Nearly two years after releasing their full-length debut -- a lifetime in the K-pop world -- global superstars {|BlackPink|} return with their sophomore LP, {|Born Pink|}. Hardened and more experienced, the eight-song set brims with the confidence an... Read more

Nearly two years after releasing their full-length debut -- a lifetime in the K-pop world -- global superstars {|BlackPink|} return with their sophomore LP, {|Born Pink|}. Hardened and more experienced, the eight-song set brims with the confidence and intent accumulated over years of dealing with fame, the spotlight, and detractors. Without any immediate dance-pop ravers like Ddu-Du Ddu-Du or Boombayah, {|Born Pink|} opts for big bass (and big flexing) hip-hop bangers in the form of Pink Venom and Shut Down, which reintroduce the world to {|Jisoo|}, {|Jennie|}, {|Rose|}, and {|Lisa|} atop callback chants of BlackPink and BlackPink in your area, reminding listeners of who they're messing with. The mischievous Typa Girl takes the boasts and empowerment even further, explicitly shutting down haters and rude boys with quotable lines like, I bring money to the table, not your dinner. Having set the stage with this emboldened opening trio, they expand their sonic limits with rock-leaning standouts like the new wave-esque Yeah Yeah Yeah -- co-written by {|Jisoo|} and {|Rose|} -- and Hard to Love, another stadium-ready rocker that transforms into blissful pop complete with introspective lyrics, thick bass groove, and disco handclaps. Meanwhile, the midtempo Tally shows once again that {|BlackPink|} can't be contained with explicit declarations like I say f*ck it when I feel it and I do what I want with who I like. Considering the level of typical K-pop sanitizing and label control, this honesty and relatability are refreshing and impressive changes of pace. Amidst the edginess and aggression, {|Born Pink|} also includes the pensive piano ballad The Happiest Girl, a vulnerable heartbreaker, and Ready for Love, the closest they come to a classic K-pop sound, sparkling production, horn flares, a massive singalong chorus, and all. Aiming for an even wider international audience, the English-heavy {|Born Pink|} matures {|BlackPink|} with stronger production, more personal lyrics, and a bold conviction that cannot be contained. ~ Neil Z. Yeung Less