The Dreaming is the ninth and the second English-language studio album by the South Korean boy group Monsta X.

[4] Sophia Simon-Bashall, writing for The Line of Best Fit, said that the album was a combination of the signature sound of Monsta X's Korean releases with the group's first English-language album All About Luv, focusing on "bringing their energy and creativity to the songs, and showcasing the spectacular vocals they deserve to be known for".

Overall, it was a diverse album that "showcases new sides of Monsta X whilst also meeting the ideas and feelings that fans look forward to".

[9] While reviewing the album for NME, Ruby C wrote that the group shows different sides to themselves on their "stellar retro-themed sophomore English album", focusing on "disco and synth-pop", two genres that aren't typically associated with Monsta X, who are much better known for their "powerful, hard-hitting tunes", immersing themselves in "retro sounds and vibes".

[10] Tim Chan described the album for Rolling Stone as "an homage to boy-band culture with Nineties-style harmonies, slick choruses, and head-bopping beats", that also "showcases the group's versatility, mixing synth beats and EDM with indie pop, rock, and even traces of New Jack Swing".