I’ve been all over the place this week (or month, really). With the website revamp and class assignments and a few headaches, this article almost didn’t come out. I’m literally writing it the day you’re meant to read it. But you know what else is disorienting? AKMU and their recent collaboration with IU titled “NAKKA” (“fall” in Korean). Let’s get our bearings and take a look at this song!
Which way is up? Which way is down?
There are a few tricks AKMU use to achieve this confusing feeling. Right at the beginning of the song, I noticed Suhyun’s voice panning left and right. Even after looking at the lyrics, I’m not sure why they did this. I thought maybe the panning was meant to emphasize the lyrics, but this doesn’t appear to be the case. Correct me if I’m wrong!
Also, right when they sing “nakka” or “fall”, instead of the melody descending straight down, it actually moves up. It’s like text painting, but instead you do the opposite of what the lyrics say to subvert expectations. But you know what’s crazy about this song? If you look at the pre-chorus, it says:
But if you hold my hand
You’ll feel like you’re flying
Or maybe something better than that
The message behind the song is that trusting someone doesn’t feel like you’re falling. Instead it should feel like you’re flying. So the direction of the melody during the chorus actually does line up with the overall theme of the song. Don’t worry, my head hurts thinking about it too.
AKMU and IU have both been busy this year.
I totally wasn’t expecting for AKMU to explode onto the scene this year. I especially wasn’t expecting them to make this type of music (this song is quite different from “Happening” last year). On top of that, their new album is filled with collaborations with many well known artists, IU being one of them.
If I’m being honest, I’m not sure why IU needed to be in this song. I have nothing against IU, but I personally don’t think this song requires a third voice in the mix. If you refer to the article I made about Yugyeom and DeVita, you’ll know that I’m not a huge fan of duets (or in this case, trios) where one person alone is capable of conveying the song’s message. In my opinion, IU doesn’t need to be in “NAKKA” to convey its message, nor does her voice differ much from Suhyun’s. That’s why I like this song more for the vibe rather than the collaboration.
Honourable Mentions: D.O. – Rose, NIve – I’m Alive, Kwon Jin Ah – Knock (with PARKMOONCHI), Stay With Me – Sole ft. Wonstein (I’m impressed py Kwon Jin Ah’s versatility! You guys should check her out!)
If you like this song, check out: BoA – Woman (2018), EZUZ ft. Gyeongree – Latte Is Horse (2019), Taemin – 2 KIDS (2020)
Did you guys like “NAKKA” by AKMU and IU? Or are you just as disoriented as I am? Let me know in the comments!