BLACKPINK 'BORN PINK' Honest Album Review (umm... 🤔)

[@DKDKTV]

We'll be doing an in-depth discussion of the album LIVE on Patreon @ 1PM KST on Sept 21: patreon.com/dkdktv Buy authentic Korean products you can't find anywhere else on our website: bit.ly/3LsUkuD

[@marig9236]

I would love for winner's kang seungyoon to write and produce a song for them.

[@janvdb9258]

Jenny and Lisa cant rap. This is an embarrassment

[@candyland9471]

the happeist girl is from another artist natalia kills but i guess yg just bought it from them ,she did not release it officially so they must have just sold it to yg they did not change anything about the song but i like natalia's version better ,tally was also from bebe rehxa. but the girls and yg pretty much made all the other songs

[@parkpark6976]

What is a revolution? almost all songs in english and I sang.I'm sick of kpop having to keep reading lyrics and not being able to sing along.

[@candyland9471]

@@parkpark6976 i guess by reveloution they mean taking over the world like it is suppose to mean blackpink is taking over the world basicly

[@juliakeeton6953]

Finally someone who is recognizing “Hard to Love”!!! By far the best of the album!!

[@MsLeni11]

My favorite in the album

[@wonuswife]

literally my fav!!

[@sharaj0780]

Yess hard to love is so good

[@Bernicemarie]

It’s personally my favorite song from the entire album 😊

[@Trananism]

Totally agree it is definitely my favorite too :) I hope it gets more attention.

[@adeebafirdaus1327]

Danny saying, "I never listened to Blackpink for the lyrics, obviously" made me laugh so much

[@althan3477]

but it's true thooo i literally put a blind eye while listening to their songs. the beat was to die for but the lyrics (esp tally)....sigh.

[@vanelxgd7743]

​@@althan3477 Everyone has their taste but you take Tally as an example of bad lyrics ?!🤣Considering their influence, I'm so glad they took the time to speak about the double standard in the music industry and society. It's a message that needs to be heard by everybody, especially young women.

[@althan3477]

@@vanelxgd7743 i didn't talk about the message tho? i love flex track and diss track, was a sucker for hip hop & rnb songs. totally love the women empowerment theme on typa girl shut down tally. but I'm talking abt the lyrics as in how they deliver the message. it was just too cringe-worthy. they could've executed it better. hence, their beat melody and rhyme were to die for (it has been their strong point) but the english lyrics are weak (as always)

[@ecarglaitselec2807]

@@althan3477 IT'S NOT CRINGE...IT'S YOUR OWN FEELINGS...

[@vanelxgd7743]

​@@althan3477 I wholeheartedly disagree. I don't see anything cringe about Tally tbh. The message had to be presented as a big f you to all the people that judge on women, while at the same time staring at them. The hypocrites needed to be called out.

[@A.d.O.n]

lmao that "back from their military" Got me 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bees0la276]

Danny is trash 😂😂😂😂

[@kimbapbekidding1522]

Hard to love is my favourite song on this album too. It really is amazing they gave it to Rosé as a solo. It suits her so well. Definitely one of my fave songs in blackpinks discography as a whole too.

[@melila928]

Hard to love IS the best song on the album. That's one of the three songs I have on repeat. People can't take criticism. Especially constructive criticism. The 'fans' don't want Blackpink to evolve musically. They want them to release the same song over & over again. Side note: Donald's sense of humour and honesty is everything.

[@ntheghettoratatatat]

Literally who says that? Fans just have a certain taste as everyone else does and if that's the style they prefer then...

[@partypartyyeah5907]

I'm not a blink but comparing to "The album" "Born pink" is better.... I surprisingly find shut down better than pink venom 😩

[@MGZetta]

That's not really surprising and that's completely true.

[@misooooo]

Ngl i much prefer “the album” and yeah i like also like shut down more

[@sunreads]

i honestly prefer the album cuz it was more diverse and interesting, this one on their other side sounds very… strict. similar way of singing on every song, similar sound. i didn’t find it interesting at all and i think blackpink def peeked during their previous era.

[@ajpristine4809]

@@sunreads That's your opinion and that's cool. I also prefer Born Pink to The Album

[@ajpristine4809]

@@sunreads That's your opinion and that's cool. I prefer Born Pink to The Album. It sounds more mature and I'm here for it

[@Organized82]

Hey, “moderately clever bar” guy here again. Ready For Love is the weakest track and sonically doesn’t belong in this album. But it does make sense thematically and follows the narrative progression. Yeah Yeah Yeah is new love. Hard to Love is jaded, toxic love. Happiest Girl is the breakup. Ready For Love is… new haircut, new look, reactivating the okcupid/tinder account. 😂 Edit: Oh shit, I realized that I missed Tally in my theory of the narrative. Tally is actually the jumping back on the dating wagon, phase, not RFL! Thats when Tinder gets reactivated. The “slut phase” so to speak. Then finally RFL is the whole ok, I’ve been a chronic dater for long enough, im ready for a label. No more 2am booty calls, introduce me to your friends as your girlfriend! 😂

[@wyra4228]

The tinder account lol 😂

[@danndriioh]

yg should add this to born pink description 😂😂

[@heartobe7676]

😂

[@marlynnek6449]

Which explains why they recorded it like 3 years ago and didn't use it. They showed them recorded in their Netflix movie. Didn't make the first album.

[@ygltazanya]

You hit the nail. It's easy to listen to and not chaotic, not crazy musically but actually enjoy the simplicity

[@johnatespaghettiforlunch3568]

I agree with Hard To Love being the best song from a BP album and that this song with The Happiest Girl are so good for me because of the lyrics and storytelling.

