Aespa - Dreams Come True (era)

Aespa's rendition of "Dreams Come True" has captured the attention of both long-time enthusiasts and new fans. This remake of a beloved classic, originally performed by S.E.S., showcases SM Entertainment's clever strategy of reimagining past hits for a new generation. The song's revival brings a fresh perspective to a timeless melody, blending cutting-edge production techniques with Aespa's distinctive vocals.

Aespa's version of "Dreams Come True" has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting the enduring appeal of the original composition while introducing it to a new audience. The track features top-tier production, with super-producer Yoo Young-Jin at the helm and K-pop legend BoA contributing to the arrangement. This collaboration between established industry figures and rising stars demonstrates SM Entertainment's commitment to bridging generational gaps in K-pop.

The music video for "Dreams Come True" has received particular praise for its visual aesthetics. Fans have been impressed by the retro 90's feel, which creates a nostalgic atmosphere while still feeling contemporary. The pastel and rainbow colors, delicate-looking sets, and fairy-like aesthetic have resonated strongly with viewers, making it one of Aespa's most visually striking releases to date.

Vocally, Aespa's performance in "Dreams Come True" has been highly acclaimed. The group's vocals have been described as "top tier," showcasing their ability to deliver powerful and emotive performances. This remake has allowed Aespa to demonstrate their versatility as artists, adapting their style to suit a classic song while maintaining their unique identity 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

"Dreams Come True" has left an indelible mark on the K-pop landscape since its release by S.E.S. in 1998. Originally a cover of the Finnish song "Rakastuin mä looseriin" ("Like a Fool") by Nylon Beat, it was adapted for the Korean market by producer Yoo Young-jin and group member Bada. The song quickly rose to prominence, achieving top spots on several music programs in South Korea during its promotion.

The track's enduring popularity has been evident through numerous cover performances by subsequent K-pop groups. In 2009, members of Girls' Generation performed a rendition on the 500th episode of KBS Music Bank. Sonamoo followed suit with their own cover on Show! Music Core in 2015. A particularly notable performance occurred during the 2018 SBS Gayo Daejeon festival, where members of Red Velvet and Twice collaborated to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the single's release.

The impact of "Dreams Come True" extends beyond its initial success, cementing its place in K-pop history. In 2021, the song was ranked number 86 in a list of the top 100 K-pop songs of all time, compiled by online portal Melon and newspaper Seoul Shinmun. This recognition underscores its lasting influence on the genre and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.

SM Entertainment's decision to revisit "Dreams Come True" through Aespa's cover is part of a broader initiative to celebrate the agency's illustrious history. This remastering project not only pays tribute to the original artists but also introduces classic hits to a new generation of K-pop enthusiasts. The involvement of industry veterans like super-producer Yoo Young-Jin and K-pop legend BoA in Aespa's version further emphasizes the song's significance.

Aespa's rendition of "Dreams Come True" brings a fresh perspective to the classic S.E.S. song, blending modern elements with the original's iconic essence. The group's interpretation showcases their unique style while paying homage to the original version.

Aespa's remake features a contemporary arrangement that feels modern yet preserves the classic essence of the original song. The production incorporates new verses and elements that complement the iconic melody, creating a harmonious blend of past and present. The addition of hip-hop influences adds a contemporary flair to the track, appealing to a new generation of listeners.

The music video for "Dreams Come True" showcases cutting-edge visual effects, with CGI wings enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. This visual spectacle, combined with the group's stunning visuals, has been particularly well-received by fans.

Aespa's interpretation of "Dreams Come True" bridges the gap between generations of K-pop fans. The remake introduces the song to a new audience while satisfying long-time enthusiasts of the original. The group's powerful vocals have been praised, with many considering them "top tier" and highlighting their ability to deliver emotive performances.

The choreography for the remake has also made a significant impact, with fans noting the impressive dance skills of members like Karina and Winter. This modern interpretation of the dance adds a fresh energy to the performance, appealing to contemporary audiences.

