By: ERKIN ESENGELDIEV
Staff Writer
On March 31, 2023, a member of the groundbreaking girl group BlackPink, Jisoo released her largely anticipated debut single album “ME” with the title track “Flower” – a mid-tempo dance, pop and trap song that incorporates traditional Korean melodies and Caribbean elements, with lyrics about overcoming a toxic relationship. It was written by Vince, Teddy, Kush, and VVN and composed by the latter two alongside 24, who also handled the production. The album was immediately proclaimed a success – according to Korea’s Hanteo Chart, the single album sold 876,249 copies on the first day, breaking the record previously held by bandmate Lisa’s single album Lalisa for the highest first-week sales among female soloists. The MV for the title track has gained more than 80 million views as of now and was streamed around 16 million times on Spotify, which makes it the best-performing BlackPink solo activity to date.
Being a long-time Jisoo fan and follower, I could not be more excited as the announcement of her debut was published. With the production getting postponed throughout these years, it was hard to believe YG Entertainment is finally doing her justice and releasing one of the most awaited debuts in recent history. Expectations were high, so when they released the music video for “Flower”, the reactions from fans and casual listeners varied drastically. Some said that it was very “elegant” and “minimalistic”, which fits Jisoo’s style and image, while others criticized YG for giving her a “boring” version of “Solo” by Jennie and claiming that the label “didn’t even try”, pointing out how empty the song feels, with its very simple production.
Unfortunately, I lay on the latter side of the discourse. Even though I liked the release from the first listen, the more I’m coming back to it, the less it appeals to me, as I realize how short it is of flow and personality. Its sample and melody, although catchy, have an empty and directionless feeling in them. Jisoo’s voice, instead of flowing through the notes, seems to hop over them, which is not a rock I throw at her skills, but rather a critique I can give to the production team behind this track. Notorious for producing “the same songs” over and over again, Teddy Park once again shows his lack of creativity and care for any of BlackPink’s recent releases, and even in a bigger capacity. Lisa’s “Lalisa” was a weird, but fun experience that totally made sense in the context of her image and personality, and “On The Ground” by Rose – a rising star anthem, followed by “Gone” that perfectly captured the singer’s immense talent with emotion, and even Jennie’s “Solo” (which I am also not a fan of) had a well-done realization of her attitude and powerful presence. All of these characteristics are non-existent in Jisoo’s debut, which still somehow managed to sound derivative and cliche. The “elegant” and “minimalistic” are traded for cheaper “dull” and “unimaginative”, and “style” is swapped for “pretty” and “commercial”.
