With no massively widespread HBO vacation-murder present to lean on, Jennie of Blackpink arguably had the tougher job of her band’s two solo exhibits this weekend.
So it’s enormous credit score to her that she completely packed the Outside Theater for a set that went manner past clubby pop, and showcased the style twists and regal ballads that her solo profession lastly makes room for.
There’s no competitors between her and bandmate Lisa at this competition, and Ok-Pop followers will certainly have some pointed phrases if one is ever implied. So be aware: The 2 have comparable chart histories as solo artists and got equally distinguished slots this weekend—a powerful vouch from Coachella that their solo stardoms stand distinct.
Jennie’s LP “Ruby” was touted as an uncommonly candid report leaning out of the strict Ok-Pop clampdown. Even when it didn’t fairly shock or reveal an excessive amount of in the long run, it did make a robust case for Jennie as a massively rangy vocalist who swings by throwback R&B, clattering trendy membership music, classic belters and misty atmospheres with grace.
However slightly than lean into the limber, exultant membership music native to the Sahara tent, Jennie and her very-present reside band spent lots of her set in a Lauryn Hill-adjacent lane, like on “With the IE (way up),” which sampled Jennifer Lopez’s millennial basic about important Jenny-dom. She introduced out Kali Uchis for “Damn Right,” swapping verses throughout cultures with an equal reverence for the tune’s incandescent soul temper.
By the point she obtained to closers “Like Jennie” (an train in self-branding so complete it turns into nearly avant grade) and the ravey “Starlight,” which might have held its personal with Charli XCX final night time, she’d proved she might do just about something as a solo act. Blackpink has a US stadium tour arising, however for now, let’s relish these bracing, deeper dives into what else they’re able to as people.
