Ruby: Mantras, Hangovers and Other Truths

   

Photo: Columbia Records

      After her success as a member of BLACKPINK, JENNIE ventured out with her debut album, Ruby. Of the group's members, she was the most surprising on a musical level. The album features collaborations with various artists, including FKJ, Dua Lipa, Doechii, Childish Gambino, Dominic Fike and Kali Uchis. The album reflects JENNIE's artistic versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories.

    ‘Like JENNIE’ is the second song on the album and serves as a declaration of independence and self-confidence. The song mixes English and Korean lyrics, and this combination ends up creating a play on words in the chorus, where the name ‘Jennie’ takes on a double meaning in Korean with the expression “jyaeni” meaning, ‘is that her?’. The catchy beat and catchy chorus make the track an immediate highlight.

    The third track, ‘Start a war’ delves into more introspective territory, touching on the desire to protect someone - be it a partner, friend or family member (‘But if somebody try to start some/I'm gon' try for you, I'll fight for you, go off for you’). The soft sound, combined with confessional lyrics, reveals a more vulnerable side of JENNIE, demonstrating her ability to switch between different emotions and musical styles. 

     ‘Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)’ is the second collaboration and a highlight of this musical experience. The track uses the metaphor of riding a bicycle to describe the nuances of falling in love, exploring the highs and lows. The voices of these great artists complement each other perfectly, which makes the song a real highlight.

    The first single from the album was ‘Mantra’, in which JENNIE revisits the theme of personal empowerment. The energetic production and the artist's confident delivery make this a track that resonates with those looking for inspiration to assert their identity. 

    In ‘Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)’, the intoxicating chaos of a love that is hard to forget is captured. The song uses the metaphor of a hangover to describe the repetitive cycle of breaking up, making up and waking up with no memories after a night of excess (‘We say it's over/But I keep fucking with you/And every time I do, I wake up with this love hangover’). The combination of JENNIE and Fike's voices and the minimalist production creates a melancholic atmosphere that captures the essence of a post-romance emotional hangover.

Finally, ‘Seoul City’ brings us a more R&B sound with a more intimate and sensual touch, where JENNIE reveals a more raw side to her writing. The song acts as an ode not only to the city she grew up in, but also to the way love can dwell in familiar spaces. By intertwining memories of Seoul with the presence of someone special, the artist builds a parallel between the familiarity of the city and the intimacy of a relationship. The way she observes and feels Seoul - with tenderness, nostalgia and strangeness - mirrors the kind of deep connection we develop with those who really know us.

    Ruby is one of the best debut albums by a K-pop artist. Throughout the tracks, JENNIE traverses intense emotions, sonic contrasts, and unexpected collaborations with a confidence that surprises and delights. If there were any doubts about her identity beyond the BLACKPINK phenomenon, this album dissolves them completely.

    On Ruby, JENNIE doesn't just shine - she reveals herself. And if love, pain and rebirth had a soundtrack, they might sound exactly like this.

Rating: 8/10

Portuguese Version: https://www.comumonline.com/2025/04/ruby-mantras-hangovers-e-outras-verdades/