LISA’s Multifaceted Persona in "Alter Ego"
The Concept of "Alter Ego"
LISA, the Thai singer and rapper renowned for her role in the record-setting K-pop group BLACKPINK, has stepped out on her own with her debut solo album, Alter Ego. This album is positioned as a showcase of her multifaceted identity, featuring 13 tracks that introduce us to various personas: Vixi, the tear-drinking villain; Roxi, the energy drink-loving rock star; and Sunni, the girl who fears the dark. However, while the concept is intriguing, it feels more like a marketing strategy designed to sell multiple editions of the album rather than a genuine exploration of her artistic depth.
The Challenge of Going Solo
Despite her commercial success, LISA faces a significant challenge in establishing herself as a solo artist. With BLACKPINK, she was part of a dynamic ensemble that maximized her strengths and personality. Now, as she ventures into solo territory, LISA must convince listeners of her depth without the support of her bandmates. Unfortunately, Alter Ego struggles to deliver on this front, revealing a lack of creative innovation.
Commercial Success vs. Creative Growth
LISA’s current status in the music industry makes her "too big to fail" commercially, yet it also places her in a position where creative risks are seldom taken. BLACKPINK’s trajectory followed the BTS model of crossover appeal, featuring collaborations with Western artists and a focus on English lyrics, while steering clear of the genre-blending that has made K-pop unique. Unfortunately, Alter Ego continues this trend of safe choices.
A Lack of Audacity
The opening and closing tracks of the album exemplify this lack of audacity. "Born Again," a disco track, fails to harness the uplifting potential of its genre, while "Dream" comes across as a superficial ballad that rushes through its lines without conveying any genuine emotion. LISA’s vocal range, which served well within the context of BLACKPINK, feels strained when tasked with carrying an entire song, resulting in a tedious listening experience.
The Diminished Role of Collaborations
Collaborations on Alter Ego often highlight LISA’s limitations. On "Fxck Up the World," she attempts to channel Cardi B but only finds her voice when Future contributes a lackluster verse. Similarly, "Rapunzel" lacks energy, while Megan Thee Stallion’s feature injects a playful spirit that LISA’s solo performance lacks. The standout moment comes on "New Woman," where Rosalía’s effortless Spanish delivery starkly contrasts LISA’s more constrained presentation, emphasizing the missed opportunities for exploring linguistic diversity.
Acceptable Highlights Amidst a Sea of Mediocrity
When Alter Ego does hit the mark, it often relies on familiar formulas rather than innovative ideas. "Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)" takes a beloved track and infuses it with sensuality, transforming it into a dreamy romantic experience. Similarly, "When I’m With You," featuring Tyla, provides a welcome shift in tempo with seductively syncopated percussion. However, these moments are more acceptable than truly exceptional.
A Nod to Traditional K-Pop
"Rockstar" leans into K-pop conventions but only scratches the surface of what could be considered adventurous. The glossy production feels reminiscent of Tame Impala-inspired Travis Scott, but it ultimately lacks the depth and complexity that K-pop fans have come to expect.
Conclusion
In Alter Ego, LISA attempts to present herself as a multifaceted artist, exploring different aspects of her identity. However, the execution often falls flat, revealing a struggle between commercial viability and creative exploration. While some tracks provide acceptable entertainment, they do little to establish LISA as a compelling solo artist outside the shadow of BLACKPINK. As the music industry continues to evolve, LISA’s journey will be closely watched to see if she can carve out a distinctive path that showcases her true artistic potential.
FAQs
What is the concept behind LISA’s album Alter Ego?
The album features multiple personas of LISA, including Vixi, Roxi, and Sunni, meant to showcase her multifaceted identity.
How does LISA’s solo work compare to her work with BLACKPINK?
While LISA has enjoyed commercial success as a solo artist, Alter Ego struggles to capture the creative depth and innovation present in her work with BLACKPINK.
Are there any standout tracks on Alter Ego?
Tracks like "Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)" and "When I’m With You" are highlights, but they rely on familiar formulas rather than groundbreaking creativity.
What challenges does LISA face as a solo artist?
LISA must establish herself as a compelling artist without the support of her BLACKPINK bandmates, which poses a significant challenge in proving her depth and versatility.
