesthetics of the music video, noting the group's stunning appearance and the colorful production. The fashion choices for the members were particularly well-received, with Karina's look drawing special attention.

However, opinions on the song itself were somewhat mixed. While some listeners found the track enjoyable and saw themselves listening to it regularly, others felt it didn't fully meet their expectations for an Aespa release. The rap sections received both praise and criticism, with some appreciating the cool sound while others found the lyrics confusing.

Despite these varied opinions, many viewers acknowledged the song's ability to balance modern production with a nostalgic feel, recognizing it as a successful reimagining of a classic K-pop track. The group's vocal performances were generally well-received, with Ningning's vocals receiving particular praise.