While the remake has been well-received overall, it has sparked discussions about the evolution of K-pop. Some listeners have questioned certain elements, such as the use of English lyrics and the inclusion of the group's avatar concepts. These aspects reflect the changing landscape of K-pop and the industry's efforts to appeal to a global audience.

Aespa's rendition of "Dreams Come True" showcases the group's impressive vocal abilities, with each member contributing unique and memorable performances. Ningning's vocal range stands out, particularly her ability to hit a remarkably low D3 note, a feat rarely heard in girl group songs. This display of versatility cements her position as a potential "queen of range" in the industry.

Karina's part in the song has been described as "angelic," with her quiet yet beautiful delivery of A4 notes capturing listeners' attention. Her ability to create smooth, curvy vocal lines adds depth to the performance.

Giselle's vocal performance demonstrates significant improvement, with her G4 notes receiving praise for their supported delivery. Her emotional and impactful contribution to the song has been particularly noted by fans.

Winter's vocal prowess is evident in her impressive G5 belt, possibly the highest note she has sung in her career. While some listeners noted that her high notes sounded tight, the overall execution was still considered impressive and showcased her growth as a vocalist.

The group's vocal performance in "Dreams Come True" has been widely praised, with many considering their sound "fantastic". The added hooks, especially in the post-chorus section, have been particularly well-received, adding a fresh and enjoyable element to the classic song.

The production choices in Aespa's version have altered the vocal landscape of the track. The catchy synth flute hook, prominent in the original, takes a backseat in this rendition, replaced by a fun hip-hop beat. This shift allows the members' voices to take center stage, highlighting their vocal abilities.

The cover successfully combines Aespa's signature sound with elements reminiscent of older K-pop styles. This blend creates a unique vocal experience that appeals to both long-time K-pop enthusiasts and newer fans. The production quality enhances the vocals, avoiding the dated sound sometimes associated with older K-pop tracks while maintaining a nostalgic feel.

The music video for "Dreams Come True" masterfully blends sci-fi and fairy tale elements, creating a dreamy visual experience that captivates viewers. The spaceship featured in the video draws parallels to the "Black Mamba" in Aespa's "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 video's visual storytelling extends beyond the set design, incorporating iconic CGI elements that enhance the overall ethereal atmosphere. These visual effects, including CGI wings, contribute to the fairy-like aesthetic that has resonated strongly with fans. The careful balance between physical sets and digital enhancements creates a seamless visual narrative that transports viewers into Aespa's dreamlike world.

The color palette of "Dreams Come True" plays a crucial role in establishing the video's enchanting atmosphere. The MV features a harmonious blend of pastel and rainbow colors, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the performance. This color scheme contributes significantly to the delicate and fairy-like aesthetic that has been widely praised by viewers.

A closer look at the color palette reveals a range of soft, dreamy hues. The palette includes shades of purple and pink, with hex codes such as #ea9cf0, #da9cf0, #ca9cf0, #ba9cf0, and #aa9cf0. These colors create a gradient effect that ranges from a light lavender to a deeper purple, adding depth and dimension to the visual experience.

The overall aesthetic of the music video has been described as "beautiful" and "an art" by fans. The combination of the carefully chosen color scheme, intricate set designs, and thoughtful camera shots has resulted in a visual masterpiece that enhances the song's dreamy concept. This attention to visual detail not only showcases Aespa's stunning visuals but also creates a cohesive and immersive viewing experience that complements the song's themes of dreams and aspirations.

Aespa's choreography for "Dreams Come True" has been a subject of discussion among fans and critics alike. The dance routine showcases the group's growth and potential while also highlighting areas for improvement.

The choreography for "Dreams Come True" presents a significant challenge for the group. While some consider it one of Aespa's best dances yet, others have noted that the routine may be too complex for the members to execute flawlessly. The difficulty level of the choreography becomes apparent in certain sections, where the precision required to make the dance look good seems to exceed the current capabilities of some members.

