Entertainment
BLACKPINK’s Jennie released her album Ruby on March 7th, and it's already sparking a whirlwind of conversations online. Fans and critics alike are diving deep into every track, eagerly deciphering the hidden meanings in the production, lyrics, and every little detail. It’s no surprise that the tracks in this album have been charting on Billboard Hot 100 for weeks now.
AS YOU LIKE IT: THE INSPIRATION
Art and inspiration are like twin flames, one is incomplete and meaningless without the other. All artistic masterpieces have an inspiration behind them, there is always a starting point to such journeys.
Talking about the inspiration of the album, Jennie mentioned, “This album holds great significance as it tells my story as a solo artist through my own voice and vision. Inspired by Shakespeare’s play, ‘As You Like It’, it captures themes of birth, love, faith, and zenith. The opening of the theater curtains symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in my musical career. Working on this album was a precious process of growing as an artist and finding my true voice.”
Time and again, Jennie has mentioned in her interviews that she likes to write about her own experiences because she wants to be honest and authentic in her records. This is evident in the lyricism, where it seems like Jennie has carefully chosen stories from her past and presented them as songs on her album. From the album’s title Ruby, inspired by Jennie’s full name, Jennie Ruby Jane, to the strategic selection of colors and outfits in the music videos, everything serves as an extension of Jennie’s personality.
Check out Jennie's interview with Zane Lowe to know about the inspiration of the album in depth: Interview
PRODUCTION AND CONCEPT
Jennie has a unique storytelling style, and the visuals always complement the lyrics. The music video for her single Love Hangover, for example, features Jennie and Charles Melton as a couple who seem to be going on different dates, with each date somehow ending in Jennie’s death. This concept directly aligns with the song's lyrics, which describe being trapped in a toxic relationship to which one can't help but keep returning over and over.
Jennie and her team have incorporated Korean Culture into all aspects of the album. Her song Zen, for example, references ancient Korean Cultures and Dynasties. In all her music videos, Jennie wears clothes inspired by Korean art and history. This album also features a complete powerhouse of producers like —FKJ, Diplo, LeClair, Mike WiLL Made-It, and 30 Roc who seem to have executed Jennie’s vision of cultural fusion aptly, with the instrumentation and sound mixing.
Check out Jennie's interview with Capital FM to know about the production and concept of the album in depth: Interview
THE SONGS: POP, R&B, TRAP, CHOOSE YOUR PICK
This album is confusing in a good way. It’s like different emotions are being thrown in your way, and you get caught off guard. The songs on the album are a perfect blend of high intensity and lo-fi music. Mantra, Zen, and Like JENNIE are anthem-like songs that promote self-love and self-assurance, whereas songs like Seoul City and Damn Right are lo-fi R&B tracks with a very sensual feel. Emotional numbers like Twin and Starlight provide the album with the depth needed for an emotional connection with the audience.
Jennie got some of the most talented artists to feature on this album. Artists like Doechii, Dua Lipa, FKJ, Dominic Fike, Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis have taken things up a notch in the album by adding their flair to the songs.
LYRICISM AND CONJECTURE
Whenever a pop star releases an album, the lyrics are subjected to scrutiny and speculation. It’s the same with Jennie, fans are gushing over some of the lyrics from the album.
In an interview with Zane Lowe, JENNIE explained that “writing the song Twin gave her a sense of closure about her relationship with a friend.” Throughout the song, JENNIE speaks to this person as if she is writing a letter. She expresses feelings of regret and nostalgia. Despite the friendship drifting apart, JENNIE believes that as they age, both sides will be able and willing to make things right. Ever since Jennie appeared on that interview, people have been speculating and coming up with theories about who the song is actually about.
Another lyric like this is from the song Seoul City — “+82, some miracle, Only listen to my general.” All the fans have been trying to guess who "Mr. General" could be, but there has been no confirmation or explanation from Jennie's side regarding the same.
Check out Jennie's album RUBY on Genius for the lyric insiders: Genius
CONCLUSION
This album is an amalgamation of art, music, culture, and storytelling. From the music production to the visuals, everything is thoughtfully crafted and exceptionally executed. While there are certain aspects of the album that could be improved, considering this is Jennie’s first solo project, they can easily be overlooked. Overall, it is a well-balanced record with a tasteful selection of genres and production.
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