Blackpink, the K-pop sensation that dominated the late 2010s, became known for its bold, maximalist sound. The group’s songs were loud, aggressive, and full of energy, offering a contrast to the more delicate girl groups that came before. Blackpink’s approach redefined what a pop hit could sound like, and their global success reflected their ability to push boundaries.
The group’s internal dynamic was equally modern. While Rosé and Jisoo took on the singing roles, Lisa and Jennie rapped, yet all members showed impressive vocal versatility. This flexibility kept Blackpink’s music fresh and unpredictable. However, as time passed, the group’s chaotic energy and overwhelming success began to feel like it might be too much to sustain.
After a brief hiatus, Blackpink is now set to return with solo projects from all four members, followed by a reunion tour in July. These solo albums offer a chance for each member to showcase their individual talents, but often the releases reflect more the ambitions of their record labels than the personal artistry of the members themselves.
Both Lisa and Jennie, who are most responsible for Blackpink’s bold attitude, face similar pressures with their solo albums. Each album maintains elements of Blackpink’s signature sound but also explores new directions.
Lisa’s “Alter Ego” stays true to the group’s early style, emphasizing bombastic tracks like “Rockstar,” “Elastigirl,” and “Thunder.” These songs are chaotic and aggressive, evoking memories of Blackpink’s early hits. However, Lisa also experiments with different sounds, such as “New Woman,” a duet with Rosalía that blends their distinct voices. The collaboration with rapper Future, “Fxck Up the World,” doesn’t quite hit the mark, with Lisa’s delivery feeling forced. Similarly, her collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Tyla struggle to find a cohesive flow.
Interestingly, Lisa is at her best in quieter moments, like the guitar-pop track “Chill” and the ballad “Dream,” where the pace slows down and she seems more comfortable.
Jennie’s “Ruby” follows a similar path, with high-profile collaborations, including a duet with Dua Lipa and a feature from rapper Doechii. These collaborations, though star-studded, often fail to connect in a meaningful way, with Jennie’s performance sometimes falling short. Despite this, Jennie also revisits her Blackpink roots, with tracks like “Like Jennie,” which brings a fresh energy to the group’s familiar sound. The album also includes “Mantra,” a more commercial, polished track, and “Start a War,” which showcases Jennie’s confidence and vocal power.
Both Lisa’s and Jennie’s albums reflect the influence of the larger pop machine, with credits from major producers and songwriters. Despite their artistic risks, both albums emphasize the global appeal and commercial success of K-pop, leaving little room for the same sense of raw innovation that defined Blackpink’s early work.
In contrast, Rosé’s “Rosie” feels more like a retreat from Blackpink’s overwhelming presence. The album is quieter and more introspective, focusing on Rosé’s big vocals. Tracks like “Number One Girl” and “Toxic Till the End” are emotionally driven, with influences from Taylor Swift’s pop eras. “APT.,” a duet with Bruno Mars, stands out as a playful hit, but overall, “Rosie” showcases a more subdued, polished approach to pop.
Jisoo’s “Amortage” is the most modest release of the four, as it is an EP rather than a full album. Jisoo, often the more reserved member of Blackpink, takes on a more classic pop style in this project. The highlight is “Your Love,” which blends sweetness with ambition. The rest of the EP stays close to Blackpink’s sound but feels more restrained, suggesting a move toward a simpler, more sustainable approach to fame.
As a group, Blackpink wielded size and energy as their weapons, but now, as they each venture out on their own, the members must decide whether to carve out new paths or try to redefine their roles within the group’s shadow.
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