Music Evaluate: Jennie (BLACKPINK) – ExtraL (ft. Doechii)

Earlier this week, BLACKPINK’s Jennie unveiled the star-studded observe listing for her upcoming solo album. We’ve already heard her collaboration with Dominic Fike, however she’s additionally set to associate with Doechii, Dua Lipa, Infantile Gambino, Kali Uchis and FKJ. It’s a various listing of skills, for positive. Doechii’s title stands out particularly, as she’s presently having fun with a fast ascent in recognition. Earlier than even listening to ExtraL, this pairing of immense star energy promised to ignite actual sparks.

I’ve loved Jennie’s latest releases, making it straightforward to overlook that this venture kicked off with final yr’s less-inspired Mantra. That music’s catchphrasey strategy didn’t join with me in any respect, and elements of ExtraL undergo the identical destiny. It’s one other brag observe, which isn’t a subject I discover remotely compelling. Nevertheless, Jennie and Doechii do far more fascinating issues right here than on Mantra. No matter whether or not the music’s repeated chants and cavernous manufacturing matches my private style (it often does!), I respect the sonic selections being made. As is the case with many of those BLACKPINK solo collaborations, ExtraL‘s visitor outshines the primary artist. Doechii is ready to ignite a momentum in verse two that the remainder of the observe struggles to match.

I’d have liked to listen to the music’s melodic refrain utilized (and developed) extra usually within the observe. It’s far more efficient than the oft-repeated “do my women run this?” hook and affords a change of tempo that retains issues fascinating. However general, ExtraL is an meeting line of memorable items jammed collectively to forge a prickly bundle that looks like an advanced model of the empowerment anthems BLACKPINK constructed their title on. Even when it’s not my favourite Jennie solo observe, it definitely achieves its goal.

Grade: B-