New Year 2023: NewJeans
When NewJeans debuted last year, the response was truly phenomenal. The group’s name aptly summarises their identity, which centres around imbuing newness in the familiar. And their music reflects this by fusing retro and contemporary elements. We look forward to seeing and hearing how NewJeans pave their way to becoming timeless icons in 2023, just like a classic pair of denim. Celebrating the new year, the five members of NewJeans shared songs that brighten up their day. Here are their personal picks, along what they had to say about each track. Minji: khai dreams, “Fantasy” “The lyrics just grab you right from the intro and the song gives you a warm feeling 💗” Rina Sawayama, “Bad Friend” “As soon as I listen to this song, I feel a whole bunch of emotions 💗” CHUNG HA, “Killing Me” “I keep thinking about this song because the ‘tunnel’ bit in the chorus and her voice at the bridge are just so, so good 💗” VAUNDY, “odoriko” “Hearing the booming bass always gets me excited 💗” Hanni: Christian Kuria, “Too Good” “I hear this one often. It’s really relaxing when I just want to vibe to a song. The lyrics are really pretty, too.” SEULGI, “Anywhere But Home” “For me, memories of the Lunar New Year’s day involve night drives with my family in the car. This song reminds me of those memories since it feels like a balmy breeze.” Billie Eilish, “come out and play” “This one is great for starting out the day, going for a walk or even when you need comforting.” Taylor Swift, “Lover” “I like this one because it feels like winter and being excited for the new year.” Danielle: SZA & Justin Timberlake, “The Other Side” “A real banger, all about groovy vibes of a New Year’s party!” Ariana Grande, “safety net (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)” "A heart-tingling song, perfect to listen to on New Year’s!” James Arthur, “Say You Won’t Let Go” “A touching song that’s perfect in the winter!” Daya, “Insomnia” “For when you can’t sleep because you’re so excited for New Year’s!” Haerin: Tamia, “Officially Missing You” “Hearing this song just makes you feel better and more relaxed.” Omah Lay & Justin Bieber, “Attention” “This song’s vibe and beat just really grab you.” FKA twigs, “killer” “This song makes my feelings all delicate.” Syd & Lucky Daye, “CYBAH” “This one just puts you in a nice, chill mood.” Hyein: Pink Sweat$, “17” “I don’t know why, but this song instantly puts me in a romantic mood!” Ariana Grande, “pov” “I chose this one because it gave me a lot of comfort throughout 2022.” Justin Bieber, “Hold On” “I heard this over and over in 2022! The intro is crazy good! XD” NewJeans, “Ditto” “I want to listen to this and look back on all that happened during 2022! 💽”