Earlier this week, BLACKPINK’s Jennie unveiled the star-studded monitor record for her upcoming solo album. We’ve already heard her collaboration with Dominic Fike, however she’s additionally set to associate with Doechii, Dua Lipa, Infantile Gambino, Kali Uchis and FKJ. It’s a various record of abilities, for positive. Doechii’s title stands out specifically, as she’s at the moment having fun with a fast ascent in reputation. Earlier than even listening to ExtraL, this pairing of immense star energy promised to ignite actual sparks.

I’ve loved Jennie’s current releases, making it simple to overlook that this challenge kicked off with final yr’s less-inspired Mantra. That music’s catchphrasey method didn’t join with me in any respect, and components of ExtraL endure the identical destiny. It’s one other brag monitor, which isn’t a subject I discover remotely compelling. Nonetheless, Jennie and Doechii do rather more attention-grabbing issues right here than on Mantra. No matter whether or not the music’s repeated chants and cavernous manufacturing matches my private style (it often does!), I recognize the sonic selections being made. As is the case with many of those BLACKPINK solo collaborations, ExtraL‘s visitor outshines the principle artist. Doechii is ready to ignite a momentum in verse two that the remainder of the monitor struggles to match.

I’d have liked to listen to the music’s melodic refrain utilized (and developed) extra typically within the monitor. It’s rather more efficient than the oft-repeated “do my girls run this?” hook and presents a change of tempo that retains issues attention-grabbing. However total, ExtraL is an meeting line of memorable items jammed collectively to forge a prickly package deal that appears like an advanced model of the empowerment anthems BLACKPINK constructed their title on. Even when it’s not my favourite Jennie solo monitor, it actually achieves its intention.

Grade: B-