Nicole, a former member of the legendary K-pop group Kara, has quickly enamored fans with the release of her latest single, "5!6!7!8!", marking her first solo comeback since her 2023 single “Mysterious”, with the new track showcasing a remarkable fusion of retro pop elements that seamlessly blend aspects of 70s and 80s electro-pop stylings.

From its first few seconds, the song kicks off with a catchy synth-driven melody that immediately draws listeners into what could be considered her best work to date. And as the pulsating beat perfectly sets the tempo, Nicole's airy pop vocals shine through with a combination of subtle power and finesse, demonstrating her growth as a solo artist — dually leaving us anticipating her next move.

Another defining feature of "5!6!7!8!" is its nostalgic sound palette that clearly pays homage to the golden eras of soulful pop music. Nicole effortlessly captures the timeless essence of past music trends while still infusing her unique, upbeat contemporary flair that establishes a captivating musical experience for listeners. But considering that Nicole has over a decade of experience behind her, it’s no surprise that she’s poised to create incredible art.

Check out the music video for “5!6!7!8!” included below.