[@milkbread5036]

I’m just sad it’s been 6 years and they have less than 30 songs… very sad. I wish YG would use other producers instead of only Teddy.

[@FbodzRyuji]

But if it is not Teddy, their music wont be this good.

[@miss_jess]

@@FbodzRyuji yeah, it'll be better

[@FbodzRyuji]

@@miss_jess the stats and performance speak otherwise. 😊

[@nameisamine]

There’s SO many amazing producers in the world who could produce epic music for Blackpink and want to do so…I don’t understand why only Teddy has to produce this album??!

[@FbodzRyuji]

@@nameisamine thats because he knows what the best for them. He is not a hit producer for no reason. If i am YG or Blackpink, i will stick with him for good. But that doesnt mean he is always the only one. He employs new upcoming producers as well like 24, Bekah, etc. They even have an audition for YG producers and thats how they got new upcoming producers too. Just a look at this album and there are 4 songs that Teddy is not involved. Which shows progression. But if going to the best songs ever, Teddy is still the one to go to.

[@cocobebe2186]

I think Ready for Love is somehow the end of their EDM era, and a song which recorded a decade ago 😂 I love all the songs by the way. But I still think we should get more than 8 songs in this album!

[@cocobebe2186]

I love Rosie HARD TO LOVE, the song hits so damn hard. Tally, my second favourite! ❤

[@toripontes7089]

Tbh I don't expect anything groundbreaking from them at this point, I just expect another BP album w/ some bops in it... Pink venom, shut down, typa girl and tally came thru so I'm not disappointed

[@bamboleoingwithrvdiscograp1471]

I like Shut Down better than Pink Venom. It is a different blackpink track but it is bland. It gets a little boring though the rapping is great. I wish there was something more memorable about the song. I have grown to like Pink Venom but still I dont like the ratatata part. The arrangement is very similar to other blackpink songs. I love Typa Girl and Yeah yeah yeah❤

[@melila928]

Me too. I hate the ratata part. The song was good without the ratata part.

[@monimuppet6132]

I think if you remove this album from the context of taking BP's career somewhere, it becomes perfectly enjoyable. Someone in the live chat said it; "at this point BP is BP." My thoughts exactly. You got 3 choices with BP: You can continue trying to squeeze revolutionary depth out of centrist flavored bops like an unhinged stan never to be vendicated. You can unstan 🤷🏾‍♀️. Or you can accept, pop in those earbuds and sing along. No matter which anyone chooses, BP are what they are.

[@touchofice]

I definitely agree with Shutdown's usage of the La Campabella sample. It got old really fast. Really nice at the beginning, but at the end of it, i was like - that's it? And its really too bad because the sample has so much potential. They could have done some more experimentation with it just like they did with Pink Venom. Typa Girl is my favourite in musicality overall - but the lyrics has little to be desired. The "I'm not like other girls" messaging is so overdone already. You don't have to put down traditional female qualities in order to pull yourself up. We're all different, just because certain females have traditional feminine interests - doesn't make you better than them.

[@secretthirdthing22]

yes, in typa girl they said: ‘i’m not like those other girls at all’, but they never stated these other things you mentioned? they never ‘put down traditional female qualities’ or criticized female interests’. it’s a bit of a reach, don’t you think? in typa girl they sing mostly about themselves, besides this one line i cited, there’s no mention of other women.

[@touchofice]

@@secretthirdthing22 hhhmmm actually they did. on the lyrics it says "I bring money to the table, not your dinner". this clearly takes a jab on traditional female roles of taking care of the household. also "I'm not like other girls" is an existing trope on numerous movies and even in tiktok. there are a lot of video commentaries about it in YT. you can look it up.

[@secretthirdthing22]

ok, i see ur point, although listening to this song i didn’t take it as a jab towards women. i immediately thought this was aimed at men.. different perspectives i guess. and yes i know about the pick me trope.

[@Unisheepies]

I mean blackpink are at least telling the truth… they really are different from other girls Id rather they sing about that then trying to convince everyone they are living the same lives as us when clearly they’re not 😅

[@XKathXgames]

@@touchofice And? Is it wrong to not wanting to conform to that role? In fact many women are EXPECTED to follow that and criticized when they choose not to. This song is not about criticizing "female qualities" (and also man wtf why female qualities, let me tell you if I ever put dinner on the table just run. I'm terrible at it and not interested and I get awful criticism bordering on if not outright bullying for it because these supposedly girly qualities just don't come naturally to me. so honestly FCK that bs) but the men's expectation that that should be the woman's role regardless of her opinion.

[@angartsnirex]

They are okay with this. As long as it's getting views and streams, it's okay. They retain what they are. It's safer. The main comcern i have is that they shoule release more songs. If they release again in 18-24mos time, another 'same same ok ok' album will be done. They should release mini albums with 2-4 experimental songs and then from there see what's good and not so good type of songs to include in their nex5 full studio album. It's just funny that they concentrate more on 'safe' than making sure fans are satisfied. Fans are happy but satisfied with the full album? I dont think so. And not just fans, but also new fan prospects. But they are already BP, like take it or leave it kinda thing.

[@parkpark6976]

I don't think it has to do with safety. Current reputation and popularity BP Have to think about safety? nonsense It's just YG. Do you think this song can be sold or not?

[@angartsnirex]

@@parkpark6976 selling music is easy because they already have a name. They're BP. Fans are still not satisfied even if they love BP anr even is they like the songs, people will say something's lacking because the anticipation is high for this comeback. It:s not like every now and then they give people songs, but this album is highly anticipated. Almost 2yrs and they give us songs like these? One song stood up for me that made me just 'like' the whole album. But as what i've said, as long as it's getting views and streams and it's selling, it's okay for YG.

