After years conquering charts and selling millions around the world with K-pop girl group
Twice,
Nayeon made her solo debut with 2022's
IM NAYEON. The self-titled EP features plenty of familiar dance-pop energy for longtime fans while focusing on
Nayeon's R&B-influenced vocals and songwriting flair. Highlights include the
Carly Rae Jepsen-esque, synth-washed jam "No Problem" (with Felix of
Stray Kids) and the frantic sing-along anthem "POP!" Front-loaded with the immediate, pulse-pounding fare,
IM NAYEON closes with a trio of sensual and smoothed-out tracks that would make early '90s R&B girl groups proud. Upon release, the set topped the Gaon album chart and Billboard's World Albums chart. ~ Neil Z. Yeung