LISA is a new woman. The BLACKPINK member claims her crown in her star-studded debut solo album, “Alter Ego.” Released shortly after the third season of “White Lotus” on Friday, her first-ever acting role, LISA set out to make her mark on the entertainment world.
After the release of highly successful singles “Rockstar,” “New Woman (feat. ROSALÍA),”
“Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” and “Born Again (feat. Doja Cat and RAYE),” fans held high expectations for the album, and LISA delivered. Whether going to the gym or getting ready for a night out, LISA’s got an album fit for a hype playlist.
While LISA has a leg up as a member of BLACKPINK, the album would be a hit without her preexisting fame. The album features Future, Megan Thee Stallion and Tyla, but LISA’s rockstar presence shines through on its own. The album also includes solo versions of two of the collab songs, “FXCK UP THE WORLD” and “Rapunzel,” if Future and Megan Thee Stallion aren’t your cup of tea.
The first track only available on the album, “Elastigirl,” comes across as mood-boosting, sensual and confident. The album name drop comes in “Thunder,” where LISA sings that listeners “might meet (her) alter ego.” And listeners did. LISA expressing herself as an individual and collaborating with some of the most confident rappers in the industry sets her apart from the K-pop team she’s known for blending into.
In “FXCK UP THE WORLD,” she raps. “They want the old LISA, then listen to my old shit.” In “Rapunzel,” LISA and Megan Thee Stallion prove there is only one queen in the jungle, and it’s LISA — who closes the song with “This is my life, baby, I ain’t you.”
Her rendition of “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” might present controversy among fans of the 1998 Sixpence None The Richer hit, but its drastic change from the original works in its favor. It pays homage to the original while turning it into a fun dance-pop tune.
LISA and Tyla — two of the hottest rising stars in the music industry right now — teamed up to create “When I’m With You,” a cool, catchy song that blends the best of Tyla and LISA’s style into one. The song references Tyla’s work — “She make everybody jump (a single from Tyla’s debut album), … Tell me this ain’t the baddest back-to-back you ever seen, I could put you on a map and she could take you overseas.”
“BADGRRRL” wins most likely track to be played on repeat. It’s sexy and bold, perfect for a late-night drive with the windows down — but maybe that’s just the song’s reference to driving in a new Mercedes talking.
“Dream,” the only ballad on the album, slows things down a bit. With a 2000s pop ballad feel, it feels familiar and latches onto nostalgia while remaining snappy and melodic. LISA reminisces, “Whenever I close my eyes, It’s taking me back in time, Been drowning in dreams lately, Like it’s 2019, baby.”
Overall, LISA’s debut album starts her off on a strong foot. As fellow BLACKPINK members Rosé released her debut in December and Jisoo released an EP in February, with Jennie set to release her debut on March 7, the BLACKPINK girls have experienced a whirlwind of a few months.
4 moonlit floors out of 5
