After two years bracing K-Pop music scene, Blackpink finally have an album! The girls released their first
mini album called Square Up on
Friday, June 15th 2018.
Square Up consists of four songs that showcase Blackpink signature
style. Each song was dominated by electronic dance and hip-hop music. Although
it has similar concept, each song present different vibe between one another.
How does each track in Square Up stand out among others? Check out
my review for Blackpink first mini album here…………
Ddu-Du Ddu-Du is the new summer banger from Blackpink. This is an electronic
dance track with strong beat and Middle Eastern inspired sound. The music able
to capture people’s attention in first place while its catchphrase stays on
their mind in a long time.
Although it is enjoyable, Ddu-Du
Ddu-Du does not offer something new. The hook seems lazy because of similar
meaning with Bang Bang Bang from Bigbang (same producer, same agency). The
song dynamic is also quite jarring.
There are too many blank transitions between each part.
As for Ddu-Du Ddu-Du
music video, Blackpink successfully show their confidence in various ways. They
positioned themselves not as nice girls, but savage one just like the song lyrics.
We see Jennie crushes her shopping
bag with metallic tank, Lisa brings
samurai, Rose acts as a queen, and Jisoo walks in a crowd.
The girls’ confidence combined with gorgeous styling and
visualization throughout music video. The usage of black and pink setting as
well as clothes are visually popping and pleasing. The only minus point in Ddu-Du Ddu-Du music video would be its
repetitiveness. This music video could easily replaced with Blackpink previous
clips since most of them have similar concepts.
Forever Young should be Square Up title track. It tackles tropical house genre,
which sounds current compare to electronic dance one. It manages to set
Blackpink apart from other YG
Entertainment artists that cater latter genre.
Forever Young also stands out because of its strong dynamic. The verses are solid,
the refrain is easy to remember while the rap and last breakdown gives
refreshing spin to whole song. The lyrics are uplifting too where Blackpink
wishes to stay together with their lover in certain moment. All of these wraps
in smooth transition.
Still, Forever Young has
weakness in terms of vocal. The heavy autotune covered most of Blackpink voices.
Rose sounds off too. She should stop singing in different way. It ruins her
vocal and makes her difficult to reach several notes.
Blackpink goes into medium tempo territory with Really. This song has playful hip-hop
beat and hook part. The combination sounds chill yet fresh after upbeat tracks
opening Square Up album.
Really lyrics are fun too where Blackpink wants a guy to prove their
commitment in relationship. The girls showcase witty side through their way of
singing. Rose finally shines. Her emotions spots on and her vocal fit the song
range.
See U Later closes Square Up in different way. The song theme seems more
gloomy and dramatic. Blackpink decides to break up with their boyfriend after
realizing his bad behavior. The girls try to move on and assure that he does
not worth it.
See U Later gloomy vibe also represented through its music. Electric guitar
sound dominated this song. The girls’ vocal appears stronger here too because
of solid dynamic during verses.
However, Blackpink does not want to play safe. There is a twist in
chorus part where the beat drops. It still enjoyable, but the song would work
better with actual chorus to match verses build up.
Catchy is the perfect way to describe Square Up album. Each song
is enjoyable and easy to capture attention. Blackpink also has consistency in
presenting their signature style.
Consistency is great, but Blackpink should become worried about
repetitiveness. Most of their new tracks do not show stark growth with the previous
one. The girls need to explore themselves more and not waste their strong
potential.
Rating: 3/5
Favorite
Tracks: Forever Young, Really
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