NA:

DEEPER, MORE MATURE ARTISTRY

by Victoria Costner

Photography: Jinwoo Park // Hair: Oh Ji Hye // Makeup: Won Jung Yo // Stylists: Choi Mi Sun, Choi Jae Hee, Park Shin Young, Bae Su Rim // Jewelry: Spinelli Kilcollin

A noticeable trend we’ve been seeing with popular K-pop artists is testing the limits of their newfound maturity in their music while also testing their vocals in other genres. NA, Nayeon’s latest comeback album, consists of seven tracks that showcase Nayeon’s mature side. Nayeon’s first album, IM NAYEON, was a light and bubbly feelgood album; the most popular song, “POP!,” showed off Nayeon’s more playful side with its upbeat chorus and fun dance.

With NA, Nayeon has transitioned from her “playful side” to “I’m THAT girl.”

NA’s first track, “ABCD,” exhibits sexiness, energy, and charisma. Built exactly like a Y2K song, “ABCD” is very busy and packed with hip-hop and R&B influence to create a vibe that works well with Nayeon’s maturity. The layering of the upbeat melody and bouncy beats entrances and pulls you into the song, making you feel like you’re back in the Y2K era. When I first listened to “ABCD,” it gave me the feeling that I was listening to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” for the first time. 

This certainly enhances the feeling of nostalgia and the feel-good atmosphere.

The music video for “ABCD” definitely shows more Y2K inspiration in the visuals. Through the combination of fashion, a good beat, and immense confidence, Nayeon was able to present herself as an up-and-coming pop diva. Nayeon did a private viewing of the music video with the other members of TWICE, and they all had the same wowed reaction to one of Nayeon’s moves. The choreography is perfectly timed with the drop of the beat, and Nayeon’s risqué hand placement and leg movements were a provocative maneuver that caused a shocking reaction among her fellow members. Iconic.



“Butterflies” is a captivating English track that blends modern R&B with pop sensibilities. This song particularly stands out due to its intricate vocal layering and the way the lyrics encapsulate the essence of falling in love.

The layering of Nayeon’s vocals adds a rich, airy quality that enhances the song’s lighthearted and dreamy atmosphere, and the lyrics of the song help visualize the feeling of falling in love for the first time. When you look back at your previous crushes or lovers do you remember having a euphoric sensation of love for that person? 

With the combination of lyrics and bouncy tones, Nayeon helps us reminisce on the feeling of those sleepless nights and endless butterflies that come with falling for someone new.

“Heaven,” featuring Sam Kim, is a standout track on NA that blends ethereal production with Nayeon’s distinctive vocal charm. The intro of the track sets the mood with layered synths and rhythmic beats, drawing listeners into a cocoon of love and longing. It puts the audience into this lovey dovey, dreamy atmosphere.

Nayeon’s maturity is profoundly evident in this song, not just through the poignant lyrics but also in her delivery. Her vocals, both soothing and powerful, evoke a deep sense of yearning and emotional depth, perfectly capturing the nuances of a passionate connection. Her ability to convey complex feelings of desire and vulnerability through her vocal performance showcases her growth as an artist. The combination of Nayeon’s expressive singing and the song’s sophisticated production elevates “Heaven” to a standout moment in her discography, promising exciting possibilities for her future musical endeavors.

In all, Nayeon’s latest album, NA, marks a significant evolution in her solo musical journey, showcasing a deeper, more mature artistry. 

The transition from the playful and upbeat nature of her first album to the sophisticated and confident tone of NA is abundantly evident throughout its seven tracks. Each song not only reflects Nayeon’s growth but also her ability to seamlessly blend various genres and influences— from the Y2K-inspired vibes of “ABCD,” to the R&B-tinged “Butterflies,” or the dreamy-yet-sultry collaboration with Sam Kim in “Heaven.” Nayeon’s expanding vocal range and her well-curated songs resonate with both nostalgic and contemporary elements. 

With NA, Nayeon establishes herself as a versatile artist capable of embracing new genres. She’s claiming her permanent spot in the music industry.