BORN PINK: BLACKPINK Vol.2＜限定盤/Pink Vinyl＞

世界最高のガールズグループ・BLACKPINKが2枚目の正規アルバム『BORN PINK』を発売!

「BORN PINK」という名前を掲げて先行公開シングルと新規アルバム、そしてワールドツアーまで続く大規模カムバックを予告したBLACKPINKは先行公開シングル「Pink Venom」に続き、なんと正規アルバム発売のお知らせまで相次いで発表して全世界を浮かせた。

『BORN PINK』は生まれから格別な存在感を持つBLACKPINKの堂々と自信を表わすアルバム名で、これを通じて2022年下半期グローバル音楽市場に激しい変化の風が吹くと期待される。

Nearly two years after releasing their full-length debut -- a lifetime in the K-pop world -- global superstars BlackPink return with their sophomore LP, Born Pink. Hardened and more experienced, the eight-song set brims with the confidence and intent accumulated over years of dealing with fame, the spotlight, and detractors. Without any immediate dance-pop ravers like "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" or "Boombayah," Born Pink opts for big bass (and big flexing) hip-hop bangers in the form of "Pink Venom" and "Shut Down," which reintroduce the world to Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa atop callback chants of "BlackPink" and "BlackPink in your area," reminding listeners of who theyre messing with. The mischievous "Typa Girl" takes the boasts and empowerment even further, explicitly shutting down haters and rude boys with quotable lines like, "I bring money to the table, not your dinner." Having set the stage with this emboldened opening trio, they expand their sonic limits with rock-leaning standouts like the new wave-esque "Yeah Yeah Yeah" -- co-written by Jisoo and Rose -- and "Hard to Love," another stadium-ready rocker that transforms into blissful pop complete with introspective lyrics, thick bass groove, and disco handclaps. Meanwhile, the midtempo "Tally" shows once again that BlackPink cant be contained with explicit declarations like "I say f*ck it when I feel it" and "I do what I want with who I like." Considering the level of typical K-pop sanitizing and label control, this honesty and relatability are refreshing and impressive changes of pace. Amidst the edginess and aggression, Born Pink also includes the pensive piano ballad "The Happiest Girl," a vulnerable heartbreaker, and "Ready for Love," the closest they come to a "classic" K-pop sound, sparkling production, horn flares, a massive singalong chorus, and all. Aiming for an even wider international audience, the English-heavy Born Pink matures BlackPink with stronger production, more personal lyrics, and a bold conviction that cannot be contained. ~ Neil Z. Yeung