Posted on by Nick84 Comments
Jisoo is the final member of BLACKPINK to make her solo debut, four-and-a-half years since Jennie kicked things off with Solo. Long waiting periods are nothing new for fans of this group (or YG in general), but long hiatuses would be worth it if they resulted in classic material. Sadly, the opposite has occurred. I haven’t enjoyed a single BLACKPINK solo yet, and Flower (꽃) is definitely not changing that.
I remain completely baffled how one of the biggest pop groups on the planet is consistently given such slight, under-formed material. Beat-drop choruses have become normalized in the industry, but it’s rare to hear one as flimsy as Flower’s centerpiece. It’s like the song is trying to lose your attention. There’s just so little here – as if the producers found a sample they liked from a pre-packaged collection and shoved it into the song without any embellishment or idea of how to build upon its sound.
Making matters worse, Flower is a slog. It moves at a glacial pace, its sonic identity muted so thoroughly that it becomes a spy in the shadows, blending with the background for fear of being discovered. That’s not a feature I look for in music, but clearly it holds global appeal. Jisoo has a lovely voice and brings character to the verses, but there’s not much to dig into here, either. The melodies are as ephemeral as the production – pleasant but instantly forgettable.
K-pop has been insanely boring so far this year, and with songs like Flower leading the industry it’s no wonder acts are opting for such underwhelming trends. Where did we go so wrong?
| Hooks | 5 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 5 |
| RATING | 6 |
Grade: D-
As a seasoned enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of K-pop, particularly with a focus on BLACKPINK and their individual pursuits, my extensive knowledge and experience in the industry position me to provide valuable insights into the recent solo debut of Jisoo with her track, "Flower." I've closely followed the trajectory of BLACKPINK's members and their solo endeavors, which allows me to offer a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge the historical context of BLACKPINK's solo debuts. Having observed Jennie's solo debut with "Solo" four-and-a-half years ago, I can attest to the anticipation and expectations that come with each member venturing into solo projects. This prolonged wait is not uncommon within the YG Entertainment sphere, and such hiatuses have become a characteristic feature for fans of the group.
Now, delving into the critical assessment of "Flower," I echo the sentiments expressed in the article. Despite the immense global popularity of BLACKPINK, there seems to be a recurring issue of the solo materials falling short of expectations. This is a sentiment I share with the author, and it's disheartening to witness, given the potential for iconic solo releases from such a powerhouse group.
The article specifically critiques the lackluster nature of "Flower," highlighting concerns about its production quality. The mention of beat-drop choruses, an industry norm, draws attention to the unique shortcomings found in the song's centerpiece. My own evaluation aligns with the assessment of the producers seemingly incorporating a sample without adequate embellishment or a clear vision for sonic development.
Moreover, the article critiques the pacing of the track, describing it as a "slog" that moves at a glacial pace. This observation is reflective of the broader concern raised about the song's sonic identity being muted to the point of becoming inconspicuous. As an enthusiast with a keen ear for musical nuances, I concur that such attributes are not conducive to an engaging listening experience, especially in the dynamic landscape of K-pop.
The commentary on Jisoo's vocal prowess and her ability to bring character to the verses is a positive note amid the overall critique. However, the consensus remains that the song lacks substance, with both melodies and production deemed ephemeral and forgettable.
In conclusion, the article's final rating of "Flower" as a D- further solidifies the disappointment shared by fans and critics alike. As someone deeply immersed in the K-pop realm, I concur with the assessment that such underwhelming trends in the industry contribute to a perception of K-pop as "insanely boring" in the given year. Reflecting on the trajectory of the genre, there is a shared sentiment of questioning where things went wrong, and the article serves as a platform for such discussions.
