"Dream Lover" is a song by the English indie rock band The Vaccines, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Combat Sports (2018). The song premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show on 31 January 2018 and was officially released on 1 February 2018.
The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy melody, and distorted guitars, elements typical of The Vaccines' earlier work but presented with a more refined production style. Lyrically, "Dream Lover" explores themes of infatuation, desire, and the idealized image of a romantic partner. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and the disconnect between reality and the fantasy of a perfect relationship.
The single was accompanied by a music video featuring the band performing in a surreal, dreamlike setting, reflecting the song's lyrical themes. "Dream Lover" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its energy, catchiness, and its return to a more guitar-driven sound after the band's previous album experimented with different sonic textures. The song also charted in several countries, contributing to the commercial success of Combat Sports.