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Final mark: 8.1 / 10
“The Album” consists of eight tracks.
YG Entertainment / Interscope
Ahlgrim: Speaking as someone who certainly has little education about the world of K-pop, but also someone who loves a classy, escapist pop record, I was resoundingly impressed by BLACKPINK’s debut.
Before “The Album”, I had listened to some of BLACKPINK’s music here and there. For the most part, I was amazed by the group’s imposing stage presence and the positive energy of their brotherhood. Now, I understand how those qualities translate into bold and uplifting pop music.
There is a difference between sticking to a formula and maintaining a keen sense of yourself. BLACKPINK is counting on the latter, exercising masterful control over their craft and delighting fans in the process. I can’t wait to add these songs to my upbeat playlists.
That said though, “The Album” ironically feels more like a playlist than an album. The sequence is complicated, and while these songs are undeniably fun, they struggle to seem united as a group.
I feel like I just had eight straight shots of multi-colored sugary liqueurs.
Haasch: I’ve been following BLACKPINK since early 2017, essentially since I started listening to K-pop regularly. This album feels long overdue for a group that debuted almost four years ago and has been breaking records and garnering accolades around the world ever since, fueled by single albums and EPs.
“The Album” is the most comprehensive product we’ve seen from BLACKPINK, and it manages to embrace their musical identity in a way that pays homage to the ways their sound has developed since their debut.
The pop flavors of his rookie year shine through on “Lovesick Girls,” while tracks like “How You Like That” convey the cheeky and confident vibes of previous singles like “Kill This Love.”
Overall, I think “The Album” is a great performance for BLACKPINK. It shows that they are far from being single note artists, and while it is eclectic and jarring at times, this album always keeps you on your toes.
Choi: BLACKPINK’s double edged sword is that they have such a strong signature style that it is so unique, without a doubt, BLACKPINK.
In some ways, this easily identifiable style is precisely what has led them to stand out from audiences around the world and build such an impressive career for themselves.
At the same time, it can make you doubt and wonder if there is room to grow as artists.
What “The Album” has shown is that BLACKPINK is by no means a group that can only do one style of music. These women have the ability to adopt a wide range of styles, and at the same time they know how to stay true to who they are as artists.
Her first full-length album incorporates elements of EDM, pop, and ballads while staying true to her K-pop roots. The letters are safe and vulnerable. BLACKPINK is in your area, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.
Worth listening to:
“Pretty Savage”
“I bet you want to”
“Love-sick girls”
“Crazy for You”
“I love to hate myself”
Background music:
“You never know”
Split decision:
“How do you like that”
“Ice cream”
Press skip:
N / A
* Final album score based on songs by category (1 point for “Worth listening to”, .5 for “Background Music”, .5 for “Split Decision”, 0 for “Hit Skip”).
