Essential NewJeans Debut Songs: Complete 2022 EP Tracklist

NewJeans debut song "Attention" became the first K-pop debut track to rank on Spotify's Weekly Top Song USA chart, breaking records before the group even released their full EP. The surprise release strategy garnered approximately 1.3 million views within 24 hours, without any prior teasers.

Furthermore, the self-titled EP "New Jeans" made history as the first K-pop female act to sell over one million copies of a debut album, reaching 1,036,811 copies by February 2023. The collection of newjeans songs includes four tracks: "Attention," "Hype Boy," "Cookie," and "Hurt," with a total runtime of just 12:52 minutes. Initially, pre-orders exceeded 444,000 copies, the highest number for any Korean girl group debut in history. Notably, the group adopted an innovative triple title track approach for their newjeans albums, releasing three newjeans title tracks from their four-track debut. This strategy, coupled with the quality of their music, earned the EP critical acclaim from major publications like NME and Rolling Stone, who praised its innovative sound and artistic vision.

New Jeans

Type

EP

Artist

NewJeans

Released

August 1, 2022 (digital)

August 8, 2022 (physical)

Format(s)

CD, download, streaming

Recorded

2022

Genre

Dance, moombahton, electro pop, hip-hop, R&B

Length

12:52

Label(s)

ADOR

Distributor(s)

YG PLUS

HYBE (physical)

Producer(s)

Min Hee Jin

Track list

"Attention" - 3:00

"Hype Boy" - 2:59

"Cookie" - 3:55

"Hurt" - 2:57

Attention

"Attention" captured listeners with its distinctive blend of nostalgic and contemporary sounds when it was released on July 22, 2022. The surprise-dropped music video, which introduced NewJeans to the world, showcased their unique approach to K-pop that would soon become their signature sound. This track, running at 2 minutes and 58 seconds, served as the perfect introduction to the group's musical identity.

Attention musical style

"Attention" draws heavily from late 1990s and early 2000s musical influences, creating a nostalgic yet fresh sound. The song blends pop and R&B elements on a new jack swing beat with house music influences. What makes the track particularly distinctive is its dynamic key changes—the song is written in B♭ Minor but consistently switches between major and minor chords throughout its runtime, creating an engaging tonal variation.

The song's structure feels both familiar and innovative, with a groovy quality that critics have described as possessing a "je ne sais quoi". This quality comes partly from the track's bustling beat that maintains energy throughout while never overwhelming the vocalists. The rhythmic foundation provides a steady backdrop against which the members' voices can shine, creating a listening experience that feels effortless yet sophisticated.

Attention lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Attention" revolve around young infatuation and the exciting feelings of having a crush. The song captures the universal experience of seeking attention from someone special. With lines like "You give me butterflies, you know? My heart has gone to paradise, don't wanna wake up from this dream," the track expresses the thrilling sensations of early attraction.

Throughout the song, the members convey a sense of confidence in their feelings. Rather than portraying infatuation as something to hide, "Attention" celebrates these emotions. The lyrics acknowledge the occasional confusion that comes with crushes while simultaneously affirming the certainty of their feelings: "Got me confused but one thing's for sure". This balance creates a relatable narrative that resonated with listeners.

The chorus directly states "You got me looking for attention," while the spelling of "A-T-T-E-N-T-I-O-N" in the outro reinforces the central theme. Despite its simplicity, this repetition works effectively within the song's laid-back atmosphere, making it catchy without feeling forced.

Attention production details

The production of "Attention" stands out for its restraint and precision. Built on minimal instrumentation, the track incorporates vocal samples and sounds of applause. The hook features distinctive chime sounds that add texture to the production. In contrast to many contemporary K-pop tracks, "Attention" avoids overproduction, instead allowing the members' vocals to take center stage.

One of the most striking elements is the harmonization during the refrain, where all five members blend their voices together. The clean vocal mixing, free from heavy autotune effects that characterize some other HYBE group productions, allows listeners to appreciate the natural vocal qualities of each member. This approach creates a refreshing sound that stands apart in the K-pop landscape.

