BLACKPINK members have managed to maintain their world recognition regardless of a dearth of precise music. The lengthy wait between releases provides mystique to their title, guaranteeing each group or solo observe unbelievable chart success. In Lisa’s case, a music doesn’t even must be an official single to smash. 2021’s Cash trended for a lot of months after its a-side companion LALISA made waves. New single Rockstar arrives after a prolonged solo hiatus as the primary music from her self-established LLOUD administration firm.

Right here’s the place I preface my ideas by saying I’m in all probability not Rockstar‘s audience. I’m all for a superb hype music, however these “take a look at me, I’m so cool” singles hardly ever do a lot for me. It’s an “when you’ve heard one, you’ve heard all of them” state of affairs. Until an artist does one thing tremendous attention-grabbing inside the music itself, even the cleverest of boasts really feel like bluster.

Lisa segues effortlessly between rap and vocals on Rockstar, powered by a pointy, combative instrumental that melds aggressive percussion with frantic digital blips that circle like synth mosquitoes. Sometimes, the manufacturing swerves into undulating interludes with a resonant texture paying homage to church organ. I want these segments have been accompanied by an equally dramatic hook. There’s solely a lot you’ll be able to wring from “Child, I’m a rockstar” repeated again and again.

This brings me to my greatest challenge with Rockstar. It’s enjoyable listening to Lisa move over the observe, however the hooks are too flat and repetitive to match her charisma. Like so many songs of this period, Rockstar appears to exist principally so followers can shout issues like “ooh, she ate!” or “this went onerous af” or “slaaaaayyy.” I can’t deny any of these reactions, however with a lot music on this planet (and so little of it coming from BLACKPINK), Rockstar must transcend common badassery to supply one thing extra enduring and distinctive. The music is enjoyable, however doesn’t fairly get there.

Grade: C