[@mae_ri]

@@angartsnirex just one song????

[@angartsnirex]

@@mae_ri all songs are good, but not entirely the songs i'd listen to many times over. They're ok. Only 1 song that i'd see myself be listening to many times already added it on my playlist.

[@apkab644]

old, new or fresh, experimental or not doea not matter.. its yg n bp ..people will not happy whichever or whatever they deliver.. everyone with or without music compose or songwriter background is an expert to give "review" in this digital world

[@damla5718]

I love Danny's reviews bc he is honest. I'm not a BP fan, just check out new song releases, but from the outside it seems like members themselves could make a better album. Rose's own writing/composing/producing is really delicate and i'd love to hear more for songs like that from their group. The songs they offer to the gp sounds like the same, having similar vibes. Most of the gp dont know their b-sides. So the general conception is 'Oh they made another song with repeatitive lyrics' and after a long break even I expected more. Also RFL shouldnt really be on this album. It feels so.. unfinished? Like there were more songs but then they decided 'Nah 8 will do the job, maybe we can release a repackage album with the rest' kinda vibe? Having just 1 solo is also bit weird, there are fans and there are SOLO fans.. so that could lead to civil war :D The best would be having 4 solos, which could make more tracks for an album. This feels so short :( On the other hand; i kinda dont like the 'After listening to this 30+ times...' phrasing for album/song reviews. If you're a fan ofc you'll listen to it several times and whether you like it or not, after hearing it that much you'll kinda get familiar with it. Just like ad jingles, it'll stuck your head. I never listened an IVE song fully with my own will, but after hearing it from stories, reels and yt shorts i nearly memorized all the lyrics unintentionally. If you dont like a song or appreciate it in first 2-3 times, then the song production is not that good and fans should criticize that for an improvement in the future. Many criticize Teddy for being lazy and using the same things over n over but hardcore fans always come to the rescue. Thank you for the review Danny

[@xtraordinari1537]

Have you ever thought maybe hardcore fans are hardcore fans for a reason, and maybe they...idk...genuinely like the song? That said, I agree with the comment that if Danny had to hear it 30 times for it to catch on, idk if the review is neutral anymore. I hope he didn't have to force himself to like it. I personally loved the album from my first listen, but that's me!

[@missingo265]

@@xtraordinari1537 yow dont mind it. born pink is a really huge success. debuted #1 in the uk album chart. 1st kpop artist to top global spotify for multiple days. and many more. and i love tally. hehe

[@apurvabachute3692]

Yeah i agree with you about listening to it for 30 times.. 😂. You're right, if a song is good, you will like it in the first 1-2 or even 3 times. And trust me, fans or casual listeners who complain about repetitive songs are saying it for only the title tracks, everybody knows Bp's b-sides from each comeback cuz there isn't much to listen to 😂😂

[@erinkoller3804]

I liked your honest review and deep dive into the themes and story! This album has been on constant repeat for me, love it so much. Ps also a Hard To Love stan!! 😁

[@mjrecommends9236]

Their worst work - From a superfan

[@ntheghettoratatatat]

super loser

[@choochoo8412]

The Album is good, listening to it for 2 years. Then Born Pink comes. It gives me a sense of maturity with the songs chosen here and the lyrics. I really welcome the new sounds, the blackpink member's performance are getting better, all of them. Two third of the songs was instant hit. take the weakest song RFL and put it into any other albums out there, I think it will still hits.

[@Mahtalliel]

Lyrics like vroom vroom

[@jinphany.]

The lyrics havent really matured though. BP still has that "I'm better, cooler, and richer than you" concept for each comeback.

[@abcd3577]

@@jinphany. want to do you want them to sing about? Being In love? Done. Not being in love? Done. Bad bitch? Done. Sad girl music? Done. Girl crush? Done. Country? Done. Cultish typical gg song? Done. What else do you want them to talk about?

[@missingo265]

@@jinphany. what do you want them to talk about in their songs? guns sex? hahahahhaha they wont stop making diss tracks if people like you still exist. hahahahahah

[@missingo265]

i love tally so much. its really my jam

[@ThisIsJaja22]

I honestly love Ready for love - maybe because it reminds of early years of Blackpink. I also like Shut Down because it sounds a lot calmer in the chorus. Or it's just me. Thank you for reviewing the album, Danny.

[@digitalpunkdiva2894]

Shut it down was good. But I'm disappointed they haven't been allowed to mature musically . They're musically a tad too simple for me. But go fine with beer and beach wear.

[@kayh6828]

What disappointed me most is when I checked the credits and there is only one song with 2 members credited (unless i missed something). I liked some portions of some songs but as a whole none of the song really hit me. I love Teddy he is a great song writer/producer, but after waiting so long i expected their pen to be more involved, especially since Teddy did compliment some members writing. I question whether it YG thing or they are too busy with fashion industry which seems their main focus couple years Maybe they write solo stuff

[@meimei3990]

Totally AGREE.....honestly after a veeerrryy veerrryyy lllooooonnngggg hiatus,i'm disapointed coz i wish they gotten more better.I blame YG for not letting the girls do their own song and lyric,i'm start boring about teddy thing,why can't they work with others?

