Brooklyn-based artist HIEN delivers something genuinely refreshing with “i know you,” a collaboration with Oreine that bottles the feeling of a perfect summer afternoon spent with your closest friends.
The track sits comfortably in the Y2K pop revival space, channelling NewJeans’ glossy production whilst maintaining its own identity through club-influenced textures and HIEN’s distinctly ethereal vocal approach.
The song’s strength lies in its immersive soundscape. Sweet vocals float over a catchy melody that burrows into your brain, and whilst the lyrics repeat themselves, this repetition actually works in the track’s favour. Rather than feeling lazy, it creates a dreamlike quality that mirrors those hazy moments when you’re so present with people you love that time seems to blur.
The music video matches the sonic warmth perfectly. Shot in vibrant colours, it captures a sun-drenched day filled with the simple pleasures: bubble machines, games, picnics, dancing and laughter.
There’s something beautifully unforced about watching this close-knit group of friends existing in their joy, celebrating each other’s individuality without performance or pretence.
“i know you” positions itself as a love letter to girlhood and friendships. It’s not trying to reinvent pop music or make grand statements.
Instead, it captures the feeling of belonging and pure sunshine that comes from being surrounded by people who truly see you. And you know what? Sometimes that’s enough.