One of the most glowing, versatile, and lauded bands to come out of the Korean music industry - N.Flying, celebrated their 8th debut anniversary on May 20, 2023, with the release of a special single album called "Once In A BLUE MOON", much to the joy of fans all over the world. While the title of the album alludes to the rare and enchanting occurrence of extraordinary events, delivering the finest, most memorable hits is rather common for N.Flying.

In this article, we are going to analyze the themes of the album, the sonic qualities of each song, and the lyrics of the title track 'Blue Moon' in an attempt to decode the message behind this outstanding album. This is "K-Pop Explained" - a monthly Kpopmap series where we dive into and analyze the best K-Pop releases, and this month's star is N.Flying!

Before we get into our interpretation, though, it is worth mentioning the outstanding legacy that the band has created so far. Through eight amazing years, N.Flying has weathered change and stood strong, staying true to the sincere authenticity of their art. The music this band makes comes straight from the heart, which is why it resonates with such a vast audience. Besides commercial success, the high praise, respect, and critical appreciation that N.Flying has consistently received for their music over the years speaks volumes of their incredible, ever-evolving talent.

N.Flying "Once In A BLUE MOON" Album Review

FNC Entertainment

With "Once In A BLUE MOON", N.Flying offers us a perfect binary. The tracklist is made up of two songs, namely 'Blue Moon' and 'TREE', each quintessentially related to N.Flying themselves. While a "blue moon", high up in the sky, suggests the serendipitous, almost fantastical nature of how N.Flying came into being and met N.Fia, a "tree" with its roots growing deep into the earth, symbolizes the band's grounded resilience and determination. Musically, the beaming brightness of 'Blue Moon' is contrasted by the emotionally charged offering that is 'TREE', adding another layer to the album's duality. Thus, even with a 2-track album, N.Flying tells a story worth remembering and holding on to while we wait for the next chapter.

The title song 'Blue Moon' is self-composed by Lee SeungHyub, which gives it an even more personal dimension. The melody is classic N.Flying - whimsical, energetic, spirited, and breathlessly emphatic. Like the OST of a youth drama, the impeccable blend of harmonious piano and refreshing acoustic guitar with alt-rock elements and a driving beat is not only addictive but also evokes a range of warm emotions. The dynamic instrumentation is an aural delight, especially during the ardent choruses, imparting an infallible vigor to the song. While there is a pronounced mood of nostalgia, 'Blue Moon' also conveys a sense of "carpe diem" or more precisely, "carpe noctem", as we join hands to admire the enigmatic blue moon.

The vocalization on this song is crystal clear, as always, with SeungHyub and Yoo HweSeung delivering the most passionate, heartfelt vocals with ease. The high notes are immaculate, sending goosebumps running down our spine. In addition, SeungHyub's rap verse adds just the right amount of edge and momentum to the song, giving it conviction. This one's going to be an absolute treat live.

Next, the radiant verve of 'Blue Moon' is followed by the anthemic, cathartic power of 'TREE', a song that is also written, co-composed, and co-arranged by SeungHyub, a.k.a J.DON.  This is a rock ballad at its finest -  a captivating display of musical virtuosity, complete with soaring vocals, raw sentiment, a rich rhythmic landscape created by the drums, and an electrifying guitar solo that closes it out with elan.

'TREE' is a testament to N.Flying's timeless musicality, and the effect it has on listeners is nothing short of magical. The lyrics are imbued with the most profound meaning and emotion with depth beyond measure, and anyone who has stuck by N.Flying for these eight years will find an especially stirring significance in the same. Needless to say, 'TREE' is a poignantly intimate composition, but the innermost vulnerabilities unveiled through it are universally resonant.

N.Flying 'Blue Moon' Lyrics Explained

'Blue Moon' opens up with a mesmerizing daze, as if the blue moon's reverie has stolen away our narrator's heart, casting a bewitching spell of cosmic enchantment that makes it feel like N.Flying and N.Fia are the only ones on this earth. Sure, this is an ephemeral moment, but it lasts an eternity in our memories, preserving the magnificence of such a rarity. The first verse concludes with SeungHyub addressing N.Fia as "my blue moon", which sets the tone for the rest of the song, as we now have the lens with which to analyze the lyrics.

N.Fia is N.Flying's blue moon, not just in the sense that they're chimeric and unique, but also because of the way that the stars aligned for the members to meet each other and, in turn, N.Fia, in this vast universe. This fated connection is nothing if not a fairytale, but to sustain such a lovely relationship for eight whole years is even more of a dream come true. So, on the occasion of the band's 8-year anniversary, they're celebrating their own journey while also promising to go on for years to come. On a cheeky note, SeungHyub says, "it's okay if you get sick of it", thus urging fans to stay with them no matter what because N.Flying will remain unchangingly theirs.

N.Flying emphasizes that the sheer motivation of having their voices heard by their beloved fans is enough to break the grey tedium of life and fill it in with vivid color like a pastel daydream, where all there is to do is confess the endless love in their hearts for N.Fia. On the other hand, the meaningful art created thus, also offers an escape from the monotony that fans might be stuck in. This highlights the cycle of love and creation that N.Flying and N.Fia are in, each inspiring the other infinitely.

Metaphorizing the milestone of an 8-year anniversary as a door to the unknown, signaling a brand new beginning, SeungHyub paints the pre-chorus with anticipation for what the future holds. However, this contemplation is short-lived as we're plunged into the effervescent chorus that sings of togetherness and everlasting love that will always comfort a lonely heart.

FNC Entertainment

The third verse comes with a flush of youthful reminiscence as N.Flying look back on the eight years they have spent together. The time they dedicated to their music and, as such, to N.Fia, shaped their identity as not only musicians but also human beings. So, the emotional import of their art has brought N.Flying and N.Fia closer than ever, so much so that they "fit like puzzle pieces". They understand each other better than anyone else, and that is exactly what keeps them together.

Notably, it is the uncertainty of the future that makes N.Flying hail the joys of the present even more with a song like 'Blue Moon' - "I keep getting cowardly / So I package it up so prettily". Despite how intimidating it might be to "gaze into eternity", N.Flying urges us to live in the moment with reckless abandon, so that when the time comes, we're left with the most precious memories, brimming with fondness - "If like the flash of a dream / The moonlight was to vanish / It lingers in my heart".

The bittersweetness of this verse is then undercut with a simple question - "Are you still waiting where I used to be?", bringing hope to N.Fia all over the world that N.Flying will never leave their side. At the same time, this can very well be interpreted as a reference to Cha Hun, Seo DongSung, and Kim JaeHyun's military enlistment, as they hope to return to N.Fia's warm embrace following the band's hiatus.

Finally, just like William Blake famously said, "hold Infinity in the palm of your hand and Eternity in an hour", N.Flying too, ponders on how a moment with N.Fia, as rare as a blue moon, feels like forever - "For a long time / I've loved you so much / Perhaps that's my eternity". Just like this, they hope to spend far more forevers together, intertwined by destiny and always in love.

So, that was our interpretation of 'Blue Moon'. What did you think of N.Flying's "Once In A BLUE MOON"? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!