The song was written and composed by 250, Duckbay, Gigi, and group member Danielle, highlighting NewJeans' involvement in their musical direction from the start. This collaborative approach to production helped establish their artistic identity right from their debut.

Attention chart performance

"Attention" achieved remarkable chart success both domestically and internationally. In South Korea, the song debuted at number two on the Circle Digital Chart and eventually peaked at number one in the chart issue dated August 14-20. The track simultaneously reached number one on all four major Korean real-time music charts—Melon, Genie, Bugs, and Flo—a feat that no other K-pop idol debut song had accomplished in the previous five years.

On global charts, "Attention" made significant impacts as well. The song debuted at number 174 on Billboard's Global chart just nine days after its release. It reached number 54 on the Billboard Global 200 and appeared on charts in multiple countries:

South Korea: #1 (Circle Digital Chart)
New Zealand: #26 (RMNZ Hot Singles)
Singapore: #11
Vietnam: #11

Critics responded positively to the track. IZM's Jang Jun-hwan noted that "Attention" "aims for a comfortable listening experience, but will never be boring" and "satisfies the concept and significance of debut in many ways". This critical acclaim, combined with its commercial success, established "Attention" as one of the strongest debut songs in recent K-pop history.

Hype Boy

Released through an innovative interactive music video on July 23, 2022, "Hype Boy" emerged as a standout track from NewJeans' debut EP, eventually becoming one of their signature songs. The interactive video approach allowed fans to experience individual storylines for each member, serving as a clever introduction to the newly debuted group.

Hype Boy musical style

"Hype Boy" showcases a distinctive blend of future bass and pop elements that helped establish NewJeans' signature sound. The track incorporates pulsing synthesizers and distorted instrumentals with clear influences from 1990s and 2000s music styles. This hybrid approach combines elements of R&B, electronic music, and moombahton rhythms, creating a dreamy, almost hazy atmosphere.

The song's production features tropical touches and future bass synths that give it a melty quality. What makes "Hype Boy" particularly compelling is how it balances minimalism with intricate details. As one analysis notes, the song "disguises itself as minimalistic but after many listens reveals little details that add to the overall experience".

Unlike many contemporary K-pop tracks, "Hype Boy" maintains a laid-back, buoyant energy throughout. The percussion becomes more pronounced during the chorus, giving the song necessary weight without overwhelming its dreamy quality. This approach creates a seamless flow between verses and choruses, making the track feel like "one hot summer afternoon".

Hype Boy lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Hype Boy," written by Gigi, Ylva Dimberg, and group member Hanni, capture the essence of young love akin to a daydream. The song expresses the excitement and longing of early infatuation with lines like "Baby, got me looking so crazy, falling into a daydream".

Running for two minutes and 56 seconds, the track features both Korean and English lyrics. The chorus, sung by members Haerin and Danielle, contains the memorable hook: "'Cause I know what you like, boy / You're my chemical hype boy". This central refrain is both catchy and thematically resonant.

The involvement of member Hanni in the songwriting process brought a genuine female perspective to the lyrics, which music publication NME noted as a deviation from the "male gaze" that had dominated much of K-pop idol music. This authentic approach contributed to the song's relatability and fresh perspective.

Hype Boy production details

"Hype Boy" was produced by 250, who also programmed the instrumentals. Composed in the key of E minor with a tempo of 100 beats per minute, the song employs a fascinating "push-pull effect" between 100 BPM and 200 BPM sections. This technique creates what musicians call a "half-time" feel, where certain parts of the song (like the chorus) run at 100 BPM while verses and bridges run at 200 BPM.

The song's composition includes what one analyst described as "intervals and chord progressions that are naturally pleasing to the ear". Musically, the B note of the chorus is the ninth of the first chord (Amin7), creating an emotionally evocative sound, especially when layered with the harmonized vocals of multiple members.

A defining characteristic of "Hype Boy" is its unmanipulated vocals over R&B beats. The production highlights each member's distinctive vocal tone while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the track.

