Im Nayeon (EP) explained

Im Nayeon
Type:EP
Artist:Nayeon
Cover:Im Nayeon cover.jpg
Caption:Digital cover
Studio:JYP Studios
Genre: * Pop
  • R&B
Length:21:44
Label:
Next Title:Na
Next Year:2024

Im Nayeon ([1]) is the debut extended play (EP) by South Korean singer Nayeon of the girl group Twice. It was released through JYP Entertainment and Republic Records on June 24, 2022. The EP contains seven tracks, including the lead single "Pop!" and collaborations with Felix from Stray Kids and Wonstein. The EP is primarily a pop record that blends genres such as R&B, dance, disco, jazz, and ballads. The album's themes revolve around self-confidence, overcoming hardships, struggling with inner anxieties, love, and sad breakups.

Im Nayeon was met with generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its fun and catchy production and its way of blending various genres with pop music. Commercially, the EP debuted at number one on the Circle Album Chart. In the United States, it became the first album by a South Korean soloist to reach top ten on the Billboard 200 with over 57,000 pure physical sales. Additionally, the EP was certified 2× Platinum by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) for selling over 500,000 physical copies.

Background

On May 19, 2022, it was announced via Twice's social media pages that Nayeon would release her first extended play, titled Im Nayeon, on June 24.[2] It was accompanied by a teaser image featuring a close-up shot of what appears to be a coffee table, with trinkets such as bottles of nail polish, jewellery and a cup of tea strewn across.[3] Specifics about Im Nayeon and its impending release were also unveiled in the following weeks, with worldwide pre-orders for the mini-album starting on May 24.[4]

Title and composition

The album's title, Im Nayeon, is a play on the near-identical spelling of the artist's last name and the contraction "I'm".[5] It is twenty-one minutes long and consists of seven songs.[6] [7] The EP features two guest appearances from Felix of Stray Kids and the South Korea rapper Wonstein.[8] It features genres such as R&B, dance, disco, jazz, and ballads.[9] Nayeon worked with many notable names, including, Jade Thirlwall, Kenzie, LDN Noise, The Stereotypes, and American singer-songwriter Destiny Rogers.[10] The first half of the EP is described as "wonderfully luminescent and colourful," that revolves around more upbeat production, such as dance and disco-pop sounds, with lyrics talking about confidence, " glowing happiness in newfound romance," and pursuing one's own feelings, while the second half is more mature, chill, and gentle, focusing more on R&B, jazzy, and ballad production, with lyrics that deal with inner anxieties while being in a relationship, worries, stress and, a state after a breakup.

Songs

The record opens with the lead single, "Pop!" which described as a song that "conjures classic Twice"[11] It is a pop[12] and bubblegum[13] song that takes inspiration from the sounds of second-generation bubblegum K-pop. Characterized by bright beats, live instruments such as bass, guitar, and horn, winding high notes, and a variety of ad libs.[14] Its lyrics revolve around "a bold declaration of confidence." Where the protagonist sings about her ability to capture her lover's heart with ease.[15] [16] The lyrics "explored the flirtatious and accrescent sentiments of romance using onomatopoeia to portray popping a lover’s heart like a bubble."[17] The second track "No Problem" is an English-language collab with Felix of Stray Kids. It is a disco-pop song, described as "a comforting song about the power of love." Followed with the second collaboration "Love Countdown" with the South Korean rapper Wonstein. It is an R&B and pop track that incorporate "summery" guitar riffs, synths and "a smooth tempo." Its lyrics revolve around "Nayeon waiting for someone to admit their feelings for her in a very coy fashion, urging the person to hurry as she’s already at the starting line, while Wonstein’s verse provides a great counterpart in showing the other side’s perspective in waiting for her to approach him. It’s a fun and playful track whose lesson is that hesitation won’t get you very far in pursuing your feelings." The fourth track "Candyfloss," was co-composed and produced by Jade Thirlwall of British girl group Little Mix.[18] It is an 80s-Inspired pop track that features synths and saxophone. Some critics described it as "an extension of the typical Twice's image." Fifth track, “All Or Nothing," written by Nayeon. It is an R&B song that maintains a synth-y sound that is "minimal and chill compared to previous tracks." Nayeon wrote the track while on tour with Twice in the United States. It talks about all the things that helped her overcome hardships during the course of her life.[19] Its lyrics shows Nayeon singing about getting into relationship "while combating inner anxieties." Followed with “Happy Birthday to You,” another R&B track, described as "lowkey and vibey," rather than "a bright, festive celebratory track." Lyrically, it's about "Nayeon sings to someone about how worries and stress are omnipresent but it’s okay to let things go once in a while. Although birthdays are frequently treated with cynicism, she refuses to let such days be anything but special." It's described as a "comforting reminder that, whether it’s your birthday or not, there’s nothing wrong with taking time for yourself." The closing track, “Sunset," is a chill and jazzy song that incorporates the production of strings, a gentle tempo, keyboards, and bass. Its lyrics revolve around Nayeon, who "takes solace in watching the sunset after a breakup."

