Release Date: June 21, 2024
Track Listing
- Supernatural
- Right Now
- Supernatural (Instrumental)
- Right Now (Instrumental)
Review
It’s been quite a while since NewJeans released new music that isn’t a video game collaboration, OST song, or remix. Those who follow the group’s movements were already aware that 2024 would bring a new Korean single and Japanese debut.
In this review, we’ll look at the second of NewJeans’ 2024 releases, their Japanese debut Supernatural.
NewJeans’ 2024 continues with the release of their Japanese debut Supernatural. The song contains samples of the music and lyrics from Manami’s 2009 song Back Of My Mind, which Pharell Williams produced.
The style of music NewJeans presents for Supernatural is New Jack Swing and fits well within their modus operandi of bringing those nostalgic feels with their releases while adding a modern twist.
What is most noticeable about Supernatural is that it is not a full Japanese-language song. The lyrics are in three languages. English, Korean and Japanese, with English making up most of the track.
Right Now is the pre-release song from this single. It has NewJeans riding a vibey Drum and Bass wave from start to finish, making for a relaxing listening experience. Much like Supernatural, this is not a full Japanese-language song and is also a mix of English, Korean and Japanese.
Past crossover attempts by other K-pop artists usually involve making some concessions for their Japanese debuts. The most obvious is to localize their songs so Japanese people can understand the words. And if some extra credit is required, sometimes they also create music that appeals more to a Japanese listener base rather than re-hash past Korean hits. The formula has been hit or miss, depending on the artist.
NewJeans goes against those conventions on Supernatural, opting for a global multi-lingual approach and choosing music within genres that are not necessarily as popular in Japan as in other countries, like R&B and Drum and Bass. This can be seen as risky, but with NewJeans, it’s perfectly fine.
I can’t imagine NewJeans coming out with a typical Japanese idol song to appeal to the masses. It would feel incredibly disingenuous.
I set a very low bar regarding K-pop acts and their original Japanese music since the odds of matching their Korean output are usually slim. However, with NewJeans, Supernatural keeps the gravy train of good times going. So, thumbs up here.
Stream on Apple Music
Stream on Spotify