[@sweety3303]

Don't know about Lisa but Jennie also has written songs which were not in this album but apparently was meant to be cause Ryan tedder came out on a radio n said he worked with Rosé n Jennie with 3 songs n the girls were super involved n was told that it was most likely the lead singles n then none of it was included the album, which he was very dissapointed about, besides rosé has worked in multiple songs with artist as the lyricist but never got released cause apparently yg rejected it but got leaked n it was quite amazing! So, I'm guessing bp's gonna leave the company so, they r trying to squeeze as much as money possible from them by including unknown n problematic inhouse yg producers

[@meimei3990]

@@sweety3303 Thank goodness their contract with YG gonna ended soon this year,wish they got better company to work with.HYBE maybe🤷‍♀️

[@shokohdelnavaz8581]

@@meimei3990 what a joke

[@BansheePurple]

Same

[@lunaticrose13]

A good, honest review that gave credit where due and objectively criticized what it needed to. I honestly expected more from this album, given the magnitude of BP and the immense budget they have you would think YG would be able to hire lyricist with some substance and an acceptable ghost writer for their raps. Instead, we got fed substandard, copied bars and repetitive pandering and empty lyrics. 🤷‍♀️ It was not a bad album but it was not great either.

[@parkpark6976]

What is a revolution? almost all songs in english and I sang.I'm sick of kpop having to keep reading lyrics and not being able to sing along.It makes the mood disappear when you have to sit and read the lyrics.

[@oli9432]

the budget was given to the promotions 🤣

[@unhinged6823]

@@parkpark6976 So you have an issue with kpop being in Korean??

[@lunaticrose13]

@@parkpark6976 I don’t get why you decided to reply to my comment with this but please “park” somewhere else. Your complaint is childish and pretty dumb given that BP is a KOREAN gg. Want English? Go listen to Kiss FM or Western artists, simple. Want to be able to sing along to their songs? Learn Korean.

[@ntheghettoratatatat]

lol this missed so hard. This was a good album and your critique on their lyrics alone is just wrong

[@TheCutejellybean]

HTL and YYY were the album stand-outs for me. Overall it felt very empty and underbaked for me. I feel like 2 collabs wedged inbetween the tracks wouldve elevated this so much. And given it the runtime of an ACTUAL album.

[@WildberryAB]

Lol listening to an album 30 times will make ANY music more palatable since now, you and the songs have become one with each other. In all seriousness though, listening once or twice is more of a true gauge of a song imo. Do you like it right off? Or do you have to hammer it in 30 times to appreciate. Just saying. Your dedication is truly commendable.

[@edwinatakasaki2258]

The sample in Shut Down is an ostinato, which is meant to persistently repeat. The fact that its a classical sample used as an ostinato in a KPOP rap song sounds fresh to me.

[@malavikamanoj5103]

But in Typa GIrl, the whole im not like other girls thingi is just cringe and unnecessary, that just ruined it for me, but otherwise its a banger. like why did they have to do that?

[@monimuppet6132]

I wondered that too. It's the most literal representation of "I'm not like other girls" as you can get. Perhaps the problematic nature of that whole mindset isn't on kpop producer's radar? Idk. It's just screams out of touch.

[@Alexa_hope]

Not gonna lie i love all members but rosé hard to love is the best song in the album. The happiest girl showcased their vocals so well and the lyrics is hard breaking. Tally I would say this is a baddass song the lyrics sound like a diss to literally everyone lol shut down well i like it more than pink venom but its definitely not my favorite BlackPink’s title track i guess i like something more like lovesick girls type of songs. And i do agree that putting ready for love into the song is not necessary doesn’t fit the concept and it sounds outdated well they recorded the song a while ago tho..

[@cindyfern]

I love this album because it's different and anyone who says it's the same music as before aren't actual listeners

[@ecarglaitselec2807]

EACH TIME BP RELEASE NEW LOT'S OF PEOPLE SAY " DISAPPOINTED " THEN WHEN THEY RELEASE NEW " DISAPPOINTED" THE OLD ONE ARE BETTER" THEN GO ON.... LET'S BE REAL LOT'S OF THOSE SO CALLED CRITICS THEY DIDN'T CRITICIZE THE ALBUM BCS ITS NOT GOOD BUT BCS ITS BP ALBUM.....

[@ionokiero5141]

Why you screaming tho?👁️👄👁️

[@chanmer1]

i'm now actually interested in listening to this album after this review. BP has so much potential and it feels like that has been pushed to the side for the past few years for some songs that are more commercial. hopefully this is a sign of good things to come - and more often. 👍👍👍👍

[@achintyak8810]

BP has potential i agree but i feel their charm lies in the fact that they release lesser no of songs than the counterparts, one's they start releasing more songs, people won't listen to it as it gets spontaneous. also yeah this album is better than before

[@ssuigeneris]

This isn’t a sign of anything - YG new gg will debut and bp will be pushed to the wayside.

[@emptyteardrops]

Here’s the thing: Ready For Love was unreleased but because fans kept asking for it + it was leaked they ended up releasing it. Personally, I think this song was meant to be released along side ‘see u later’ and ‘kick it’ so d4 or ktl era maybe? Kinda glad it was cut tho

[@tinyrick6264]

I was let down at first my expectations were too high. Once I took a second look especially at songs like Tally, Typa Girl and the Happiest Girl I was won over. These now are some of my favorite BP songs ever.

[@MGZetta]

Lol, everyone gets offended whenever bp releases an album, then when the hate train slowed down, everyone will be jamming to the album. And many of them get offended by bp dissing haters. That's like the biggest self-report. Lmao.

[@bri.a2k]

i dont think we are wrong to have higher expectations for them they are the biggest girl group on the planet with a lot of resources even if vocals are not their strong suit. however, i blame YG for not focusing more on the quality of music

[@MGZetta]

@@bri.a2k wtf is quality music. lmao. don't tell me that song they released earlier this year.

