I listened to DAY6’s new album yesterday and thought — as I often do with their albums — that almost every b-side was stronger than the title track. Luckily, the guys are promoting double titles this time and have quickly followed up yesterday’s Inside Out with a video for album opener Dream Bus (꿈의 버스).
I still think there are songs that would have made much more interesting singles. Sun Stay Asleep, Disco Day and My Way all have more dynamic musical stories to tell. But in the realm of straightforward DAY6 rockers, I prefer Dream Bus to Inside Out. The track has a vaguely carnival-esque sound that takes me back to some of the group’s 2015-16 work, which is the perfect way to open a tenth anniversary album. It recalls their past but confidently struts forward, promising more to come. I’m especially fond of the swirling strings that lend the track a jaunty, cinematic appeal.
With that said, I still don’t think Dream Bus measures up to the band’s fullest potential. It feels like a nice reminder of their prowess and celebration of their legacy instead of a bold new chapter. If I’m placing this on a “DAY6’s Greatest Hits,” it would instantly get dwarfed by so many other classics. So for now, it’s better to enjoy Dream Bus as a welcome blast of positivity rather than overthink it or set your expectations unnecessarily high based on past performance.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
