JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ Reigns and Stumbles

K-pop artist JENNIE dropped her debut solo album, “Ruby” March 7. At times, the album is bathed in sultry crimson, while at others, it shimmers with a regal sheen. 

JENNIE, a BLACKPINK member and actor, stepped into her own spotlight with “Ruby” after leaving YG Entertainment for her own label, Odd Atelier. With 15 tracks and collaborations spanning from Dua Lipa to Childish Gambino, JENNIE’s versatility seems to be undeniable, but the album’s uneven structure unfortunately raises missed opportunities. 

The album opens with “Intro: JANE with FKJ,” an instrumental composition. The combination of orchestral elements mixed with electronic production sets the tone of fresh melodies and rhythmic intensity.

Second track “like JENNIE” screams out with an unapologetic declaration of self-reliance. Exuding musical domination, the song blends heavy bass with rapid-fire rap, mixing both English and Korean rap verses with a chant-like chorus.

“Haters, they don’t really like JENNIE / ‘Cause they could never ever be JENNIE,” JENNIE sings. 

Shifting in intensity, third track “start a war” takes a melodic turn. The song oscillates between slow, illusive singing and tongue-twisting rap verses. JENNIE’s softer, more ethereal vocals contrast the singer’s affinity for punchy rap, highlighting her range. 

“Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)” is an invigorating collaboration. Dua Lipa’s deep voice counters JENNIE’s airy harmonies. Their voices intertwine, chords gripping handlebars and steering through the exhilarating twists and turns of an unstoppable plunge into love.  

“I trip and fall in love / Just like a Tuesday drunk / I always go all in, all in, all in / Over the handlebars,” JENNIE and Dua Lipa sing. 

JENNIE vehemently returned to rap, “with the IE (way up)” and snapped back with heavy, panicked breathing. The erratic gasps signal the track’s message about fame’s double-standards, while the consistent synth-driven beat reinforces a sonic intensity.

“ExtraL (feat. Doechii)” is another rap-heavy anthem, with JENNIE immediately establishing dominance, referencing how she and her BLACKPINK members started their own companies after leaving YG Entertainment. Doechii’s electrifying rap verses punch up the infectious beat, emphasizing the theme of independence and self-sufficiency. 

Seventh track “Mantra” aims to be a dance-pop empowerment anthem but falls into predictable patterns. While the song is vibrant and club-ready, it lacks the originality that propels the rest of the album. “Mantra” promises self-affirmation, but between the dance breaks and Los Angeles name-drops it sounds more like an auto-reply.

“Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)” stumbles over its attempt to be sultry. JENNIE’s shot at singing in a high octave feels forced, and her and Fike’s repetitive lyrics quickly grow irritating. 

Straining away from love, the ninth track “ZEN” opens with heavy drums and eerie atmospheric sounds. The dark, ominous vibe is heightened by an owl’s hoot in the background, adding a mystical quality. “ZEN” paints a picture of spiritual resilience while crowning JENNIE as queen.

“Nobody gon’ move my soul, gon’ move my aura, my matter,/  Nobody gon’ move my light, gon’ touch my glow, my matter,” JENNIE sings.

“Damn Right” explores R&B with features from Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis. Contrasted by Childish Gambino’s fiery rap verse, JENNIE’s and Uchis’ voices glide together with a low growl, giving the track a smoky lounge feel.

Approaching a melancholic tone, “F.T.S” is soft and somber. The filler “Oh Yeah,” though, is overused, and the rest of the track similarly lacks depth. 

Taking a break from touching vocals, both “Filter” and “Seoul City” take jabs at the entertainment industry. “Filter” dives into confident rap about authenticity with a hypnotic, engaging delivery. “Seoul City” is steeped in JENNIE’s personal struggle to build her own label. 

“Starlight” begins with Korean dialogue between JENNIE and actor Yeo Jin Goo about loving something ethereal. The clapping and snapping percussion give the song a lively, surreal feel while its lyrics explore relationships seeming almost too good to be true. 

Closing the album, “twin” is a deeply personal ballad. In an Apple Music Interview with Zane Low, JENNIE said “twin” was a chance for her to let go of a person she loved by writing them a letter.

“It’s like I’m writing a letter, but I’m writing a song, / I didn’t hold ya, but I still know ya / We will make up, make things right when we get older, friend,” JENNIE sings.

“twin” captures a sense of loss and healing, closing the album on a hopeful note of introspection.

“Ruby” is available to stream on all major platforms.