[@missingo265]

me too i love tally soo much

[@K_RRK]

@@MGZetta 💯

[@lazygurl305]

This is the first black pink comeback I paid attention to. I listened to the album and I like the first half lol. I like their hip hop songs more. People complain that they often don’t have depth and have so much potential and bla bla. But I don’t mind the songs that don’t have a super deep meaning 😅

[@vanelxgd7743]

I personally really loved this album. I feel like it's a more well-balanced project than The Album. We still have the "rap heavy" and in-your-face tracks that make Bp who they are while, at the same time, exploring different sounds. I love when they go out of their comfort zone and explore different genres because they are always capable of capitalizing on them. It's proof of their ability and talent. In conclusion, while I still very much love their hard-hitting hip-hop-inspired stuff, this album was a breath of fresh air and was able to give them the ability to explore new sounds while simultaneously keeping the Blackpink brand on it. P.S. Shut Down is mindblowing.

[@karolcat]

I love your reviews Danny! I agree with the narrative lol it makes sense now that you explained it, my fave era from BP it's aiiyl and whistle/boombayah, although I loved the Album idk nothing can top their debut for me

[@sg7229]

Honest reaction with some appreciation after over 30 listening , that sounds decent !

[@kisekihachi8545]

I also agree with the sampling of La Camponella. It's one of my favorite classical songs that used to bring tears to my eyes because of how emotional it is. It makes me feel like there's beauty in being disgraceful because of how chaotic yet mesmerizing it is as a whole. At first I was really psyched to hear it in a Blackpink song, bc I definitely think that song and this album's theme were a good fit, but when I realized that was the only part of it they used, I was for sure disappointed because it could've elevated the song to another level. I also got the narrative after listening to it about 30 times (I just had the album on loop while I worked lol). At first I was a little underwhelmed because none of the songs are that groundbreaking like you said, but also because I definitely heard their lyrics before in other songs. But then I realized from watching the dance videos, they seem to be purposely throwing in old dance moves and I'm sure the lyrics and music are purposeful throwbacks to other artists and music eras as well. Upon first listen I also thought the songs were a little underwhelming because it started off hyped and then sort of seemed to lose steam, but that without really listening to lyrics. I do think these songs definitely get better over time and grow on you, because now the last half of the album has my favorite tracks. Happiest Girl might as well be the story of my life, I found Tally to be really enjoyable and empowering, and Hard to Love is ironically a little hard to comes to terms with for me due to how hard it hits home ;w; After all this, I really enjoy the juxtaposition of Black - dark melodramatic and complicated - with Pink - happy, confident, and in love with yourself - and I love the concepts and themes that play with this. Overall, yeah it does suck that there's only 8 songs on the album, but I do think each song is very cohesive with the narrative of a group calling themselves "Blackpink," and overall I'm excited for what a big company like YG has in store for BP in the future if they continue to explore themes and lyrics that actually mean something instead of just songs that are easy to dance to.

[@K_RRK]

💯

[@JemsaiToam]

I loved your review also really loved your wrap up where you connect through the stories of each song to make a cohesive picture which is what an album should achieve

[@nameisamine]

I thought the BLACKPINK’s album was going to blow me away and be super creative but it was surprisingly pedestrian. All the creative boundaries Blackpink are pushing are coming from the BLACK side. Not the PINK side, and that’s unfortunate, because it leaves half the album sounding dated & stale. Why was ‘Ready for love’ on this album? It’s completely out of place and taps into a stale music trend that peaked commercially over 5 years ago. It sounded very 2015 😅

[@killerkidseb56]

Really enjoyed your review! As for me I cant help myself to love everything Black Pink does. Im not sure if im just so happy to hear something new from them or just the sound of their voices, swag or the beats/ I dont know what it is but i just feel good listening to them. The only time i was unsure if i liked a song from them was Icecream but even then now i like it lol.

[@moonamigi]

Their voices shined in each track, love it! I love the simplicity of the instrumentals in some of the songs. They feel more intimate and like they're just singing in the room to me

[@sjohnjason]

I actually really like this album, certainly more than "the album". It has one of my favorite BP songs like YYY and Hard to Love and Happiest Girl. I think the biggest turning point with BP will be their Third Album when they resign or choose another company. I believe the member will push for changes with how things are run for their group. I pretty much think that most blinks think that ready for love is meh. It should have never been in this album maybe even just save it as a throw away addition for a "deluxe version". The frustrating thing is we KNOW that they have made more songs where the members wrote like the one with Ryan Tedder but for some reason YG refuses to release more than 8 songs. I think shutdown shows that they are closing a chapter in their career (referencing their old MV and shutting it down) so we will see what happens when they release their next album.

[@bangtanpinkforever21]

I think they will resign. Mark my words, they will resign 1000%sure. In shut down, it shows they are ending their old era and starting a new one because at the end all the members leaves the garage were there old mvs are placed and goes to new garage, which means this is not the end for Blackpink. Stay positive, they won't disband.

[@sjohnjason]

@@bangtanpinkforever21 well I don’t think changing company necessarily means they are disbanding. I think it’s possible for them to stay together without being in YG

[@_archie]

Yeah Hard to Love and Tally is my most favorite songs in the whole discography. This album really showed their black and pink side really well

[@bangtanpinkforever21]

@@sjohnjason I don't anyone company makes Blackpink as Blackpink. YG made Blackpink is a brand. If they change the company ,I don't think they will have that style.

[@twilightdream]

I actually really like ready for love as I prefer it to pink venom (though I like it too) and the whole album is great imo. Love every song. But yeah YG is seriously doing them dirty. They should have over a 100 songs by now, but YG limits them to only 8 songs an album. Even a 4th gen group like Stray Kids has more songs. They probably have so many unreleased songs, I can’t imagine them not being frustrated with YG. But considering it’s YG, it’ll probably be a while before they release a third album. The girls deserve better, they are so freaking talented but are not given enough songs to prove it. YG should also let them have more involvement in writing their songs instead of relying on Teddy so much. Jisoo and Rosé can write good lyrics as evidenced by yeah yeah yeah.

