As NewJeans approach the one-year mark since their debut, their distinct imprint on the K-pop landscape continues to resonate. From their initial entrance onto the scene, this five-piece sensation brought a breath of fresh air to the genre, fusing ’90s R&B and pop elements with contemporary production, all wrapped up in a captivating Y2K aesthetic. Their pioneering approach stood out amidst the crowd and solidified their unique place in the industry.
In a recent interview, the group expressed their determination to transcend language barriers in the music industry. Despite the growing prevalence of their signature sounds within K-pop over the past year, NewJeans remain at the forefront of innovation. With just a single mini-album, New Jeans, and the single release “OMG,” they’ve already positioned themselves as international contenders. And now, on the cusp of their one-year anniversary, they’ve returned with their sophomore mini-album Get Up to assert their dominance once again.
The opening track, “New Jeans,” sets the tone for the album, reaffirming the group’s presence with the lyrics “All eyes on us NewJeans / So fresh, so clean.” This seems to be more than a mere lyric, functioning as a subtle manifesto to continue blazing their own trail.
Throughout Get Up, NewJeans display a distinctive blend of freshness and elegance, presenting themselves as both youthful and poised. Their musical journey feels like a dialogue, engaging not only with the audience but also with their own experiences and emotions.
The track “Super Shy” dives into the theme of developing feelings for someone new, capturing the nervous excitement of approaching a crush. Against a backdrop of Jersey club rhythms and breakbeats, Haerin’s introspective lines resonate with many: “I’m usually pretty talkative, what’s wrong with me? / I don’t like that.” This song strikes a chord as a motivational anthem for introverts and emerges as a strong contender for the anthem of the summer.
Meanwhile, “ETA” offers a contrasting perspective, cautioning against getting involved with someone who might cause pain. The upbeat instrumentation and empowering chorus transform it into a support group anthem, offering camaraderie for those dealing with similar situations.
Rather than simply embracing empowerment, “Get Up” navigates a more intricate route, delving into dramatic realism. From the UK garage-infused “Cool With You,” which dismisses others’ opinions about a partner, to the dreamy interlude track ” “Get Up,” hinting at a fragile confrontation, the album explores relationships with both depth and complexity.
As the album concludes with “ASAP,” NewJeans delve into the dreamy haze of love, capturing the enchanting feeling of connection. With lyrics like “Thinking I’m done talking I tap red / Remembered something so I ring again,” they evoke the sensation of an era gone by. The track’s allure, supported by the captivating refrain “tik tok tik tok tik tok tik,” leaves a lasting impression.
As their first year wraps up and Get Up adds to their artistic repertoire, NewJeans are poised for the next chapter of their journey. The mini-album has undoubtedly kept the spotlight on them, and the anticipation for their future endeavors continues to grow. With their remarkable musicality and storytelling prowess, NewJeans are destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of K-pop and beyond.