Hype Boy chart performance

"Hype Boy" achieved remarkable commercial success both domestically and internationally. On the Billboard Global 200 chart, it debuted at number 116 and eventually peaked at number 52. Notably, it set the record for the longest-charting song by a K-pop girl group on this chart, spending a total of 42 weeks.

In South Korea, the song peaked at number two on the Circle Digital Chart and received double platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association for surpassing 200 million streams. Additionally, by January 2023, "Hype Boy" had surpassed BTS' "Butter" as the most-streamed song on Spotify in South Korea.

The song's music video reached 200 million views on YouTube approximately 2 years, 2 months, and 25 days after its release, becoming NewJeans' third music video to achieve this milestone. "Hype Boy" also performed well in other markets, reaching:

Japan: #41 on the Japan Hot 100 (certified platinum)
Singapore: #5 on the RIAS chart
Taiwan and Vietnam: #9 on Billboard's Hits of the World charts
Canada: #95 on the Canadian Hot 100

Critics widely praised "Hype Boy," with Rolling Stone placing it at number 24 on their list of the top 100 songs of 2022. NME ranked it as the best K-pop song of the year, calling it "three minutes of pop perfection".

Cookie

As the third title track from NewJeans' debut EP, "Cookie" was released on August 1, 2022, completing their unique triple title track strategy. The song represented a departure from the styles of "Attention" and "Hype Boy," showcasing another facet of the group's musical versatility.

Cookie musical style

"Cookie" presents a club-oriented R&B and pop sound built upon a minimal hip hop beat. The track features a distinctive Jersey club bridge that adds an unexpected dynamic shift to the composition. Composed in the key of C major with a tempo of 157 beats per minute, the song creates what Joshua Minsoo Kim of Pitchfork described as a "weightless groove".

Musically, the song incorporates whimsical synths, faint 808s, and wobbling low end to create a bubbly momentum. Unlike many contemporary K-pop tracks, "Cookie" maintains a minimalistic approach throughout most of its runtime, suddenly introducing the rapid stuttering Jersey club beat during the bridge—a technique rarely used in K-pop outside of XUM's "DDALALA". This structural choice extends the song's playful aesthetic into what one critic called "hopscotching ebullience".

Cookie lyrics and themes

According to ADOR, "Cookie" revolves around the paired concept of burning CDs and baking cookies, which share the same conceptual verb in Korean. The agency explained that the song uses dessert as a metaphor for NewJeans' fresh and original music, contrasting it with "dinner and water" which represent "just going through the motions".

The lyrics include lines like "Made a little cookie / Baked it just for you" and "Looking at my cookie / Do you ever smell it different? (Taste it)". These lyrics sparked controversy due to allegations that they contained sexual innuendos inappropriate for a teenage group. Critics specifically highlighted the potential double meaning of "cookie" as slang for female genitalia.

ADOR firmly denied these interpretations, stating they consulted "English professors, professional interpreters, translators, and native speakers" who suggested it wasn't a "commonplace interpretation". The agency emphasized that context is key to interpretation and that the song was written by two women in their thirties—a Korean woman and a Swedish woman.

Cookie production details

"Cookie" was produced by FRNK, with a beat that ADOR described as signaling "the daring new direction" they were taking for K-pop girl groups. The production employs a distinctive structure where the song opens with a cookie rolling in and ends with a CD rolling out, reinforcing the conceptual link between baking cookies and burning CDs.

The bridge section stands out as particularly innovative within the production. Here, the track embraces Jersey club influences but notably "ditches the oft-sampled bed squeak and focuses on the beat". This production choice creates a stark contrast with the more restrained verses and chorus, providing a dynamic listening experience.

