It’s been about a year since we heard from Hwasa with the gimmicky (but somehow enduring?) I Love My Body. On new single NA, she’s traded that song’s retro trappings for a more modern house beat. It’s a welcome jolt of energy within her discography, even if the track spends too much time talking when it could be singing.
First off, I love hearing this kind of energy back in K-pop. NA‘s dance beat isn’t anything new or idiosyncratic, but its insistent pulse makes for an exciting listen. This intensity helps showcase Hwasa’s natural charisma, drawing out a feistiness that gives the track character. She shines on the vocal-led pre-choruses, varying her delivery for maximum effect.
Unfortunately, NA‘s chorus is a letdown. The effusive production calls for a fleshed-out hook where Hwasa can really belt. Instead, the song reverts to the tired sing-talk that’s become a K-pop staple over the past few years. It’s all attitude, attitude, attitude. But without robust melody or compelling flow to back that attitude up, the hook feels more like posturing lip service than a true declaration of confidence. It’s a shame, because I love this sonic direction for Hwasa and we know she has the talent to knock it out of the park. It’s yet another case of TikTok virality taking precedence over songwriting that might linger past a thirty second sound bite.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75