[@mamafubento4265]

I have the same thought as you, relatable for me as a woman.. it gives me confidence also, well done BlackPink ❤️

[@hikunrosie2]

thank you Danny for the review, i agree with you, Hard To Love is the best song in BornPink and ROSÉ's is just so good.

[@FUGLuslec]

Totally agree on what you said. Especially on shut down usage of the sample. They could make it better I think. But it's still a banger.

[@alipotter0613]

You say you don't listen to Blackpink for the lyrics and that is why I don't listen to them. Vroom Vroom, Whip it Whip it, yeah yeah, it isn't really what I want to hear. Although the two songs you mentioned (5&6) are pretty good and show what great voices they have. I will wait for the day where they make a banging dance track that still has meaning or some sort of message you can take from it.

[@marlynnek6449]

The two MVs they've put out so far are, for me, the weakest tracks. I'm kind of over their nonsensical choruses and "bragging" tough girl lyrics. I wish they'd write their own lyrics - their stuff would sound more meaningful.

[@ntheghettoratatatat]

this is such a tired take

[@tinyrick6264]

I was hoping you would mention Jisoo’s vocals on THG. She killed it.

[@bri.a2k]

she was the only part of that song that i enjoyed

[@mila-pz1bd]

I think jennie and rose sounds better, they are totally killing it... maybe I'm not used to jisoo English pronounce sometime a little cringe bt not all the time.. I also surprised Lisa totally nailed with her voice ovarall they all sounds better

[@staciii]

I wanted Typa Girl to have the same impact as Pretty Savage but it didn't. I ranked it as number 3. Don't hate it, but also don't love it.

[@wendyraye1]

I haven't listened to the album yet, but it sounds like it's just flex songs and love songs. Okay for what they are, but I'm just 40 years bored with love songs, every other song out there is a love song, so I am just always looking for something with a little more substance. So, thanks for the review, I think I'm going to put listening to this on the back burner for a while. :)

[@Bannysadkosays2u]

Good call. I personally don't think you're missing much. Blackpink is becoming more westernized with each comeback.

[@monimuppet6132]

Ignore anyone that says what@@Bannysadkosays2u said. 2022 and still using "westernized" as a drag is more benign than Teddy's tracks.

[@caffeinatedsoul4165]

It’s not musically experimental but definitely stands out among recent release. K-pop has been messy these days

[@AGULL]

@@caffeinatedsoul4165 agree💯

[@tiffanykim2773]

@@monimuppet6132 it's not a drag per say it's more like they're catering strictly to the western market and their style is just kind of stuck so idk everything after Du du du du just started to sound the same.

[@flonny1340]

4:01 lazy and blackpink kinda go together, dontyathink?

[@sollyrose]

What will always stop me from liking Blackpink are the lyrics and the previsibility in the song writing. And it's kinda a shame because I feel like they've got some good things to them that I would really enjoy. I do love good lyrics, and the problem with Blackpink is their songs are always or a love song, or a "watch me, I'm famous, beautiful and rich and you want to be me" song. And the fact that even in those categories of song, the lyrics aren't good compared to other songs with the same themes... And I'm tired of them always using random onomatopoeias. They should stop. Really. No more ratatata rampampam, please. Then the previsibility. When I listen to Blackpink songs I'm never like "oh, this was unexpected". I always see what's coming next. Being previsible isn't bad, per se. It's bad when it's always the case. Globally, I just feel like I'm too old for them. I'd love to see them do something a bit more mature, but I don't think that's going to happen. At least not in the following years.

[@xtraordinari1537]

Genuine curiosity, what are your favourite KPop groups?

[@sparklexx777]

Same thing, i'm sure they're talented in so many ways and have so much more about them, and yes nothing wrong with love songs many artists known globally only have these kinda songs, but BP's potential is big, it's a shame

[@sollyrose]

@@xtraordinari1537 The three groups I listen to the most are Dreamcatcher, BTS and (G)I-DLE.

[@xtraordinari1537]

@@sollyrose Nice, I like Dreamcatcher and G-Idle too. BTS has lost me, but yeah.

[@sollyrose]

@@sparklexx777 I have absolutely nothing against love songs. That's probably the most used theme in music! And Blackpink have all the rights to be like other artists and have a bunch of songs about love. I just wish they could come out more often with other ideas... Or at least put a little more effort in writing nice lyrics on common themes.

[@jaenamallari814]

I love the storyline you came up with!

[@abcd3577]

The amount of people shoving their opinions why not to like blackpink please stfu. If you don’t like, fine, it’s your choice. Atleast, don’t ruin the experience for others like you’ll did with pink venom .

[@YouNeedJesusx]

God forbid people state their opinions

[@khokho6423]

@@YouNeedJesusx theres a different with constructive opinions and people who's just a hater shitting on them and YET funnily enough, still tuning in for their music and their content

[@abcd3577]

@@YouNeedJesusx no one’s saying not to, but people replying on every comment someone is praising anything w negative stuff over and over again, that’s not opinion when you’re literally shoving it up. Also, this was my opinion

[@YouNeedJesusx]

@@abcd3577 welcome to the internet where ppl will have different opinions from yours.

