Ruby

Blackpink has been on a kick of solo releases, and I have to say most of them have been really meh to bad. This is probably the best of the bunch, but it still has lots of problems. Jennie has the personality to carry a record, but the production here is largely just flat and color by numbers. What happened to the stunning production in K-Pop in the days of 2NE1 and BIGBANG? Also she sounds way more natural when the vocals switch to Korean and I honestly wish the album stuck to that. Again, Jennie is the only reason this is any good at all. With that being said I think it's important to mention that the K-Pop landscape is still incredibly toxic and I wish it's fans would stick up for their favorite artists. From Sully's taking of her own life to T.O.P. only just now recovering his career from smoking up in his own home, it's ridiculous. Do better, K-Pop.