Despite their music essentially being the equivalent to “vibes”, NewJeans have managed to grow into one of, if not the single most influential K-pop group currently. And like many, I’m not immune to their charms. Sure the tracks are basically designed for internet virality through their short run times and wonderfully catchy melodies but I’m not one to complain when the music itself is strong. Which is exactly the case with Cool With You.
At its core, Cool With You is utterly emblematic of NewJeans as a brand. From the reserved and wonderfully atmospheric production and vocal performance to the low-key yet instantly recognisable and addictive melodic turns, Cool With You is a short but incredibly sweet listening experience. It uses its drum and base production to the fullest, enveloping the track with a sense of consistent propulsion whilst juxtaposing It with one of the groups strongest and most complete vocal performances. I absolutely adore the harmonies during airy pre-chorus, they work to fully open up the soundscape and give enough of a shift to keep the otherwise straightforward soundscape from getting potentially grating or mundane.
If anything, I wish the song was longer. This is a consistent gripe I have with the group but rather than feel like fully realised tracks the songs come across more like appetisers for the main course. Cool with you would do wonderfully with an extra chorus to supplement its already delicious hook but instead it just fizzles out after its second repetition. I understand that in the age of streaming that these short runtimes are the way to go financially but for the listener, it feels kind of like am missed opportunity. I also have similar sentiments about Troye Sivan’s otherwise exceptional Rush. But even without that extra hook, Cool With You is a real success, hinging on the groups absolute best instincts and one of their most effortless yet sophisticated centrepieces.
*Also Tony Leung in the mv whaaaaat????
Verses: 8
Chorus: 9
Production: 9
Performance: 9
Final Rating: 8.75 / 10
KBopped 
I love how 90% of everyone’s thoughts on this song is “OMG is that Tony Leung?!” Me too, me too.
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