Critical reception

On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, Im Nayeon received a mean score of 78 based on 5 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

NME's Rhian Daly gives four stars out of five, highlighting its showcase of her pop brilliance and songwriting talent, despite staying close to Twice's sound. Standout tracks include 'Love Countdown' and 'All Or Nothing', though some, like 'Happy Birthday To You', feel lightweight. 'Pop' and 'Sunset' shine as the best tracks, demonstrating Nayeon's versatility. Overall, 'IM NAYEON' serves as a warm introduction to her solo career.[20]

Beats Per Minute's JT Early, give it a 79% rating, praising its blend of bright pop and mature R&B. Standout tracks include "Pop," "No Problem" featuring Stray Kids' Felix, and "Love Countdown" featuring Wonstein. He note that despite a shift towards mature R&B, the album still maintained charm, marking a strong solo debut for Nayeon. JesperL from Sputnikmusic give it a four out of five. He describes it as a delightful 20 minutes of sugary catchiness, with catchy songs about sweet themes. He noted that despite a slight derailment from an "awkward" feature, the album maintains its charisma and leaves a lasting impression.

Uproxx including the album on their list of best pop album of 2022. Praising its way of blending pop production with various genres, writing, "IM NAYEON has set the standard for what’s to come and what to look out for with future solo projects from twice".[21]

Year-end lists

List!data-sort-type="number"
Rank
UproxxThe Best pop Albums of 2022
The Best K-Pop Albums of 2022[22]

Commercial performance

Ahead of its release, the Im Nayeon surpassed over 500,000 pre-orders, the highest number of pre-orders by a female soloist thus far in 2022.[23] The EP debuted and peaked at number 1 on the South Korean Gaon Album Chart. On the US Billboard 200, the EP peaked at number 7 with pure 57,000 copies sold, making Nayeon the first South Korean soloist to enter the top 10 and highest selling female act of the year upon its release.[24] In Japan, it reached number 7 on the Japanese Digital Albums chart and number 19 on the Japanese Hot Albums chart. In Europe, it charted in Finland, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

In August 2022, the EP received a Platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) for selling over 250,000 units in South Korea. It was later certified 2× Platinum in November 2022 for surpassing 500,000 units sold.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Melon.[25]

Studios

Musician

Technical

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australian Digital Albums (ARIA)[26] 21
Australian Hitseekers Albums (ARIA)2
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[27] 54
Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon)[28] 7
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[29] 19
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[30] 1
US Billboard 200[31] 7
US World Albums (Billboard)[32] 1

Monthly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[33] 23
South Korean Albums (Circle)[34] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Position
South Korean Albums (Circle)[35] 32

Certifications and sales

|}

Release history

Release dates and formats for Im Nayeon! Region! Date! Format(s)! Label!
VariousJune 24, 2022[36] [37]
United StatesNovember 18, 2022Vinyl

