‘BLACKPINK’s LISA Taps Into Her ‘Alter Ego’ on Debut Album

K-pop star LISA personifies musical scope and technique on her debut solo album “Alter Ego,” released Feb. 28.

LISA’s career began at 14 years old, when she moved from Thailand to South Korea to pursue music. After nearly a decade as a member of BLACKPINK, her first venture as a solo artist demonstrates both her versatility and artistic poise. 

The record kicks off with “Born Again,” a previously released single featuring Doja Cat and Raye. The three artists harmonize to produce stirring jazz vocals and set the album’s confident tone. 

Electric bass shimmers on “Rockstar,” creating a composition reminiscent of 2000s-styled hip-hop. LISA describes her luxurious lifestyle with polished rap verses and defines herself as a rock star. 

On the third track, the singer embodies “Elastigirl,” a character in Disney’s “The Incredibles,” to symbolize her elastic versatility as an artist. Snappy drums build a suspenseful and energetic transition from verse to chorus. 

“Thunder” holds a similarly assertive undertone to BLACKPINK’s 2020 breakout radio hit “Ice Cream.” A background synthesizer distorts LISA’s vocals to create an energetic synth-pop sound. 

In “New Woman,” LISA and Spanish flamenco singer Rosalía reflect on shared hardships in their careers and embrace liberation from public scrutiny as the wavering tempo speeds up, reflecting the track’s defiant tone. 

“FXCK UP THE WORLD,” featuring Future, shifts LISA’s style from old school hip-hop to modern rap. Resounding kick drums enhance the track’s deep bass and snappy rhythm to establish it as the album’s leading rap track. 

“I told them that I’m focused / They want the old LISA, then listen to my / Old shit (yeah, yeah),” LISA raps. 

“Rapunzel” plays with a softer melody as LISA and Megan Thee Stallion vocalize their lavish habits and shed light on the criticism they receive for personal spending choices. 

On “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me),” rock band Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me” is reimagined into a sultry dance track. Mellow guitar chords and subtle keyboard notes build a romantic mood, amplified by passionate lyricism and breathy vocals. 

Global superstars fuse talent on “When I’m With You” as South African artist Tyla joins LISA on a catchy, synthesized beat. A quick tempo and the use of an electric piano give life to the song’s description of a relationship’s exhilarating early stages. 

“BADGRRRL” leans into heavy percussion to grow a commanding composition mimicking the speed and power of LISA’s sports cars which are mentioned throughout the track. 

The K-pop star boasts her “Lifestyle” once again as conversational rap and third-person lyricism give the sense outsiders gossip about her stardom without truly knowing her.

“Wanna pose for the camera, oh my / Gosh, she a star like boulevard / She flashy, fancy, classy, nasty / She know what she want, what she want / And everyone knows,” LISA raps. 

Electric keyboards on “Chill” synthesize a snappy dance track with melodious vocals. Through bold lyricism, LISA makes it clear she’s not afraid to leave a relationship if feelings become ambiguous.

“Dream” is the record’s only slow-paced ballad, highlighting LISA’s more soulful register. Her delicate pitch merges with a rich piano foundation to form a poignant love song. 

“FXCK UP THE WORLD (Vixi Solo Version)” replaces Future’s rap verse with LISA’s villainous alter ego, Vixi. The song sticks with the rap style featured in the original version to draw attention to LISA’s resolute lyricism. 

The album winds to an end with her independent alter ego on “Rapunzel (Kiki Solo Version).” The track clings tightly to its daring, self-assured tone as LISA’s metaphorical lyricism crowns her as a world-famous star. 

LISA has reentered the industry as a solo artist teeming with confidence and eager to make a lasting impact. From star-studded raps and electric dance tracks to beautiful piano ballads, “Alter Ego” showcases LISA’s ability to command an audience of varying musical interest.

“Alter Ego” is available on all major streaming platforms.