Blackpink's "Born Pink" Is A Solid Offering That's Best When Vulnerable

Image source: Getty / Udo Salters

Blackpink's highly anticipated second album 'Born Pink' has arrived. Two years after going on hiatus in 2020, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa are back with a tight eight-song offering that shows off everything the band does best, while still leaving plenty of room for evolution.

Duality is written into Blackpink's name, and they stay true to that theme on "Born Pink," released September 16. The album highlights the undeniable self-confidence of each member of the group while alternating between tenderness and ferocity. They hold nothing back on the opener, their debut single, "Pink Venom," a song that celebrates their undeniable star power. They maintain the opener's electric intensity on their second single, "Shut Down," a hip-hop-influenced midtempo song about proving haters completely wrong, and on "Typa Girl," an offering. heavier electronics that lean heavily on band girl- boss energy.

Early songs contain lyrics that advertise the group's overwhelmingly confident and untouchable exteriors, such as "Need a lesson, see the necklace, see those dresses / We don't buy it, we ask for it." But some of the highlights of the album are where Blackpink lets cracks appear in their ultra-pristine facades, revealing the insecurities that sometimes lurk behind them.

Things start to change on the dynamic "Hard to Love," which incorporates elements of anthemic '90s rock 'n' roll alongside edgier pop elements reminiscent of Doja Cat and Halsey. On this one, the group expresses hidden insecurities about their ability to be loved. "You don't see the problems, I have them," sings Rosé. On refreshingly sweet “The Happiest Girl” – the only downtempo offering on the album – the band promise to come out and smile, no matter how much grief and inner turmoil they really feel. Some of the song's best lyrics question the purpose of beauty and the pursuit of fame if no love comes with it, with Jennie asking, "If I'm so beautiful, then why?" and Lisa singing, "There's no one else to blame this time / Don't change the truth, we can't undo / The high we're chasing."

After delving deeper into their feelings, the band finds true confidence in “Tally,” an ode to living exactly how you want to and loving whoever you want to love, no matter the criticism. The song calls out the age-old double standards that condemn women for doing what men...