If there is any female K-Pop group that has had a similar impact as the legendary BTS, it is BlackPink. They are definitely the most successful female group of all time, having broken many records over the course of their careers. It is actually amazing how big an impact they have had considering the frequency of their output. Compared to other girl groups (like TWICE), BlackPink has not released much music. Over the years, in total, BlackPink has released about 15 or so singles and three short projects. Every drop they have had has always been quality, though, making the impact of their music last. Over the last few years, the members of BlackPink (Lisa, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo) have been more focused on solo endeavors than group ones. They have all released extremely successful solo projects, and have even delved into some acting as well. Last month, though, BlackPink finally returned as a group with an EP called DEADLINE. Below, I wanted to highlight a couple of my favorite tracks, then go over some overall thoughts on the project. Please let me know in the comments what you think of BlackPink’s DEADLINE. 

JUMP

‘Jump’ was the opening single from this project, actually having come out last summer when BlackPink announced their comeback. I would say that ‘Jump’ feels like a slightly more bold version of the songs BlackPink originally became known for. It definitely has a similar energy to tracks like ‘DUDUDU’ or Kill This Love.’ This is an ElectroPop/Hip Hop fusion that feels larger than life. I really enjoy the fast-paced and more pushy parts of the Electronic sections in the instrumental. There are elements of this song that feel so massive. Every member of BlackPink demonstrates their strengths within the group on this track. Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé all sound well while singing their section, and no one outshines each other. Lisa handles the rap sections, giving the song a tougher energy during her sections. ‘Jump’ is an ultra-modern banger that did well as a comeback track for BlackPink. 

GO

‘Go’ is one of the most ambitious songs I have heard from this group. In fact, when I first listened to this one, I was pretty surprised it was BlackPink. ‘Go’ has sections that almost sound like 1990s Industrial music. I swear, the intro to this one gives me Nine Inch Nails energy. The beat and melody have elements that are so chuggy. This song is like a Pop/Hip Hop/Trance fusion. The melody on the hook and the bridge is very light and sweet. They highly contrast the feeling of the instrumental during the vocals. ‘Go’ has excellent vocal performances from all four members as well. Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo all have great moments where they show off their range and tones. Lisa kills it with her rap verses on ‘Go’ as well. ‘Go’ is one of the coolest songs I have heard from this group, as they really pushed themselves on this one 

ME AND MY

‘Me And My’ is another song with a sound that stands out when compared to the rest of BlackPink’s music. Even though this song isn’t as ambitious or off the wall as the song that precedes it, ‘Me And My’ still makes a hell of an impact. ‘Me And My’ is a larger-than-life Pop Trap banger with a super groovy sound. The horns that drive this melody are big and bold. They definitely have a funk to them that will give you the stank face when it plays. The bass on this track bangs, and the drums will get anyone jamming. Jisoo and Rosé do their part with the singing sections of the track, but Jennie and Lisa really do dominate this track. Their rap verses go so well with the energy of the instrumental. They both demonstrate great flows and have commanding attitudes. ‘Me And My’ is a bop that totally has the energy of artists like Cardi B. 

Because of how popular and successful they are, everything BlackPink puts out always comes with some scrutiny. It feels like they have never been able to fully please all fans and critics with their releases; that may just come with the territory of being so on top of their industry and genre. Now, I am not going to lie and say DEADLINE is the best or most concise project I have ever heard. I do think that it is pretty good for what it is, though. I feel like after how cool the first three songs are, BlackPink kind of lost the plot on the last two. When compared to the first three, the final two tracks do feel a bit bland or dull. But the first three songs are very cool. BlackPink really pushed themselves sonically on the first three songs. All three have a very distinct sound and style that is unlike what I would expect from them based on their previous output. ‘Jump’ does feel adjacent to some of their earlier work, but it feels like a more brazen version of those early tracks. Both ‘Go’ and ‘Me And My’ certainly stand out in their discography, showing a different side to BlackPink that is really cool. Vocally, I do not think any member of BlackPink stuns or shocks anyone in any way on this project. At this point, each member of the group has demonstrated many times what they are good at, and they all fall into their roles on the EP. They know what they excel at and stick to it. The group still has the chemistry together that they have always had, and it is palpable throughout the EP. Overall, DEADLINE has a few super enjoyable songs. It shows that the group still has some juice left in the tank, even if the focus of its members has changed over the years.