Synchronization has been a point of contention in Aespa's performances. While there have been instances where the group has been praised for their improved synchronization, such as during their performance at KBS , there are also observations of members being out of sync or out of formation. This inconsistency in synchronization is particularly noticeable during more complex sequences of the choreography.

The dance break in "Dreams Come True" has received special attention. It showcases the group's hard work and preparation, with fans noting a significant improvement in their synchronization compared to previous performances. However, the challenging nature of the choreography sometimes makes it difficult for all members to maintain perfect synchronization throughout the entire routine.

Karina and Winter's performances have been particularly praised, with their execution of the choreography described as powerful and impactful. Their dance skills have stood out, contributing significantly to the overall impression of the performance. On the other hand, Ningning and Giselle's performances have been noted to occasionally lack the same level of dance technique, leading to moments where they appear slightly off or unsynchronized with the group.

The production of Aespa's "Dreams Come True" showcases a significant departure from the original S.E.S. version, incorporating modern elements while maintaining the song's essence. The iconic synth flute hook, which was a driving force in the original, takes a backseat in this rendition. Instead, it has been replaced by a fun hip-hop beat, giving the track a contemporary edge. This shift in instrumental focus creates a fresh soundscape that aligns with Aespa's youthful energy and hip vibe.

The instrumental has received praise for its elegance and calming effect. Listeners have described it as colorful and addictive, highlighting its ability to captivate audiences. The production team has successfully crafted a backdrop that complements Aespa's vocal performances while standing out as a notable element in its own right.

The mixing and mastering of "Dreams Come True" play a crucial role in achieving the track's polished sound. As part of SM Entertainment's Remastering Project, which aims to enhance over 300 of the company's older music videos with higher quality audio and video, special attention has been given to the audio production.

The production team, led by BoA, has skillfully balanced the various elements of the track. The added hooks, especially in the post-chorus section, have been particularly well-received, seamlessly integrating with the original composition. This careful mixing ensures that Aespa's vocals shine through while maintaining the integrity of the instrumental.

While the production has been praised for its quality, some listeners have noted that the new arrangement, while enjoyable, may have caused the song to lose some of its trademark bite. This observation highlights the challenges in remaking a classic track, balancing nostalgia with contemporary production techniques.

Aespa's participation in the "SM x YouTube Remastering Project" has significantly enhanced their brand image. Their remake of "Dreams Come True" marks the first release from this initiative, which aims to reintroduce the history of K-pop to fans of the genre. The group has been dubbed the "Teaser Queens" due to their consistently impressive teasers, which have captivated audiences since their debut. Their teasers are praised for being well-shot, well-edited, and unique, showcasing amazing concepts that are unparalleled in the K-pop industry.

The group's visual aesthetics have also contributed to their strong brand image. In their "Dreams Come True" music video, Aespa successfully combines the dreamy aesthetics from S.E.S.'s original video with their own edgy, futuristic signature style. This blend of nostalgia and modernity has helped solidify their position as innovative artists in the K-pop landscape.

Aespa's remake of "Dreams Come True" demonstrates significant artistic growth for the group. Member Giselle revealed that they tried to add their own colors to the original track, showcasing their ability to reinterpret and modernize classic K-pop hits. This artistic approach aligns with SM Entertainment's goal of introducing the legacy of the past while contributing to K-pop's further growth.

The group's performances have shown remarkable improvement, particularly in their dancing abilities. Their "Savage" comeback choreography was noted as a significant upgrade, perfectly fitting the song and the members' abilities. The dance break was described as satisfying, with main dancer Karina executing the moves with controlled power and attention to detail.

Aespa's artistic growth is also evident in their fashion and styling. Their costumes for "Savage" were praised as a total upgrade from their previous release, "Next Level". The custom-made outfits demonstrate the stylists' thoughtful approach to presenting the group's concepts through their costumes .