 Writing for "The Dream" began in late 2007 and recording in Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2008.Kevin Churko was enlisted as producer, due to his diverse collaborations with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, and Britney Spears.The most notable differences between "The Dream" and "Beautiful Tragedy" are the missing metalcore elements and the ditching of Maria Brink’s screams in favor of more singing.