[@abcd3577]

@@YouNeedJesusx how is going under every comment praising something related to blackpink and replying w useless stuff having an valid opinion? Just because you’re stupid and love to hate and spend time on people you don’t like, not even an actual criticism lmao. Idk how can you so pressed over someone liking something you have a negative bias towards

[@juliakeeton6953]

I enjoyed Born Pink. But I think “the Album” was far better and more consistent.

[@amileopard]

I just find their music to be too cheesy for me. I cringe when I listen to their music. Especially this new song. I’m dying in the inside. I’m not meaning to spread hate or anything I just don’t vibe with them.

[@staciii]

I know what you mean. It's mainly the lyrics that are cringy for me. I like BP, but their lyricism is weak to me.

[@JENNIE-u3e3k]

Lmao it’s K-pop. Of course it’s chessy

[@maytan5614]

I love the honesty of your review. Thanksss.. 😀

[@sierrapowers9900]

I love your album reviews Danny! I’ve been looking for a music reviewer who thoroughly covers kpop for YEARS. Thank you!

[@misch0248]

The concept you think makes sense to me. It's pleasing to the ears and you get the emotions to more you listen to it like in order. Thanks for the review.

[@justaperson4346]

Danny got it right, Hard to Love is the best ✨️

[@BansheePurple]

My personal favorites right now are The Happiest Girl, Hard to Love and Tally (Also when it comes to lyrics). What I like about BP is that their B-sides are really good too. I know that a lot of songs sound similar and stuff and would also love if they try to experiment more but the songs they do still pretty good. Like no other girl groups will make this type of songs better than them because it's just right on their alley, that's just the Blackpink essence. I feel this album it's so well balanced, it has the right amount of blank and the pink. With Ready for love I totally agree with you. I like the song after listening to it more times but it feels like it kind of shouldn't be really part of the album (even if it tells an story) Anyways, I'm not sure yet if it's my favorite album but it's really good and definitely give us a little bit of fresh air and THEIR VOCALS IMPROVED SO MUCH! 👏🏻 We were waiting for 2 years and I couldn't be more happy that they are here again. Btw I love the honest review. People really can't take criticism.

[@deekay13]

“Back from the military” 🤣 💀

[@CutleryWonder]

As far as Blackpink conquering the U.S. Market, they've succeeded but only by compromising all the things I like about Kpop. Meh.

[@alfa3585]

I am sorry Danny...but you can listening tally,and that song make for people who like to organize them,like...hater maybe,and they has spoke that"i am not gonna change cause you say so..."because blackpink is blackpink,and they will do what they like...

[@pennybleta9721]

You mean they will do what others serve them to do like the good little airhead manufactured puppets they are.

[@elysandraAli]

But that’s not a new concept for them. They did that on pretty savage.

[@alfa3585]

@@elysandraAli than?

[@mangygnoll0613]

This is a nice review, I tried giving BP an opportunity but it just wasn't my cup of tea, but this review made me curious to give it a go. Kinda reminded me of BTS LY Answer in terms of the theme about getting over a relationship, that album was so special for me cause I going through that exact experience myself, so I completely get you when you say that now you have an emotional connection to the music. Hope you post more reviews like this 😁 Oh and I remember you already talked about RM's mono but now the video is gone, it would make me a happy bean if you review that playlist again!

[@theonakhubulava1850]

Thanks for the honest review! Don't understand people who call someone a hater only because you find both smth good and bad in the songs, it is called being realistic and honest. And it is totally fine when someone doesn't like what you find cool, tastes differ. Hard to love is my favorite song too just because I like this type of music. Hope fans won't throw much hate on Rose just because she has a solo song on the album and others don't.

[@dnb8835]

Lol Beyonce, 41 yo, 25 years of career, made a 16 songs album. Black pink ... for girls in thier 20's made a 8 songs album... Still do not understand the hype... these girls are not singers... they are models who made music time to time... a very tired music actually.

[@YazzaAzza]

the way you started i was ready for this review to be the typical kpop discussion (aka completely devoid of any substance 💀) but this was a really enjoyable review, even when i disagreed with you. your opinions are all fair and you go out of your way to justify them more than you need to, honestly. you clearly care more about the music than anything else, which is very sadly rare in kpop fandoms...

[@marybiott4434]

Blackpink number one in the Uk album charts🎉

[@hiiisoph]

I can’t wait to hear a live version of “Hard to Love” ❤

[@achintyak8810]

i agree to danny views about 90% but for me happiest girl is the best track, lyrically it's systematic & definitely this album is better than their previous one's not so revolutionary but something new from bp side. Also yeah it's not something i would go back to listening these songs again n again. Also i kinda feel the charm of bp lies in the fact that they release less music one's they start releasing like so many songs by so many i mean even minimalistic quantity their charm would go away because than it would be so homogeneous which usually people don't prefer these days, there's has to be versatility.

[@jemimahbriggs]

Boy, Danny you said every thing I tbought. That 'rolling paper ' lyric has me rolling everytime😂

[@fadelomar9132]

Their fans have it so easy hahaha us ARMY'S be reading books, diving into psychology, Korean history and language (in terms of intricacies) meanings behind imagery well the list goes on and on. Good for the person behind their music ( Teddy ) he should have all the recognition, I just think is a Tiktok targeted album, which is a smart move by the company, not so much for artistry and development as group, just my opinion behind a keyboard ahahahaha.

