In a Dream is the fifth EP by Australian singer Troye Sivan, released on 21 August 2020 through EMI Music Australia and Capitol Records.

[3] Sivan described the "concept EP" as "a story that's still unfolding, this small collection of songs explores an emotional rollercoaster period in my life when the feelings and thoughts were most shockingly fresh.

"[4] Initially scheduled for a late 2020 arrival, In a Dream was released early, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused Sivan to change his perspective about the music.

The EP was partially inspired by his life circumstances of 2020, with Sivan explaining that he was enjoying "getting in touch with that kind of boredom again" and "doing shit that I would never ever do normally": "It hasn't come to me super naturally, because such a big part of my process is collaborating with other people.

[9] Mark Kennedy of ABC News called the EP "a perfectly-timed appetizer for an evolving artist—a wistful and experimental musical postcard for an uneasy era.

"[10] Sivan stated that "anyone who's going through a major sort of life shift knows the way that it really is like a rollercoaster, and I think that’s why [the record] ended up feeling as chaotic as it does with all these different moments and sounds… it just felt like the only way to really do that experience justice.

"[6] The producer-writer relationship the duo (Sivan/Görres) shared helped the creative process: "[Sivan] wants to challenge and take risks musically, which I love," Görres said.

Naming it as one of the "10 songs you need in your life this week" upon the single release, The Fader praised Sivan's “laser focused intent to push into a more sophisticated, emotionally-torn pop realm."

Billboard hailed "Easy" as a “crying-on-the-dancefloor anthem…[that] boasts a synth-heavy earworm melody and heartbreaking lyrics that will have you dancing and dreaming about your ex.”[12] The country-tinged[5] "Could Cry Just Thinkin About You", with a duration of 52 seconds, is a "stripped-down, '70s-rock ballad".

[1] "Stud", a "lascivious, sun-kissed centerpiece", was called "a fantastical gay love song" that "morphs" from a piano ballad to a house anthem.

is a "slow burn" ballad featuring "chaotic drums" and a "full melodic breakdown" with "soothing harmonies" of the backing synths, as well as baritone vocals.

[13] The production of "In a Dream" is "pure, dreamy pop-rock at its finest, with a relentlessly positive drum beat, chunky guitar licks and shimmering synths.

Sivan called it "a guitar ballad" that was "trying different sounds", elaborating that the "club production" on "Stud" "helps set the aesthetic for what's happening lyrically in that song".

He "comes to grips with the aftermath of a doomed relationship, consciously portraying the greenness of [past] first-time experiences with [a] more seasoned perspective, as well as mindfully considering the beliefs and misconceptions that he innocently held as a teen.

"[15] The songwriting on "Take Yourself Home" evokes a calming feeling, as Sivan reassures listeners that, while they might be anxious and afraid now, eventually everything will turn out.

/ The wood is warping, the lines distorting", the song maintains Sivan's "casual demeanor", resulting in one of his most "fascinating pop concoctions".

[1] "Stud" has "achingly relatable" lyrics about a one-night stand (after a fantasy, gay club outing) with the song's titular hunk, as Sivan appraises "all the muscles and the features I want.

"[1] As NME writer Richard S. He noted, the song's "lovedrunk opening chorus" would have brought a tear to the late George Michael's eyes: "Hey, tough / What’s it like to be so big and strong and so buff?

Sivan added: "It starts off super introspective, in my head, and then takes you to this club scene, where you meet this hunky guy who's there to save you from all of your body image issues.

"[7] On "In a Dream", Sivan "sings about putting an ex out of mind, or perhaps fighting away your intrusive negative thoughts": “But I won’t let you in again / I'm gonna lock the doors and hide my shit / ’Cause my spirit's wearin' thin and there's only so much I can give.

"[5] The title track's lyrics are "honest and direct, as Troye confronts the idea of living without his ex, who won't stop appearing in his dreams.

"[1] Troye had written treatments for five music videos, but due to Melbourne's strict lockdown laws, was only able to film "Easy" and "Rager Teenager!"

[5] The music video for "Easy" depicts Sivan as a "David Bowie doppelganger, complete with face makeup, a shock of red hair, and a '70s suit".

"[5] Lead single "Take Yourself Home" was initially intended for a late 2020 release, but due to COVID-19, it "changed meanings" for Sivan and "became a much bigger world view song".

[12] In a Dream received generally favourable reviews from critics, with The Sydney Morning Herald writer Nathanael Cooper calling the release "Sivan's most creatively daring and personal music to date".

"[9] The Santa Fe New Mexican writer Olivia Harlow agreed: "In a Dream is a genuinely relatable album that reminds listeners that there can be beauty in pain, power in struggle and clarity in sadness.

"[14] Slant Magazine writer Sophia Ordaz was more mixed, saying "rather than significantly alter or challenge the singer’s previous approach, In a Dream merely embellishes it.