Ruby

Jennie is for sure, the best BLACKPINK member

Over the past few months we've been getting all these individual solo projects from all the members from super KPOP group BLACKPINK, we first got ROSE with her debut album in very late 2024, which I haven't heard yet, mainly due to how much I disliked the single APT. it was very annoying, JISSO then released a small four track EP that I have indeed heard but I haven't put a review together for that (I may do in the future), more recently, in fact last week we got LISA's debut album which I found to be very hit and miss but overall it shows some very promising potential she can build on with her sound, and of course what were all here for my favourite BLACKPINK member JENNNIE who has left us with saving 'best till last' with her debut album RUBY, now don't get me wrong even though it sounds like I'm somewhat knowledgeable on the KPOP group I actually don't listen to them whatsoever, I only really know JENNIE and that's through we collaborations with The Weeknd (Abel my goat) on the hit song "One Of The Girls" which is still charting insanely high for being out for two years and of course I know her from playing a part in 'THE IDOL' where she played a pretty significant role in that.

The album starts off with "Intro : JANE", this tracks sets off the pace of the album with a really mellow and slow start, its got this real 'interlude' feel to it as though its not stated to be one you can very much tell it is an 'Intro' what got me curious was the title of the song, as we know her name is really JENNIE however the name JANE could suggested towards an alter ego that she may be showing on this album, similar as to what we saw on LISA's album, where she played on the concept of switching in and out of different types of herself. The track its self is very beautiful and calm sounding, lyrically it is very minimal however The recurring phrase "Run like this" suggests themes of urgency where she may be running away from a relationship or even herself (one of her alter egos)

We very quickly move onto the next track "Like JENNIE" which kind of counteracts what i just said about the whole potential ego switching thing, where clearly on this track she is herself, The production is very bouncy and hyper pop like, vocally here's a lot of energy been given off by her on this track, an interesting lyric he says is "Special edition and your AI couldn't copy" In this line, JENNIE asserts her uniqueness in an era dominated by AI replication. She implies that she is one of a kind, like a limited edition product that cannot be reproduced. “Your AI couldn’t copy” states that no matter how sophisticated AI becomes, it cannot replicate the originality, talent, and presence of the real artist.

Track three "start a war" starts off as a much slower track, I swear I've heard the melody of the chorus before... any ways this track is very much a 'pop rap' trap where she switches between signing and this faster pace rap style, Lyrically the song seems to be about deep loyalty and unconditional love, with a emphasis on devotion in a relationship. The lyrics tell a ride or die mentality, where the JENNIE is willing to stand by their partner through it all, even if it means fighting for them, literally or metaphorically.

The next track might be my favourite "Handlebars" in which it features Dua Lipa who I've always had a soft spot for, this is honestly just such a great sounding duo pop track, its pretty simple but so so catchy and easy to listen to, sometimes its the simple things that work best. On the chorus Jennie sings "I trip and fall in love, Just like a Tuesday drunk" we all know Tuesday is not a typical day to be drinking or partying (like Saturday or Friday) so Jennie mentioning that it feels like being drunk on Tuesday is likely referring to a very random or out of place decision. She is basically saying that when she falls in love the feeling is very impulsive. She falls in love carelessly, without thinking, at the wrong time, or when it’s least expected. Dua lipa's part "And I'm a little too buzzed on your love to play it cute" The phrase “buzzed on your love” extends the drinking metaphor, implying that infatuation is making her act without inhibition. Instead of playing hard to get, she’s fully embracing her emotions.

The tonne changes slightly with the track "with the IE (way up)" which is where Jennie goes full pop rap, over a classic hip hop type beat with drums and snares, some interesting things she says are "Target on my name, but your aim's way off" JENNIE is referring to the people who specifically “target” her to criticize and scrutinize her each and every move, despite having no evidence or the ability to justify their reasoning other than to spread hate, hence their “aim’s way off”.

