By Anna Trevathan, Editor
JENNIE, a previous K-Pop Icon as a formative member of the girl group Blackpink, has released an almost entirely English debut album named after the pseudonym she used while living in New Zealand, Ruby.
To launch this full length solo work is a tall enough feat, but then to feature the likes of Doechii, Dominic Fike, Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, and Kali Uchis on a debut album is a power move. JENNIE takes this first album to try out different genres and vocal stylings, also proving that whatever genre she finds her footing in, she is sure to dominate. Let’s dive in:
- “Intro: JANE with FKJ”
Partially titled after the last name she uses in her film credits, “Jane,” this song is unlike anything I have heard before, sounding like a wind-up ballet music box with hip hop beats overlaying it. Her voice also is intertwined in this rhythm, making the perfect opening for the melting pot of genres on the album.
- “like JENNIE”
Now this track was something I would expect on Cardi B’s discography, lyrically. With lines like, “Who else got ‘em obsessed, like JENNIE- (haters) could never, ever be JENNIE” it’s clear to see that there is a new diva in town. JENNIE takes ownership of her name, letting listeners know exactly who she is.
- “start a war”
On Amelia Dimoldenberg’s internet sensational series “Chicken Shop Date,” JENNIE gushed about Rhianna, specifically mentioning that she is still starstruck when it comes to her. This song feels like something we could have gotten from Rhianna had Fenty not taken her hostage from music, the track expertly walking the tightrope between Hip-Hop and R&B.
- “Handlebars” (feat. Dua Lipa)
Personal favorite alert! Her voice and Dua Lipa’s blends so well, it’s a perfect spring/summertime track to me. This song has such a danceable beat, which makes it the perfect gate for previous Blackpink fans to fall into as well. This could easily be a Top 40 Billboard track, if America agrees with me.
- “with the IE (way up)”
I love the opening gasps on this song, then the hip-hop track following throughout. Admittedly, her voice does not cater to this song as well as the previous ones. It’s this Disney type of rapping where I can’t really find myself listening to this on purpose… it’s reminiscent of an Encanto song to me.
- “ExtraL” (feat. Doechii)
I have been seeing more and more of Doechii and I am not mad about it! Doechii has one of those voices truly made for rap and it shows on this type of track. This speed works better for JENNIE’s voice as well, with her unique musicality serving more efficiently here. Doechii just makes this track with her verse; any fan of hers will agree with her as she says “let me serve”.
- “Mantra”
Mantra came out last year in October, and it’s well worth the listen if you haven’t already. Think female powerhouse meets bubblegum pop- with a sprinkle of LA Dreaming.
- “Love Hangover” (feat. Dominic Fike)
This is a song where JENNIE really sounds comfortable. It’s a speed that I think she thrives at in a genre she blends in with. Conceptually, I really enjoy this track. She explores the human experience of sleeping with a person that the singer is carrying intense feelings for, as a love hangover is inevitable. It’s the unintended consequence of pursuing your heart’s desire.
- “ZEN”
ZEN is, unfortunately, an Iggy Azalea type of track. Sonically, it’s very similar to “Like JENNIE” just with something missing. After having a song with the Rap and Hip-Hop styling that was done so well, it’s difficult seeing this track be a bit of a let down on the album. It’s overwhelming, cluttered, and lacking the lyrical interest that she brought in with previous tracks.
- “Damn Right” (feat Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis)
It’s virtually impossible to put Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis on a track and have me not enjoy it. I’m a die-hard fan of Kali Uchis and she sounds as angelic as ever on this track. I love that she’s collaborating with JENNIE on her journey of discovery. JENNIE herself also sounds incredible on this, her voice really catering to the strong repeated melodies that come with the R&B sound of the track. Childish Gambino also proves to be as legendary as always.
- “F.T.S.”
I had been waiting for a slower stripped song on this track, and I am ecstatic she gave us one! It’s this perfect tender ode to freedom, honesty, and inner strength. F. T. S, meaning both “Fuck that shit” and “Flip the script” really encapsulates her journey becoming a solo artist. She’s flipping the script on her previous image with Blackpink, creating a new identity and legacy one genre at a time.
- “Filter”
“Filter” is really interesting to me lyrically, more than the actual music. I struggled getting into this track on a baseline listening level, until 2 minutes in which also happens to be about 30 seconds before it ends. I wish she had dived deeper into the EDM/Dance stylings on this track.
- “Seoul City”
Seoul City leans more into the R&B sound again, it’s a sensuous track that’s also serving as a nod to Seoul, South Korea. Lyrically, this is an interesting track in relation to control as she sings about a “general” and their desire for control. Generally, K-Pop groups have a notorious reputation for being rigidly controlled about tracks being released. Seeing JENNIE shredding that control and adventuring out onto her own gives this track a very layered meaning to me.
- “Starlight”
Starlight is so fun! It’s another potential Top 40 track as it really leans into that traditional girly Pop sound. It has a nostalgic feel, which ties back to the intro song at the beginning of the album. Another fun, easy listen for fans of “Handlebars”.
- “Twin”
JENNIE ends the album with a deeply personal track, a stripped down personal ode to a friend. The song gets close to a country feel, with a gentle guitar opening and some serious vulnerability. It’s the perfect contrast to the high-tempo layered sound of typical K-Pop tracks. Not to mention, songs like this really show off her vocal prowess as an artist. It’s another easy favorite of mine.
Overall, Ruby is much more than a debut album. It’s JENNIE’s declaration of independence from Blackpink, social media, and even genres themselves. While some tracks were a misstep to me, the album as a whole was a deep personal journey of discovery.
Rating: 8.5/10