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Hwang . Hye-jin . June 24, 2022 . "널 갖길 원해" 트와이스 나연, 톡톡 튀는 사랑스러움 'POP!'[들어보고서] ]. ko . "I want you" TWICE's Nayeon, the loveliness that pops out 'POP!'[Listen] . Newsen . live . July 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815040630/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202206241107240410 . August 15, 2022.
  2. News: May 19, 2022 . TWICE's Nayeon will make her solo debut next month . NME . live . June 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624101226/https://www.nme.com/news/music/twice-im-nayeon-solo-debut-june-tracklist-release-date-details-3228997 . June 24, 2022.
  3. Web site: NAYEON The 1st Mini Album "IM NAYEON"Release on 2022.06.24 FRI 1 pm KST/0AM EST . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625213417/https://twitter.com/jypetwice/status/1526940703078912000 . June 25, 2022 . June 25, 2022 . Twitter . en.
  4. News: May 19, 2022 . TWICE's Nayeon to release solo album in June . Rappler . live . June 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220629121732/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/twice-nayeon-release-solo-album-june-2022/ . June 29, 2022.
  5. News: June 25, 2022 . TWICE's Nayeon overcomes limits with first solo EP 'Im Nayeon' . Philippine Daily Inquirer . live . June 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625082134/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/454402/twices-nayeon-overcomes-limits-with-first-solo-ep-im-nayeon . June 25, 2022.
  6. Rowley . Glenn . May 18, 2022 . Nayeon of Twice Set to Release Her First Solo EP 'Im Nayeon' . . live . May 30, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522155904/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/twice-nayeon-solo-ep-announcement-1235073072/ . May 22, 2022.
  7. News: May 27, 2022 . From BTS to Twice's Nayeon, K-pop hotshots prepare June releases . en . . live . May 30, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220530210932/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/05/732_329910.html . May 30, 2022.
  8. News: Ziwei . Puah . June 24, 2022 . TWICE's Nayeon makes her solo debut with 'POP!' . NME . live . June 24, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624073305/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/twice-nayeon-solo-debut-pop-music-video-felix-stray-kids-wonstein-3254783 . June 24, 2022.
  9. Web site: November 30, 2022 . The Best Pop Albums Of 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221201200654/https://uproxx.com/pop/best-pop-albums-of-2022-list/ . December 1, 2022 . March 20, 2023 . . en-US.
  10. News: Kang . Kyung-yoon . June 14, 2022 . 트와이스 나연, 첫 솔로 음원 일부 선공개..."스키즈 필릭스와 특별한 조합" . ko . Twice Nayeon, pre-release of some of her first solo songs..."A special combination with SKZ Felix" . SBS News . live . March 21, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220614145833/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/416/0000284274 . June 14, 2022.
  11. Kwak . Kristine . June 24, 2022 . Nayeon Is a 'Pop!' Star – and the First Twice Member to Go Solo . Rolling Stone . live . June 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220624101223/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/nayeon-twice-solo-pop-song-review-1369891/ . June 24, 2022.
  12. Web site: Im Nayeon - first mini album . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211027183709/https://twice.jype.com/Default/twice.jype.com . October 27, 2021 . 2023-03-20 . JYP Entertainment . ko.
  13. Web site: Rafael . Bautista . August 1, 2022 . Trend Alert: TikTok's Obsession With Nayeon's POP! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220809014425/https://nylonmanila.com/tiktok-trend-nayeon-pop-challenge/ . August 9, 2022 . March 20, 2023 . . en-US.
  14. Web site: December 28, 2022 . Our favorite K-pop songs of 2022 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20221228122120/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/Music/2022/12/28/favorite-kpop-2022.html . December 28, 2022 . March 20, 2023 . CNN Philippines.
  15. Web site: Early . JT . July 7, 2022 . ALBUM REVIEW: NAYEON – IM NAYEON . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220708031451/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-nayeon-im-nayeon/ . July 8, 2022 . March 20, 2023 . . Beats per minute.
  16. Web site: Lee . Seul . June 23, 2022 . '솔로 데뷔' 트와이스 나연, 화려한 여름 축제…'POP!' 두 번째 MV 티저 . 'Solo debut' TWICE Nayeon, splendid summer festival... 'POP!' Second MV teaser . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220623113519/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/311/0001465779 . June 23, 2022 . March 20, 2023 . Xports News . ko.
  17. News: December 15, 2022 . The 79 Best K-Pop Songs of 2022 . . live . December 15, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221224023259/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/best-k-pop-songs-2022 . December 24, 2022.
  18. Benjamin . Jeff . June 25, 2022 . TWICE's Nayeon Is the Perfect 'Pop!' Star With Debut Solo Album: Listen . . live . June 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220625003641/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/twice-nayeon-solo-album-im-nayeon-1235106331/ . June 25, 2022.
  19. News: Dong . Sun-hwa . June 24, 2022 . 'Im Nayeon': TWICE's Nayeon shows who she is with her 1st solo EP . . live . June 27, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220627205911/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/06/398_331616.html . June 27, 2022.
