Author’s Note: Some of the videos will not work on the school’s wifi or students’ school accounts and will only be accessed on personal accounts at home.

Established K-pop idols Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa, better known by their group name BLACKPINK, released their second studio album “Born Pink” Friday, Sept. 16. It has been over a year since their first album release “The Album.” A single from their first album, “How You Like That,” broke the record for the fastest music video to hit 100 million views in one day. “Pink Venom,” the featured pre-release single on “Born Pink,” peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Born Pink” is just the beginning of what BLACKPINK has to offer musically to their fans, featuring newly touched-upon genres alongside tried and true concepts.

“Pink Venom” 

“Pink Venom” describes a ‘lovely poison’. It offers the idea that BLACKPINK will always be on top, and throughout the lyrics, they describe to the world that they are in charge. “Pink Venom” Easter-eggs a couple of famous songs in the lyrics and beat, such as Rihanna’s “Pon De Replay,” “P.I.M.P.” by 50 Cent, and “Get Money” by Notorious BIG. The beat is amazing from the start, and this featured pre-single off the album really just captivates BLACKPINK’s concept. This is no doubt one of the strongest songs off the album, with addictive choreography and music. 10/10

“Shut Down”

“Shut Down” is the featured title track on “Born Pink.” The violin mixed with an electric beat gives it a classy and rebellious vibe. The music video alludes to their old videos with different set pieces from each previous era. The lyrics describe how BLACKPINK is onto a new era and clapping back at haters, with lyrics such as “keep talking, we shut you down,” or my favorite lyric “bunch of wannabes that wanna be me – me three if I was you.” My expectations for this title track were heavily exceeded by the girls, and this song became my favorite, only one second in. “Shut Down” did not disappoint. 10/10

“Typa Girl“

“Typa Girl” (explicit) is personally my favorite song off the album. It focuses on female empowerment, with lyrics such as “I’m not like these others girls at all,” or “I’m the type of girl that makes you forget you have a type.” All in all, its beat is super addictive, and I was immediately hooked as soon as it started playing. It’s easy to understand the meaning behind the lyrics, and it is the perfect song for when you need a confidence boost. 10/10

“Yeah Yeah Yeah“

“Yeah Yeah Yeah” has an amazing retro sound throughout, and the lyrics portray the insecurities of falling in love with someone you didn’t think you would fall in love with, as described through lyrics such as “Why did you show up? … If you like me, just tell me – yeah, yeah, yeah,” and “will love hurt me once more.” It has relatable lyrics, personally written by members Jisoo and Rosé, and overall a great sound. When I first listened to the song, I initially did not enjoy it, but it has definitely grown on me. 7/10

“Hard To Love“

“Hard to Love” (explicit) is a solo song sung by Rosé, who recently had her single album “R” release in 2021. “Hard to Love” probably has the most relatable lyrics in my opinion, and describes how Rosé feels she is hard to love because of how she’s been hurt by relationships in the past. It’s a big step up from her single album, and quickly became my favorite solo song from all of the other members. Her voice sounds absolutely beautiful, and the electric guitar is such a prominent addition to the beat that I feel like adds so much. Overall, my expectations for this solo song were exceeded. 9/10

“Happiest Girl“

“Happiest Girl” holds its spot as the featured ballad song on the album. It’s describing how the girls are pretending to be okay in front of the person from a past relationship that hurt them. It is an easily followable song lyrically, with many relatable lyrics for a one-sided breakup. The vocals are amazing in this song, and this song really brings out each of their vocal talents. I’m a sucker for sad songs, so this is definitely one of my favorites.  8/10

“Tally“

“Tally” (explicit) is probably my least favorite song, but I do like the message behind it. “Tally” is about not caring what others think, and doing whatever you want with no shame. I enjoy the message behind it, but it feels repetitive at times throughout the lyrics and beat. There really isn’t a captivating musical sound or lyrics to it that would make me put it on repeat. Even if, in my opinion, this is the weakest song on the album, it still holds production value. 5/10

“Ready For Love”

“Ready For Love” stands as the concluding track on this album, and I looked forward to this release. They teased the song in their documentary “Light Up The Sky,” with behind-the-scenes recordings of the music production. After waiting two years for the studio version to release, I can’t determine whether or not I was disappointed. Although I do really like it, it might not have been worth the wait. The song offers a nice beat and beautiful vocals from the girls, especially Rosé, and it was featured as a collaboration with PUBG mobile. 6/10

Closing Thoughts

Overall, this album is an ace release from BLACKPINK. It features a wide array of tracks that anybody can enjoy, and overall, no skips. This album serves as a step-up from their other releases, and it proves that time and time again BLACKPINK only gets better. I’d rate this song on a scale of 1-10 a 9/10.

BLACKPINK never fails to make a well-rounded tracklist, and leaves fans only thirsting for more. I cannot wait for their tour this fall, and for more content from the girls.