2NE1 releases new single ‘Lonely’
Popular K-Pop girl group 2NE1 has released a single in anticipation of its comeback album in June. Titled "Lonely," the song is a beautiful ballad written and produced by YG hitmaker Teddy, created specifically to showcase the girls' singing abilities. Given 2NE1's previous hit singles, which were predominantly high-energy dance tracks, "Lonely" is a welcome deviation sure to win the group new fans with their natural singing talent.
YG Entertainment, 2NE1's management company, emphasized in a recent blog entry that "Lonely," a track that captures the emotions felt by someone who feels sad despite being in a relationship, was meant to highlight 2NE1's innate vocal qualities. Therefore, there was no use of auto-tune in this song. Recent Korea visitor and Black Eyed Peas member Will.I.Am, who visited the YG offices, was quoted as saying that he believed "Lonely" would be a big hit. If the proof is in the pudding, then one need not look far: the official MV for "Lonely" released on May 11 already accumulated more than 2,000,000 views in two days!
Ironically, with confidence running high that "Lonely" will continue 2NE1's streak of top-selling singles, YG also emphasized that there would be little to no promotions for "Lonely" on any of Korea's music programs, save for a live performance of "Lonely" on "YG On Air." However, YG did implement a unique promotions strategy: group member and me2day Queen Sandara Park uploaded an image of her calling card onto her blog featuring her mobile number! (Fans who did call the number would get to hear a snippet of "Lonely.")
The next 2NE1 single is set for release on June 2, with the comeback mini-album scheduled to follow on June 23. Filipino Blackjacks, 2NE1's fans, are surely hoping that the girls will perform "Lonely" during their "The Party: 2NE1 Live in Manila" concert on June 4 at the Araneta Coliseum.
