New K-pop releases are usually telegraphed well in advance. Surprise drops are still relatively rare. BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently announced a solo album scheduled for March, but pre-release track ZEN arrives with no warning on a day and time artists don’t often release new music. It’s fun to be caught off balance for once — especially by a performer of Jennie’s caliber.
I was not a fan of Jennie’s last solo effort Mantra and was probably too harsh in my song rating. However, a track like ZEN just showcases why Mantra was so beneath Jennie’s potential. At their core, these songs aren’t entirely different in concept. The difference is that ZEN ties its confident energy to a much more interesting production. The track is a hulking beast, moving from stomping, sparse verses to an overwhelming, claustrophobic chorus. Industrial beats collide with sliding, distorted electro rumbles to create a soundscape that’s equal parts unnerving and arresting. If only BLACKPINK’s many “we’re the coolest girls in K-pop” singles had utilized a similar effect! With an instrumental this tense and bristling, I actually believe what the lyrics are stating.
Removing the megawatt production, ZEN is quite simple. We’ve got two verses and two choruses, each delivered with a halting flow that creates a great deal of empty space. This contrast between sonic desolation and sonic overload forges the song’s tension. This approach is compelling enough to compensate for any structural shortcomings. Of course, Jennie’s natural charisma goes a long way toward selling this performance style, and it helps that the chorus is weirdly catchy even when its melodies aren’t totally obeying our expectations. If the rest of her album sounds anything like this, Jennie is on her way toward delivering the most interesting BLACKPINK-related music I’ve heard in years.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5