By Liah Mckee & Sophie Vu
Global superstars BLACKPINK released their second album “Born Pink” on Sept. 16. The varied album covers multiple genres like hip-hop, rock and R&B; there is something for everyone. Also attending to their millions of international fans, four of the eight total tracks are English songs.
The girl group debuted in 2016 with their single album, “Square One,” and quickly rose to fame. The members consist of Jennie (rapper & vocalist), Jisoo (vocalist), Lisa (rapper & dancer) and Rosé (vocalist & dancer). Not only are they successful artists, but they can also be seen in tv, movies and even in campaigns for luxury brands, like Dior and YSL.
Pink Venom
Hitting it off with their title track, “Pink Venom” delivers a head-spinning poison to their audience and fans. This song is a perfect representation of sweet but deadly—BLACKPINK’s specialty.
With their low-hit bouncy beats and rising instrumentals in the background, this track complements their signature vocals, especially towards the end which demonstrates their undeniable powerful influence. They unquestionably have changed the K-pop industry and have such a personal connection with their fans. Their reference of “I bring the pain like” really exhibits their dominance in the industry and how they’ve always come back even more successful regardless of the difficulties they have faced being such a big face of K-pop.
Be sure to look out for the opening violin beat drop doubled with Jennie’s killer introduction.
Shut Down
Sampling classical pieces in tracks has become a common trend in the K-pop world these past few years. In “Shut Down,” BLACKPINK incorporates La Campanella by Franz Liszt. While a song sampling an elegant piano piece may seem relaxing, “Shut Down” delivers the complete opposite feel.
It is a message and response to the hate the girls have received during their hiatus. The girls prove their haters wrong with their irresistible charms, wealth and overall success. The chorus surely lets their audience know that they will “shut down” the rowdy obstacles they’ve faced with the benefits of being able to produce the results that they want almost flawlessly.
Typa Girl
“Typa Girl” is one of their four songs produced in all English. This song clearly displays their “girl-boss energy” through lyrics like “The typa girl that make you forget that you got a type.” They possess traits that “ordinary girls” wouldn’t have and make you want to be them or even question why you wouldn’t want them. Through this track BLACKPINK really proves that they have come back stronger than ever through their hiatus.
Hard to Love
With “Hard to Love,” YG Entertainment (BLACKPINK’s agency) took the unusual approach of including a member solo in a group album. Rosé takes on this lite-disco track of a sentimental relationship that many can relate to. Her sweet and clear vocals perfectly execute the tone and process of how it would feel after a broken relationship.
The Happiest Girl
Another one of the softer, sentimental tracks in the album, “The Happiest Girl” is the ballad of the album. This dark and somber track really takes a focus on the input of emotion in the girls’ vocals. BLACKPINK is a group of such unique and brilliant vocalists and this track really highlights each of their abilities and personal sounds. The lyrics describe a girl in a relationship who is struggling to keep going on, she strives to be the happiest girl in the world after the breakup. The slow beat drops in the background really get to the audience and the delicacy of one’s heart.
Review
This album is definitely worth your time and it gets better with every listen. If you are interested in getting to know the world of K-pop, this album would be the perfect start. Following this comeback, the girls are also going on their first world tour in two years. Check out “Shut Down,” one of our personal favorites from the album aligning with “Typa Girl”—it really gives you a taste of what they are all about.
“Born Pink” is available for listening on all streaming platforms including Spotify & Apple Music. Be sure to check out their music videos on YouTube as well, for an even stronger hit. But be careful, you just might come out as a Blink!
