Over the past two years, BLACKPINK’s members have embarked on individual artistic journeys, each releasing solo projects that showcase their distinct musical identities. From experimental sounds to emotional ballads, these albums reflect their strengths and weaknesses as soloists. Some exceeded expectations, while others left much to be desired. This review dissects each release with an unapologetic, unfiltered perspective.
Rosé’s “Rosie” – A Beautiful Voice Trapped in Monotony
A Promising Start That Fizzles Out
Rosé’s debut album, Rosie, was expected to be a deep, introspective journey into her artistry. The first few tracks offer hope. Her signature airy vocals glide effortlessly over mellow instrumentals, and the songwriting initially hints at something more personal. But by the time Gameboy rolls around, the excitement fades.
Too Slow to Leave a Lasting Impact
There is a fine line between emotive and sleep-inducing. Unfortunately, Rosie crosses into the latter territory more often than it should. The album’s pacing is excruciatingly slow, dragging toward an uninspiring finish. While Rosé’s voice remains a highlight, the lack of variety in tempo and style turns the album into background noise rather than a gripping musical experience.
A Self-Titled Album That Reveals More About Someone Else
When an artist names an album after themselves, there is an expectation that it will be a personal, unfiltered expression of their story. Rosie fails in that regard. Instead of learning about Rosé, listeners get an extended monologue about an ex. There is no deeper self-reflection or artistic revelation, just heartbreak set to delicate instrumentals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Impeccable vocals that carry an undeniable emotional weight.
Weaknesses: A lack of sonic versatility and an album structure that fails to sustain interest.
Best Tracks
- Gameboy
- Drinks & Coffee
- 3AM
Final Rating: 7.4/10
Jisoo’s “Amortage” – A Four-Song Knockout That Left Us Wanting More
Short But Powerful
Unlike the rest of her groupmates, Jisoo chose to release an EP rather than a full-length album. While Amortage only has four tracks, it delivers more substance in its brief runtime than some of the longer projects released by her peers.
Jisoo’s Unexpected Vocal Evolution
Jisoo has never been known as BLACKPINK’s strongest vocalist, but this project shatters that perception. The vocal arrangements on Amortage are a masterclass in how to play to an artist’s strengths. Tracks like Your Love and Hugs & Kisses push her into new territory, showcasing belts and runs that were rarely heard in BLACKPINK’s discography. It is the kind of vocal maturity that makes you question why she was not given this type of material sooner.
The Only Flaw? There’s Not Enough of It
Four tracks are simply not enough. While the EP is sonically cohesive and well-produced, it leaves listeners frustrated. Jisoo has finally found a sound that suits her, yet we barely get to hear it. The reliance on EDM and pop works for a short project, but for a future full-length album, she needs to experiment.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Stunning vocal performances and well-written lyrics.
Weaknesses: The frustratingly short tracklist.
Best Track
- Your Love (We need a music video immediately.)
Final Rating: 9.1/10
Lisa’s “Alter Ego” – High Energy, Low Substance
Fun But Forgettable
Lisa is a performer at heart, and Alter Ego was expected to be a high-energy, genre-defying project. On the surface, it delivers with an array of danceable tracks and stylish production. But when the beats fade and the excitement settles, what is left? Not much.
A Concept That Falls Flat
The album’s entire premise revolved around Lisa’s “alter egos,” each supposedly representing a different side of her personality. In execution, however, there is no real distinction between them. The only thing separating one persona from another is a change of outfits in the promotional materials. Musically, the tracks all blend into one another without any clear thematic or stylistic differences. If the goal was to showcase multiple artistic sides, this album fails.
Lyrical Weaknesses Drag Down the Album
Lisa may have charisma, but the songwriting on Alter Ego is embarrassingly weak. Outside of Dream, which offers a small glimpse into something deeper, the album’s lyrics amount to little more than generic party anthems. There is no storytelling, no introspection, just surface-level hooks and empty bravado.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: High-quality production and solid feature choices.
Weaknesses: Weak lyricism and an underwhelming execution of its concept.
Best Tracks
- Rockstar
- Thunder
- Lifestyle
Final Rating: 5.5/10
Jennie’s “Ruby” – A Near-Flawless Debut That Set the Standard
An Artist in Full Control
Jennie’s Ruby is a masterclass in how to execute a debut album. From the moment it begins, it is clear that she approached this project with precision and vision. The album’s production, sequencing, and overall execution feel deliberate and refined. Every song serves a purpose, creating a cohesive yet dynamic body of work.
Versatility Without Chaos
Unlike some of her peers who struggled with cohesion, Jennie balances versatility and consistency effortlessly. Ruby moves between genres without ever feeling disjointed. Whether she is delivering sultry R&B, explosive pop, or stripped-back ballads, she remains firmly in control of her artistic direction.
The Only Flaw? “Zen”
No album is perfect, and Ruby comes close, except for Zen. The track feels out of place, disrupting the album’s otherwise impeccable flow. Beyond that minor misstep, Ruby is everything a debut should be.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Everything, from vocals and production to versatility, features, and concept execution.
Weaknesses: Zen exists.
Best Tracks
- Seoul Mama
- Like Jennie
- With the IE
Final Rating: 9.3/10
Who Won the Solo Era? A Breakdown of Key Categories
Best Music: Jennie
Best Music Videos: Jennie
Best Production: Jennie
Most Versatile: Jennie
Best Choreography: Jennie
Best Concept Execution: Jennie
Best Lyricism: Jisoo
Best Vocals: Rosé
Best Feature Choices: Jennie and Lisa
Most Experimental: Jennie
Best Rollout Strategy: Rosé
After nearly two years of waiting, frustrations, and delays, BLACKPINK’s solo era has come to an end. While each member brought something unique to the table, not all albums were created equal. Jennie delivered the most polished and impactful debut, while Jisoo’s Amortage proved that she is not to be underestimated. Rosé’s Rosie had its moments but suffered from sluggish pacing, and Lisa’s Alter Ego struggled to find depth beyond its glossy production.
Through the highs and lows, all four members have proven that their artistry extends beyond the group. The question now is, where do they go from here?
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