Release Date: February 7, 2024
Track Listing
- DNA
- SMARTPHONE -JAPANESE VER.
- DNA -INSTRUMENTAL-
- SMARTPHONE -INSTRUMENTAL
Review
DNA is YENA’s second Japanese single and her first original Japanese language track. The song has the familiar power pop punk sound that YENA has been championing since her Smartphone era.
However, there are a few subtle differences between what you would hear from her Korean material. DNA has a heavier feel, and attentive listeners will find light influences from Japanese alt-idol music throughout this track’s instrumental.
I was surprised to hear YENA perform this type of music. Usually, when she rocks out, it’s more Avril Lavigne-like. DNA felt more like a toned-down PASSCODE. It’s great that she’s expanding her repertoire to include more than catchy Pop and R&B tunes.
Hopefully, she will continue with this style of music for future Japanese releases, whether it’s for an A-side or not.
The B-side of this single is the Japanese version of the Smartphone. I noticed no significant differences between this and the Korean version other than the Japanese version is two seconds longer in running time. If you liked the Korean version, you’ll probably like the Japanese version too.