Cookie chart performance

In South Korea, "Cookie" debuted at number 14 on the Circle Digital Chart in the issue dated July 31–August 6, 2022, and eventually peaked at number nine in September 2022. Internationally, the song reached number 198 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Additional chart performances include:

Japan: Peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Japan Heatseekers chart
Singapore: Reached number 15 on the RIAS Top Regional Chart
Vietnam: Climbed to number 21 on the Vietnam Hot 100

The song's music video surpassed 100 million YouTube views on August 13, 2023, approximately two years and 12 days after its release. It became NewJeans' fifth music video to achieve this milestone, following performance videos for "Hype Boy," "OMG," "Ditto," and the music video for "Super Shy". On Spotify, the track has generated 200 million streams, confirming its commercial success despite the controversy surrounding its lyrics.

Hurt

The final track on NewJeans' debut EP, "Hurt" stands apart as the only non-title song in the collection, offering listeners a more subdued musical experience that completes the group's impressive debut. Released with its music video on July 24, 2022, and officially included on the EP on August 1, 2022, this track serves as a thoughtful conclusion to NewJeans' introduction to the K-pop world.

Hurt musical style

"Hurt" embraces a mellow R&B sound backed by groovy drums that create a distinctive atmosphere. Unlike the more uptempo title tracks, this song focuses on a consistent groove rather than following the "frenetic pick-and-mix approach favored by so many of their K-pop peers". The production might appear simple at first listen, nevertheless, it skillfully weaves together several satisfying elements, including a funky synth that emerges during the second verse.

What makes "Hurt" musically distinctive is its emphasis on texture and tone. The clipped vocal percussion adds necessary texture to the straightforward instrumental. Furthermore, the song gives the impression that the members are performing a capella during certain chorus sections, highlighting their smooth, bittersweet vocals. This approach demonstrates NewJeans' ability to showcase their vocal talents within a more restrained musical framework.

Hurt lyrics and themes

Lyrically, "Hurt" explores the complexities of a one-sided relationship. The verses and pre-chorus portray the lack of effort from one partner and the resulting emotional fatigue. Lines such as "When I'm feeling all alone, pull your name up on my phone / I start typing what to say, I won't send it anyway" capture the hesitation and vulnerability experienced in uncertain relationships.

The essence of the song is encapsulated in the powerful declaration: "I'm not gonna be the one to get hurt", which appears repeatedly throughout the track. This statement serves as both a warning and a form of self-protection. As one review notes, the song ultimately focuses on "protecting oneself from being in pain". The outro reinforces this theme with the lines "Feeling far away, come a little closer, hey / But if you're unsure I'm not gonna be the one to get hurt", clearly establishing boundaries within the relationship.

Comparatively, while other newjeans songs on the EP explore infatuation and excitement, "Hurt" offers a more contemplative perspective on relationships. It resembles "a secondary character's unrequited love" in movies, capturing complicated feelings that are often difficult to express.

Hurt production details

"Hurt" was produced by 250, who demonstrated a restrained approach to the song's arrangement. The production emphasizes the members' vocals, allowing their natural tones to shine without heavy processing or autotune effects. This decision creates a more intimate listening experience that complements the emotional lyrics.

Musically, the song features atmospheric synthesizers and maintains a consistent groove throughout its runtime. This production choice allows "Hurt" to function as what one reviewer called "connective tissue between bigger moments on the album", providing a necessary change of pace from the more dynamic title tracks.

Hurt chart performance

Though "Hurt" was not promoted as heavily as the newjeans title tracks, it still achieved impressive chart positions. In South Korea, it placed 11th on domestic charts, displaying the group's strong domestic popularity from debut. The song appeared at 104th position on another major Korean chart.

On streaming platforms, "Hurt" has demonstrated remarkable longevity. The track surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify, becoming NewJeans' ninth song to reach this milestone. This achievement underscores the song's enduring popularity beyond initial release.

"Hurt" may have been overshadowed initially by the triple title track strategy, yet its performance confirms that fans connected with its more subdued style. The song's success helped establish NewJeans' versatility as artists capable of excelling across different musical styles from their very first newjeans album.

Triple Title Track Strategy

NewJeans revolutionized the K-pop debut approach by implementing an unprecedented triple title track strategy for their first EP. This bold marketing decision played a significant role in their rapid rise to prominence and set new standards for group introductions in the industry.

