Israeli Artist Nuno Releases Long-Delayed Album Reflecting Personal Loss and National Tragedy

In summer 2022, Israeli pop sensation Nuno (Adir Pima), the persona of Naomi Aharoni Gal, captivated the nation with her hit "Cute Boy" and successful debut album "Status." To process her rapid rise, she and collaborator Eli Ashdot traveled to Greece, where they wrote and produced a vibrant second album slated for release in November 2023. However, the outbreak of the October 7, 2023 conflict in Israel abruptly halted these plans, leading Nuno to shelve the album indefinitely.

Nearly four years after its creation, Nuno has now released "The Shelved," a dynamic pop record infused with witty, raw, and surprising lyrics. The decision to freeze the album was deeply personal, reflecting the stark change in Israeli reality following the October 7 attacks. Nuno explained that while on a family trip in Turkey during the attacks, she realized the album's themes no longer fit the new context. "No one told me 'no'; it was my choice," she said, describing the album as a dream of a world that seems forgotten.

"The Shelved" serves as a time capsule, with songs written before later material, creating a unique nostalgic effect for both Nuno and her audience. Central to the album is the single "Night," accompanied by an artistic video co-directed by Nuno and Adam Gabai. The song was inspired by a dream about her father, who died of cancer when she was about 20, marking the first time she openly expresses her longing for him. She shared the pain of her father missing her breakthrough and the practical support he would have provided during her career development.

The album blends Nuno's signature upbeat pop with deep emotional layers, reflecting both grief and joy. Nuno emphasized the importance of allowing space for mourning, anger, and pain alongside laughter and dancing amid complex realities. The closing track, "What to Say," is a modest favorite of hers, underscoring the album's intimate nature. "The Shelved" is not just a delayed collection of songs but a vivid reminder of simpler times and a testament to Nuno's accelerated artistic maturation, solidifying her as one of Israel's most original and compelling musicians today.