KATSEYE Gnarly Ranks TOP 5 on UK’s NME ‘Best Songs of 2025,’ Standing Alongside Rosalia and Lady Gaga
KATSEYE’s ‘Gnarly,’ a track from their second EP BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, landed at No. 5 on the list of ‘The 50 Best Songs of 2025’ selected by the prestigious UK music magazine, NME (New Musical Express).
NME, in its announcement on the 1st (local time), featured global artists who have captivated both the public and critics, including PinkPantheress, Rosalia, and Lady Gaga. ‘Gnarly’ was highly ranked among the very best, earning praise for its demonstration of KATSEYE’s bold challenge and artistic direction.
Concept Revolution
NME commented on the group’s evolution: “When KATSEYE debuted in 2024, they seemed destined for girl group superstardom with a soft, lovely concept song (‘Touch’). But through ‘Gnarly,’ they instantly wiped away all that cuteness, revealing an unrestrained attitude and a sharp intensity that is sure to divide opinion.”
‘Gnarly’ is a hyper-pop track blended with dance and funk elements. The song generated a sensation upon its release, thanks to its daring and experimental sound created by a team of global hitmakers, including producers Pink Slip, Tim Randolph, “hitman” bang (Bang Si-hyuk), and Slow Rabbit.
While the initial radical shift in concept was unfamiliar to some, the group’s overwhelming performances on Korean music shows quickly drove explosive popularity. The six members (Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae) received especially positive reactions for their vibrant expressions, powerful twerking, and confident stage presence.
Chart Performance and Grammy Nominations
‘Gnarly’ peaked at 52nd on the UK’s Official Singles Top 100 chart (May 9th) and 90th on the US Billboard Hot 100(June 21st). Even six months after its release, the song continues to receive consistent global love, re-entering major global song charts and the Billboard Hot 100 alongside their other hit song, ‘Gabriela.’
KATSEYE, an act launched in the U.S. last June through HYBE America’s systematic T&D (Training & Development) system, is now nominated in two major categories at the 68th Grammy Awards, set for February 1st next year: ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.’
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