A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
As brief as they may be, K-pop highlight medleys often point me toward my favorite song on an album before hearing the whole thing. Even with a few seconds, I already knew Nayeon’s No Problem would be my undisputed highlight from her debut mini. I mean… you know I love a funky, retro beat!
However, I didn’t expect No Problem to be performed entirely in English. It’s interesting that this is the sound JYP would target toward Western audiences. Honestly, it’s the sound I wish the K-pop industry would craft for itself more consistently. The bright, brisk beat feels perfect for summer, bounding forward with tons of positive energy. I love the mix of percussion, especially when synth joins the arrangement to give the track extra texture. Both melody and production are matched seamlessly, delivering the same hook in tandem. This results in a track that’s constantly catchy even as it’s circling around a simple, repeated refrain. Nayeon’s vocals are a perfect fit, reserved but punchy when they need to be.
Stray Kids’ Felix offers a guest rap, though it’s shorter than fans would probably prefer. I think his presence is just enough, delivering contrast without distracting from No Problem’s focused structure. Like the rest of the track, it’s nothing earth-shattering or monumental. Instead, it’s a breath of fresh summer air. It’ll be a staple on my playlist for the next few months, eclipsing title track Pop.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
yesss this was my favourite song on the album too, good to know that i have good taste
LikeLike
This reminds me in a very good way of a contemporary kpop-version of Deniece WIlliams’ Lets Hear it for the Boy from the mid-80’s. All good bouncy synth fun, positive vibes all the time.
LikeLike
My favourite as well, also just from the snippet in the highlight medley haha. How’d you find the rest of the mini Nick?
LikeLike
I prefer “candyfloss” and “pop” over “no problem”. Somehow I only realized the song was completely in English on the second listen… It’s a good track, won’t come back to it often though
LikeLiked by 1 person
While Love Countdown continues to be the superior song of this mini to me I definitely have a lot of affection for it as a whole and this one ended up being my friend’s favorite too! JYP and Nayeon really made the perfect ep both for a debut and for the summer season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love Countdown is still my fave of this EP but this is the second. Pleasant.
LikeLike
Nice track but very reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen
LikeLike
Nayeon and Felix did such a great job on this song! I think it’s easily one of the best tracks released so far this Summer.
LikeLike
Yeah, i knew like 3 seconds in (from the highlight medley) that this would be my fave. LOL
LikeLike