Why NewJeans used three title tracks

Setting three tracks out of four on their debut album as title songs represented an unprecedented breakthrough in K-pop. This approach allowed NewJeans to showcase their musical versatility immediately upon debut. Essentially, the strategy maximized their exposure by providing multiple entry points for new listeners.

The decision to designate "Attention," "Hype Boy," and "Cookie" as title tracks enabled the group to highlight different musical styles within a single album. This approach contrasted sharply with the traditional K-pop model where groups typically release one main title track accompanied by b-sides. Subsequently, this multi-title approach gave each song individual promotion opportunities, extending the EP's promotional cycle.

Impact of triple title tracks

The triple title strategy proved immensely successful commercially. "Attention" achieved an "all-kill" on major Korean music charts, occupying the first place on real-time charts of Melon, Genie, Bugs, and Flo. Consequently, this helped establish NewJeans' presence in the competitive K-pop market immediately upon debut.

Beyond chart performance, the approach generated substantially more content than conventional single-title releases. As one industry analysis noted, "With multiple title tracks and different editions of physical albums, they increase the existing deluge of content by tenfold with each comeback". This content multiplication strategy effectively increased fan engagement through:

Multiple music videos for fans to consume
Extended promotional periods spanning all three titles
Diverse performance opportunities showcasing different concepts

Reception of the strategy

Music critics acknowledged the effectiveness of this innovative approach. The sequential release of multiple title tracks successfully built anticipation for the complete EP. Critic Jung Min-Jae observed that this method "increased anticipation for the official release through secondary content produced by fans," calling it "a clever marketing strategy with stronger impact than the usual promotional content produced by the agency".

The success of this debut approach influenced NewJeans' subsequent releases as well. For their second EP "Get Up," the group again employed the triple title track approach with "Super Shy," "ETA," and "Cool With You". Hereafter, the strategy became part of their artistic identity.

The triple title track approach has now become associated with NewJeans' release model, effectively establishing a distinctive marketing approach that separates them from other K-pop acts while maximizing their impact with each album release.

Surprise Release of Attention

On July 22, 2022, ADOR introduced NewJeans to the world through an unexpected strategy that broke K-pop conventions. The group's debut song "Attention" appeared without warning—no teasers, no member introductions, not even their names. This unconventional approach immediately distinguished NewJeans in an industry known for meticulously planned debuts.

Why NewJeans skipped teasers

The deliberate decision to bypass traditional teasers came directly from ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. As she explained after the successful launch, "The more you conceal something, the more curiosity around it". This philosophy underpinned their surprise strategy, although it wasn't always the plan. Indeed, the team arrived at this approach only after "much deliberation," considering alternatives like releasing photos beforehand.

Min Hee Jin believed that "Attention" was best introduced through video rather than still images. In essence, the surprise release leveraged mystery as a marketing tool—transforming the absence of information into a compelling reason for audiences to investigate further. As one young member, Hyein, revealed, "I thought to myself it would be cool to release them without any teasers".

Fan reaction to surprise debut

The strategy proved remarkably effective. Following the surprise release, nearly half a million pre-orders were recorded within days. Throughout social media platforms, discussions erupted as fans and industry observers alike tried to learn more about the mysterious new group.

As critic Joshua Minsoo Kim noted, this approach generated "more attention than usual" precisely because viewers had "no familiarity with the members". The unexpectedness created what one reviewer called a "mini-Beyonce" moment in K-pop. Primarily, the reaction was positive—fans appreciated the freshness of skipping the "regular process of lots of pre-debut promotions" that had become standard.

Effect on K-pop debut norms

NewJeans' surprise debut markedly challenged industry conventions. Traditionally, newcomers require extensive pre-debut awareness to build potential fanbases that support initial label investments. By contrast, NewJeans demonstrated that an unexpected arrival could generate equally powerful results.

This approach represented what CEO Min described as giving "hope and assurance that it's okay to try something new" in an industry that often "sticks with what's stable". The success of this strategy may influence future debuts, offering an alternative to the extended teaser cycles that have dominated K-pop marketing for years.