Only one month into the new year, girl groups across the globe are already expanding their discographies, laying the foundation for another year of iconic pop music. Three singles in particular have made ripples in the industry.
“Internet Girl” by KATSEYE
Despite leaving last week’s Grammys empty-handed after receiving two nominations, the girl group KATSEYE has dominated pop culture and the Billboard charts ever since their 2024 debut. Capitalizing on the commercial success of their absurd — yet addictive — single “Gnarly,” the international pop phenomenon released the studio version of their newest single “Internet Girl” on Jan. 2.
While the group’s sheer star power makes the song’s nonsensical lyrics and repetitive melody almost charming, “Internet Girl” is better suited for a 2000’s Disney Channel sitcom than mainstream pop.
The production tries to be experimental –– for instance, by cueing the chorus with a toddler garbling, “I’m getting out of here” –– but the hodgepodge of vocal textures is ultimately awkward and uninspired. The track is neither smart nor tastefully ironic, instead shamelessly and brazenly chasing virality. Manufactured to be parroted and reposted, “Internet Girl” throws awkward lines like “Do you read me? / Like the emoji?” at the wall hoping that they stick.
The catchy melody of “Internet Girl” may have you chanting “eat zucchini,” KATESEYE’s continued use of cheap gimmicks and tacky soundbites is certainly an ill omen for their future. While the talent, beauty and charisma of the six group members help distract from the song’s lackluster quality, the girls’ innate talent can only go so far in saving the single — and the group — from total mediocrity.
“Mono (feat. skaiwalker)” by i-dle
Unlike KATSEYE, i-dle made a strong and elegant comeback with the release of their highly anticipated single, “Mono (feat. skaiwalker) ” on Jan. 27.
Rather than leaning on the flashy props and bizarre mixtures of sounds plaguing “Internet Girl,” i-dle’s new single embraces its simplicity. Sleek and stylish, the track is an easy listen, delighting fans with its minimalist soundscape and soothing melody.
“Mono” urges the listener to honor their inner self by muting external pressures, unwanted voices and static noise.
Championing self-love and acceptance, i-dle gestures to the LGBTQ+ community, singing: “Whether straight or gay / Every day and night / Dance to your real vibe.” The message hits when, after the audience is submerged in silence following the song’s climax, one of the members softly whispers: “For sure / When you love yourself, you can love everyone.”
In a world not often welcoming to queer identities, i-dle proves they have the courage to challenge and transform the K-Pop industry. Preaching self-actualization, the song strips down layers of sound and reveals a beating heart. For both its message and its craftsmanship, “Mono” is an excellent start to the 2026 pop scene.
“work” by no na
Despite its short runtime, no na’s “work” packs a fiery punch. Released on Jan. 23, the song is a rush of adrenaline. Dripping with attitude and glowing with heat, the song pulses forward with fierce drum beats and Gamelan rhythms.
The Indonesian girl group’s newest single experiments with a more sultry sound. The music video opens with member Christy clapping a ceng-ceng — a traditional Balinese cymbal. As if daring the audience, she makes direct eye-contact with the camera and before coolly saying, “Get into it.” Christy then bends her back, pauses to yawn, and rolls backward.
This iconic moment launches the song into a high-energy frenzy. The girls begin trading verses, flipping their hair and building momentum with boastful lyrics.
By the time the song reaches its chorus, the members’ strong voices are on full display. The girls yell: “F*ck it up, girl, put in that work / F*ck it up, b*tch, put in that work.”
“work” captivates listeners with its mastery of percussion and performance. The song exudes raw feminine power — artfully melding mesmerizing dance moves with abrasive chanting. Though a stranger to some of their previous music, “work” adds an exciting new flavor to no na’s evolving identity.
Kendra Eastep is also a senior staff writer covering arts and culture.
