When the members of Kara embarked on solo careers, Nicole most reliably stuck with producers Sweetune. This instantly gave me a soft spot for her music. If you’re a fan of that production team, she’s got a few Sweetune bangers on her 2016 Japanese album Bliss. But times change and new management has brought new collaborators. The excitedly titled 5!6!7!8! sees her playing in a similar synth-fueled dance realm but veers closer to disco than past efforts.

5!6!7!8! throws down a nice groove, though I would have doubled its energy. That’s a personal taste thing, as I prefer my dancefloor bops to work up a sweat. Instead, the track opts for a Dua Lipa style beat — satisfying but a little aloof. Strings add icy texture and Nicole’s confident performance steers us along without flaw. The chanted “5!6!7!8!” hook is fun, punctuating her smooth vocal with a jolt of excitement.

But when it comes down to it, there’s not a ton to write about this song. It’s very… nice. 5!6!7!8! isn’t trying to do anything earth-shattering or different, and this modest ambition both holds it back and guarantees its success.

Grade: C+