[@prachik5910]

Being a fellow Army, do you really think BP cares about artistry hahaha...they are not BTS or Twice who loves making songs and performing

[@fadelomar9132]

@@prachik5910 true that 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@meimei3990]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@jajiow5221]

Keep crying

[@sozo-]

My biggest issue are the sirens in typa girl lmao, I can’t listen to the album while driving because the sirens always throw me off

[@creolivia4830]

I could have heard you wrong, did you compare these girls music to throw back “ Biggie” to “ Kanye?” …

[@sakshikalyanwat2069]

Noise music, this is what my brother also said God these songs are so loud whenever I have him listen to kpop in general

[@jmstarlight6920]

Wow. Exactly the kind of review I appreciate and love hearing. Had the same thoughts as well so. Thanks Danny/ DKDKTV 💗

[@roodietoodieshow6771]

Nah I agree. I love the album but I was expecting more, more as in number of songs. Features. Songs that really gets the girls out of their comfort zone. I really want them to try rock pop. I think it would fit all 4 of them. Or that they would have songs with 2 of the members like jenlisa a whole hip hop song. And rose with jisoo with a good vocal pop song but no they played it safe with this album

[@missingo265]

yes i want jenlisa to have a hiphop song. ang chaesoo with pop song. aghh i want lisa to have a full rap song either. i want them to rap with bars that you need to pause for a moment so that u could break it down and understand the bars. y'know like em

[@wirdqoingqydink]

I agree with maybe 80-85 percent of your points, especially the lyrics.. I wish that they'd start going with non repeating lyrics (HTL seem to be on that track, with a very fun, smooth delivery instrumentally and vocally) because as they've shown here they can write well enough, repetition is a fast shortcut for the songs to get dated quickly, which works against them since they take much needed longer hiatuses. That was a really great honest review.

[@vaneesavan2239]

Hey... Can you review Jack in the Box album by J hope

[@meimei3990]

AGREE👏👏👏👍

[@saminouminou]

The thing with Blackpink is that whenever they do something different it's either a b-side track (really, kick it, dkwtd...) or it get hate (Lovesick Girls). Fans might complain about YG/TEDDY but they are so accustomed to their formula that they love Blackpink comeback even if its the "same" songs. Ngl i am one of them. I would love for Blackpink to do more [musically] but i also adore their songs like 'Shut Down' or 'Pink Venom'...yeah even with the "vroom vroom" and "ratatata, ratatata..." 😅

[@janrivera5943]

Danny, love you! And I feel like you totally hit the nail on the head. It’s not a great album, but it’s a great Blackpink album. And YES “Hard to Love” is my favorite song off this album. Rose knocks it out the park.

[@traveleatandk-pop6142]

Can’t appreciate Jisoo and her vocal fine, at least don’t make fun of her. She shined the most in this album even though she had least lines.

[@juhaimabayao4516]

her lines in the happiest girl IS SCREAMING VOCAL TALENT

[@sophie_futo]

There was a reason they didn’t release Ready for Love - and now we know why 😅

[@summerleondale3212]

Tally and Hard To Love is my favorite.

[@not_meanie6830]

EXACTLY

[@racmu6903]

Same

[@MewDenise]

Very safe and avarage pop. Radios will love it but it´s not for me

[@trufflepig1491]

I always appreciate an honest review as Kpop and Blackpink feedback can often be too positive without any constructive criticism. For me YYY is better than Hard to Love for songs in that similar vein and I prefer some of the other tracks more. Hard to love is good but I can't help but wish it wasn't a solo. On first listen I was disappointed by Born Pink as I really enjoyed The Album and it didn't hit the same for me. However, I've since listened to it more and now I'm really enjoying it. I never bothered with Ready for Love before because the video was weird, but now I enjoy it, outdated or not it's just a good mood for me but yeh it's not one of their best tracks

[@BUTTERCUPJones]

I stopped listening to BP since they released that song with selena. they were not interesting anymore. Their label needs to step up and also get them a fresh and new producer.

[@dirkuscircus]

Appreciate the fair criticism of the album, especially considering the story arc from the first song to the end (which many reviewers missed). Overall, the album is good even if you see it at the context of BP discography. I think the songs overall are a mature step-up from their previous work, in a sense that the minimalism or subtlety lend to how easy you can listen to this album. I personally love Yeah Yeah Yeah, as it is an easy bop same, especially as it comes back to back with Hard to Love. Those are my two personal favorite tracks in this album. I totally agree that Ready for Love is the weakest of the set and could have been replaced with a stronger ending.

[@crazymia6232]

Thanks for the review. I really like your analysis and criticism. I like this format 👍

[@arcus1480]

When you realise the only thing you liked in shut down was a SAMPLE 🤦‍♂️

[@igotpushed_]

Damn! This is probably the rare moments when I actually agree to Danny's opinions

[@Marina-nn4md]

noooooo the outro and the repetitive sample in shut down is exactly what makes it so good

[@harlee2191]

Thanks for being honest. Certainly not mind blowing, but not bad. Contains a couple of good songs.

[@balajeepratham8200]

There is no kpop artist at present producing revolutionary sound or music Have you listened bts music?

[@gazzakeh26]

@@balajeepratham8200 i think Newjeans's sound is actually pretty revolutionary for kpop industries. This album is just BP releasing their usual BP color with bunch of new sound included. Pretty good improvement

[@balajeepratham8200]

@@gazzakeh26 Maybe to koreans but for me as an Indian,nothing unique

[@gazzakeh26]

@@balajeepratham8200 yeah that's why i mention it is for kpop industries

[@balajeepratham8200]

@@gazzakeh26 You know what indians and Westerners like about bp - their swag That is the only thing that keeps them in our minds If it changes , bp will lose majority of international fans

[@Zoofa188_Qe]

I completely agree with Hard To Love being the best song on the album. It’s top 3 for me in their entire discog

[@robbysuki2533]

hard to love for me is the best track on this album !

[@andrewskanes5072]

You're not delulu Danny, I agree with damn near everything you said. And you story/theme analysis was great. Thanks.