Music Overview: Jennie (BLACKPINK) – ZEN

New Okay-pop releases are often telegraphed nicely prematurely. Shock drops are nonetheless comparatively uncommon. BLACKPINK’s Jennie lately introduced a solo album scheduled for March, however pre-release observe ZEN arrives with no warning on a day and time artists don’t usually launch new music. It’s enjoyable to be caught off stability for as soon as — particularly by a performer of Jennie’s caliber.

I used to be not a fan of Jennie’s final solo effort Mantra and was most likely too harsh in my music score. Nonetheless, a observe like ZEN simply showcases why Mantra was so beneath Jennie’s potential. At their core, these songs aren’t fully completely different in idea. The distinction is that ZEN ties its assured vitality to a way more fascinating manufacturing. The observe is a hulking beast, shifting from stomping, sparse verses to an awesome, claustrophobic refrain. Industrial beats collide with sliding, distorted electro rumbles to create a soundscape that’s equal components unnerving and arresting. If solely BLACKPINK’s many “we’re the good ladies in Okay-pop” singles had utilized an identical impact! With an instrumental this tense and bristling, I really imagine what the lyrics are stating.

Eradicating the megawatt manufacturing, ZEN is kind of easy. We’ve bought two verses and two choruses, every delivered with a halting circulate that creates an excessive amount of empty house. This distinction between sonic desolation and sonic overload forges the music’s rigidity. This strategy is compelling sufficient to compensate for any structural shortcomings. After all, Jennie’s pure charisma goes a great distance towards promoting this efficiency type, and it helps that the refrain is weirdly catchy even when its melodies aren’t completely obeying our expectations. If the remainder of her album sounds something like this, Jennie is on her method towards delivering probably the most fascinating BLACKPINK-related music I’ve heard in years.

Grade: B