[ad_1]
Since their debut with YG Entertainment in 2016, BLACKPINK has helped K-Pop reach a new level of global popularity. Selling world tours, breaking numerous records and collaborating with big names like Lady Gaga, the four-person girl band has attracted a large “Blinks” fanbase from around the world.
Following their 2018 and 2019 EP releases, Blinks has been anticipating the release of the band’s debut Korean studio album “The Album” for four years. The excitement grew after the release of the album’s first single, “How You Like That” in June. The single was an instant hit, setting the record for the most viewed music video on YouTube within 24 hours of its release. While the song was an immediate hit, it bears many similarities to the group’s previous songs “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “Kill This Love.”
Like “How You Like That”, various songs on “The Album” such as “Crazy Over You” and “Pretty Savage” are characteristic of a repetitive structure and formula. They share a similar upbeat EDM rhythm driving the verses. It slows down for the pre-chorus, but quickly comes back up for an anticlimactic drop in rhythm that leads to the chorus.
This pattern throughout “The Album” leads to a lack of variety in song styles; However, it’s worth noting that the same group of producers and writers work on most of BLACKPINK’s work, keeping in mind their common ground. Some of the lyrics don’t make sense either (“If you’re wrong in our name, du-ddu-du-ddu hit” in “Pretty Savage”), and some are onomatopoeia (“Bada bing, bada boom, boom, boom” in ” How You Like That ”) making the lyrics feel secondary to the EDM beat.
Nonetheless, these tracks are tough with a full fanfare of hiss and percussion and layers of technology. Catchy and upbeat, the songs boost adrenaline, stimulate a momentary sense of self-confidence and empowerment, and are (thankfully) motivational in the gym.
There are a few other gems that make up for the lack of originality in almost half of the album. Released in early August, the collaboration with Selena Gomez is highlighted. “Ice Cream” is the epitome of “last summer vibes”, and the bubblegum pop single is lighter and more bubbly than the EDM tracks that dominate “The Album”, showing a fun and refreshing side of BLACKPINK.
In contrast to the more upbeat and lively melodies, “You Never Know” is laid-back and brooding. The eighth and final track on the album is undoubtedly the most distinctive. Raw and vulnerable, the substantive lyrics about how to overcome struggles under the pretext that nothing is wrong creates a brooding yet empowering mood. The lyrics, “But you’ll never know unless you step into my shoes / Because everyone sees what they want to see / I wonder if I have to try to pretend” are especially revealing. The smooth voices of the BLACKPINK members blend perfectly with the same five repeating piano chords, complementing the simple melody.
The way each member sings so sincerely speaks to the emotions they feel. Equipping the soundtrack with emotional substance and variety, “You Never Know” could be one of BLACKPINK’s most vulnerable pieces and definitely one of the main contenders for this album.
Another important note about “The Album” is its role in transitioning and facilitating further incorporation of English into BLACKPINK’s songs. Her recent collaborations with Selena Gomez and Cardi B on “Ice Cream” and “Bet You Wanna,” respectively, are sung entirely in English with minimal Korean sprinkled here and there. Bekuh BOOM, a rapper and producer who works closely with BLACKPINK, explains that the girls “will continue to incorporate more English into their lyrics … to show their talent and growth, especially in the language.”
Overall, the eight-song album allows listeners a preview of BLACKPINK’s increasing globalization. “The Album” lacks the exploration and blending of styles that many listeners expected, but the four-year wait was anything but a waste. Although many songs are structured in the same way, the feeling of empowerment of their songs overshadows their weaknesses. “The Album” is an explosive compilation of energizing and addictive music that will empower listeners, a much-needed inspiration to get through 2020.
[ad_2]