  20. Web site: Daly . Rhian . June 30, 2022 . Nayeon – 'IM NAYEON' review: TWICE's oldest member steps into the solo spotlight . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220701113718/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/im-nayeon-solo-debut-review-twice-3259344 . July 1, 2022 . June 30, 2022 . . NME.
  21. Web site: November 30, 2022 . The Best Pop Albums Of 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221201200654/https://uproxx.com/pop/best-pop-albums-of-2022-list/ . December 1, 2022 . March 20, 2023 . . en-US.
  22. Web site: The Best K-Pop Albums Of 2022. Uproxx. December 8, 2022. December 8, 2022.
  23. News: Seon . Mi-kyung . June 24, 2022 . ko:트와이스 나연, 오늘(24일) 솔로 데뷔..선주문 50만 장 돌파[공식] . ko . Twice Nayeon's Solo Debut Today (24th) .. Exceeded 500,000 Pre-orders [Official |work=Osen |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004643683 |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624005301/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0004643683 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |via=Naver].
  24. Web site: Oh . Myung-joo . July 8, 2022 . "K팝 솔로 최초이자, 최고!"…나연, 美 빌보드 18개 차트인 . "The first K-pop solo, and the best!"... Nayeon, 18 US Billboard charts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220708041540/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/433/0000083392 . July 8, 2022 . March 21, 2023 . Dispatch . ko.
  25. Web site: IM NAYEON - 나연 (TWICE) . 2023-03-21 . . ko.
  26. July 4, 2022 . The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 4 July 2022 . The ARIA Report . . 1687 . 10, 24.
  27. Billboard Canadian Albums: Week of July 9, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220706092033/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2022-07-09/ . July 6, 2022 . July 6, 2022 . Billboard.
  28. Web site: Weekly Digital Albums Chart – July 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220629032722/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dia/w/2022-07-04/ . June 29, 2022 . June 29, 2022 . . ja.
  29. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2022/06/29 公開 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220629062854/https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2022&month=07&day=04 . June 29, 2022 . June 29, 2022 . . ja.
  30. Web site: Gaon Album Chart – Week 26, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220630020830/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=26&hitYear=2022&termGbn=week . June 30, 2022 . June 30, 2022 . . ko.
  31. Caulfield . Keith . July 3, 2022 . Bad Bunny Back at No. 1 on Billboard 200 With 'Un Verano Sin Ti' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220703210645/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/bad-bunny-un-verano-sin-ti-billboard-200-no-1-three-weeks-1235110309/ . July 3, 2022 . July 3, 2022 . Billboard.
  32. World Albums: Week of July 9, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220706092402/https://www.billboard.com/charts/world-albums/2022-07-09/ . July 6, 2022 . July 6, 2022 . Billboard.
  33. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2022-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220810101758/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/m/2022-07/p/3/ . August 10, 2022 . August 10, 2022 . Oricon.
  34. Web site: Album Chart – June 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220707021227/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=06&hitYear=2022&termGbn=month&yearTime=3 . July 7, 2022 . July 7, 2022 . Circle Chart.
  35. Web site: 2022 Album Chart. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230113021606/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?serviceGbn=&termGbn=year&yearTime=3&targetTime=2022. January 13, 2023. January 13, 2023. Circle Chart. Korea Music Content Association.
  36. Web site: May 24, 2022 . NAYEON The 1st Mini Album "IM NAYEON" Pre-Order . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221115174259/https://twice.jype.com/Default/NoticeView?AnSeq=3620 . November 15, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Twice Official Site.
  37. Citations concerning Im Nayeon release formats:
    • Web site: NAYEON (TWICE) - IM NAYEON (I'M ver.) (CD) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220718165031/https://www.target.com/p/nayeon-twice-im-nayeon-i-m-ver-cd/-/A-86893629 . July 18, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Target.
    • Web site: NAYEON (TWICE) - IM NAYEON (NA ver.) (CD) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220831001625/https://www.target.com/p/nayeon-twice-im-nayeon-na-ver-cd/-/A-86893630 . August 31, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Target.
    • Web site: NAYEON (TWICE) - IM NAYEON (YEON ver.) (CD) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120002742/https://www.target.com/p/nayeon-twice-im-nayeon-yeon-ver-cd/-/A-86893631 . November 20, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Target.
    • Web site: NAYEON (TWICE) - IM NAYEON (POP ver.) (CD) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120002953/https://www.target.com/p/nayeon-twice-im-nayeon-pop-ver-cd/-/A-86893632 . November 20, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Target.
    • Web site: NAYEON - IM NAYEON (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120004259/https://www.target.com/p/nayeon---im-nayeon--target-exclusive--vinyl-/-/A-87801219 . November 20, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Target.
    • Web site: IM NAYEON (Vinyl) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012163331/https://twiceshop.com/products/im-nayeon-vinyl . October 12, 2022 . November 20, 2022 . Twice Official Shop.

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