“Who else got ‘em obsessed like JENNIE? / Like, like, like / I think I really like (JENNIE) / Haters, they don’t really like (JENNIE) / ‘Cause they could never, ever be (JENNIE) / But have you ever met? / JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE”
Bejeweled with power, resilience and poise, singer and rapper Jennie released her debut solo studio album, “Ruby,” on March 7. The album navigates Jennie’s experience with past relationships while playfully flexing her large influence and success in the music industry. Prior to the release of the full album, Jennie gradually posted the music videos of four pre-releases to build up excitement: “Mantra” released on Oct. 10, the music video for “ZEN” released on Jan. 24, “Love Hangover” featuring Dominic Fike released on Jan. 31 and “ExtraL” featuring Doechii released on Feb. 21.
As a former member of the South Korean girl group Blackpink, “Ruby,” which is also Jennie’s middle name, marks the beginning of her solo career after departing from YG Entertainment. With 15 tracks, including the intro, “Ruby” synthesizes elements of pop, R&B and hip-hop into one package that Jennie wrote and co-produced in Los Angeles.
A highlight of “Ruby” is Jennie’s unique vocal color — the moment any song on the album starts to play, it’s obvious that Jennie sang it. With a bold powerful tone and a wide vocal range, Jennie is able to keep up with each song’s challenging melody. Additionally, the production and instrumentals are unique and well-executed; each song is mixed well, balancing vocals and instrumentals.
Known usually as a rapper in her group Blackpink, it’s a pleasant surprise to see that Jennie isn’t afraid to sing songs outside of what she is known for, using her unique vocal tone to add her own flare that makes “Ruby” her album. While some listeners may expect Jennie to utilize her signature strong and bold rapping, she instead takes listeners on a new, elegant and graceful experience of layered harmonies and soft piano.
“Run like this, run, I / Run like this, run, love you / But you run like this, run like / Run like this, run, love you”
In an interview with Billboard about the album’s upcoming release, Jennie described “Ruby” as her intention to complete herself as Jennie Ruby Jane, “for that to be a whole person.” And Jennie is right — each song introduces a completely new and unique vibe. “Ruby” allows for Jennie’s versatility to shine, in which the different instrumentals, beats and melodies combine to prevent any one song from blending in with another. Whether listeners are craving the synthy techno-pop of “Zen,” the groovy R&B feel of “Damn Right,” the hip-hop vibe of “with the IE (way up)” or the Miami bass beat of “Mantra,” there’s a song for everyone.
Coming up on Blackpink’s 10th anniversary since their debut, Jennie subtly pays homage to the South Korean pop industry with “Ruby.” Released on the same day as the rest of the album, the music video for “Like Jennie” showcases Jennie rapping in Korean and a strong and powerful choreography characterized by catchy and bold popping moves; choreography similar to the one in “Like Jennie” often goes along with Korean pop releases. A number of South Korean professional dancers created the choreography, one of which included Vata, who was featured on the dance competition show “Street Man Fighter.” Inspired by amapiano dance moves which originate from South African amapiano songs, his part of the choreography during the chorus and post-chorus went viral on TikTok and YouTube, with many fans and other dancers emulating the choreography.
Besides the choreography, Jennie’s attention to detail in her music videos shouldn’t be overlooked — each music video that came with its pre-release has unique creative directing that blesses viewers with a transcendent visual experience. For example, “Zen” is filmed on a unique aspect ratio that adds a vintage yet cinematic feel to the armageddon that the bold synths bring, while “Love Hangover” takes viewers through Jennie’s toxic relationship where she dies in brutal ways never seen before. Whether serious or light-hearted, the effort that goes into each music video adds to the memorability of the era that “Ruby” is.
Arguably the best and most impressive aspect of “Ruby” is the multitude of features on the album. Featuring a wide range of artists in many different genres such as Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, Dua Lipa and Kali Uchis, “Ruby” pushes its strength in having a variety of unique sounds even further. Jennie additionally knows her features well, choosing to have Grammy winner Doechii on the hip-hop feeling “ExtraL” and slow R&B expert Kali Uchis on “Damn Right.” Beyond garnering the attention of additional fanbases, the features on “Ruby” add a refreshing new feel to each of her songs musically, including that small finishing touch that promotes the album’s repeatability.
Although Jennie’s versatility in “Ruby” can be a delight, it can also detract from the cohesiveness of the album. With each song taking a wildly different approach to its instrumentals, vocals and overall vibe, listening to the album all at once causes whiplash. Jennie’s vocals on each track aren’t enough to keep “Ruby” cohesive, causing the album to feel more like a lineup than a mosaic.
Overall, “Ruby” comes out of the gates shining as brightly as its namesake. With a great production, pleasant features and beautiful creative freedom, each song stands out in its own unique way just without overtaking one another. Ultimately, “Ruby” is not just an album for listening — it’s a refracting experience that transports fans into a mere fragment of Jennie’s full potential as an artist.
RATING: 4/5
