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Blackpink's 'Born Pink': self-referential and bold self-satisfaction

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Six years ago, Rosé said he was on top of the world and “thumped” a boy. This is one of the most famous images of her in Blackpink’s debut music video. It has also become one of the most prophetic. Since then, YG Entertainment’s fierce quartet of hers – Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa – has literally taken the world by storm, with the visuals for the group’s latest single “Shut Down” coming from her sophomore album. . bone pink, Rose finds herself back on Earth in the same relaxed position. Now the world is black and pink, and instead of pining, she’s giving in.

This face-to-face attitude, their innate swagger, undoubtedly cements Blackpink’s dominance on the global music scene. Not only is he one of the most successful pop acts, but the individual members are international superstars in their own right. They could even argue that they are more prolific as celebrities than singers. Despite their success, Blackpink have produced only small, if influential, productions to date. bone pink‘s scarce eight-song tracklist does nothing to back it up, totaling just over 24 minutes.

Still, the Pinks make the best of what they have, delivering an album that’s both self-referential and boldly complacent. An early album cut, “Typa Girl,” interpolates 2020’s “Pretty Savage,” evoking the ferocity of brassy synths and hard-her-edges. “Be the best in whatever I do/It resonates with the brand,” Lisa raps.

Its brand is best conveyed on the album’s pre-release single, “Pink Venom.” Earworm ranges from West Coast rap (his chants that open the group’s name mimic snoop his dog’s “I Wanna Rock” draw) to his anarchic EDM and hypnotically strumming instruments. A torrent of melodies and sounds. gumungo, Korean traditional koto. It’s the peak of K-pop’s maximalism: ever-changing, mercurial madness.Still, the rest bone pink Definitely more coherent, and in some cases even simpler, for better or worse.

The previously released promotional song for PUBG Mobile, “Ready For Love,” feels throwaway, as does the snoozy “The Happiest Girl,” but that track provides the album’s only piano ballad. A reflection on the pitfalls of fame, “The Happiest Girl,” like its predecessor “You Never Know,” shows the world the rare vulnerability from Taipa Her Girl.

Lead single “Shut Down” strips away producer Teddy’s bombastic instincts for languid trap beats, heightened by a slowed-down string sample of classical composer Niccolo Paganini’s “La Campanella.” Lyrically, the girls are as proud as ever. “We never left, so it’s not a comeback,” Jenny raps, nodding sharply to the two-year wait between albums. Just sit down, baby’ deliver the bar. Meanwhile, Lisa boasts of being a “rock star, pop star, but a rowdy.”

The pop-rock hybrid “Yeah Yeah Yeah” is one of the album’s highlights. A fizzy love song featuring lyrics from Jisoo and Rosé, mixed with upbeat 80s synths and steady guitar riffs. Easy listening, but maybe not what some of his K-pop purists are looking for. His YG Entertainment, home of Blackpink and his ‘Girl His Crush’ predecessor, 2NE1, has become known for his saucy bangers and heavy bass, but his YG sound is more classic. is sentimental. No other company has perfected a danceable sad bop like YG. That’s why Rosé’s surprise solo her entry, “Hard to Love,” is also a cathartic masterpiece. “When I feel too good, I just mess around/You want my everything, I can’t give you so much,” she sings over an electric guitar groove.

Rosé may be singing about love, but her lyrics speak to Blackpink’s wider stance. Predict more from them.For track list bone pink Only 8 songs have been revealed, 2 of which have already been released and fans expressed their disappointment on social media. The world’s biggest girl group certainly has more to offer. But at this point in their career, do they really owe anyone? Blackpink’s sound and aesthetic has inspired an entire generation, and its members are part-time pop stars dedicated to individual projects. seems completely satisfied. In an ever-changing industry, Blackpink’s casualness feels almost novel.

“I’ll say it when I feel it/I’ll ​​get mine while you talk that shit,” they say, “Tully ” sings. And they couldn’t care less.

Blackpink’s ‘Born Pink’ has been released.

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