We then go into this three peat section of the album where the three promotional singles she released prior to the album, Starting with the collab track "ExtraL" featuring Doechii is a track that didn't click with me instantly, in fact it took me quite a few listens to warm up to it, but now I can say I definitely enjoy elements of this track, its a very "celebratory" sounding track heard in both the beat with its fast hitting base and high hats and also lyrically there are some stand out lines like "Whole team, they gassin' on us" this could be referred to the group she's in, Blackpink. Coming from arguably the most popular and internationally recognised K pop girl group, all the Blackpink members’ solo careers and music has garnered a lot of attention from the east and west media. The next line of lyrics have her say "You sit too far down on 'em charts to even ask me who's in charge" JENNIE reminds her detractors and anybody who comes after her that since they’re not making music history, they shouldn’t act arrogantly towards her—they are below her career wise. Similarly this same idea can he heard in the chorus where she sings "Top down, starin' at the stars" This could be interpreted as both a literal and metaphorical line. It suggests that Jennie and Doechii are living at the top of the game, among “the stars”, or possibly looking up at their next big goal.

The next track "Mantra" is abit of a more radio hit attempt track, it sounds quote repetitive and basic compared to what has already come on the album so far, though its not bad its definitely nothing special, lyrically its about being positive, being expressive, and being true to who you are. It’s energetic and empowering with a message, however sonically it lacks anything more than being a generic pop track. "Love Hangover" is a VERY mixed bag for me, I do generally enjoy Jennie's part on it, however Dominic Fike's part sounds off to me, he actually sounds like Smokepurp for some reason and it really threw me off.

The ninth track "ZEN" changes the pace, with some really cool, different unique sounding production that is very atmospheric, lyrically JENNIE radiates unbeatable confidence in “ZEN.” With a clear perception of herself, no one can make her rethink or doubt who she truly is. when she says "Nobody gon' move my soul, gon' move my aura, my matter" JENNIE asserts her unshakeable strength and inner stability. Her “soul,” “aura” (energy or presence), and “matter” (her essence or being) are untouchable, reflecting resilience and self possession. In the second line, JENNIE emphasizes that no one can interfere with her life’s path, disrupt her ambitions, or deter her from achieving her goals. The repetition of “my matter” reinforces the idea of her core being and purpose remaining intact.

though I said earlier the track with Dua Lipa is my favourite, "Damn Right" featuring Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis, all combine together to make this soulful and beautiful sounding track , all three of them have great vocal performances and Gambinos more 'rap like' verse is really neat. In fact Gambino’s verse shifts the focus to admiration and intimacy. He describes being drawn to someone unique ("Can I be the only one? You feel good to me") and compares past relationships to the current one—suggesting that no one before could match this experience. His lines mix luxury, playful metaphors ("Candy cane blue sticks bump in the Range") and sensual imagery ("He never even tried to put her legs in the air"), hinting at a mix of physical attraction and emotional depth.

Unfortunately the albums takes a turn and not in a good way, the closing five tracks on the album starting "F.T.S." are somewhat boring and socially dull, though none of them are particularly bad songs they definitely aren't great, the track "Filter" is definitely the best of the ending bunch, the production really picks up towards the end and makes for a much better track compared to the ones that follow, lyrically its all about self love, confidence, and embracing authenticity without hiding behind masks, expectations, or societal pressures. The lyrics celebrate freedom from judgment and the joy of fully accepting oneself. Moving onto "Soeul City" its a very boring and lifeless track that I haven't got much to say about apart from the fact that it really shows how much of a dip in quality the end of the album is. "Starlight" explores fame, and the hidden struggles behind a seemingly perfect image. Jennie reflects on how others only see her bright, shining moments her “starlight”, but they overlook the struggles and complexities that exist. The song blends emotional vulnerability, and the desire to be seen fully, not just as an idol or a public figure. The last track "twin" is NOT good, yes its a more emotional and acoustic moment on the end of the album but its very repetitive and this vibe doesn't really fit her

Overall, Ruby solidifies Jennie’s status as the standout BLACKPINK member, showcasing her versatility, charisma, and artistic growth. The album delivers a mix of introspective moments, high energy bangers, and bold collaborations, proving she can hold her own as a solo artist. While the latter half of the album loses some momentum, tracks like Handlebars, Damn Right, and ZEN highlight her unique sound and confidence. Despite some inconsistencies, Ruby is a strong debut that cements Jennie’s place beyond BLACKPINK, carving out her own lane in the industry.