ISTJ

ISTJ
Type	Studio
Artist	NCT DREAM
Released	July 17, 2023
Format(s)	CD, QR, SMini, download, streaming
Recorded	2023
Genre	Hip-hop, hybrid hip-hop, pop, R&B, R&B ballad, UK house
Length	32:59
Label(s)	SM Entertainment
Distributor(s)	Kakao Entertainment
Release chronology
Previous	"Broken Melodies"
Next	"Broken Melodies (JVKE Remix)"

ISTJ is the third full-length album by NCT DREAM. It was released on July 17, 2023 with "ISTJ" serving as the album's title track.

"Broken Melodies" was pre-released on June 19, 2023.

The physical album comes in 24 versions: two Photobook versions (Introvert and Extrovert), Vending Machine, seven member-specific Poster versions, seven member-specific 7DREAM QR, and seven member-specific SMini.

Background

On May 24, 2023, SM Entertainment announced that NCT DREAM will be releasing their third full-length album in July. On June 13, it was announced that NCT DREAM will be releasing their third full-length album, ISTJ, on July 17 and "Broken Melodies" will be pre-released on June 19.

Composition

"ISTJ" is described as a hybrid hip-hop genre song. The track has different full Easter egg elements throughout different sections.

The lyrics for the track "Broken Melodies" talks about the willingness to do anything in order to protect someone you love. The chorus creates a dreamy atmosphere and feels as if you're in love.

"Yogurt Shake" is described as pop genre song. A xylophone loop is heard in the track with sweet vocals and powerful rapping."Pretzel" is described as pop genre song. It features an impressive soft synth alongside of a simple yet groovy beat. The lyrics talk about comparing a pretzel to the heart for a lover.

"Skateboard" is described as a west coast hip-hop genre song. The track is inspired by American hip hop and the UK house genre from the early 2000s. The lyrics gives off a cheerful and free charm as it explains NCT DREAMS's energetic story. "Blue Wave" is described as a medium pop genre song. The track continues the story of "Dive Into You" and creates a summer atmosphere. The lyrics talk about the reminiscent of the blue sea and features flute sounds and effecting vocal sources.

"SOS" is described as a hip-hop dance genre song. The lyrics talk about expressing the desire of wanting to hold onto an ex and stop them from getting away after a breakup. The track features synth sounds and has unpredictable transitions. "Starry Night" is described as an R&B pop genre song. It's stated as an attractive track that has a combination with a bossa nova guitar and a romantic melody. The lyrics talk about romantically expressing the sadness of having to part with a lover during the summer night.

"Like We Just Met" is described as a R&B ballad genre song. An acoustic guitar-based minimalist instrument helps the emotional vocals of the track stand out. The lyrics were written by all seven members of NCT DREAM.

"Poison" is an R&B genre song. The track gives off a sensual mood and the lyrics talk about the contradicting feelings of not being able to break away from someone that's poison.

Reception

Critical reception

ISTJ was ranked #16 on Billboard's top 25 K-pop album of 2023.

Commercial performance

On July 12, SM Entertainment revealed that ISTJ had reached 4.1 million pre-orders.

Hanteo reported that ISTJ sold 1,162,081 copies in its first day of release which makes it the group's first album to reach 1 million copies sold in its first day. It sold 2,194,117 copies as of July 20, and 3,088,410 copies as of July 21, and a total of 3,652,897 copies in its first week of release.

"Blue Wave" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart while all other tracks, minus "Broken Melodies", entered the top 20.

ISTJ debuted at #28 on the Billboard 200 chart, and spent three consecutive weeks on the chart, making it the first NCT DREAM's album to do so. The album also debuted at #4 on the Billboard World Albums chart and at #6 on the Billboard Tastemaker Albums chart, the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, and the Billboard Top Current Albums Sales chart.

On September 7, 2023, Circle Chart reported that ISTJ received a triple million certification for surpassing three million copies sold. The nemo version of the album received a double platinum certification for surpassing 500,000 copies sold. The SMC version of the album received a platinum certification for surpassing 250,000 copies sold.

Track list

1. "ISTJ" - 3:05
2. "Broken Melodies" - 3:46
3. "Yogurt Shake" - 3:17
4. "Skateboard" - 3:06
5. "Blue Wave (파랑)" - 3:10
6. "Poison (모래성)" - 3:32
7. "SOS" - 2:59
8. "Pretzel (♡)" - 3:25
9. "Starry Night (제자리 걸음)" - 3:10
10. "Like We Just Met" - 3:29

Awards

Music show wins

Song	Music Show	Date
"ISTJ"	Show Champion (MBC M)	July 26, 2023
	Music Bank (KBS)	July 28, 2023
		August 4, 2023
	Show! Music Core (MBC)	July 29, 2023

Gallery

Album packaging
(Photobook ver.)

Album packaging
(Vending Machine ver.)

Album packaging
(Poster ver.)

Album packaging
(7DREAM QR ver.)

Video links

"ISTJ" Music video MV teaser MV reaction MV behind the scene Dance practice Behind the scene "Poison" Track video Performance practice (MMA ver.)

"Like We Just Met" Lyrics meeting ISTJ Our First Video - The Introvert Video Crew The Second Video - We Go Extroverted 7 DREAM Production : lucky7 vending machine 7 DREAM Production : Stranger Seven 7 DREAM Production : Stranger Seven & "Poison" track video behind the scene ISTJ ↔ ENFP Jacket behind the scene Recording behind the scene

Official links

• "Lucky7 vending machine" website