Four distinct solo identities—A music critic's perspective on BLACKPINK members' solo albums

The first chapter of BLACKPINK's solo ventures has come to a close. Starting with Rosé's first full album Rosie on December 6, 2023, followed by Jisoo's Amortage, Lisa's Alter Ego, and most recently, Jennie's (Ruby) on March 9, each member has officially released an album-length project under their own name.

With different agencies and distribution networks, the members embarked on their own creative journeys for 18 months, exploring ways to express their individual artistry.

The outcomes of these projects could already be inferred from the pre-released singles that gradually dropped throughout the year. Lisa's Rockstar, with a music video shot entirely in Thailand, set the tone. Jennie's Mantra delivered an LA party anthem celebrating female empowerment, while Rosé and Bruno Mars turned a Korean drinking game chant into a global hit with APT.

Even as pre-releases, these tracks dominated discussions, reflecting BLACKPINK's unwavering brand power. However, each member took advantage of this influence to break free from YG Entertainment's traditional formulas, refining their artistic direction with sophisticated aesthetics and personal storytelling. The result? Four unique solo albums, each posing different questions about K-pop's evolution:

• Can K-pop albums released under foreign labels still be classified as Korean pop?
• What does the rise of non-Korean K-pop idols signify for the industry?
• How are artists actively detaching the "K" from K-pop?
• What is the ideal model for a K-pop solo act in the global music market?

These are rich discussion points that continue to spark debate.

Until now, there haven't been many opportunities to analyze BLACKPINK's solo releases as full projects. With Jennie's (Ruby) completing the set, now is the perfect time to evaluate them in release order: Rosé, Jisoo, Lisa, and Jennie.

🎤 Rosé – Rosie

Having Rosé introduce Bruno Mars to the Apt. Game was a brilliant decision. The trendy chant-pop style of Chappell Roan's Hot To Go, combined with the fresh cultural hook of a Korean drinking game and Bruno Mars' signature guitar-driven sound reminiscent of Locked Out of Heaven, created a perfect trifecta.

One of 2024's biggest global hits, APT. broke records:

✅ Fastest TikTok video to reach 2 billion views

✅ #1 on YouTube Music Video charts

✅ Peaked at #3 on Billboard Hot 100

Even now, in its 19th week, APT. remains in the Billboard Top 10 and has held #2 on the UK Official Charts for weeks. Rosé's debut as a soloist was an explosive success, achieving unprecedented milestones for a female K-pop solo act.

Now signed under Atlantic Records, Rosé's musical blueprint aligns closely with the American singer-songwriter scene—specifically Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. She follows the raw, emotional energy of Chappell Roan and Halsey, while also embracing the ballad, folk, and synth-pop soundscapes that define Taylor Swift's empire, inspiring artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams.

In an interview on Apple Music's Zane Lowe Show, Rosé shared personal stories, including a heated argument with an ex while on tour, emphasizing that her album captures the real-life experiences of a 20-something K-pop star—a storytelling method often used by Western singer-songwriters.

Thematically, Rosie follows a safe, structured formula: blending proven pop trends with personal narratives. Tracks like "Toxic Till the End" (reminiscent of Taylor Swift's 1989 era) and the power ballad "Number One Girl" showcase Rosé's musical appeal.

Verdict:

While APT. was bold and innovative, the rest of the album plays it too safe, following textbook pop structures. For Rosé's next project to stand out, she'll need to push boundaries further—perhaps embracing a sharper, more unique storytelling approach.

One-line review: A textbook pop album that lacks the daring spirit of APT.

🌹 Jisoo – Amortage

Jisoo's debut single Flower was a mixed bag. Her first solo project, Me, set a record as the first million-selling album by a female K-pop soloist. However, many critics viewed it as a song engineered for TikTok challenges, rather than a musically strong composition.

As the only BLACKPINK member born and raised in Korea, Jisoo has often embraced Korean and East Asian aesthetics in her work. Yet, with Flower, this was reduced to an oversimplified, trend-driven adaptation rather than a thoughtful artistic statement.

However, Jisoo's first full EP, Amortage, released under her own label Blissoo in partnership with Warner Records, defies expectations.

✔ A well-structured, conceptually cohesive album

✔ Each track represents the intensity and fading nature of love

From the earthquake-like electronic pulses of Earthquake to the Chainsmokers-esque soft house vibes in Your Love, and the Katy Perry-meets-2NE1 energy of Tears, the album revives classic K-pop magic.

YG Entertainment has historically excelled at producing catchy, mass-appealing pop. Amortage reminds us why K-pop—with its ability to blend global trends with Korean sensibilities—became a global force in the first place.

Verdict:

Not every album needs deep philosophical meaning—sometimes, pure enjoyment is enough. Amortage succeeds as a fun, well-crafted K-pop album.

One-line review: A rare K-pop album that simply delivers joy, without unnecessary weight.

🔥 Lisa – Alter Ego

Lisa's Rockstar was a groundbreaking statement. Featuring hitmaker Ryan Tedder, the high-energy hyper-pop track was matched by a stunning music video filmed in Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat).

Lisa's embrace of Thai culture and inclusion of transgender dancers reflected a powerful cultural shift—asserting her status as an international pop icon.

However, Alter Ego, her first album under LOUD and RCA Records, fails to maintain that momentum. Despite its ambitious multi-persona concept, the album feels too safe.

Tracks like New Woman (with Rosalía) and Born Again (featuring Doja Cat and RAYE) lack the dominance expected from a global popstar, while the Sixpence None the Richer-sampled "Moonlit Floor" further dilutes the album's focus.

Verdict:

Lisa's presence alone is groundbreaking, but Alter Ego suffers from the same mistakes as K-pop's attempts to "Westernize" too quickly.

One-line review: A significant cultural statement, but a musically unremarkable album.

💎 Jennie – (Ruby)

Jennie took 18 months to redefine her artistry, focusing on self-reflection and artistic direction. The result? Ruby—her most refined, personal, and ambitious work.

From the Buddhist-inspired visuals in "Zen" to collaborations with Doechii and Dua Lipa, Jennie maintains full creative control. The album presents a strong, independent female figure, making it the most complete solo debut from any BLACKPINK member.

One-line review: A true Album of the Year contender.